Patrick Murphy G’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’s growth from a regional college to national and international distinction.

“What I know now is because of Pat’s patience, accessibility and strong desire for success,” 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.

“I will miss the people I work with,” he said. “Elon has been the only place I worked where my friends are also people I work with.”

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. “Your decade of service has shaped careers, strengthened our programs and raised the standards for what it means to be an Elon educator,” said Chiang.

McCain returned the compliments to her department chair and gave a shoutout to Linda Poulson, who gave McCain “a chance” 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, “I 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.”

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’s 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 “daily therapy sessions.” 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, “I will miss the wonderful faculty and staff colleagues in the biology department who have become like family to me.”

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’s. “Since 2004, I have taken students to Hong Kong, South Africa and multiple European countries,” 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’s empathy and humanity during what he described as a time of upheaval in the media world, brought on by new technologies. “And 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.”

“I will miss being with students, and I will miss seeing my colleagues –?my friends –?daily or weekly,” said Hatcher. During the ceremony, he added, “I hope in addition to teaching all those wonderful students I’ve 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. “Writing will be part of retirement as well, since I can’t sing or paint,” 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 –?the ability to ask the types of questions that “make you stop walking, look around at where you actually are and suddenly see it…a question that stays with you for the rest of your life.” 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. “It’s really about the relationships we have,” he said. “It’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.”

Moorman said his favorite memories are those involving friendships with colleagues and partnerships with students. “I have fond memories of a few colleagues congregating in my office talking about the joys and frustrations of the day,” he said.? “I also have fond memories of holding classes that just seemed to ‘work’ that day and then talking with students afterward about how they continued thinking about our discussions.”

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

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 “daily exchanges with colleagues whose brilliant minds and genuinely kind hearts” have shaped her over nearly three decades. Likewise, she will miss the students, and their “infectious enthusiasm, their compassion and the joy of watching them transform in ways they hadn’t even imagined possible.”

During the Faculty/Staff Awards Luncheon, Crystal Ramsey praised Johansson as a “cornerstone 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.” Ramsey is an associate professor of physical therapy education and a former student of Johansson’s.

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

“Gerry Francis told me he doesn’t miss the work, but he really misses the people – 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. “Fred Rubeck, you’re among those,” 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’s 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. “What an awesome experience!” 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 “energizing power of the new class of bright-eyed and bushy-tailed first-years each August.”

One of Haskell’s 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. “I will miss the people I work with,” she said. “And I look forward to spending time with my grandkids.”

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’s 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’s ability to teach hands-on peaceful conflict resolution skills and strategies across different social backgrounds.

“Linda’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,” he shared.

“I will miss the students and their passion the things I teach,” 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.

“I will continue to be an activist for restorative justice and peacemaking organizations as we navigate the chaos and violence in our world,” 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 “part of it all.” 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 “friends among the faculty and staff” she has made while at Elon.

“I 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,” 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, ’11 G’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, “what an unforgettable experience that was in crossing the stage along with my daughter to get our MBA’s together –?it was quite surreal.”

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 –?an 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, “Although 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’s 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.

“Who doesn’t love a marching band?” asked LaRocco to the audience. “And the spirit and the energy it creates walking through the campus, en route to the games.”

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.

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

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.

“To my staff and colleagues, you are the A-Team,” 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.”

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

Helena Padial ’26, a music theatre major and Honors Fellow, received the honor during the annual awards ceremony in New York City. The Broadway’s Next Triple Threat award supports the next generation of artists who excel in dance, voice and acting.

Presented through the Chita Rivera Awards and produced by the New York City Dance Alliance Foundation, the award is designed to support emerging performers as they transition into the professional theatre industry. In addition to national recognition, the recipient receives the Chita Rivera Training Grant, providing $10,000 of?financial support to live, study and train plus, one year of free dance classes at New York City’s Steps On Broadway.

Padial learned about the award through her high school voice teacher, Celeste Simone, who coached Rivera. Although she was hesitant to apply at first.

“I initially was tentative about applying because it was a competition and I didn’t want to get caught up in too much self-comparison, but ultimately I decided that the feedback from industry names that I have looked up to for years would be worth it, even if I didn’t make it to the next round,” Padial said.

The initial application process included video submissions and written responses, including two songs and a dance solo. Adjudicators chose 15 semifinalists to advance to the next round. The second round included a video integrating song and dance where Padial choreographed a solo of “Sparkling Diamond” and “Diamonds are Forever,” which earned her a spot as one of the five finalists.?The finalists participated in an immersive weekend of mentorship and training which culminated in a live performance at the Chita Rivera Awards.

The weekend consisted of intense sessions of classes, mock auditions, singing and 17 hours of dance in three days where the finalists were constantly being filmed and pulled into video interviews.

“My body has never felt so tired, but I knew I had to bring my A-game and keep challenging myself to show up as the best version of myself,” Padial said.

Padial did not know how the weekend would go?as?she was surrounded by other talented finalists. The finalists performed a number to “Too Darn Hot,” which they only had six hours to learn and ran through the number four times before performing it at the awards show.

“It was the fastest I have ever learned choreography and music and it took a ridiculous amount of stamina to perform, but it ended up being the most rewarding experience of my life,” Padial said.

That night she proved to herself what she was capable of.

“The experience was absolutely insane, it is still so surreal to me,” Padial said. “When I heard my name called that I won the award I immediately started shaking and freaking out because it was such a shock. 10 of my family members were at the awards to support me and hearing them cheer was so special.”

Throughout the weekend Padial had the opportunity to meet people in the industry she looked up to including Bebe Neuwirth, Jessica Lee Golden, Charlotte d’Amboise and Anne Margret.

“I feel so beyond lucky to have been awarded this grant, as it will definitely ease the financial stress as I move to New York and navigate this next period of my life,” Padial said. “It is also very validating and reassuring to know that my hard work is recognized and that I am capable of having a career in this very difficult industry.”

The weekend marked a full circle moment for Padial because Rivera surprised the cast of her seventh grade production of “Bye Bye Birdie,” and 10 years later she received the award in her name, in front of Anne Margret who starred in “Bye Bye Birdie.”

For Polly Cornelius, associate teaching professor of music, the recognition is a testament to Padial’s years of dedication.

“It is my honor to have been Helena’s voice professor for four years,” said Cornelius. “She has always been super focused and hardworking, but most importantly compassionate and kind.”

Cornelius praised Padial’s vocal ability throughout her time at Elon.

“Her voice is gorgeous, strong and versatile, meaning she is able to sing well in many styles from contemporary belt to soprano,” Cornelius said. “I am thrilled but not surprised at all that she won this prestigious award. I have always believed in Helena’s potential and look forward to following and supporting her on her career journey.”

After graduation, Padial will move home to Palisades, New York and commute into New York City for classes and auditions while also teaching musical theatre at Coupé, where she trained growing up.

In July, she starts rehearsals for “Antigone: 1989,” a new musical headed to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where she will be performing in August.

Kicking things off, the Elon Music Ambassadors will present “Songs of Summer: Celebrating the Music that Makes Every Summer Unforgettable” on Tuesday, April 28 at 7:30 p.m. in McCrary Theatre. Directed by Virginia Novine-Whittaker, this dynamic vocal and instrumental ensemble blends pop, jazz and contemporary favorites to capture the warmth and energy of the season. The program promises a mix of familiar melodies and feel-good moments that reflect both the memories of summers past and those still to come.

Later that week, audiences can take a step back in time with the Mixed Tape Concert – Music from the 60’s and 70’s on Thursday, April 30 at 7:30 p.m. in the Community Life Center at Elon Community Church. Directed by Stephen A. Futrell, élán – Elon vocal jazz will perform alongside a rhythm section, bringing to life classic hits from artists like ABBA, The Carpenters, Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, Simon & Garfunkel and Neil Diamond. With Beatles and Motown medleys woven throughout the program, the concert invites audiences to sing along and fully immerse themselves in the music.

The celebrations continue into May with the Elon Concert Band’s spring performance, “Visions, Vibes, and Tales,” on Tuesday, May 5 at 7:30 p.m. in McCrary Theatre. Directed by Michael Phillips, the concert will showcase a wide range of music and feature a graduating senior Production Technology student as an electric guitar soloist. The evening will conclude with an interactive piece, encouraging audience members to join in by singing or whistling along.

Closing out the series, the Elon Wind Ensemble will present its spring concert, “A Semiquincentennial Celebration,” on Wednesday, May 6 at 7:30 p.m. in McCrary Theatre. Conducted by Jonathan Poquette, the ensemble will perform a variety of Americana works in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary. The performance will also feature soprano soloist Polly Cornelius, adding another layer of artistry to a program designed to celebrate the richness and diversity of American music.

Directed by Assistant Professor of Music Alex Heitlinger, the concert centers around the music of Sun Ra, a visionary artist known for blending jazz, philosophy and Afrofuturism into a sound unlike any other. His work blurs the lines between swing and avant-garde, drawing inspiration from ancient Egypt, outer space and beyond. Through this performance, audiences will step into what Sun Ra described as a “universe of sound,” where music becomes both an artistic and conceptual experience.

Throughout his life, Sun Ra—born Herman Poole Blount—crafted a persona as unique as his music. He famously claimed to have been transported to Saturn in the 1930s and instructed by alien beings to share his message through music. Whether symbolic or sincere, this narrative became central to his artistic identity. Beyond the mythology, Sun Ra was a groundbreaking innovator: one of the first jazz musicians to experiment with electronic synthesizers and among the earliest Black artists to establish an independent record label. His ensemble, known as the Sun Ra Arkestra, has continued performing for decades, carrying forward his legacy through electrifying, theatrical performances.

The April 24 concert will reflect that same spirit of creativity and unpredictability. The evening will feature two distinct sets: an opening small group performance showcasing works by Sun Ra and his contemporaries, followed by a high-energy big band set with more than 20 musicians and multiple vocalists. Adding to the immersive experience, Heidi Jo Schiemer, costume designer for Performing Arts, has created intergalactic attire inspired by Sun Ra’s signature style—complete with nods to both ancient Egyptian and cosmic themes.

While Sun Ra’s music is often described as experimental or avant-garde, it remains deeply rooted in the traditions of big band swing. This combination makes the performance both musically sophisticated and highly engaging—equally suited for close listening and pure enjoyment. Audiences can expect a concert that is as entertaining and danceable as it is imaginative.

Sponsored by the Department of Music, this performance promises to be one of the most unique musical events on campus this year. With its fusion of sound, storytelling, and visual spectacle, the Elon Jazz Ensembles’ tribute to Sun Ra invites audiences to embrace the unexpected and experience music in an entirely new way.

On April 21 at 7:30 p.m. in McCrary Theatre, the Elon Orchestra, conducted by Stephen A. Futrell, will bring this powerful element of storytelling to life. Performing selections from one of the most iconic film score series — “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings” —the orchestra will highlight how music alone can capture character, tension and emotion in ways that transcend the screen.

Composed by Academy Award-winning composer Howard Shore, the music of “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings” is widely recognized for its complexity and emotional depth. Film scoring, Futrell explains, has long been closely tied to classical music traditions, using recurring themes and motifs to represent characters, settings and emotional shifts. These musical elements heighten tension, signal resolution and guide the audience’s emotional experience throughout a story. While film is often considered a form of popular entertainment, its scores are often just as thoughtfully constructed and artistically rich as traditional symphonies. For the student musicians of the Elon Orchestra, performing this repertoire offers a unique opportunity to explore that connection and engage with music that bridges the classical and popular worlds.

While the orchestra explores cinematic storytelling through sound, élan will take a different approach—bringing audiences back to the music of the late 1960s and early 1970s. Performing on April 30 at 7:30 p.m. at Elon Community Church, the ensemble will present a dynamic and nostalgic program featuring some of the most recognizable hits of the era.

The concert will include a wide range of artists and styles, from a powerful vocal arrangement of Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A-Changin’” to a Beatles medley featuring classics like “Let It Be,” “Hey Jude” and “The Long and Winding Road.” The program also highlights Motown with a Stevie Wonder medley, alongside music from artists such as the Four Tops, Marvin Gaye and Ashford & Simpson. In addition, audiences will hear selections from Paul Simon, including “Loves Me Like a Rock,” “Mother & Child Reunion” and a gospel-inspired arrangement of “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”

Together, these performances highlight the versatility and artistry of Elon’s student musicians, showcasing music’s ability to tell stories across genres and generations. From the sweeping, cinematic scores of Middle-earth to the timeless hits that defined an era, both concerts offer audiences a chance to experience the power of music in different but equally compelling ways. Whether drawn by nostalgia, storytelling, or a love of live performance, attendees can expect engaging and memorable evenings that celebrate both tradition and creativity within Elon’s music community.

Wente’s research examines the relationship between music, performance, composition, and technology, particularly in relation to the player piano. She explores these topics in her 2022 book, “The Player Piano and Musical Labor: The Ghost in the Machine.” In the article, she offers a perspective on historical and contemporary questions of authorship, authenticity, and creativity, highlighting how emerging technologies continue to reshape the ways music is created, performed and experienced.

That journey culminated on March 11, when the ensemble took the stage at Carnegie Hall for the first time in university history, performing as part of the New York Wind Band Festival. For the 51 student musicians, who represent majors from across the university, the moment carried both personal and collective significance.

“There is so much history at Carnegie Hall,” says Jonathan Poquette, Fletcher Moore Distinguished Emerging Scholar and director of bands. “The fact that we are now part of that history is quite remarkable.”

Months of preparation led to a program that reflected both technical precision and artistic ambition, including a piece by Associate Professor of Music Todd Coleman. But for students, the experience extended far beyond the performance itself.

“Being able to perform on such an iconic stage was truly extraordinary,” says Astrid Hughes ’27, a statistics major and clarinetist. “I have been playing the clarinet for around 10 years and have never been in such awe of a space I was performing in. The music we were able to create in that space is unlike anything I have ever done before. It was a product of all the hard work we put in as an ensemble.”

That sense of awe and accomplishment was shaped throughout the week by a series of experiences that deepened students’ understanding of what a life in the arts can look like.

The ensemble first performed at high schools in Delaware and Staten Island, sharing their music with younger students and building confidence ahead of their Carnegie Hall debut. For many in those audiences, it was their first time hearing a collegiate wind ensemble in person, an introduction that underscored the lasting role music can play beyond high school.

In New York, the learning continued in a different setting: Broadway.

Students attended performances of “Aladdin” and “The Book of Mormon,” where they also connected with Elon alumni now performing on some of the world’s most prominent stages. After the shows, alumni welcomed students backstage, offering a glimpse into the professional world of theater.

Being able to perform on such an iconic stage was truly extraordinary.?— Astrid Hughes ’27

Michael Callahan ’13 and Campy Rodriguez ’26 hosted students following a performance of “Aladdin,” sharing their journeys and leading a behind-the-scenes tour. Callahan, a swing who covers multiple roles and serves as dance and fight captain, and Rodriguez, making his Broadway debut, spoke about the discipline and versatility required to sustain a career in the arts.

“Getting to meet Michael and Campy made such a big city feel like a small world,” says Alana Driver ’27, a flutist. “It was inspiring to hear about their journeys and see how their experiences at Elon helped lead them to where they are now.”

Another group met ensemble cast member Andrew Stevens Purdy ’20 following a performance of “The Book of Mormon,” stepping onto the stage and seeing firsthand the complexity of a Broadway production — from props and lighting to the choreography happening just out of view.

Those moments helped students connect their own experiences at Elon with the paths forged by those who came before them.

“This was a collaborative event, and I am so proud of the students and all their hard work,” Poquette says. “They represented themselves, the band program, the Department of Music and the university with the highest level of professionalism and class.”

Beyond Broadway, the group explored the city between performances, taking in views from atop Rockefeller Center and interacting with composers and guest artists. Each moment added another layer to a trip designed not just to showcase talent, but to broaden perspective.

When the ensemble finally took the stage at Carnegie Hall, those layers came together in a defining moment. The performance ended with a standing ovation — a reflection not only of musical excellence, but of the journey that led there.

And long after the final note faded inside one of the world’s most storied concert halls, the experience itself continues to resonate as a reminder that at Elon, the path to extraordinary moments is built through both preparation and possibility

Polly was my second-ever voice teacher. I met her when I was 18 years old. In hindsight, I think I might have been one of her first students, as she isn’t much older than I am. But she was definitely an expert opera singer in my eyes, and a brilliant teacher. She taught me vocal technique, to sing in French, German, Italian and English, with songs from “Oklahoma” and “The Pirates of Penzance.”

She was also a new mom when I met her. I loved kids and wanted some of my own someday, so I enjoyed asking her about her family during my voice lessons. In my junior year of college, she went on maternity leave to have her second daughter, who I also babysat on occasion. I’ve enjoyed watching her children grow up and become successful young adults.

Polly knew what I could do before I did, and helped me become the soprano I was born to be. I was a very driven performer and student, and relished in any opportunity to exceed her expectations. I’m glad I was really into being “extra” at the time, because it definitely paid off. I made the most of those four years to study, practice and learn, and eventually became a Broadway performer.

She came to see me play Glinda in “Wicked” on Broadway the first time I went on. I was an understudy, and rarely knew when I was going to be playing the role, but the first date I did, she was there.

I graduated in 2003, but even last year, she came to see me perform at a benefit in Greensboro. I was so nervous. Even though I am a seasoned performer, I was still desperate to exceed her expectations, because I love and respect her as a fellow artist and as a friend. We got to spend time together after that show and talked about the same things we talked about in 2000.

She made an enormous impact on my career, and I am grateful to still have her in my life.

Lindsay Northen Bradshaw ’03, a BFA music theatre graduate, spent more than a decade in “Wicked” on Broadway and now performs in “Finding Nemo: The Big Blue and Beyond” with Walt Disney Entertainment.

The celebration offers an opportunity for reflection, education and connection, deepening understanding of API communities’ lasting impact, with the Center for Race, Ethnicity, and Diversity Education (CREDE) leading a variety of programs throughout the month.

Recognizing the diversity within Asian & Pacific Islander communities, this year’s theme, “Distinctly in Bloom: Growing Together”, focuses on highlighting the uniqueness of different Asian, Pacific Islander and South Asian cultures and identities across the diaspora.

“Our hope for the theme is that the campus community will understand and get to learn about the full spectrum of APISA cultures and identities,” George Dou, assistant director of the CREDE, said. “That means also learning about each culture or people individually as well, which is something we’re hoping to highlight throughout the course of the month.”

Throughout April, with events continuing into May, the CREDE will host a variety of events to honor and highlight these communities. Highlights of this year’s events include the annual kickoff celebration, the Asian Film Series and the Kaju & Lina Piano Duo (Voyage of Dance).

For additional questions, please contact Dou at gdou@elon.edu.

Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month Events at Elon

Communi-Tea Time

Every Tuesday in April

12:30-1:30 p.m. | CREDE (Moseley 221)

APIHM?Kickoff

Wednesday, April 1

5:30-7 p.m. | Medallion Plaza

The Elon community is invited to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) communities at our API Heritage Month Kickoff Event! This celebration will feature different foods, cultural performances, local businesses and engaging activities that highlight the contributions and traditions of API communities.

Kaju & Lina Piano Duo (Voyage of Dance)

Wednesday, April 1

7:30 p.m. | Whitley Auditorium

A duet piano recital featuring classical and Korean folk music. Kaju Lee and Lina Yoo Min Lee met while teaching in Wisconsin and have performed together at various institutions and venues, often showcasing both well-known classical pieces and works by contemporary and Korean composers. Their performances frequently feature both solo and duo (4-hands) repertoire. Sponsored by the Department of Music.

Matcha & Sushi Pops

Tuesday, April 7

2-3 p.m. | Outside Lakeside

Spring into History w/ Chinese Club & Arabic Club

Wednesday, April 8

6-8 p.m. | El Centro Kitchen (Carlton 114)

K-DNS: Open Dance Session

Friday, April 10

6-7 p.m. | Koury Dance Studio 5

Holi

Friday, April 10 (Rain dates: April 17 and April 24)

4 p.m. | Phi Beta Kappa Lawn

A Hindu spring festival of color and sharing love, Holi marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. The Elon community gathers at Speaker’s Corner to throw colored powder at one another, celebrating the earth returning to color and life and good triumphing over evil. If you plan to throw color, please wear old clothing that can get dirtied by paint. There will also be crafts, food, and other ways to celebrate the holiday. Sponsored by the Truitt Center for Religious & Spiritual Life.

APISA Community Dinner

Monday, April 13

5:30-7 p.m. | CREDE (Moseley 221)

Rainbow Boba?

Friday, April 17

5:30-6:30 p.m. | CREDE (Moseley 221)

Asian Film Series: The Globalization Tapes

Tuesday, April 21

7 p.m. | Global Media Room 103

A documentary exploring how a community in West Java navigates the forces of globalization, tourism and cultural identity.

Food For Thought: Korea

Wednesday, April 22

6 p.m. | CREDE (Moseley 221)

Donghua Night

Friday, April 24

8-10 p.m. | Alamance 315

A collaboration between the Chinese Club and the Anime & Japanese Studies Club where we will be watching donghuas (动画), which is the Chinese term for anime.

Exploring Asian America: Workshop

Wednesday, April 29

5:30-7 p.m. | CREDE (Moseley 221)

An interactive workshop where participants will get to learn more about the spectrum of voices and experiences in Asian America.

Asian Film Series: Perfect Days

Tuesday, May 5

7 p.m. | Global Media Room 103

A Tokyo toilet cleaner finds quiet beauty and contentment in his daily routine and unexpected human connections.

Tai Chi with Chinese Club

Wednesday, May 6

5-6 p.m. | Colonnades Quad

LTW: EOY Celebration

Thursday, May 7

6-7:30 p.m. | McKinnon (Moseley 128)

Explore the full schedule of API Heritage Month events on the CREDE website.