Despite the wet weather, families, friends, faculty and staff gathered to celebrate graduates who were encouraged not only to pursue success, but also to embrace failure as an essential part of growth.

Patricia Walsh Chadwick P鈥�16, an Elon trustee and accomplished Wall Street strategist, delivered the Commencement address, reminding graduates that quitting is the 鈥渙nly true definition of failure鈥� and urging them not to let fear guide their decisions.

鈥淧undits have a way of forecasting disaster every spring just as college graduates step into the world. My advice is simple: ignore them,鈥� she said. 鈥淭echnology will not be the ruin of us all; it opens far more doors than it closes. You are the future of the workforce, and that should excite you.鈥�

The paths to success

Chadwick reflected on her own unconventional path, emphasizing that there is no 鈥渕agic potion鈥� for success. She shared how she grew up in a religious sect, which she later described as a cult, and was forced out at 17 years old.

鈥淔earful of the world, and in my na茂vet茅, I turned to a single phrase for guidance: 鈥楩ailure is not an option,鈥欌�� she said. 鈥淲hat I hadn鈥檛 realized is that no one is immune from mistakes or failures. Those two words, dreaded by so many, are part of the learning process.鈥�

Technology will not be the ruin of us all; it opens far more doors than it closes. You are the future of the workforce, and that should excite you.

Patricia Walsh Chadwick P鈥�16

She also spoke about her son, Elon alumnus Jim Chadwick 鈥�16, who had planned to launch a gaming company after graduation. After spending a year pursuing that dream, he realized it was not the future he had envisioned and eventually transitioned into private finance.

鈥淩emember to take something of value from every employment experience before moving on to the next one,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 like to think of a career path as a circular stairway, where each success leads to a new challenge winding slowly upward toward your dreams.鈥�

Elon celebrated graduates in two ceremonies 鈥� the morning event for the School of Communications and the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business, and the afternoon event for Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education and the School of Health Sciences.

The Rev. Kirstin Boswell, 福利亚洲国产精品’s chaplain and dean of mulfifaith engagement, opened each ceremony with the invocation.

鈥淎s these graduates step into what comes next, grant them wisdom beyond knowledge, courage beyond fear and compassion deep enough to serve a world that is in need,鈥� Boswell said. 鈥淢ay they use their gifts not only for personal success, but for healing, for justice, for truth and for the flourishing of others.鈥�

Corinne Wilson 鈥�26 performed the Star-Spangled Banner, and led the singing of the alma mater, while Mindy Monroe 鈥�26 and Malia Horst 鈥�26 gave a special musical performance of 鈥淔or Good,鈥� from the musical 鈥淲icked.鈥�

The Elon magic

Graduates reflected on the experiences that shaped their time at Elon, including the university鈥檚 commitment to undergraduate teaching. In 2025, for the fifth year in a row, Elon topped a 鈥淏est Undergraduate Teaching鈥� list published by U.S. News & World Report.

“Professors can actually invest in you because of the class sizes being so small,” said Robbie Simpson 鈥�26, an Elon native who earned a degree in exercise science. “I really appreciate that because professors get to take their time to understand you, get to know you and invest because they have a personal connection to you, so it makes them it more valuable to them.”

The strong relationships with faculty were an important part of Honors Fellow Diego Hernandez’s 鈥�26 Elon experience.

“The time that the professors have taken out of their day and their lives to support us as students, that’s one of the best things I got from Elon,” said Hernandez, who earned a degree in engineering. “That’s something that I’m going to take with me.”

The myriad of involvement opportunities was also essential for graduates.

Autumn Goyette 鈥�26, who earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in听accounting through the Love School of Business Accelerated 3+1 Dual Degree Program, says her time working for Residence Life and in the Love School of Business Dean鈥檚 Office has made an impact on her time at Elon. She will soon be moving to Virginia to work for Ernst & Young.

鈥淚’m just so grateful for everything that Elon gave me and brought to me,鈥� said Goyette, who is from Pittsburg, North Carolina. 鈥淭his place is my home and has been my home for four years.鈥�

Decked out in various graduation cords, Ella Allen 鈥�26, a Teaching Fellow who earned a mathematics degree with teacher licensure from Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences, was heavily involved on campus, including as an orientation leader and a member of Kappa Delta sorority. Next, Allen will be pursuing her Master’s of Higher Education at Elon. She noted that the people and support she received at Elon were invaluable.

Lilly Ikle 鈥�26 of Baltimore, Maryland, earned a听cinema & television arts听degree from the School of Communications. She says the time has flown by and she feels like she was 鈥渄ropped off yesterday.鈥� Ikle initially came to Elon for its nationally recognized musical theatre program and for Elon鈥檚 ability to work with students with learning disabilities.

鈥淢y major really helped me get that creative outlet that I wanted in musical theater, but it also gave me the practical side of work I wanted to do in the future,鈥� said Ikle, who plans to move to Nashville after graduation to pursue music. 鈥淢y major gave me a creative outlet, let me get kind of that artsy side out of me, but also taught me things that I can bring into the real world.鈥�

The Class of 2026 includes many stand-out stories:

• After a trip to Ecuador, Bernardo Vargas-Lopez 鈥�26, who earned a degree in听sport management, and Juan Daniel Chiriboga 鈥�26, who earned a degree in听entrepreneurship & innovation, built听YAPA, a plant-based energy drink shaped by friendship, curiosity and mentorship.
• Kaitlyn Lewis 鈥�26, who earned a degree in听elementary education, came to Elon through three of the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education鈥檚 primary scholarship programs: Alamance Scholars, NC Teaching Fellows and, post-graduation, Teach for Alamance.
• Jonathan Weaver 鈥�26 originally intended to go into finance, but through exploration and faculty mentorship, switched his major to biology, and is now going to dental school at The Ohio State University.
• Being waitlisted for one program allowed Allie Schult 鈥�26 to realize her true passion for nursing.听She now has a post-graduate position at Children鈥檚 Healthcare of Atlanta.
• Rony Dahdal 鈥�26, a Goldwater Scholar and Lumen Scholar, earned a degree in听computer science, mathematics and philosophy听and did three different undergraduate research projects while at Elon. The first was helping to create a mathematical model of complex equations that predict how the human immune system responds to COVID-19; another was developing an autonomous robotic arm to monitor and tend to crops by training the 3D machine-learning model to understand plant anatomy, and a third was developing a method to gather medical vital signs.

All of these students were helped by what student commencement speaker Ruby Radis 鈥�26听of Chicago called the 鈥淓lon magic.鈥� Radis, who earned a degree in听human service studies,听delivered the 鈥淢essage of Appreciation鈥� on Friday.

鈥淔rom the moment I stepped onto this beautiful brick-covered campus, one truth became clear: there is magic here,” Radis said. “That Elon magic builds a community where students know their neighbors, teachers and coworkers.听Rather
than a quick hello, connections are founded on respect.”

Radis emphasized that Elon helped “emphasize the value of human difference,” and her fellow graduates should take that forward with them.

“Using those lessons, we can work together to uplift each other, amplify voices often left unheard and sprinkle a little of our very own Elon magic on everyone we meet,” Radis said.

That Elon magic builds a community where students know their neighbors, teachers and coworkers.听Rather听than a quick hello, connections are founded on respect.

Ruby Radis 鈥�26

Be possible-ists

In her charge to the graduates, Elon President Connie Ledoux Book asked the Class of 2026 to look back on their New Student Convocation in 2022,听1,371 days prior.

“That morning, we placed an acorn in your hand, and I asked you to do something simple, and yet profound: To grow deep roots, and to reach high. Today, I look out at you, and I see what’s grown,” Book said.

During their first year, the Class of 2026 all read the Common Reading book听鈥淔actfulness鈥� by Hans Rosling. In his book, Rosling described the word 鈥減ossible-ist:鈥� someone who looks honestly at the world鈥檚 problems and still believes, based on evidence, that things can get better, and that they are getting better.

鈥淐lass of 2026, through your Elon journey,听you have grown into听these听possible-ists,鈥� she said.听鈥淵ou have learned to hold complexity without losing hope, to see what’s broken without losing your willingness to build, to zoom out and recognize progress, and to keep moving forward.听That is the Elon way, and the world needs听more of听it.鈥�

View the full undergraduate commencement program online.

Patrick Murphy G鈥�01

Assistant vice president for financial aid

Patrick Murphy joined Elon at the beginning of 1994 as bursar for Elon College to find a career that would, as he put it, add positivity to his day. Retiring at the end of the month, Murphy has served in a myriad of roles at Elon, including director of financial aid, senior associate dean and director of financial aid and assistant vice president for financial aid.

During the Faculty/Staff Awards Luncheon, Greg Zaiser, vice president for enrollment, credited Murphy with quietly and deliberately supporting Elon鈥檚 growth from a regional college to national and international distinction.

鈥淲hat I know now is because of Pat鈥檚 patience, accessibility and strong desire for success,鈥� added Zaiser.

After retirement, Murphy looks forward to spending more time with his wife and his five grandchildren, who are all under the age of six. He says his favorite memory at Elon was picking up astronaut and former senator John Glenn and his wife from the airport and guiding them across campus to multiple events.

鈥淚 will miss the people I work with,鈥� he said. 鈥淓lon has been the only place I worked where my friends are also people I work with.鈥�

Beth McCain

Assistant teaching professor of accounting

Beth McCain joined Elon in 2016 teaching part-time as an adjunct after teaching at a community college. She was hired permanently in 2021 as a lecturer and also served as the director of the Master of Science accounting program. She retired on December 31, 2025.

While at Elon, McCain led January Term study abroad courses to Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam and was the inaugural faculty member for the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business study abroad program in Singapore.

At the Faculty/Staff Awards Luncheon, Catherine Chiang, professor of accounting and chair of the department of accounting, described McCain as one of the most dedicated and student-centered educators she had the privilege of knowing. 鈥淵our decade of service has shaped careers, strengthened our programs and raised the standards for what it means to be an Elon educator,鈥� said Chiang.

McCain returned the compliments to her department chair and gave a shoutout to Linda Poulson, who gave McCain 鈥渁 chance鈥� and also to her husband, who was in attendance.

Now retired, McCain is volunteering for Guilford County Animal Services in Greensboro and taking a French course at Elon in preparation for a three-month trip to France in the fall. Reflecting on her time at Elon, McCain said, 鈥淚 will greatly miss the amazing faculty and staff that I worked with as well as relationships that I developed with my students over the years.鈥�

Linda Niedziela

Associate professor of biology and chair of the Department of Biology

Linda Niedziela joined Elon in 2001 excited to teach courses in genetics and biotechnology. She was attracted to the university鈥檚 strengths in undergraduate education and undergraduate research. She will retire at the end of May after serving in a myriad of roles, including biology department chair, assistant professor, associate professor, director of the science branch of Elon College Fellows and the Japheth E. Rawls chair for undergraduate research in science.

Niedziela said she will miss what she calls the 鈥渄aily therapy sessions.鈥� She shared that every day during the semester, whoever is able will meet for lunch on the first floor of McMichael and discuss wide-ranging topics, including teaching tips, research reports, personal stories about families and pets and anything else that is on the mind of lunch attendees.

She said, 鈥淚 will miss the wonderful faculty and staff colleagues in the biology department who have become like family to me.鈥�

After retirement, Niedziela and her husband, Carl, an adjunct assistant professor of biology at Elon, who will also be retiring, will travel with their dogs in an airstream travel trailer and spend time in their woodworking shop. She will also be devoting more time training and competing with her Shetland sheepdog in performance dog sports.

Anthony Hatcher

Professor of journalism and chair of the Journalism Department

Anthony Hatcher joined Elon in 2002 and has served as associate professor of journalism, full professor of journalism and the inaugural chair of the Department of Journalism.

Hatcher said he did not have a passport until he joined Elon in his early 40鈥檚. 鈥淪ince 2004, I have taken students to Hong Kong, South Africa and multiple European countries,鈥� he reflected. Hatcher also created a religion and media course in his first year, which he taught every year since.

One of those colleagues, Harlen Makemson, professor of communication design, praised Hatcher at the Faculty/Staff Luncheon for Hatcher鈥檚 empathy and humanity during what he described as a time of upheaval in the media world, brought on by new technologies. 鈥淎nd while it’s true that Anthony Hatcher serves on virtually every major standing committee at Elon, it’s his humanity, his warmth and his care, that is his most impactful service to his university.鈥�

鈥淚 will miss being with students, and I will miss seeing my colleagues 鈥撎齧y friends 鈥撎齞aily or weekly,鈥� said Hatcher. During the ceremony, he added, 鈥淚 hope in addition to teaching all those wonderful students I鈥檝e had over the past nearly quarter century, I hope in some small way, I made their lives a little better because God knows they helped me be better.

After retirement, Hatcher looks forward to biking, hiking, travel and spending time with his granddaughter. 鈥淲riting will be part of retirement as well, since I can鈥檛 sing or paint,鈥� he added.

Robert Moorman

Frank S. Holt, Jr. professor of business leadership and professor of organizational behavior

Robert Moorman joined Elon as the Frank Holt Jr professor of business leadership in 2011, a title he held throughout his time at Elon. Retiring in May, Moorman has also served as the department chair for the Department of Management, Entrepreneurship and International Business.

During the Faculty, Staff Awards Luncheon, Haya Ajjan, dean of the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business and professor of management information systems, shared that Moorman has a gift few others do 鈥撎齮he ability to ask the types of questions that 鈥渕ake you stop walking, look around at where you actually are and suddenly see it鈥 question that stays with you for the rest of your life.鈥� Ajjan offered Moorman a golf club afterwards in the spirit of his retirement.

During the ceremony, Moorman shared that education is so much more than reading books and looking at stats. 鈥淚t鈥檚 really about the relationships we have,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t’s the relationships with our students and the utter joy of seeing people cycle through during this really important time of their lives, you know, touching you and stepping in and stepping out and then seeing them grow as they go.鈥�

Moorman said his favorite memories are those involving friendships with colleagues and partnerships with students. 鈥淚 have fond memories of a few colleagues congregating in my office talking about the joys and frustrations of the day,鈥� he said.听 鈥淚 also have fond memories of holding classes that just seemed to 鈥榳ork鈥� that day and then talking with students afterward about how they continued thinking about our discussions.鈥�

After retiring at the end of this month, Moorman looks forward to what he calls unstructured adventure. 鈥淚 am looking forward to a time of boredom that then grows into something new, unplanned and adventurous. What fun!鈥�

Charity Johansson

Professor of physical therapy education and chair of the Doctor of Physical Therapy Department.

In 1999, Charity Johnsson joined what would become the Doctor of Physical Therapy program as one of its first faculty. She retired in December 2025 after decades of service in which she held positions of associate professor, full professor, faculty administrative fellow, interim associate department chair, interim department chair and program director, department chair and program director and university parliamentarian.

Johansson said she is already missing the 鈥渄aily exchanges with colleagues whose brilliant minds and genuinely kind hearts鈥� have shaped her over nearly three decades. Likewise, she will miss the students, and their 鈥渋nfectious enthusiasm, their compassion and the joy of watching them transform in ways they hadn鈥檛 even imagined possible.鈥�

During the Faculty/Staff Awards Luncheon, Crystal Ramsey praised Johansson as a 鈥渃ornerstone of the Elon academic community, whose legacy is defined not just by the position she has held, but by the enduring way she has nurtured the hearts, minds and professional identities of future healthcare providers.鈥� Ramsey is an associate professor of physical therapy education and a former student of Johansson鈥檚.

At the ceremony, Johansson reflected on the retirement of Gerry Francis, who served as professor emeritus of mathematics and provost emeritus.

鈥淕erry Francis told me he doesn鈥檛 miss the work, but he really misses the people 鈥� and I get that,” she said.

She also said it was a privilege working with so many in the Elon community who have encouraged her, challenged her and made her laugh to help her be a better a human. 鈥�Fred Rubeck, you鈥檙e among those,鈥� Johansson added, honoring the late professor of performing arts and chair of the Department of Performing Arts.

Now retired, Johansson said she is enjoying time outdoors with family and close friends, planning travel and trying new ventures, including fiction writing.

Marcia Dodson

Program assistant for the Station at Mill Point Neighborhood

Marcia Dodson joined Elon in 2015 and is the proud mother of three sons who graduated from Elon. She will be retiring at the end of May and has served as a service desk analyst for facilities management, program assistant in the Danieley Neighborhood and Station at Mill Point.

A favorite memory of Dodson鈥檚 while at Elon is joining the London Experience for staff, where she built relationships with colleagues she had not yet had the opportunity to meet while working at Elon. 鈥淲hat an awesome experience!鈥� she reflected.

After retirement, Dodson looks forward to being a traveling grandparent with her husband.

Rosemary Haskell

Professor of English

Rosemary Haskell joined Elon in 1985 and will be retiring in August. She has held the roles of temporary instructor and assistant, associate and later, full professor of English.

Haskell said she will most miss her kind and interesting colleagues, as well as the 鈥渆nergizing power of the new class of bright-eyed and bushy-tailed first-years each August.鈥�

One of Haskell鈥檚 favorite memories at Elon is during the transition of the Fighting Christians to the Phoenix. She enjoyed the papier-mache birds and eggs in trees around campus that offered a clue to the new mascot.

After retirement, Haskell said she plans to spend time with her family and do some home improvement work.

Cheryl Riley

Custodian

Cheryl Riley joined Elon in 2013 as a custodian and will retire at the end of May. 鈥淚 will miss the people I work with,鈥� she said. 鈥淎nd I look forward to spending time with my grandkids.鈥�

Linda Dunn

Adjunct assistant professor of Peace and Conflict Studies

Linda Dunn joined Elon in 1998 as the director of the Alamance County Dispute Settlement Center, where she trained a group of students and returned to train several faculty members in mediation skills, who later became volunteer mediators for the center. Dunn鈥檚 official start date on record is 2001, when she taught a two-credit mediation and conflict resolution skills course as part of a new minor called Nonviolent Studies. She retired at the end of December, 2025.

Federico Pous spoke on behalf of Dunn during the Faculty/Staff Awards luncheon, praising Dunn鈥檚 ability to teach hands-on peaceful conflict resolution skills and strategies across different social backgrounds.

鈥淟inda’s way of teaching and interacting with students, staff and professors, makes you feel that you are equal to her in the same community space,鈥� he shared.

鈥淚 will miss the students and their passion the things I teach,鈥� said Dunn. Two of her students attended the luncheon.

After retirement, she plans to attend cultural events on campus and potentially assist in future facilitated discussions on campus. She will also continue to volunteer as a mediator at the Alamance County District court, continue restorative circle skills and mediation and training skills with Restorative Justice Durham and the Orange County District County District court.

鈥淚 will continue to be an activist for restorative justice and peacemaking organizations as we navigate the chaos and violence in our world,鈥� she added.

Elizabeth Bailey

Assistant teaching professor of exercise science

Elizabeth Bailey began her career at Elon in 2004 and, enjoying the vibe of the community, wanted to be 鈥減art of it all.鈥� She started as a lecturer for the required wellness course, lectured for the School of Education before joining Exercise Science.

Retiring at the end of Spring semester, Bailey said she will most miss her colleagues and all the 鈥渇riends among the faculty and staff鈥� she has made while at Elon.

鈥淚 will also miss the opportunities to continue to learn that are available at Elon, whether it be through taking classes or participating in workshops or going abroad,鈥� she added. She said, while at Elon, he has learned a lot.

Bailey said her retirement plans continue to evolve, and she still intends to exercise classes and do some research on the side.

Kim Giles, 鈥�11 G鈥�16

Associate director of communications for the Student Professional Development Center

Since her first role in 1995, Kim Giles has served in various roles at the university, including data entry in admissions and accounting, budget clerk in the physical plant, program assistant for Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Studies, Engineering, Chemistry, and Physics, and assistant director of communications in the Student Professional Development Center.

Giles retired during the summer of 2025. She said she cherishes the opportunity to earn an MBA at Elon along with her daughter. She said about the experience, 鈥渨hat an unforgettable experience that was in crossing the stage along with my daughter to get our MBA鈥檚 together 鈥撎齣t was quite surreal.鈥�

Giles also reflected on traveling with peers and faculty to Vietnam and Singapore, the many evolutions of Staff Appreciation Day, and being honored as the staff member of the year 鈥撎齛n experience she said she will cherish forever.

Since retiring, Giles has taken nine cruises and has done kayaking, camping and gardening. She looks forward to continuing to spend time with family.

Sharon Moss LaRocco

University accompanist and instructor in music

Sharon Moss LaRocco was recognized at the Faculty/Staff Awards Luncheon by Hallie Hogan, associate professor of music. LaRocco joined the Elon Music Department in 1988 as a pianist for musical theater productions, music ensembles and student recitals.

Hogan shared, 鈥淎lthough she kept a very low profile, there was never any doubt about this, because she never missed a beat, much less a note, and maintained high quality for every performance she gave,” Hogan said.

She shared that students developed a strong admiration for LaRocco鈥檚 talent and a deep love for her kind and understanding nature.

Beyond Elon, Sharon has devoted herself to advocating for people with autism, through her work as a leader in the Office of Society of North Carolina, notably promoting autism awareness for the Native American communities of Western North Carolina.

At the awards ceremony, LaRocco shared that one of her favorite memories was the construction of Rhodes Stadium, which signaled to her the emergence of a marching band.

鈥淲ho doesn鈥檛 love a marching band?鈥� asked LaRocco to the audience. 鈥淎nd the spirit and the energy it creates walking through the campus, en route to the games.鈥�

Jana Lynn Patterson

Associate vice president for Student Life/dean of student health & well-being/assistant professor

During the Faculty/Staff Awards Luncheon, Jon Dooley, vice president for Student Life and associate professor of education, described Patterson as someone who is consistent in how she shows up for others, patient when a young leader makes a mistake, honest with students and colleagues even when it is hard and someone who not only believes in others, and one who helps others believe in themselves.

鈥淪he supported students in college through tragedy, advised student organizations, and celebrated their success,鈥� said Dooley. 鈥淪he has created spaces of welcome and belonging, and met the students in their darkest hours, helping them piece together on plans to move forward.鈥�

Patterson was also recognized for her 40 years of service and held back tears while addressing the audience. A first-generation student from Hope Mills, North Carolina, Patterson said her parents could have never dreamed where she is today.

鈥淭o my staff and colleagues, you are the A-Team,鈥� she shared. “But to everyone in this community, I want you to know that every day has been an honor and a pleasure to be a part of this community and to have worked with you.鈥�

Also retiring

Retiring staff members will be recognized on May 29 as part of Staff Appreciation Day.

• Joan Barnatt
• Mona DeVries
• Chris Dockrill, head women’s golf coach
• Sharon Hodge
• John Chinnici, community service officer
• David “DD” Donohue, painter
• Kelly Elliston
• Gloria Graves, custodian
• William “Tom” Hall, telecommunications technician
• Rhonda Kosusko, associate director of career services, education and Elon
• Katherine Rodriguez, assistant director for application processing
• Michelle Stephens, custodian
• Ed Williams, service desk analyst
• Donna Wood , electronic services/ acquisitions librarian

Kussman, who retired from Elon this year, asked the graduates whether they were ready to change the world, whether their families were ready for them to enter the nursing profession, whether the faculty were prepared to continue supporting and encouraging them, and whether the administration was ready to send them into the world. Each question was met with a resounding 鈥測es.鈥�

鈥淵our career can grow with you. Shift with you. Support you. Again and again,鈥� Kussman said. 鈥淎nd the answer is yes.鈥�

Thirty-eight Bachelor of Science in Nursing students were honored during a May 21 pinning ceremony in McCrary Theater attended by faculty, staff, family members and friends. The tradition of the nursing pin dates back to the Middle Ages. However, modern nursing symbolism is often associated with Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, whose nurses were identified by the Maltese cross displayed on their uniforms.

鈥淭he world you are graduating into is complicated. Healthcare is changing. Systems are stressed and overwhelmed. And real trust is rare,鈥� Kussman told graduates. 鈥淎nd that鈥檚 why you matter so much. Because when a patient is scared, they don鈥檛 ask for a flow chart, they don鈥檛 ask for a piece of paper 鈥� they ask for a nurse.鈥�

In 2021, Elon launched both a traditional four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and a 16-month accelerated program for students who had already completed a bachelor鈥檚 degree. The Class of 2026 marks the second cohort to graduate from the university鈥檚 four-year BSN program.

Taylor Girard 鈥�26, who introduced Kussman during the ceremony, described her as a professor who 鈥渃reates a learning environment where students feel supported, challenged and genuinely seen.鈥� Kussman also reminded graduates of the 鈥渇our Cs of nursing鈥� emphasized throughout their time at Elon: competence, caring, communication and cultural awareness.

鈥淵our patients may not remember the medications, they may not remember the procedures, but they will remember that kindness,鈥� Kussman said. 鈥淎nd when they rang that bell, somebody showed up who knew what to do.鈥�

Student speaker Maiah Giampietro 鈥�26 reflected on the close bonds formed within the cohort and the importance of becoming 鈥渇lexible, creative people,鈥� a phrase students heard often throughout the program. That adaptability, she said, helped carry them through both the challenges and successes of nursing school.

鈥淣o shift goes exactly how you plan it. No patient is exactly like a textbook example. Rarely does anything work out exactly how you plan it,鈥� Giampietro said. 鈥淏ut we are now equipped with the skills, the knowledge and the confidence to put plan B into action 鈥� whatever that may look like. This is what makes us ready.鈥�

Following the presentation of pins, led by Kussman and Jeanmarie Koonts, assistant professor of nursing, graduates and registered nurses in attendance recited the Nursing Professional Oath, led by Elizabeth Tonaj 鈥�26. Giampietro reflected on the significance of the pledge in her remarks.

鈥淚t represents the kind of nurses we have spent the last four years learning about,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he nurses who advocate. The nurses who listen. And the nurses who care even on the hardest of days. We are those nurses.鈥�

As the ceremony concluded, Cathy Quay, chair of the Department of Nursing, reminded graduates of both the responsibility and impact of their profession.

鈥淥ur healthcare system needs you, our communities need you, our world needs you,鈥� Quay said. 鈥淏ecause nursing, perhaps more than any other profession, holds the power to change lives.鈥�

Department Awards

Academic Achievement Award: Allison Schult 鈥�26
This award is presented to the students with the highest overall GPA and has a commitment to academic excellence.

Trailblazer Award: Victoria Whetstone 鈥�26
This award is presented to a senior nursing student who exemplifies integrity, accuracy and innovative leadership. Nominated and voted on by students and faculty, the recipient shows outstanding leadership, listens and guides others, is dedicated to driving change, raising awareness of social justice issues, and fostering an equitable campus community.

Heart of the Cohort: Eamonn Gallagher 鈥�26
This award is presented to a senior nursing student who inspires their peers and demonstrates a commitment to encouraging and supporting fellow students. Nominated and voted on by students, the recipient is known for their positive attitude, ability to motivate others, and perseverance throughout the program.

Phoenix Award: Allison Schult 鈥�26
The Phoenix Award is given to a senior nursing student who excels in supporting peers and the Elon Department of Nursing throughout their program. Nominated and voted by students and faculty, the recipient demonstrates outstanding academic achievements, excellent character and interactions, active involvement in university organizations and significant community services, all while promoting the nursing profession and enhancing student life.

2026 Bachelor of Science in Nursing Graduates

Gia Agrawal
Gabrielle Carlson
Grace Dias
Leah Freeman
Jillian Freglette
Eamonn Gallagher
Maiah Giampietro
Taylor Girard
Skye Greene
Julianna Hood
Eva Korn
Meredith Korwan
Haley Kyle
Kalia Lilly
Amelia Loughlin
Kali Mahoney
Louisa Manthe
Jake Marion
Caroline McCormic
Emily McNamee
Olivia Minchello
Sara Morrison
Lauren Murray
Lauren Noble
Katherine O鈥橬eill
Jenna Petrarca
Eva Rashkovsky
Katherine Richer
Julia Ricker
Lathan Rubant
Emily Sabad
Allison Schult
Alexandra Simon
Elizabeth Tonaj
Paris Van Dyke
Victoria Whetstone
Dylin Wilson
Alaina Witter

福利亚洲国产精品’s newly launched Master鈥檚 Program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) has achieved Criteria C status through the North Carolina Addictions Specialist Professional Practice Board (NCASPPB), marking a significant milestone in the program鈥檚 continued development and commitment to workforce-responsive counselor education.

Criteria C approval confirms that the program鈥檚 curriculum includes the academic coursework and supervised clinical training necessary for graduates to pursue the educational requirements associated with the Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (LCAS) pathway in North Carolina. This designation further enhances the program鈥檚 ability to prepare counselors to meet growing behavioral health and substance use treatment needs across the state.

Housed within Elon鈥檚 School of Health Sciences, the CMHC program was intentionally designed to address critical mental health workforce shortages through innovative and clinically rigorous counselor preparation. The 60-credit program combines strong foundational counseling training with integrated experiences in trauma-informed care, addictions counseling, wellness, and emerging mental health practices.

鈥淭his milestone reflects 福利亚洲国产精品鈥檚 commitment to preparing highly competent, ethical, and adaptable counselors equipped to serve individuals, families, and communities facing increasingly complex mental health and substance use challenges,鈥� said Associate Professor Raychelle Lohmann. 鈥淐riteria C status strengthens our students鈥� professional opportunities while helping expand access to qualified behavioral health providers throughout North Carolina.鈥�

鈥淥ur goal has always been to prepare counselors who can respond thoughtfully to the realities people are facing today,鈥� said Judy Folmar, chair and interim program director. 鈥淢ental health and substance use challenges are deeply interconnected, and our students will learn to approach care in integrated, ethical, and relationship-centered ways.鈥�

The CMHC program is currently preparing for its inaugural cohort and was developed in alignment with national best practices in counselor education. The program features a hybrid cohort model, close faculty mentorship, immersive clinical training experiences, and strong partnerships with community agencies and healthcare systems.

The Criteria C designation also reflects Elon鈥檚 broader mission to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, community engagement, and innovative approaches to addressing pressing health and wellness needs.

Applications for the Fall 2026 inaugural cohort are open until June 15, 2026.

For more information about 福利亚洲国产精品鈥檚 Master鈥檚 Program in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, visit: /u/academics/health-sciences/clinical-mental-health-counseling/

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• Commencement 2026: Kaitlyn Lewis 鈥�26 advances through Alamance-Elon education pipeline
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福利亚洲国产精品 will celebrate more than 1,500 graduates during two ceremonies on Friday, May 22, in Schar Center as part of the university鈥檚 136th Commencement Exercises.

Patricia Walsh Chadwick P鈥�16 will deliver the commencement address to the Class of 2026, drawing from her accomplished career in finance and a life marked by diverse personal and professional experiences.

鈥淎s an Elon parent, I have watched with admiration as first President Lambert, and now President Book, have propelled 福利亚洲国产精品 to new heights in both scholastic excellence and expanded degree programs,鈥� Chadwick said. 鈥淭he Class of 2026 faced the challenge of spending part of high school under the duress of the COVID pandemic and remote learning, and their graduation from 福利亚洲国产精品 exemplifies their commitment to excellence.鈥�

Ruby Radis 鈥�26, a human service studies major from Chicago, Illinois, has been selected to deliver the 鈥淢essage of Appreciation.鈥澨�Her address will center on the 鈥渕agic鈥� of the relationships students build at Elon: 鈥淚 believe in the way that Elon fosters relationships unlike any other place I鈥檝e been,鈥� said Radis.

The 9 a.m. ceremony will honor graduates from the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business and the School of Communications. The 2:30 p.m. ceremony will recognize graduates from Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences; the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education; and the School of Health Sciences.

Candidates for the Master of Arts in Higher Education, Master of Education in Innovation, Master of Science in Accounting, Master of Science in Business Analytics, and Master of Business Administration will participate in a separate graduate ceremony on May 20 at 7 p.m. in Alumni Gym. Journalist and author Katie Blunt 鈥�15 will deliver the address during the evening ceremony.

More information on Elon’s 136th Commencement is available online.

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When she initially applied to Elon, Allie Schult 鈥�26 was planning to join Elon鈥檚 accelerated physician assistant program.

鈥淚 got waitlisted for it,鈥� Schult explained. 鈥淎nd when I was on the waitlist, my mom was like, 鈥榃ait, what about the nursing program?鈥� I was like, 鈥楴o, you have to apply. I can鈥檛 just ask,鈥� but she told me to just do it.鈥�

Schult always knew she wanted to work in the healthcare sphere, so she emailed the Department of Nursing explaining that she had interviewed for the physician assistant studies program, but was now interested in becoming a nursing major. After verification of her test scores, she was switched into the program, and the rest was history.

鈥淎nd so, then I had to tell my mom, 鈥極h, you were right. I did just have to ask!鈥� But I鈥檓 really glad I did, and I鈥檝e loved every second of it.鈥�

On campus, Schult has held various positions related to her journey in the health sciences, starting as an anatomy lab teaching assistant and later becoming a human physiology tutor. Additionally, Schult works once a week with fellow nursing student Lathan Rubant 鈥�26 to answer any questions for younger nursing majors through PAL (Peer Assisted Learning) sessions.

鈥淲e say, 鈥楤ring any muddy points that you鈥檙e confused about,鈥� and they come in. We help them talk through things and clear up points that might not have been completely clear in class,鈥� said Schult. 鈥淚 feel like that鈥檚 probably the biggest thing I do in relation to nursing.鈥�

Schult also shadowed Lori Hubbard, assistant professor of nursing, who works as a lactation consultant on the labor and delivery floor of Cone Health Alamance Regional Hospital. This inspired her to explore the pediatric route of nursing.

鈥淚 used to work in a daycare, I like working with kids,鈥� Schult explained. 鈥淏ut then this past summer, I went out on a limb and applied to an externship at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, so I got to work in an adult hematology oncology unit, which is adults with blood disorders and cancer.鈥�

This introduced her to a different side of medicine, which she combined to find her post-graduate position at Children鈥檚 Healthcare of Atlanta, working in pediatric hematology oncology.

鈥淚 never thought about doing oncology at all, but then after my summer, I realized these are the best people, and there are good victories,鈥� Schult explained.

In commending her accomplishments in the nursing program, Hubbard noted the social media series Schult conducts to motivate fellow nursing students.

“Allie embodies the heart and future of nursing. She will bring immense knowledge as well as seasoned talents in peer mentorship and collaboration to the profession,鈥� said Hubbard. 鈥淗er social media series that she films to encourage and inform other nursing students about study habits and test-taking skills for successfully navigating nursing school is the perfect representation of her character and compassion.鈥�

As she prepares to graduate from Elon on May 22, Schult credits the closeness of her nursing cohort, class sizes and professors in shaping her experience.

鈥淭here are such small class sizes, and with 39 of us in the nursing cohort, we鈥檝e been together since freshman year. We did our Elon 1010 together, so we鈥檝e been together since the beginning. I think it鈥檚 just nice that you get to spend so much time together, and they really get to know you, and the professors do too,鈥� Schult explained.

Assistant Professor of Nursing Jeanmarie Koonts served as Schult鈥檚 advisor in the nursing program.

鈥淪he has really seen me through it all, all of my dilemmas with things,鈥� Schult explained. 鈥淚 went to her when I was debating what kind of nurse I wanted to be and what I wanted to do for my senior practicum, and she just sat down with me and let me talk through all of my thoughts.鈥�

“Allie exemplifies what it means to be both an outstanding scholar and an impactful, servant leader. Her academic excellence is matched by her dedication as a peer tutor and PALS leader, consistently uplifting others with patience, insight, and a collaborative spirit,鈥� said Koonts. 鈥淭his dedication is evident not only in her work but also in the genuine care and concern she brings to her patients, friends, and colleagues.鈥�

In discussing the program, Schult attributed the size of Elon to creating a more individualized experience.

鈥淚 think all the professors have been instrumental in their own ways. I think that鈥檚 the great thing about being here, is that they all know you,鈥� said Schult. “You鈥檙e not just a number, you鈥檙e a person.鈥�

Ahead of 福利亚洲国产精品鈥檚 136th Commencement on May 22, 2026, Today at Elon is highlighting several graduating seniors who have made the most of their Elon experience.

Hutchinson began research shortly after arriving on campus and is working alongside Assistant Professor of Biology Efrain Rivera-Serrano to study how certain viruses interact with the immune system.

鈥淎s a nursing major, I have always wanted to make a meaningful difference in people鈥檚 lives,鈥� he said. 鈥淢y interest in cancer research became more personal after my grandmother was diagnosed with leukemia. Although leukemia was not the direct model used in my current project, that personal experience motivated me to pursue cancer-focused research more broadly.鈥�

The article emphasizes that Hutchinson鈥檚 work is part of a broader effort to develop innovative cancer therapies that complement traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. By understanding how viruses trigger immune responses, researchers hope to create more targeted and effective approaches to fighting the disease.

Hutchinson presented his research at Elon’s Spring Undergraduate Research Forum on April 28.

Suzan Wasik听and Raychelle Lohmann,听associate听professors of听clinical听mental听health听counseling, were selected as 2026听U-PEP听Faculty Fellows (University Psychedelic Education Program).听University Psychedelic Education Program Fellows are interdisciplinary and听largely come听from graduate-level, clinically oriented programs such as nursing, social work,听medicine听and psychology. Lohmann and Wasik say that Elon is one of the first clinical mental health counseling programs in the country to join U-PEP.听The two-year fellowship is offered through the Psychedelic Education Partnership, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit听鈥渄edicated to advancing healthcare system readiness through rigorous, evidence-based, interdisciplinary听education in psychedelic science and care.鈥澨�听

鈥淓ducation is a critical foundation for the safe, ethical and equitable integration of psychedelic-assisted care,鈥� said Sandy Samberg, founder and board chair of PEP. 鈥淎s the clinical research base continues to grow and interest expands, the need for a well-prepared workforce has become increasingly urgent. The Psychedelic Education Partnership was created to meet this moment鈥攎aintaining听a clear focus on scientific rigor, collaboration, and education that meets clinicians and educators where they are.鈥�听

The fellowship听includes many leading universities and research institutions, including听Johns Hopkins, Columbia University, University of Pennsylvania, UNC, and Yale, and听blends in-person and virtual instruction, mentorship from experienced educators, researchers, and clinicians, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and peer exchange.听Fellows also gain access to curated curricular materials through a dedicated Resource Hub.听Together, these elements are designed to help participants build foundational knowledge while developing the confidence to听responsibly听and ethically听integrate psychedelic education听into a range of academic settings.听

Both听Elon听faculty members will apply what they learn to their teaching in听the university鈥檚听new听Master of Science听program in听Clinical Mental Health Counseling, which听launches in Fall 2026. Offered at both the university鈥檚 main campus and its Charlotte national campus, the program aims to prepare competent, compassionate, and ethical counselors while addressing a growing听workforce听demand in the mental health field.听

鈥淲e are听very excited听to be able to talk about this in a way that is supported in听the literature听and in听evidence-based听practice.听听Most听master鈥檚 degree programs do听not offer听any听exposure or听education about听psychedelics and mental health,鈥� said Wasik. 鈥淎s clinicians and educators, we will be able to talk about what鈥檚 happening in the听profession听and be able to use that information听to train this next generation of mental health counselors on听all the different听effective evidence-backed ways to help our clients.鈥�听

Wasik notes听that most psychedelic therapeutic treatments听remain听in the clinical trial phase, though ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is currently legal. In her private practice, she collaborates with referring physicians to provide integrative counseling and consulting services for individuals pursuing this form of treatment.听听According to Wasik, researchers are also studying substances such as MDMA, psilocybin, and ibogaine for their potential to treat PTSD and addiction, with particularly promising results among veteran populations.听

Lohmann specializes in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy), which she says could potentially be integrated with psychedelic therapies.听听听

鈥淲hat听inspires听me about this听opportunity听is听the promising research surrounding Ketamine听Assisted EMDR and听the potential for these advancements to help inform听the evolving use of psychedelics in treatment,鈥� said Lohmann.听鈥淲e really have an opportunity to leave a footprint in our profession to help people. And with U-PEP, we get to develop curricula, engage听in听meaningful听conversations听surrounding responsible care,听bring听continuing education into the Elon community, and most importantly,听raise awareness听about ethical and science-based psychedelic therapy.鈥�听

for Elon鈥檚听Clinical Mental Health Counseling program are now open, with a deadline of June 15.听

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福利亚洲国产精品 held its largest-ever Spring Undergraduate Research Forum on April 28, featuring 384 presentations, including 229 poster presentations, 155 oral presentations, and performances.

SURF Day is an annual event at the university, during which other campus activities are suspended to celebrate the academically centered creative endeavors and research efforts of Elon students. Undergraduate research is also one of the five Elon Experiences, which provides a natural extension of the work students do in the classroom and ensures that Elon graduates are prepared for both graduate school and careers.

鈥淪URF continues to be the flagship event for undergraduate research on campus,鈥� said Justin Clar, director of the undergraduate research program and associate professor of chemistry. 鈥淭he record number of submissions is evidence of not only student involvement, but the work of dedicated mentors committed to preparing students for future success.鈥�

Jen Hamel, associate director of undergraduate research and associate professor of biology, says putting together such a large event is a team effort.

“A lot of people work to make this day possible at Elon: our dedicated events and facilities staff, the Powell student workers, the faculty session moderators, abstract reviewers, and mentors and the Undergraduate Research team. And of course, the students work all year on their research and creative projects,” Hamel said.

Throughout the day, students gave poster presentations in three sessions held in Alumni Gym, with oral presentations held throughout campus. Emily Stuart 鈥�26, a professional writing and rhetoric major from Basking Ridge, New Jersey, was presenting for the first time at SURF. Her research focused on the perception of artificial intelligence integration in the digital marketing and communication workforce.

鈥淚 am a graduating senior, so I wanted to feel as prepared as possible for the workforce, and I do know that AI integration has become a major part of a lot of different fields,鈥� Stuart said. 鈥淚t felt like a really good way to tie it all together as part of my senior experience.鈥�

Stuart did a literature review and sent out a survey to Elon alumni to get their perspectives. She found alumni discussed similar benefits to AI, including helping with productivity, but also expressed concerns over the environment, job loss and data privacy.

鈥淭his is my capstone research, I have spent a lot of time on it, and it does feel good to have people come up and want to learn about my research and being interested in it. It鈥檚 been a really cool way to end my semester,鈥� she said.

While Stuart is capping off her Elon career with SURF, Chris Guider 鈥�29, a business analytics and economics double major from Holly Springs, North Carolina, is beginning his academic career at the annual event.

Guider鈥檚 project examines the effectiveness of the new NFL kickoff rules introduced in 2024. The changes, designed to improve player safety, created multiple 鈥渢ouchback鈥� scenarios, situations where the ball is placed at different yard lines depending on how a kickoff ends.

鈥淚t鈥檚 rewarding because there are a lot of skills I鈥檓 learning, like coding in R or being able to interpret data,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 just reinforcing that I chose the right school because of the relationship I have with the professors I鈥檝e been able to work with here.鈥�

Students collaborate closely with faculty mentors throughout the research process鈥攁n aspect Abram Darby 鈥�26, a psychology major, especially appreciated while working with his mentor, Adi Wiezel, assistant professor of psychology.

鈥淪he鈥檚 very motivated, enthusiastic and outgoing. It was easy to get involved in the project,鈥� Darby said. 鈥淥ur lab environment is great, too.鈥�

Darby鈥檚 research examined how voters鈥� views on childcare policies might influence their preference for different types of political leaders鈥攕pecifically, a knowledgeable female leader versus a more dominant and threatening male leader.

Initial pilot data suggested a connection, but it was based on the 2016 presidential election, when the Democratic candidate was a woman and Democrats were already associated with childcare policies. To explore the idea further, Darby selected an election in which a Republican female candidate defeated a male Democratic candidate. He removed party identifiers and asked participants which candidate they preferred, along with their reasons.

鈥淲hat we found was among people who are motivated by childcare policies, when they perceive the female leader as being more prestigious than the male leader, they prefer them over the male leader significantly, suggesting that childcare policies may be a good proxy for who is going to win an election,鈥� Darby said.

Catherine Dierker 鈥�27, a history major with teaching licensure from Marietta, Georgia, also explored the political landscape, but in a different way. Her oral presentation focused on how educators can better prepare young people to participate in democracy. Her project examines effective practices in civics education, drawing from national and international data, teacher interviews and existing scholarship.

Mentored by Professor of Political Science and Public Policy Carrie Eaves, Dierker said the experience has been both academically rigorous and personally meaningful.

鈥淪he鈥檚 fantastic,鈥� said Dierker of Eaves. 鈥淚t鈥檚 those little connections that were nice to talk about and then really dive into the details of the research.鈥�

In addition to SURF, students also have the opportunity to present research during the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience in June/July.

More than 50 students and several teachers from ABSS CTEC Burlington joined Elon鈥檚 Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, Department of Exercise Science and Performing Arts to celebrate National Biomechanics Day, an annual global event held since 2016. All of the CTEC students were on the health science track, making the experience an opportunity to connect their academic interests with potential future pathways.

Students rotated through six stations focused on different aspects of biomechanics, each designed to highlight both fundamental concepts and practical applications.

At the static balance station, participants completed variations of the Balance Error Scoring System (BESS), testing their ability to maintain stability in double-leg, single-leg and tandem stances on both firm and foam surfaces. The neuromotor station focused on coordination and motor learning through activities like mirror tracing, maze completion and target-based drawing tasks. At the strength station, students measured grip strength using handheld dynamometers and observed muscle activation through electromyography (EMG).

Movement was further explored at the tandem gait station, where students walked heel-to-toe along a straight line. As they progressed from forward to backwards walking and added cognitive challenges like counting or spelling backwards, the tasks became increasingly difficult. At the jump station, participants measured their vertical and horizontal jumping ability, learning how lower-body power is assessed in sports and exercise settings. The final station challenged students to think like engineers. Using simple materials, groups built functional models of an elbow joint, aiming to replicate natural movement. The activity highlighted the relationship between biomechanics and design, with connections to prosthetics and rehabilitation technology.

Faculty from exercise science, performing arts and physical therapy, along with student volunteers, led the stations and guided discussions throughout the day. Their involvement created a collaborative environment where participants could ask questions, test ideas and explore new interests.

By the end of the event, students were left with a deeper understanding of how biomechanics applies to everyday movement, health, and performance; as well as a clearer picture of how those interests could shape their future.