Kernodle Center for Civic Life | Today at Elon | ��޹��Ʒ

Periclean Scholars welcome the Class of 2029

Amanda Tapler — Tue, 12 May 2026 13:29:36 +0000

The Periclean Scholars Program welcomed 15 rising sophomores who were officially inducted into the Periclean Scholars Class of 2029.

During the next three years, the Periclean Scholars Class of 2029 will work with faculty mentor Vanessa Drew-Branch, associate professor in the Department of Human Service Studies.

During an event on April 30 in Sato Commons, Drew-Branch, welcomed the Class of 2029 by introducing the cohort’s theme of food sovereignty at ��޹��Ʒ and in St. Kitts and Nevis. Drawing connections between local and global food systems, Drew-Branch encouraged Scholars to think critically about issues of food insecurity, food apartheid, justice, dignity and sustainability. She highlighted how colonial legacies, climate change and inequitable systems continue to shape access to healthy and culturally appropriate food while emphasizing the importance of community-centered, sustainable agricultural practices. Through her remarks, students were challenged to approach this work with humility, curiosity, and a commitment to building authentic partnerships rooted in reciprocity and social justice.

The newly inducted members of the Periclean Scholars Class of 2029:

Melanie Alarcon
Katherine Banker
Autumn Boyce
Kimara delRosario
Willow Evans
Travis Greene
Simone Lewis-Abdeen
Mason Marks
Tia Nelson
Jazline Rogel Sanchez
Ally Rotenberg
Kylie Rukavina
Gabriella Shew
Hazel Silverstein
Shukri Siraji
Caleb Slosberg

The Periclean Scholars Program provides students with a distinctive three-year educational experience focused on global engagement, interdisciplinary learning and ethical community partnership. Each cohort studies a specific country or region, collaborating with local and global partners to gain a deeper understanding of complex social challenges and develop sustainable, justice-centered initiatives.

Throughout the program, acholars complete 18 semester hours of coursework during their sophomore, junior, and senior years under the guidance of their faculty mentor. Through these courses and experiential learning opportunities, students explore best practices in community engagement, examine the critical distinction between charity and partnership, and learn to approach social change through collaboration, reciprocity, and long-term relationship building.

As the Periclean Scholars Class of 2026 prepares to graduate, the induction of the Class of 2029 reflects the continued legacy of student leadership, ethical partnership, and community-engaged global learning that defines the program.

Elon students and faculty extend multifaith engagement to the community

Avery Craine Powell — Wed, 06 May 2026 13:56:20 +0000

Campus organizations and programs at ��޹��Ʒ extend multifaith engagement beyond the classroom and into the community, a primary goal of the university’s Multifaith Strategic Plan, which strives to “support opportunities for multifaith learning and engagement for all members of the academic community.”

“Elon has done incredible work in enfranchising multifaith as an academic as well as a student affairs initiative, aligning and even blending those areas in meaningful ways that enhance the student experience,” said Amy Allocco, director of the Multifaith Scholars Program and a professor of religious studies.

The Multifaith Scholars Program, a two-year program founded in 2016, emphasizes interdisciplinary learning as student scholars undertake original research projects and study in global contexts connected with religious diversity and multireligious societies.

Learning by teaching

The scholars program also includes aspects of community engagement. For example, students help with youth nights, work in the community garden and teach English as a second language at the Burlington Masjid.

“Students are learning how to ethically engage in communities across lines of religious, cultural, and linguistic differences and to engage with cultural humility, like going to a space where you need to learn the appropriate ways of dressing and behaving,” said Sandy Marshall, associate professor of geography, who works with the scholars at the Masjid. “All those types of intercultural learning skills are invaluable for students.”

Alyssa Carney ’26 and ESL students at the Burlington Masjid

The goal of the English language classes, the multifaith scholars say, is to get people from an elementary English level to a place where they can have conversations and take more advanced courses. They held their first graduation from the classes in 2025. Marshall says that over the last several years, the language classes have grown, particularly due to the initiative of scholars like Alyssa Carney ’26, an international & global studies and religious studies double major from Allendale, New Jersey.

Marshall asked Carney to lead the class, which has now grown to 15-25 people per session.

Realizing the extent of the work, Carney leaned on her cohort in the Multifaith Scholars Program to help, noting that it turned into an experience she never expected.

“It’s a vulnerable part of somebody’s life, because I know that isn’t easy for them to come to a bunch of young college students, as older adults, and not know the language and ask for help,” said Carney. “I also love the exchange of all of it. They teach me probably way more than I teach them. I learn not only Arabic words, but also about their lives.”

Owen Hayes ’26, a history major from Holly Springs, North Carolina, minoring in and is one of the Multifaith Scholars helping Carney at the Masjid.

“The most impactful part for me is seeing their improvement and them being happy with themselves, that they are achieving their goals, just being a small part of that,” he said.

Community celebration

Students at the 2025 Eid al-Fitr celebration

Elon’s connection to the Masjid also includes celebratory events like Eid al-Fitr, marking the conclusion of Ramadan, a month during which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk and gather for nightly meals known as iftars. It includes members of the Elon community and members of the Burlington Masjid and is part of the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life’s festival series, religious programs that create space not only to mark holidays, but to deepen understanding of culture, meaning, traditions and values.

Behind the festival series are multifaith interns, Elon students who work to create space, build and cultivate relationships, lead programs and facilitate learning opportunities about religious and spiritual identities and experiences on campus and beyond.

“One of the learning outcomes of the internship is for students to learn to curate spaces for religious and spiritual celebrations that are authentic expressions of those traditions, as well as spaces for education and community building,” said Hillary Zaken, director of multifaith programming and engagement.

Lizeth Torres-Tomas ’27, a political science and sociology double major with minors in and Latin American studies, is one of the multifaith interns who says the program has helped her understand and nurture her own purpose.

“Religion is taboo for a lot of people,” said Torres-Tomas, who is from Hendersonville, North Carolina. “But when we create spaces where people can talk about their faith or uncertainty, we’re contributing to their well-being.”

In the clinic and kitchen

Multifaith community work extends across religions for Elon students. Students in Elon’s Department of Nursing can work clinical hours with a nurse in Cone Health’s , which supports people of all faiths and community organizations. Students have completed clinical hours with Freedom’s Hope, Salvation Army and SAFE – Southern Alamance Family Empowerment.

Campus Kitchen, a program through the Kernodle Center for Civic Life was founded in 2011 and focuses on providing meals to Allied Churches of Alamance County. Students work in three shifts: harvesting produce at Loy Farm, cooking the food at Lakeside Dining and then serving the meals at the church. The program provides about 100 meals per week.

��޹��Ʒ President Connie Ledoux Book and Lillian Argabrite ’26 participate in a Campus Kitchen shift.

Megan DeMarco ’26, a human service studies major from Midland Park, New Jersey, is the director of Campus Kitchen and says the goal is to address food insecurity in areas around college campuses.

“When I did my first Allied Churches shift, it was definitely more of an impact on me seeing the actual people and clientele that were helping,” DeMarco said. “That’s why a big thing that we push is for our volunteers to go to all three shifts.”

Brian Pennington, director of the Center for the Study of Religion, Culture and Society, says that Elon’s multifaith strategic planning and implementation process has achieved a level of integration that helps set a new national standard.

“When an institution can engage students thoughtfully on questions of meaning, purpose, faith and doubt at the same time that it asks them to think critically about religion as a powerful force that impacts history, society, and politics, it is really doing the hard work of training leaders for a future that looks increasingly complex,” Pennington said.

This story is the third in a series of stories focusing on ��޹��Ʒ’s Multifaith Strategic Plan.

Student opportunities grow as Elon-Queens merger takes shape

Eric Townsend — Mon, 04 May 2026 22:27:34 +0000

As Queens University and ��޹��Ʒ progress in their merger, shared values are taking root through impactful, student-focused initiatives.

Beginning this fall, Queens will align its undergraduate academic calendar with Elon’s undergraduate calendar. The most notable change will be the reintroduction of Winter Term at Queens, a short, intensive session in January that allows students to focus on a single course or study abroad experience.

��޹��Ʒ and Queens University of Charlotte both encourage students to study abroad during their studies as an avenue to broaden global perspectives.

“J-Term gave Queens students something rare — three weeks each January alongside our closest friends to discover who we were through service, career exploration, and international travel,” said Queens alumna Staci McBride ’92. “We forged lifelong memories while living our motto, ‘Not to be served, but to serve.’ I am thrilled that this transformative tradition will now be part of the student experience again, and I can’t wait to see the lasting bonds and impact it will have on their lives.”

A highlight for many students is the intentional opportunity to study abroad in January. Both institutions have thriving study abroad programs, from Elon’s nationally ranked participation rate to .

“J-Term gives students the opportunity to engage deeply in a single course, often in a global context, and to complement their learning in ways that are not possible during a traditional semester,” said Nick Gozik, dean of global education at Elon. “Expanding this approach to Queens creates a meaningful opportunity as the two institutions come together.”

For LMA Alexander, executive director of the Pulliam Center for International Education at Queens, this new term brings fresh possibilities for JBIP. “The John Belk International Program is a cornerstone of the Queens undergraduate experience,” she said. “Queens has a long tradition of dynamic, multi-disciplinary faculty-led programs, and the addition of J-term will create new opportunities for innovative programming in collaboration with our Elon colleagues.”

In another integration move designed to expand opportunity for students, the two institutions have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formalize a priority-admission pathway for Queens undergraduates to Elon’s School of Law. Both teams are actively working to share more details with students in the coming weeks.

J-Term gives students the opportunity to engage deeply in a single course, often in a global context, and to complement their learning in ways that are not possible during a traditional semester. Expanding this approach to Queens creates a meaningful opportunity as the two institutions come together.

– Nick Gozik, dean of global education at ��޹��Ʒ

Evidenced through the service and experiential learning emphasized on both campuses, Queens and Elon share a commitment to civic engagement. This core belief will come to life through the Deliberative Citizenship Network (DCN), which recently invited both schools to join its inaugural cohort.

“The DCN highlights some norms or expectations that surround effective dialogues,” said Naeemah Clark, associate provost for academic inclusive excellence at Elon. “Active listening, empathic and ethical discourse, and evidence-based argumentation are essential elements that are at the heart of a liberal arts education.”

Margaret Commins, chair of the political science, international studies and sociology department, shared, “We’re excited about the opportunity to work with a national cohort to learn best practices for integrating deliberation into the curriculum and co-curriculum, and for working with our Elon colleagues to develop creative campus and cross-campus programming in this area.”

The DCN program will bring together two faculty members, one staff member, and 10 students from each participating school. The program will teach best practices and innovative ideas that can be woven into and beyond the classroom. “Students who can demonstrate these skills will be better learners and leaders in their post-graduation lives,” Clark added.

The Elon team will be led by Dillan Bono-Lunn, assistant professor of political science and public policy and faculty fellow for civic engagement; Bob Frigo, assistant dean of campus life and director of the Kernodle Center for Civic Life; and Andrew Moffa, assistant director of the Kernodle Center for Civic Life.

The DCN participants won’t be the only ones working together this summer. With an expected June vote on the merger by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, many administrative departments at Queens are preparing to integrate effective July 1, 2026, officially becoming employees of Elon.

The first phase of integration brings new employee benefits — along with understandable questions from staff. To help ease the transition, Jeff Stein and Pamela Davies, co-chairs of the integration team, are holding coffee chats — open hours where any Queens employee can sign up to learn more about the process and ask their questions. The plan is to extend these coffee chats to Elon employees as well.

“Mergers are hard work,” Stein said. “Yet it’s been exciting to see how collaborations across Queens and Elon have already produced new opportunities and pathways for students — an early signal of what becomes possible when we work together to build what students need next.”

Elon Charlotte hosts non-profit College Coffee

Ashley Pinney — Mon, 04 May 2026 14:21:04 +0000

On April 24, Elon Charlotte hosted its largest College Coffee to date. Alumni, non-profit professionals and community partners were invited to the Non-Profit Industry College Coffee to participate in one of Elon’s oldest traditions.

Attendees connected with members of the Kernodle Center for Civic Life and Charlotte campus team members to learn more about Elon’s engagement with area non-profits.

Since Elon Charlotte was established in the fall of 2023, the campus has worked to learn about the needs of the Charlotte metro area and support the community through student volunteering and donation drives. Associate Director of Elon Charlotte Karen Neff, partners with Roof Above, a shelter for unhoused men, each semester, and arranges for Study USA Charlotte students to serve dinner there. Human Service Studies practicum students spent part of a winter term volunteering at Beds for Kids, Roof Above, Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation and Gigi’s Playhouse, and heard from representatives from Abara: Beyond Borders and Wayfinders about their organizations.

This past winter, Lavette Shirley, assistant program director for physician assistant studies in Charlotte, led efforts to support the Charlotte Rescue Mission (CRM). CRM serves men and women at the intersection of homelessness and addiction. Elon donated two large bins of coats, clothing, toothpaste, lotion, soap, shampoo, menstrual pads and other toiletries to the women at this facility. The Women’s Law Association, an Elon law student organization, also collected women’s hygiene supplies to support Safe Alliance, a nonprofit agency providing hope and healing to those impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. Law students have also been active as volunteers in the community, supporting organizations such as the Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy, Legal Aid, the Mecklenburg Bar Foundation, the North Carolina Bar Foundation, the Mecklenburg Council of Elders and more.

Elena Kennedy, Elon’s faculty fellow for community-based learning, speaks at the Elon Charlotte College Coffee event on April 23

Elena Kennedy, Elon’s faculty fellow for community-based learning, spoke to the group at the event and shared that last year the ��޹��Ʒ community invested over 85,000 service hours in community organizations, about half of which were in the context of community-engaged courses. Other ��޹��Ʒ community members highlighted several opportunities for community organizations to engage with the campus, including partnering with classes, hosting interns, developing tailored lunch and learn sessions for professional development and participating in deliberative dialogues.

Learn more about the work of the Kernodle Center for Civic Life. Alumni can stay informed of upcoming events in Charlotte through the alumni calendar.

Elon students explore the connection between sustainability and well-being

Kelsey Armstrong — Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:33:37 +0000

When you think about sustainability, health and well-being aren’t always the first things that come to mind; however, they are more connected than one might expect.

“Sustainability, health and wellness are deeply connected because the health of people is inseparable from the health of the environments we live in,” said Kelly Harer, associate director of sustainability for education and outreach. “Clean air, safe water, nutritious food systems and access to green spaces all support both environmental sustainability and human wellbeing.”

A group of Elon students learned firsthand how these connections can come to life during an alternative break experience.

(Left to Right)Sophie Frank ‘29, Grace Smith ‘27, Nivea Millner ’26 and Betsy Knapp ’28, at the Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary visitor center during the Alternative Break experience in Savannah, GA.

Alternative breaks, coordinated by the Kernodle Center for Civic Life, provide students with opportunities to engage in experiential learning while serving the community. Each experience is student-led, with coordinators playing a key role in shaping the experience, including selecting the location, theme and building relationships with community partners. Additionally, two faculty or staff members are a part of each program and serve as learning partners with the student leaders.

“Alternative break experiences immerse students in communities and allow them to understand a place through its history and culture, while also allowing them to learn from and work alongside community leaders and residents,” said Bob Frigo, assistant dean and director of Kernodle Center for Civic Life. “That combination is a truly powerful community-based engaged learning opportunity.”

For the recent trip to Savannah, Georgia, Betsy Knapp ’28 and Nivea Millner ’26 served as student coordinators, with support from Kaylee Hudson G’26 and Kassidy Puckett ’24 G’26. When Knapp and Millner met last spring to plan the experience, one interest quickly emerged: sustainability.

“We recognized that many students on campus are passionate about environmental issues, further reinforcing our decision,” Knapp said. “As I learned more about the environmental challenges facing Savannah and the work local organizations are doing to address them, it confirmed that sustainability would be a meaningful and relevant focus.”

Knapp and Millner’s perspectives were also reflected among the students on the trip.

“Almost all of the participants on our trip had an existing connection with sustainability either through service or their major,” Millner said. “The experience became less about understanding the issue itself and more about connecting with the community we are seeking to serve and strengthening connections with other students at Elon.”

This shared foundation shaped how students approached their work throughout the week.

Betsy Knapp ’28 finding trash during the beach clean-up on Tybee Island during the Alternative Break experience in Savannah, GA.

Sustainability in action

Through partnerships with organizations, such as Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia, Re: Purpose Savannah and the Ocean Discovery Center, students engaged in hands-on work addressing food insecurity, environmental conservation and community education.

Nivea Millner ’26 holding their findings during the beach clean-up on Tybee Island during the Alternative Break experience in Savannah, GA.

But beyond the service itself, students began to see sustainability not just as environmental action, but as a reflection of everyday choices and their impact on others.

For some, that realization began with access to food. One student reflected on the privilege of choosing what to eat – something that became more apparent while working with Second Harvest, where even slightly damaged food could make a meaningful difference to someone else.

“It got me thinking that I am one of the people who is privileged enough to choose the box that is ‘pretty enough’ to eat, Mealnie Alarcon ’29 said. “Some people just don’t have that privilege.”

Others were struck by how small actions can create a large-scale impact.

“In just two hours at Second Harvest, we were able to make 4,100 meals,” Knapp shared enthusiastically. “That’s such a small time commitment, but it really makes a big difference in the community.”

Trash collected during beach clean-up on Tybee Island during the Alternative Break experience in Savannah, GA.

On Tybee Island, the connection between environmental health and community well-being came into focus. As students began collecting trash around the beach, the sheer number of items they collected became evidence of how individual behavior can affect entire ecosystems.

“It’s interesting to see how much of an issue trash is, just looking at all that we picked up today,” Knapp said.

This reflection led students to rethink not only how they engage in cleanup efforts, but how they can prevent harm in the first place.

“Whenever you put effort into trying to make an impact, you can see a greater impact,” Millner said. “ You should also make sure you’re not contributing to the problem.”

Service enhancing well-being

These experiences also shaped students’ own well-being. For some, the trip provided a mental reset.

“I have a lot of things going on right now, Alarcon expressed. “This trip was an escape. I got a mental break from these things going on campus.”

For others, it created opportunities to build new relationships, strengthen leadership skills and engage more deeply with the communities around them.

“It lets people meet other people,” Millner said. “Forcing you to talk to each other and figure things out together.”

That sense of connection expanded beyond undergraduate students. Hodson and Puckett both noted how the experience supported their professional growth and deepened their engagement with students.

“It’s allowed me to build more relationships with students outside of my office,” Puckett said.

Melanie Alarcon ’29 at the beach clean-up on Tybee Island during the Alternative Break experience in Savannah, GA.

“The experience has given me different ways and tools to get out in the community and meet and talk to other people,” Hodson added.

By the end of the week, sustainability was no longer just about protecting the planet. It became a way of thinking — one rooted in care for people, places and the environment.

“By spending a week immersed in a community working closely with community partners, students get to see how these organizations play a crucial role in creating healthy and sustainable communities,” said Andrew Moffa, assistant director of the Kernodle Center.

Anya Bratić celebrates completion of North Carolina Civic Impact Fellowship service term

Avery Craine Powell — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 20:30:14 +0000

Anya Bratić ’26

Anya Bratić ’26, an international & global studies major, has completed her service term as a North Carolina Civic Impact Fellow.

The North Carolina Civic Impact Fellowship (NC-CIF) is a statewide civic leadership program through North Carolina Campus Engagement that equips exceptional student leaders to build a stronger civic life on their campus. Fellows are nominated by their institution’s president or chancellor and campus administrators, and selected based on their outstanding civic leadership potential.

During her fellowship year, Bratić collaborated with the Kernodle Center for Civic Life and the Student Government Association to advance an initiative that strengthened campus-community connections and student civic participation. Bob Frigo, Assistant Dean of Campus Life and Director of the Kernodle Center for Civic Life, served as Bratić’s mentor for the project.

Bratić began her fellowship by assessing Elon’s civic engagement efforts and identifying opportunities to fill gaps in awareness, access, or participation. Guided by her findings, Bratić organized a campus-wide Town Hall through the Student Government Association (SGA), where students heard directly from local community leaders and changemarkers about pathways into service. This event helped students visualize their own trajectory into a life and career of service. Bratić then institutionalized SGA’s commitment to service by advancing SGA bylaw amendments that formally require a Civic Engagement Senator to lead at least one substantive civic initiative for the student body during their term.

“I’m proud of the number of students from diverse groups and backgrounds who demonstrated a genuine commitment to learn more from civic, business and educational leaders in Alamance County,” said Bratić, “College students are uniquely positioned and equipped with the resources of their campuses to make tangible changes in their communities. A space like this provides a platform for students to exercise their strengths and creativity that will last beyond their four years in college.”

Bratić presented the outcomes of her fellowship project and offered recommendations to sustain the work during a capstone presentation to several project stakeholders and local community partners.

Elon empowers staff to make an impact in the community through paid volunteer leave

Hallie Beeker — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 13:18:04 +0000

At ��޹��Ʒ, service is not reserved for students, it’s a shared commitment that extends to faculty and staff through a unique benefit: paid volunteer hours.

The Employee Volunteer Program was created to allow Elon staff to receive paid leave to volunteer with community organizations, a benefit now formalized through Human Resources. Today, full-time staff working 30 or more hours per week can take up to 16 hours of paid leave annually to support causes that positively impact the quality of life within communities. Beyond the policy itself, the program reflects something deeper.

“Allowing Elon employees to have paid volunteer leave is symbolic of ��޹��Ʒ’s commitment to supporting local communities,” said Bob Frigo, director of the Kernodle Center for Civic Life and assistant dean of campus life.

He emphasizes that engagement is not just a student responsibility, but “it is important for staff and faculty to model the way in terms of being active citizens in our communities.”

For many employees, these hours open doors to experiences that might otherwise be difficult to access during a busy workweek. Kelly Harer, associate director of sustainability for education and outreach, used her volunteer time to work the polls during a local primary election.

“Volunteering is something I’ve been doing my entire life, and I’m so thankful that Elon gives us the opportunity to volunteer during work hours,” she said. Her role involved guiding voters through the process, but the experience became more personal than procedural.

“I volunteered in my own voting precinct; it was lovely to chat with folks that live near me that I might not otherwise get to know,” said Harer.

Nicole Bergen, program assistant for the Kernodle Center for Civic Life, also participated in an experience that highlights the variety and flexibility the program offers. From reading with first graders to participating in Haw River cleanups, she has used her hours to connect with the Alamance County community in multiple ways.

“I am always amazed at what a group of working volunteers can accomplish in such a short time,” she reflected. Whether collecting bags of trash or seeing “a student partner smiling at you the second you appear in the doorway,” Bergen has found both purpose and connection.

For Bergen, who does not live in the county, the program has been especially meaningful.

“It has felt like a lovely adventure to discover the area outside work,” she said, adding that it has reshaped her understanding of her role in the community.

The Open Door Clinic: A community of care and compassion in Alamance County

Hallie Beeker — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 19:41:42 +0000

In the heart of Alamance County, the Open Door Clinic stands as a quiet but powerful response to combat issues related to access to care seen around the country, but especially in our own community.

“The mission of the Open Door Clinic is to promote good health and wellbeing by supporting patients through comprehensive and equitable health care,” said Volunteer Coordinator Makenna Grozis ’27. “For many patients, this care is essential, and without it, small health concerns can escalate into costly emergencies. This clinic aims to help the uninsured stay healthy and reduce potential emergency medical costs and other burdens on families through preventative care.”

The Open Door Clinic relies heavily on grants and operates with minimal paid staff, making volunteers the backbone of patient care.

“Volunteers play a huge role, acting as the primary liaison between the patients and the medical staff,” Grozis noted.

From the moment a patient walks in, student volunteers are there to greet them, check them in, answer questions and ensure the clinic runs smoothly. Beyond medical services, the clinic addresses broader disparities tied to financial and social barriers. Patients have access to free or low-cost medications, labs, vaccines, and even specialty care. The clinic also houses the “Closet of Hope,” providing clothing and toiletries at no cost. Together, these resources create what Grozis describes as “an equitable space where vulnerable populations can have an opportunity to achieve better health outcomes.”

For Elon students, the experience is both practical and deeply personal. Most begin in clerk roles, but even these positions carry meaningful responsibility.

“They are the first faces our patients see when they walk through the door,” Grozis said.

Over time, these repeated weekly shifts foster a special connection and much-needed consistency.

“Unlike many volunteer positions where students may go once a semester, volunteers at the clinic get to know the patients, staff, providers, and other volunteers,” Grozis said.

Grozis’s own experience reflects this sense of growth and initiative. Recognizing a language barrier among many Spanish-speaking patients, she enrolled in a medical Spanish course at Elon. That decision led her to help create a collaboration between the class and the clinic.

“The student volunteers as interpreters where they facilitate communication between the providers and the patient,” she explained.

This effort not only improved patient care but also expanded opportunities for students to engage more directly in the clinical setting. After nearly three years at the clinic, Grozis has witnessed both patient progress and volunteer dedication firsthand.

“I have seen numerous volunteers go out of their way to make sure patients feel heard and informed,” she said.

For her, and for many others, the Open Door Clinic is more than a place of service; it is a community. Even when language barriers exist, connection persists.

“Many of the staff members know almost every single patient by name,” Grozis shared. “A smile can carry a great deal of compassion and understanding.”

Students turn everyday choices into sustainable impact

Kelsey Armstrong — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 18:20:19 +0000

Sustainability isn’t just about environmental health. It’s about how we live, connect and care for ourselves, each other and the communities around us. As students reflect on their participation in the Alternative Spring Break trip to Savannah, Georgia, they explore how small, intentional choices support holistic well-being through HealthEU’s six dimensions.

Community Well-Being: How has sustainability helped you feel more connected to a community—either on campus or beyond?

Finn Hughes ’28: On campus, it’s helped me connect with people who share the same values and passions, whether that’s for the environment, animals or sustainability in general. It’s helped me build friendships, but it’s also shaped my moral compass and pushed me to get more involved beyond campus. I’ve had opportunities I didn’t even know were possible, like trips where we can go to the beach, do cleanups and take part in volunteer work.

2026 Alternative Spring Break Trip to Savannah, GA.

Sophie Frank ’29: On campus, Eco Reps and the Office of Sustainability host a lot of events, and since many of my friends are involved in organizing them, I’m able to show up and participate. It feels like we’re all contributing to sustainability on campus as a community, and that’s something that really brings us together. There’s always something going on.

Grace Smith ’27: I’ve been really involved with the Sustainability LLC, especially last year as an RA. I got to see the community we built with the first-year students on my floor. It gave us a way to connect around something bigger than ourselves while still making a real impact in small ways. That shared commitment really shaped a strong sense of community on campus.

Lulu Welch ’28: Between my classes, especially the more environmentally focused ones, and this trip, it’s nice to be around people who care about the environment as much as I do. It can be hard to find people who also care about sustainability, even though it is such an important issue right now.

Emotional Well-Being: In what ways does practicing sustainability support your emotional well-being or sense of purpose?

Hughes: It definitely hurts my emotional well-being to see the things that are happening to our planet. But practicing sustainability also helps me with my emotional and social well-being. Practicing activities, like cleanups and seeing the positive impact that I can have on the planet, helps me to feel rejuvenated.

Frank: The Earth is very valuable, and honestly, it feels good to be able to take care of it and do what I’m supposed to do. When you make sustainable choices, you influence and engage others. It is rewarding.

Smith: It makes me feel like I’m part of something larger than myself. We all have to be a part of promoting sustainability, educating ourselves and others and living a sustainable lifestyle. All those little things add up, especially when a large group of people is doing them. It feels good to support the well-being of others and the world around me.

Welch: Sustainability is important because it’s how we preserve our environment. It’s something I practice every day. If I didn’t, I’d feel like I wasn’t practicing what I preach and I would be a hypocrite.

Seeing people not care about the environment can be upsetting, because this is our Earth and we need to take care of it. But at the same time, seeing people who do care gives me hope for the future. It makes me emotional because it reminds me that there are people who are paying attention and trying to make a difference.

Physical: Well-Being: What are some sustainable choices you make in your daily routine that also support your physical health?

Hughes: I try to use less plastic, which is good, because it limits the microplastics in your body. I’m also vegan and eat homegrown and fresh produce. I also try to avoid processed foods.

I also try to limit my emissions by walking or biking instead of driving whenever I can.

Frank: I am big on spending time outdoors, walking outside and not using single-use plastic. I am also a vegetarian, which is something that affects my day-to-day lifestyle and overall helps the environment.

Smith: I’ve really been into spending more time outdoors and supporting my national and state parks. When I am outside, I try to pick up any trash and keep the environment clean.

Welch: I always pick up trash when I see it on the ground, and I try to avoid unnecessary plastics by using reusable items. I also try to shop for organic food.

I do a lot of gardening, mostly flowers. I grew up helping take care of my yard, and my mom loves growing flowers, so that’s something I’ve always enjoyed. I’ve tried growing vegetables too, but being from Massachusetts, that didn’t always go very well. I also avoid using pesticides or anything that could be harmful to the environment.

Sophie Frank ‘29 at the beach clean during the 2026 Alternative Spring Break trip to Savannah, Georgia.

Social Well-Being: How have conversations or shared experiences around sustainability influenced your relationships with others?

Hughes: I’m able to relate to others, whether through protests or shared involvement in sustainability, which helps me feel like I’m not alone. It can be overwhelming at times. It’s easy to feel like one person can’t make a difference. But when you’re surrounded by others who care, it reminds you that your actions matter and together you can get more done, take action and create more opportunities to make an impact.

Frank: Through my major, I’ve been able to connect with a lot of people and build close relationships. I’ve also done volunteer work in western North Carolina, where I met new people. Experiences like this trip and the work we’re doing right now, are already helping me to build new connections.

Smith: Even with this trip, I’ve built a lot of friendships. Coming together in support of a common cause, like sustainability, has helped me build relationships with others who are working toward that same goal.

I came into this trip not knowing anyone, and I’m leaving with friends, all because we shared the same purpose: promoting sustainability.

Welch: I think a lot of people don’t fully understand the importance of sustainability, and that’s the first step. It includes having conversations and educating others so they can better understand the impact of sustainability.

There are plenty of people who don’t really believe in sustainability, which I find funny, because there’s so much science and research that shows why it matters. It’s how we keep our environment clean, healthy and moving forward.

Financial Well-Being: How has sustainability shaped the way you think about spending, saving or using resources?

Hughes: Even when I go to the store, I’ll pick something up and then stop and think, ‘Wait, is this good for the environment?’ It’s made me more aware of where things come from and what happens after I use them. I think documentaries and experiences like seeing trash on the beach really put that into perspective. It makes you realize how your everyday choices add up and what they actually mean.

Frank: I try not to use single-use plastic. That’s one of the things I try to do the most. When I go to the store, I try to avoid plastic bags and water bottles as much as I can. If I do use them, I make sure to recycle whenever possible.

Smith: I’ve really tried to buy less plastic and throw away less. I avoid things like individually wrapped snacks, like Goldfish. It’s the little things that add up.

That’s really how it has impacted me. I think more about what I’m using and what happens to it after. Where is the garbage I produce going? Is it being recycled properly? Is it actually being turned into something else?

I refuse to use single-use plastics, like one-use water bottles. I’m not a fan. I’ve also been trying to bring my own bags every time I grocery shop. All of those small choices are ways I’m trying to stop contributing to overconsumption and the mass production of plastic, and really downsize my impact.

Welch: I only use reusable products and try to avoid food that is overly processed or full of hormones by shopping for organic foods. Overall, I try to live my life as sustainably as possible.

Purpose Well-Being: How has your understanding of sustainability influenced your sense of purpose or the impact you want to make after Elon?

Finn Hughes ’28 at the beach clean up during the 2026 Alternative Spring Break to Savannah, GA.

Hughes: Sustainability has shaped a lot of my purpose because I’m really passionate about it. It’s changed me to focus more on action rather than being passive, telling people what needs to be done. Getting hands-on has made me more confident and more passionate about getting involved, whether that’s through school boards, larger organizations or even speaking opportunities.

It’s also helped me realize that I have a purpose that’s bigger than myself. I am able to talk about sustainability in ways that feel more accessible. Sometimes it can seem distant or overwhelming, but bringing it back to everyday actions makes it feel more real and something people can actually connect to.

Frank: With my major, I want to go into corporate sustainability, more on the business side. My goal is to work with larger companies to find ways for them to become more sustainable, while also helping engage businesses and the public in making choices that better support our environment.

Smith: I want to live a sustainable life. As a nursing major. I see there’s so much single-use plastic, things being thrown away in the healthcare industry. I would love to someday make an impact in the healthcare system and make it more sustainable. I want my own life to be sustainable, but there’s more work to be done toward a bigger cause here. Many of our industries aren’t promoting sustainability, and I want to make an impact there.

Welch: For me, sustainability has given me a great sense of purpose. I grew up in a town that was big on recycling. You could even get fined if you didn’t do it. Because of that, my dad has always been a big recycler and it became something that was important to me, too.

I’ve also always been interested in science and biology, so over time those interests started to align with my goals. Now, I want to go into research focused on sustainability or ecological conservation.

Through this shared experience, students reflected on how sustainability isn’t just a single action. It’s a mindset shaped by everyday choices that support the environment and strengthen their own well-being across the six dimensions of well-being.

Elon recognized for advancing nonpartisan student civic engagement

Kelsey Armstrong — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 14:45:41 +0000

��޹��Ʒ has earned the 2026 Highly Established Action Plan Seal for developing a nonpartisan democratic engagement campus action plan by the ALL In Campus Democracy Challenge.

“We are honored to receive this national recognition for our nonpartisan work in civic engagement,” said Bob Frigo, assistant dean of campus life and director of the Kernodle Center for Civic Life. “With each passing year, we become a more politically engaged university where our students are prepared to become the next generation of informed leaders who will help strengthen communities and shape our democracy.”

The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge empowers colleges and universities to achieve excellence in nonpartisan student democratic engagement.

“This recognition is a testament to Elon’s emphasis on nonpartisan democratic engagement. This work is truly a team effort and speaks to our incredible partners both on and off campus,” Andrew Moffa, assistant director of Kernodle Center for Civic Life said. “We look forward to continuing our focus on developing strong civic leaders and active citizens.”

The recognition highlights institutions that are taking intentional, nonpartisan steps to strengthen democratic engagement through civic learning, political engagement and student voter participation. Elon’s action plan, co-authored by Frigo and Moffa, outlines key goals, such as hosting local elected officials on campus and expanding voter registration drives to reach the entire campus community.

Elon also received recognition in 2024 and is among .

Kernodle Center for Civic Life | Today at Elon | �������޹�����Ʒ