As 福利亚洲国产精品 honored its first-generation graduates during the annual stole ceremony on May 20 in McKinnon Hall, Assistant Director of First-Generation Student Support Services Kenneth Brown Jr. 鈥�19 turned to the words of American poet Lucille Clifton to capture the significance of the moment.

鈥溾�榃on鈥檛 you celebrate with me what I have shaped into a kind of life? I had no model,鈥欌�� Brown recited from Clifton鈥檚 poem, 鈥淲on鈥檛 you celebrate with me,鈥� using the passage to reflect on the journeys of the 70 students 鈥撀爄ncluding 10 graduate students 鈥撀爎ecognized during this year鈥檚 ceremony.

In his welcome, Brown explained to the soon-to-be graduates that the university was honoring not only their academic accomplishments, but also their spirit, commitment and resiliency.

鈥淭oday, we celebrate the paths each of these students has created 鈥撀燼 path that took shape as they walked on it,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e celebrate the legacy they are leaving on this campus as remarkable leaders and scholars, a beacon of light in a dark world. We celebrate all they have given to Elon and how they have made us a stronger, more inclusive institution.鈥�

Organized by First-Generation Student Support Services, an initiative within the Center for Access and Success, the ceremony marked the largest group recognized since the stole ceremony was established in 2020. The milestone served as a point of pride for participants, their families and the university.

Brown thanked gathered faculty, staff, mentors, family members and friends for supporting the students throughout their Elon journeys, emphasizing that the celebration reflected a shared commitment to first-generation student success.

Following Brown鈥檚 introduction, the ceremony transitioned to reflections from student keynote speaker Asia Green 鈥�26, a presentation of the first-generation stoles, a charge from Luis H. Garay, director of the Gender and LGBTQIA Center, and the announcement of this year鈥檚 1891 Awards recipients.

Finding the perseverance

During her keynote remarks, Green reminded fellow first-generation graduates that every student鈥檚 route to Commencement looked different 鈥� and that those differences deserved to be celebrated.

鈥淓very person in this room has a different story, a different struggle, and a different journey that brought them to this moment,鈥� said the exercise science major. 鈥淪ome of us barely made it through certain courses. Well, we鈥檙e here today! No matter what your journey looked like, you made it here, and that alone is something to be proud of.鈥�

The La Crosse, Virginia, native spoke candidly about overcoming fear and uncertainty throughout her college experience, urging students to move forward with confidence even when the future feels intimidating.

鈥淭o be a first-generation student means more to me than I can fully explain because it’s more than receiving a degree 鈥� it’s about traveling without a road map,鈥� she said.

Despite moments of self-doubt, Green flourished at Elon, carving her own way. She built an impressive record of academic achievement and campus involvement while pursuing undergraduate research opportunities, leadership roles, and a study abroad experience in Costa Rica. Following graduation, Green said she will continue her education after being accepted into a doctoral occupational therapy program in Florida.

鈥淪uccess does not always require knowing all the answers or having everything planned,鈥� Green said. 鈥淔or me, it often meant intentionally choosing to stay despite significant challenges. Many of us have experienced times of uncertainty when giving up felt easier than continuing. However, by persevering through these difficult moments, we find new opportunities and directions that redefine our paths.鈥�

鈥淢y time at Elon taught me that where you come from does not define where you are going.鈥�

After Green鈥檚 keynote, graduates crossed the stage to receive their first-generation stoles from mentors, family members and supporters who shaped their Elon experiences.

Fittingly, the stole was designed by first-generation student Daisy Martinez-Jimenez 鈥�26, and 鈥渟ymbolizes the unique and complex journey that you all have taken to be in this moment,鈥� Brown said.

Along with the stole, students received an Elon lapel pin, sponsored by the Office of Alumni Engagement, signifying their entry into the Elon alumni family.

Pay it forward

The event continued with an inspirational charge from Garay, drawing from their own experiences as a first-generation college student and current doctoral student.

Garay reflected on the significance of the moment not only for the students being recognized, but also for the families and communities who supported them along the way.

鈥淢y cultural roots are in the ranchos of Zacatecas, Mexico,鈥� Garay said. 鈥淢y family, like many immigrants, came to this country for the opportunity and a better life for their kids. So, my college graduation was not only mine but my parents’ and my family鈥檚 graduation, too. Maybe this is something some of you relate to as well.鈥�

Garay structured their remarks around three invitations for graduates as they move into the next chapter of their lives: honoring mentors, sharing knowledge, and paying it forward.

As part of their remarks, Garay encouraged graduates to recognize the mentors who helped them reach Commencement. Garay recalled a former supervisor who encouraged them early in their career and challenged graduates to think about the people whose support and encouragement sustained them throughout college. Garay even paused their remarks to invite graduates to send a text message thanking a mentor, family member or friend who helped guide them to graduation day.

鈥淢y last invitation to you all … take the knowledge you have gained and pay it forward,鈥� Garay said. 鈥淏y paying it forward, I mean using your knowledge, skills, expertise, social connections, or financial means to shift the reality for someone. As you go and leave Elon and enter your careers, I want to encourage you to find ways to give back to those who are coming after you.鈥�

Recognizing this year’s 1891 Awards recipients

Following the stole presentations, organizers recognized the recipients of the 2026 1891 Awards, honoring individuals who have advanced first-generation student success at 福利亚洲国产精品.

Named in honor of Elon鈥檚 first graduating class in 1891, the awards celebrate members of the campus community who embody the values of First-Generation Initiatives: empowerment, celebration, community, passion and authenticity.

This year鈥檚 recipients included:

• 1891 Award of Community: Emily Menjivar 鈥�26
• 1891 Award of Celebratory: Jana Lynn Patterson, associate vice president for student life/dean of student health and well-being, and Paula DiBiasio, associate professor of physical therapy education
• 1891 Award of Passion: Selma Mari膰 鈥�26
• 1891 Award of Empowerment: Daniella Alonzo Lopez 鈥�28
• 1891 Award of Authenticity: Jo-Rae Jennings G鈥�26, associate director of communications for Student Professional Development Center

Closing the ceremony, Cici Salazar 鈥�23, G鈥�26, encouraged graduates to reflect on the resilience and determination that carried them throughout their time at Elon. The graduate apprentice for First-Generation Initiatives reminded students that the challenges they faced throughout college had already prepared them for the uncertainties that lie ahead.

鈥淭ake a moment to reflect on how far you鈥檝e come,鈥� Salazar said. 鈥淓ach challenge, setback and moment of uncertainty has shaped the strength and resilience that you brought to the stage today.鈥�

Salazar emphasized that graduates鈥� journeys at Elon were marked not only by personal achievement, but also by resilience, community and the responsibility to support future generations.

鈥淎s first-generation students, we have already proven that we can do hard things,鈥� Salazar said. 鈥淲e鈥檝e broken barriers, created opportunities, and paved the paths for ourselves and those who will follow after us. More now than ever, we must continue showing up for one another with compassion, strength and authenticity.鈥�

Gabriela Maldonado Alvarez ’28 built her Elon experience around connection,聽opportunity聽and identity. As a first-generation college student, she has embraced campus communities that strengthen her character while also discovering her passion for strategic communications.

In her junior year of high school in Westchester, New York, Maldonado Alvarez signed up for聽the Immersion experience through the Emerging Journalists Program at 福利亚洲国产精品,聽where she was flown to Elon for a week to gain experience in her passion for news and broadcasting. Before the program, Elon had not been on Maldonado Alvarez鈥檚 radar.

鈥淭he program changed my view of Elon. I had a really聽good time聽and connected with the professors and the cohort I was in.聽So,聽I decided to聽come see聽Elon as a result,” said Maldonado Alvarez, who notes communications faculty聽Colin Donohue, Kelly Furnas and Israel Balderas were influential in her experience.

Her聽campus聽tour was on聽Homecoming聽& Reunion聽weekend, where she spoke聽up聽about her interest in journalism, which resulted in the tour guide encouraging her to explore the newsroom. There, she was able to chat with聽alumni from the聽School聽of Communications, who shared their positive experiences聽from聽their time at Elon.

After聽touring聽the聽communications聽facilities and connecting聽with聽these聽alumni,聽she knew聽Elon was the place for her.

Her first year here, Maldonado Alvarez was a聽journalism聽major, and joining Live Oak Communications Agency became a turning point in her communications career. After contributing to the agency, Maldonado Alvarez realized her passions aligned聽more聽with the strategic communications major.

鈥淚 fell in love with agency life. I liked strategic communications better because there was more creative freedom for me. I enjoy helping businesses that are someone鈥檚 life鈥檚 work, blossom even further,鈥� she said.

As a part of the Communications Fellows cohort, Maldonado Alvarez was able to attend聽a Winter Term Florida聽trip in her first year. She notes that this聽trip gave her the opportunity to explore different fields within communications, which reinforced her passion for strategic communications.

鈥淚 think the Fellows聽is an amazing program.聽It鈥檚聽given me some of my best friends, and it opened doors for me to connect with professors,鈥澛爏aid Maldonado Alvarez.聽鈥淚鈥檓聽so glad I met Professor (Vanessa) Bravo through a Communications Fellows networking event because, like me, she is Hispanic, and聽that鈥檚聽very important聽to my identity. I connected with her, and I joined the Unity in Communications club that helped me connect with other people who are interested in diversity in the communications world.”

Maldonado Alvarez is also a proud first-generation college student.聽As the聽secretary for聽Elon鈥檚 First-Generation Society,聽she聽is consistently making the most out of the opportunities offered to her.

鈥淚 really love being first-generation,” she said. “It鈥檚聽a聽big part of my identity. I try to do as much as I can to make my parents proud and make their sacrifices worth it.鈥�

In addition, she is also a聽Bill and Sue Smith Odyssey聽Scholar. Through attending workshops on financial literacy, discussions on how to stay motivated, and even mental health checks.

鈥淥dyssey has pushed me to be a better person and a better leader who is not afraid to ask for help or try new things.聽I鈥檝e聽become more aware of how to succeed in the future, and I feel prepared for post-graduate,” she said.

Through the many communities and cohorts Maldonado Alvarez is committed to, she has found belonging and purpose on Elon鈥檚 campus.

鈥淚 think being a part of these communities, like Odyssey, First Phoenix and Unity in Communications, is a way for me to stay true to myself,鈥� she聽explained. 鈥淚 grew up in a聽Hispanic-centered community, so coming to a聽predominantly white聽institution was a bit intimidating, but joining these communities helped me connect to others who have similar backgrounds and qualities as me.聽It鈥檚聽important to stay true to the characteristics that are important to you and what makes you, you.鈥�

Her scholarships have been聽a 鈥渨eight off her shoulders鈥� throughout her experience at Elon, allowing her the opportunity to see her dreams realized.

鈥淏eing able to tell my family they聽don鈥檛聽have to worry so much about me and that聽I鈥檝e聽worked hard in school and will continue to work hard is聽very rewarding.聽I鈥檓聽very proud聽of myself.聽I鈥檓聽proud to make my parents happy,鈥� Maldonado Alvarez said.聽鈥淚鈥檓 willing to fight for dreams and fight for what I鈥檓 passionate about, and my scholarships have made that possible for me.鈥�

鈥淓verything Sad Is Untrue鈥� by Daniel Nayeri. It鈥檚 a family history novel rooted in the folktales of 鈥淥ne Thousand and One Nights鈥� and explains how his family became refugees. It鈥檚 a really engaging novel with tales of heartbreak and resilience.

What is your favorite phone app?

Threads. I enjoy never knowing what you鈥檒l find and getting to read people鈥檚 stories. One recent Thread was about a family group chat that exploded over wedding invitations 鈥� a cousin didn鈥檛 invite one relative鈥檚 partner of eight years but did invite another鈥檚 partner of six months. The Thread chronicled the tense family meeting that followed, and the eventual group chat meltdown. The most jaw-dropping fact: It was all a promotional moment for the author鈥檚 book. You never know.

If you could invite someone from history to dinner, who would it be?

I would invite two people 鈥� Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston. They were friends but had a messy friendship breakup, chronicled in the podcast 鈥淥ur Ancestors Were Messy.鈥� I would like to have dinner, just to see or get the gist of what happened and why their friendship ended.

What is your favorite place on campus?

The bench outside of Powell that looks straight across the fountain in front of Alamance. I鈥檝e sat there on stressful days and sunny days, and in shared moments with students to talk about some hard things related to academics. It鈥檚 also a peaceful spot where you can sit, see the trees and listen to the water in the fountain.

When first-gen students leave Elon, what do you hope they carry with them 鈥� not just professionally, but personally?

I hope they leave with a sense of community. It might be two people; it might be one. But I want them to understand what community looks like and how to build it as they move through life. A job, diploma, paycheck or whatever material things we use to measure 鈥渟tatus鈥� won鈥檛 keep you grounded when life gets hard or offer a warm meal or a hug when you need it. Community will. Yes, I want them to graduate and accomplish amazing things, but more than anything, I hope they value building and sustaining community.

The Expo is one of the largest cross-campus collaborations in the spring. Representatives from the Student Professional Development Center, Undergraduate Research, the Global Education Center, and many more showcased resources and information on how they can help students develop meaningful relationships and achieve their goals.

鈥淭hese departments actually like to communicate with you and tell you what opportunities they have and how they’re all connected,鈥� said Melanie Alcaron ’29.

Students were able to see the connections through a pathway card that guided them to resources around personal, professional, and academic development. The pathways were designed to align with functions and characteristics of supportive relationships during college, based on research from Director of the Center for Engaged Learning Jessie Moore, Senior Associate Provost Emeritus Tim Peeples and Professor of Psychology Maureen Vandermaas-Peeler. Their work draws on a comprehensive study of mentoring constellations at 福利亚洲国产精品 and national surveys.

Event planners collaborated with the Maker Hub to create interactive versions of the Relationship Rich Map, which is a tool developed by the team of mentoring scholars above. Sabrina Perkins, associate professor of psychology, has collaborated with the Center for Access & Success to plan and coordinate this event since its inception in 2022. Perkins led student attendees through mapping their supportive relationships using the boards.

鈥淲hen students are encouraged to map their supportive relationships in tandem, they may be better able to recognize where in their lives connections are flourishing, while also noticing what types of supports they are missing, or want to deepen,鈥� said Perkins.

Berenice Sanchez-Rosaldo ’29 found the maps to be an eye-opening experience.

鈥淚 feel like my friends and family have helped me a lot, and a place where I can really grow is with professors. I feel like I could expand my horizons there and really form a stronger connection,鈥� she said. 鈥淥verall, this expo has helped me a lot in really going in depth on myself and what I can do better here at Elon.鈥�

Sanchez-Rosaldo’s main takeaway was to take advantage of everything that’s on campus: 鈥淎ll of the support that you have here. It can be from academic to personal.”

As the event came to a close, participants were treated to a special performance from Melonated Melodies, Elon鈥檚 predominantly Black a cappella group, who talked about the importance of building relationships within student organizations. Through conversations, activities, and shared experiences, students left not only with more connections but also with a deeper understanding of how relationships can shape their success at Elon

鈥淪ince we were birds of a feather, I figured Elon would be a good choice for me. I was right,” said Guidi of Cesari.

Originally from Raleigh, North Carolina, Guidi committed to Elon on a biology pre-med track. However, after her first semester, she realized that the pre-med track didn鈥檛 align with her artistic interests, and she needed a change.

Now, Guidi is a聽communications design major with a minor in professional writing studies.

鈥淚鈥檝e always been walking the line between arts and sciences, and I鈥檓 very ‘artsy fartsy,’ as my father would lovingly describe it. I just wasn’t sure that I could make my art a marketable skill,” Guidi said.

With her interest in mixed media arts, classical training in oil painting and freelance graphic design gigs, she was led to study at the School of Communications.

鈥淲ith the communications program, I thought this is something where I can do art, but I can also get a job in marketing,” she said.

Guidi describes her first year as starting out 鈥渞ocky鈥�, where she struggled to find her purpose. Through her on-campus job at the Center for Design Thinking, she met Aaron Chan 鈥�26, an accomplished cinema and television arts major.

One afternoon, Chan was running a meeting with friends and those interested in working on a personal short film project. Guidi, sitting in this meeting, only because it was hosted by her friends, was shocked to be tasked with writing the script for the short film.

鈥淚 got so close with all of the people that I worked with on the project,” said Guidi. “I offered my artistry through my work on the poster, social media and writing the script.鈥� It was a project that led her to 鈥渄iscover a passion for creative storytelling and creative collaboration.鈥�

The film titled 鈥淪our Note鈥� was produced by Seismic Studios, an independent production company created by a group of cinema and television arts students聽on campus. The film ended up being submitted at 11:59 p.m., right before the CinElon submission deadline. The film went on to be shown in Berlin at the FilmHaus festival, won three awards, and has been a finalist, or official selection, in five others.

Taking on the film project was not a task she thought would be possible.

鈥淗ad I not met that group of people and gotten a sense of belonging that rekindled my love for Elon and everything it stood for, I was thinking of withdrawing from the university,鈥� said Guidi.

Her newfound sense of belonging and artistic motivations gave Guidi the drive to achieve even more during her time at Elon. She is currently building Elon鈥檚 AIGA (American Institute of Graphic Arts) student group, a graphic design club with a nationwide network of talented students.

After the club鈥檚 executive team graduated, Delaney was selected by staff to continue the club鈥檚 legacy.

鈥淭his club is something that I was really looking for in my freshman and sophomore years,” Guidi said. “I really wanted a club and a community, and I was struggling to find it. So then, when I fell into that position, I said, now I can make this happen for other students. That’s what drives me.”

Now a leader of the organization, she wants to foster mentorship that she felt she wasn鈥檛 involved in previously.

鈥淚t’s helping me with graphic design as I’m helping other people develop themselves, all while fostering a community,” she said.

Off campus, she worked for LabCorp for two summers, starting with blog marketing and moving to a more graphic design-focused role in her second summer. Her supervisor was even an Elon alum.

鈥淚 now have a better sense of self than when I started,” said Guidi of her growth at Elon. “I was so unsure of my every move, and I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I wasn’t sure where my passions were.鈥�

As she worked to put herself out there and take advantage of Elon鈥檚 many opportunities, Guidi started to foster stronger relationships with professors, enter and place in graphic design competitions, and even win awards for her e-portfolio site.

鈥淚t all helped me determine who I am, what I value, and what I want to do. Now I’m more confident,鈥� said Guidi.

She reflects on her Bevier Family Internship Restricted Annual Fund scholarship: 鈥淣one of this would have happened if not for the scholarships that I’ve received.”

Guidi brings the story full circle, noting her 鈥渇reshman blues鈥� before she found her purpose on Elon鈥檚 campus.

鈥淏ecause of that extra aid and extra generosity that I received, I got space to grow. I got the privilege of struggling with my identity in my first year so that I could later become more confident and figure out who I was,” she said.

Guidi encourages donors to look at the work the student they are sponsoring is producing.

鈥淕o look at that short film that has won awards. Look at that. That is an accomplishment that, in a way, you can take a little bit of credit for, because you made it possible, you gave them the tools, you allowed them to do those things.鈥�

First-generation students are leaders, scholars, activists and creators. The growth of these individuals contributes to Elon鈥檚 shared story. At Elon, a student is a first-generation college student if neither parent/legal guardian has earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree from an institution within the United States. A student is still considered to be a first-generation college student even if a sibling has already completed a four-year college degree.

The first-generation celebration kicks off on Oct. 21 and runs through Nov. 14. Nov. 8 is National First-Generation College Student Celebration Day, which honors the anniversary of the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which expanded access to higher education for young people from historically marginalized backgrounds.

This year鈥檚 celebration is intentionally designed to share and reflect on all those that make up this wonderful community. A day or a week does not give enough time for all the accomplishments happening on and off our campus. If you have any questions, contact the first-generation student support team at firstgen@elon.edu.

To stay up to date, follow the First-Generation Student Support Services on Facebook or Instagram by following @elonfirstgens.

Upcoming Events

Ongoing: Early November: Take A聽First-Gen聽Student to Lunch

First-generation students and faculty/staff can be paired to get lunch together throughout the celebration. Folks will get an email from the First-Gen team with more information about how to participate..

Tuesday, Oct. 21

First Gen & Me | 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. |聽Iraz煤 Coffee

Held in collaboration with the Odyssey Scholars Program, participants will reflect on their聽first-generation聽story through art. First-Generation Student Support Services will have an open tab for participants.

Wednesday, Nov. 6

Roundtable Discussion on Imposter Syndrome | 12:30 p.m. | Elon Law School

The First-Gen Society will host a roundtable lunch session focusing on imposter syndrome and career journeys with Law School faculty and staff. For more information reach out to the First-Gen Society at Elon Law

Thursday Nov. 6

International Coffee Hour Takeover | 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. | Global Education Center (Sato Commons 3rd Floor)

Friday, Nov.聽 7

Mobile Celebration Cart | 1 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Around campus

The First-Gen team will be riding around campus with free coffee, chai, a chance to win some special first-generation giveaways, and a few special guests. Pay attention to our Instagram page @elonfirstgens for updates on locations.

Go GOLD for First-Gen聽

We invite all members of the campus community to wear Gold on Friday, Nov. 7, to symbolize support for first-generation students and programs that aim to empower students to reach their highest potential

Saturday, Nov. 8

First-Gen Tailgate | Global Neighborhood

Stop by our breakfast-themed tailgate before Elon takes on Rhode Island.

Thursday, Nov. 13

First-Gen Plus Poster Gallery | 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. | Moseley

Engage with the stories of first-generation students, faculty, and staff at this interactive poster session.

All new students are provided a free digital copy of the book before coming to Elon and are invited to attend the author鈥檚 keynote address, but for Campoverdi’s event, part of the 福利亚洲国产精品 Speaker Series, she wanted to do something different.

鈥淚 purposely am not behind a podium,鈥� said Campoverdi. 鈥淚鈥檓 not an expert on being first gen, you all are experts as much as I am an expert on being a first and only. You鈥檙e an expert on whatever thresholds you鈥檙e crossing. So, I鈥檓 not here to lecture anyone on this experience, I鈥檓 here to have a conversation with you all.鈥�

And a conversation was had for more than an hour as several students asked questions of Campoverdi about her experiences as a first-generation college student, her work as an aide in the Obama administration and the process of writing her book.

Between the bullet points

The memoir details Campoverdi’s life as a 鈥渃hild of welfare,鈥� born to an immigrant single mother in Los Angeles, who went on to be White House aide, Harvard graduate and a candidate for U.S. Congress. In 2024, Campoverdi also founded the First Gen Fund, a non-profit that provides unrestricted hardship grants to first-generation students.

鈥淲hen I would be invited to schools and someone would read my bio, and it would be all the bullet points and it sounded so shiny and glossy and linear, and it made so much sense what I did, and then I did that, I knew that wasn’t the full story,” she said. “I knew that the spaces between those bullet points were actually the real story, and that looked very different.鈥�

Omar Illesca Reyes 鈥�27, a Labcorp-Alamance Scholar in the Odyssey Program and Elon Academy mentor, sat on stage with Campoverdi, alongside Selma Maric 鈥�27, who introduced Campoverdi; Kenneth Brown, assistant director of First-Generation Student Support Services; and Paula Patch, senior lecturer in English and associate director for in the Elon Core Curriculum. Illesca Reyes asked Campoverdi about feelings of 鈥渋mposter syndrome鈥� as a first-generation student and in her later roles.

鈥淎ll of us at some point are going to find ourselves in a space where people might not relate to where we come from and what we鈥檝e experienced,鈥� said Campoverdi. 鈥淎nd you noticing that and not feeling good about that, doesn鈥檛 all go into a bucket of feeling like an imposter. She added, 鈥淟et yourself clock it and not make that mean something bad about you, because it doesn鈥檛.鈥�

Illesca Reyes reflected that getting to speak with Campoverdi was personal and emotional.

鈥淭he struggles are real for a first-generation student, and it鈥檚 nice that a light is being shone on them,鈥� said Illesca Reyes, who is studying engineering. 鈥淚 felt like I was being heard throughout the book, and I felt myself in her shoes multiple times.鈥�

‘Be it all unapologetically’

In her memoir, Campoverdi reflects on the 鈥渃ontradictory extremes鈥� of her life, from being a gang member鈥檚 girlfriend to working in the White House, arguing that all of those extremes can exist together.

鈥淪ome of us are complicated,鈥� Campoverdi said in response to a student question about finding belonging in multiple spaces. 鈥淥wn all of these things together at the same time. I sit on stages all the time, and people ask me, 鈥榃hat would you say to 16-year-old Alejandra who was dating that guy? What would you tell her now from where you are?鈥� And I said 鈥楽he鈥檚 right here. I鈥檓 the same me.鈥� So stop trying to find the answer. There鈥檚 no answer. Just be it all unapologetically.鈥�

Her memoir also works to 鈥渟hatter the one-dimensional glossy narrative鈥� about what it takes to achieve the American Dream. She notes it was harder to get from her childhood to college than from college to the White House.

鈥淚鈥檝e experienced the American dream,鈥� she said, as a student asked her response to the concept. 鈥淚 believe education is the driver of the American dream for many of us. It isn鈥檛 the only way, but it is for most of us.鈥�

Campoverdi spent the day at Elon, including hosting a storytelling workshop for students and faculty, in collaboration with the Center for Access and Success. Her openness for conversation resonated with students like Daniella Alonzo Lopez 鈥�28, a scholar in the Odyssey Program, who received the Leon and Lorraine Watson scholarship.

鈥淪ometimes along the journey, you think you’re navigating all of this by yourself, but there’s truly a community of people,鈥� said Alonzo Lopez 鈥�28, a marketing and business analytics double major. 鈥淚鈥檓 always looking for mentors and people to encourage me and inspire me to continue. So I鈥檓 glad to be here and hear her. Getting to meet her was almost like an older sister.鈥�

Redefine success

As Campoverdi heard from students focusing on her success as a first-generation student, she encouraged them to also think about how success can be more than just what鈥檚 on paper.

鈥淵ou can be the first generation to go to college or the first generation to have a professional job or break a cycle, the first generation to move across the country or the first generation to X,Y, Z,鈥� said Campoverdi. 鈥淏ut being the first generation to break the cycle of living in survival mode is just as important. Being the first generation to not live in fight or flight is just as important. Being the first generation to allow yourself balance and rest, that’s important, too.鈥�

鈥淚鈥檝e experienced the American dream. I believe education is the driver of the American dream for many of us. It isn鈥檛 the only way, but it is for most of us.”

Alejandra Campoverdi, award-winning author of “First Gen”

She ended the event by reminding students about how far they鈥檝e come in their lives and encouraged them to continue being vulnerable as it can serve as a 鈥渃onnective tissue.鈥�

鈥淲hen I look out in this room, I see a lot of people who have a lot in common, and I think that鈥檚 more important than ever. So keep telling your stories, keep turning towards that vulnerability. It doesn鈥檛 make you weak, it makes you strong and it will ultimately make you a better professional,” Campoverdi said.

AJF has a long history of investing in Elon community members. Established through the generosity of the late Alfred Johnston 鈥淎.J.鈥� Fletcher, founder of Capitol Broadcasting, Co., the organization is dedicated to uplifting nonprofits statewide with an emphasis on arts and education. The Foundation has historically supported Elon through the (no longer active) Fletcher Music Scholars and the A.J. Fletcher Professorship in the School of Communications, established in 1991.

This spring, the foundation renewed their support to Elon with a generous investment in First-Generation initiatives at Elon. Inspired by the work being done to support and improve outcomes among first-generation students at Elon, this grant honors the foundation鈥檚 continued support of Kenneth Brown Jr. 鈥�19, assistant director of the center for access and success, First-Generation Student Support Services at Elon.

A first-generation student himself, Brown’s time as an Elon undergraduate was transformative. Brown got engaged in as many ways as possible, taking full advantage of the Elon experiences made possible by his Odyssey Scholarship.

Along with earning a bachelor鈥檚 degree in human service studies, Brown studied abroad in Scotland, worked for the Center for Race, Ethnicity & Diversity Education (CREDE), served as student body president for the 2018-19 academic year and much more.聽 Immediately following his Elon graduation, Brown completed a two-year fellowship with AJF, where he reported directly to the foundation鈥檚 executive director, Damon Circosta. During his fellowship, Brown navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic alongside his foundation colleagues. Despite the forces keeping them isolated during this time, Brown formed deeply meaningful relationships with the foundation.

After his fellowship, Brown attended graduate school at Indiana University before returning to Elon to lead the first-generation initiatives in the Center for Access and Success.

鈥淚 decided to return to Elon to play a role in initiatives that deeply shaped who I am,鈥� Brown said. 鈥淭here were faculty and staff members who listened to me, gave me advice, and supported me in the tough moments of my Elon experience. I wanted to be that staff member for students currently.鈥�

Since returning to Elon in 2023, Brown has made an indelible impact. Under Brown鈥檚 leadership, Elon has been named a FirstGen Forward Network Champion Campus, a national distinction that recognizes institutions that are leading the way in advancing first-generation student success. Now, the foundation that invested in Brown once, has doubled down. With a $50,000 grant to support First-Generation Student Support Services, AJF is empowering Brown to shape this program, and provide for the needs of this unique population of students.

鈥淭heir support means the world on both a professional and personal level,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he grant will provide us with the capacity to enhance some of our current offerings, like our mentoring program, our celebrations and how we might support students while also providing us with a little more capacity to be creative and dream about experiences we could try with first-generation students.鈥�

Elle Collins, executive director of the Center for Access and Success, also recognizes the power of this investment.

鈥淭he A.J. Fletcher Foundation grant represents a transformative opportunity to build on the strong foundation Brown has established,鈥� Collins said. 鈥淲ith this support, our efforts will extend beyond our center to tap into the wisdom of Elon鈥檚 global alumni network, creating powerful intergenerational connections and career pathways. This kind of intentional, inclusive work reflects the broader impact of [Brown鈥檚] leadership and the potential of the AJ Fletcher Foundation grant to scale it.鈥�

This grant also opens the door for First-Generation Initiatives to pilot and test new programs and ideas in a way that the program has not experienced since its inception in 2019.

鈥淲ith these new resources, we are poised not only to expand what we offer, but to more fully realize a vision where every first-generation student at Elon is empowered, connected and celebrated,” said Collins.

None of this would have been possible were it not for Brown鈥檚 appreciation of meaningful connections, a value that was instilled in him as an Elon undergraduate.

鈥淎JF remains one of the top working experiences I have had, from working there and having Damon’s friendship,鈥� he said. 鈥淭o have them be invested in your success, even to the level of supporting our work is a testament to the power of relationships.鈥�

Events such as the First-Generation Stole Ceremony, Celebremos!: Graduates Take Flight, Donning of the Kente, and Lavender Graduation highlighted the resilience of students from many backgrounds and experiences.

鈥淭hese students faced additional layers of complexity throughout their time at Elon, and they exemplify resilience, commitment and conviction,鈥� said Professor Vanessa Bravo, assistant dean in the School of Communications. 鈥淕raduating from college is a wonderful accomplishment in itself, and the School of Communications is immensely proud of these individuals 鈥撀燼nd all of our graduating seniors.鈥�

First-Generation Stole Ceremony
May 21, McKinnon Hall

Honoring the accomplishments of first-generation college students, this event celebrated those who were the first in their families to earn a college degree. School of Communications honorees:

• Jason N. Adama-Tettey, Communication Design
• Chase Augustus, Sport Management
• Jenivee Bevan, Cinema & Television Arts
• Alexis Cooper, Journalism
• Laker Figueroa, Sport Management
• Hailey Gardiner, Cinema & Television Arts
• Uwera Izabayo, Cinema & Television Arts
• Jayla Martin-Beasley, Strategic Communications
• Manny Peralta, Sport Management
• Jos茅 Alex Reyes Arias, Strategic Communications
• Mackenzie Smith, Cinema & Television Arts
• Givanna Solis, Cinema & Television Arts
• Jessica Walker, Strategic Communications

Celebremos!: Graduates Take Flight
May 22, Lakeside

This bilingual event is an annual tradition to honor the achievements and contributions of all graduating students, with a special emphasis on those who identify with Latinx/Hispanic identities and cultures. School of Communications honorees:

• Leslie Aviles Mendoza, Strategic Communications
• Cristy Marin茅, Cinema & Television Arts
• Jos茅 Alex Reyes Arias, Strategic Communications

Donning of the Kente
May 22, Alumni Gym

The university’s Donning of the Kente ceremony is a celebration that honors students of African descent and acknowledges their academic achievements, cultural heritage, and personal journeys. During the ceremony, graduates are presented with a Kente stole 鈥� a colorful, handwoven cloth 鈥� which they wear as part of their graduation regalia. School of Communications honorees:

• Jason N. Adama-Tettey, Communication Design
• Aniya Arnold, Cinema & Television Arts
• Chase Augustus, Sport Management
• Alexis Cooper, Journalism
• Rachael (Mae) Curington, Cinema & Television Arts
• Uwera Izabayo, Cinema & Television Arts
• Jayla Martin-Beasley, Strategic Communications
• Madison Muir, Cinema & Television Arts
• Sebastian Schroeter, Sport Management
• Taylor Scott, Strategic Communications

Lavender Graduation
May 14, Alumni Gym

The university鈥檚 Lavender Graduation honors and celebrates the achievements of graduating LGBTQIA+ students and their allies. The ceremony provides a space for reflection, recognition and community, acknowledging the unique experiences and contributions of these students during their time on campus. Among the 23 participants were the following School of Communications majors:

• Rachael (Mae) Curington, Cinema & Television Arts
• Jayla Martin-Beasley, Strategic Communications

福利亚洲国产精品 celebrated the achievements of its first-generation students on Wednesday afternoon during the annual first-generation stole ceremony in McKinnon Hall. From the moment you walked into space, you could feel it. The sheer excitement, deep sense of community and heartfelt pride radiating from mentors, faculty, staff, friends and family members as they gathered alongside the soon-to-be graduates.

Organized by First-Generation Student Support Services, an initiative within the Center for Access and Success, this year鈥檚 ceremony marked a milestone, as over sixty students participated in the stole presentation ceremony, marking it as the largest turnout since the inaugural ceremony in 2020.

鈥淭o see this year鈥檚 First-Generation Stole Ceremony reach its largest participation yet is both inspiring and affirming,鈥� Elle Collins, executive director for the Center for Access and Success, said. 鈥淚t reflects not just numerical growth, but a powerful cultural shift [and] recognition that first-generation students are not only present, but valued, celebrated, and deeply supported at Elon.鈥澛�

Despite recently beginning her role, Collins emphasized the impact of witnessing the dynamic milestone. 鈥淚t has been incredibly moving to witness the deep and unified commitment across Elon from Student Life and Academic Affairs to faculty, staff and community organizations who have all rallied behind the success, empowerment and recognition of our first-generation students,鈥� Collins said.

Kenneth Brown 鈥�19, assistant director of First-Generation Student Support Services, echoed Collins鈥� sentiment on the impact of the ceremony鈥檚 milestone and Elon鈥檚 commitment to supporting first-generation students.

鈥淚t’s a testament to the work that has been done across campus to create opportunities for first-generation students to come together and see their identity as something to be proud of and not a hindrance,鈥� Brown said.聽 鈥淭his is a big moment for the university, especially as a campus that champions these students.鈥�

The spirit of pride, support and recognition continued throughout the ceremony, which featured reflections from student keynote speaker Archie Tan 鈥�25, a charge from Jonathan A. McElderry, dean of student inclusive excellence and assistant professor, and the announcement of the 2025 1891 award recipients.

Redefining 鈥榝irst鈥�

During Tan鈥檚 keynote address, he shared how the first-generation slogan 鈥渢o be first鈥� resonates with him and influenced his path.

鈥淔or me, 鈥榯o be first鈥� means thinking outside the box, stepping outside your comfort zone and sticking to what you believe is right, even when others doubt you.鈥�

He continued providing a candid look into his first-generation experiences, sharing his doubts, challenges, triumphs and successes. Coming from a low-socioeconomic background, he pursued financial support by applying to multiple scholarships to achieve his dream of attending college. Despite facing numerous rejections, he persisted and was eventually awarded the Golden Door Scholarship.

Tan emphasized that there was no guidebook to help navigate these obstacles, but his determination to achieve his dream and perseverance were key in overcoming them, turning each challenge into a valuable learning experience.

鈥淭his taught me many lessons: not to be afraid of rejection, to believe there is always a way to achieve your goals, to believe in yourself, to be brave, [and] to take the first steps, Tan said.

For me, 鈥榯o be first鈥� means thinking outside the box, stepping outside your comfort zone and sticking to what you believe is right, even when others doubt you.

Archie Tan ’25

Tan closed his speech by encouraging students to embrace opportunities of being first and challenging them to create their own guidebooks.

鈥淓very first experience was a step toward mastering the art of being first. You don’t need to compare yourself with others,鈥� he said. 鈥淓ach first experience is an opportunity to grow. I’ve learned that being first is not just about leading the way but also about the resilience and innovation you bring to every new challenge.鈥�

A full-circle moment

The ceremony transitioned to the stole presentation ceremony following Tan’s remarks.聽 During this segment, students were presented a first-generation stole by individuals who significantly impacted their success during their time at Elon.

Jose Alex Reyes Arias 鈥�25, who was among the 60-plus students who participated, spoke on the impact of his mentor, Vanessa Bravo, professor of strategic communications and assistant dean of the School of Communications, who presented his stole during the ceremony. 鈥淭o now being at the First-Gen Stole Ceremony, it felt surreal to know that I鈥檝e come so far, but it would not have been possible without Dr. Bravo,鈥� Reyes Arias said.

Jasmine Walker 鈥�25, also shared her feelings on the impact of having her professor, Sandra Reid, senior lecturer in human service studies, present her stole.

鈥淗aving my professor give me my First-Gen stole was such a full-circle moment,鈥� Walker said. 鈥淚t meant so much to be recognized by someone who has been in my corner these past few years. This ceremony reminded me I鈥檓 not alone in this journey, and that鈥檚 something I鈥檒l always carry with me.鈥�

Along with the stole, students received an Elon lapel pin, sponsored by the Office of Alumni Engagement, signifying their entry into the Elon alumni family.

鈥淭he Elon lapel pin is far more than a symbol; it鈥檚 a statement of identity and pride,鈥� Collins said. 鈥淎s our graduates join the global community of first-generation alumni, we hope they wear it not just on graduation day, but throughout their journeys as a visible reminder of how far they鈥檝e come and how far they will go.

No manual, only determination

The event continued with an inspirational charge to the soon-to-be graduates from Jonathan McElderry, dean of students for inclusive excellence and assistant professor. A proud first-generation college graduate himself, he expressed to students that he firsthand understood their experiences of 鈥渂eing first.鈥�

鈥淏eing first-generation is not just a part of my story鈥攊t is the foundation of who I am,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t has shaped the way I lead, the way I build community, and the way I strive to create spaces that honor the brilliance that first-gen graduates bring.

Like Tan, McElderry provided insight on navigating challenges without a guide but ultimately overcoming them. 鈥淭here鈥檚 no manual for navigating uncertainty, disappointment or change鈥揵ut we do it anyway. We grow. We stretch. We learn,鈥� McElderry said.

He also underscored the importance of stepping out of one鈥檚 comfort zone and being a trailblazer.

鈥淲hen fear rises, remember鈥搚ou can鈥檛 finish what you don鈥檛 face,鈥� he said. 鈥淭ry something new. Step out of your comfort zone. I didn鈥檛 have all the answers when I started, and truthfully, I still don鈥檛. But every milestone I鈥檝e reached, I began with no prior experience. I just believed it was possible.

McElderry closed his address, reiterating the Center for Access and Success鈥� values, charging students to lead with authenticity, move with passion, build empowered communities, stay connected to their story and path, and to celebrate their wins.

鈥淵ou are the dream realized. You are the future of higher education, of leadership, of innovation, and of justice,鈥� he said.

Honoring trailblazers: 1891 Awards presentation

Following McElderry鈥檚 motivational charge, the ceremony shifted to the awards announcement of the 2025 1891 Award recipients, named in honor of 福利亚洲国产精品’s first graduating class in 1891.

鈥淛ust like our students, those students were trailblazers, paving the way for hundreds more classes to come,鈥� Cici Salazar 鈥�23, graduate apprentice for first-generation initiatives, said during the opening of the awards presentation.

The awards recognize five individuals who have advanced first-generation student success. Each recipient embodies one of the values of First-Gen Initiatives: empowerment, celebratory, community, passion and authenticity.

• 1891 Award of Empowerment: Brandy Propst, director of Elon 1010 and assistant director of academic advising.
• 1891 Award of Celebratory: Nicole Galante 鈥�19 G鈥�21, assistant director of national and international fellowships.
• 1891 Award of Community: Emma Calhoun G鈥�25, the graduate apprentice for the Odyssey Program
• 1891 Award of Passion: Kimberly Romero, director for diversity & access for undergraduate admissions
• 1891 Award of Authenticity: Laker Figueroa 鈥�25

A final charge: come alive and lead with purpose

Brown provided closing remarks, acknowledging that the soon-to-be graduates are entering a world of uncertainty. However, he expressed hope, noting that seeing the strong community the students have built reassures him that things will be okay.

Expanding on the sentiment shared each year by President Connie Ledoux Book during commencement, proclaiming that 鈥渢he world needs Elon graduates,鈥� Brown built upon the statement, incorporating the words of Rev. Howard Thurman.

鈥淭he world needs Elon graduates who have come alive,鈥� Brown said.

鈥淎s you go into the world, do what wisdom Rev. Dr. Howard Thurman says and 鈥榗ome alive,” he continued. “The world will take your talents and manipulate them, but Thurman says, 鈥楢sk what makes you come alive and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.鈥欌��