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 鈥撀爉y friends 鈥撀燿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 鈥撀爐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.聽 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 鈥撀爄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 鈥撀燼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

Last Pop-Up Swap Shop of the semester

Monday, May 11, 4-6 p.m., Jimmy Powell Tennis Courts

Refresh your wardrobe at the final Pop-Up Swap Shop of the semester by trading clothes you no longer wear for new-to-you pieces. No items to swap? You can still participate by committing to a sustainable habit or donating fabric scraps to earn free clothing. Stop by to shop sustainably, connect with others, and give clothes a second life.

Spring 2026 Cram Jam: Gear up for Finals with SUB!

Tuesday, May 12, 8-11 p.m., Moseley Center and Lakeside Dining Hall

Need a study break before finals? Join the Student Union Board for this semester鈥檚 Cram Jam, featuring massage chairs, giveaways, crafts, great food, and more. Relax, recharge, and take a break from the stress with friends. This end-of-semester tradition is one you won鈥檛 want to miss. Visit for more details.

Reading day and Exam Week schedule

Reading Day is Tuesday, May 12

Final Exams are from Wednesday through Tuesday, May 13-19

Be sure to check the undergraduate exam week schedule, which is found online on the Registrar鈥檚 website. The site also includes information about exam absence and rescheduling policies.

Housing Move-Out Reminders

Make your move-out process stress-free by checking the steps for check-out information. Visit the Residence Life website for a full guide and checklist. Here are some key reminders:

• Residence halls close Wednesday, May 20, at 10 a.m.
• University-owned apartments and houses close Sunday, May 31, at 10 a.m.

Ask your RA, apartment manager, or house manager for further checkout instructions.

Don鈥檛 trash it!

Don鈥檛 Trash It! is 福利亚洲国产精品鈥檚 end-of-year move-out program that encourages students, faculty, and staff to donate items at various donation stations throughout campus, rather than putting reusable items in the trash. For a list of what can be collected and drop-off locations on- and off-campus. Learn more and sign up to volunteer at the collection stations on the Don鈥檛 Trash It website.

This is the last Phoenix Five message for the academic year.聽 Good luck on exams, enjoy your summer, and congratulations to the Class of 2026!

The contest and event were carried out by Historic Neighborhood鈥檚 Faculty Director, Claudine Moreau. This year鈥檚 contest was judged by Asheville poet Ivy Rozen, who has commitment to lifting up emerging writers brought thoughtful attention to each submission. Rozen, who has a new book forthcoming this summer titled, If I Love You,聽from Seed Bed Press, praised the depth, originality, and emotional resonance of the student work.

Winners

1st Place
Madelyn Fourie 鈥� 鈥淏one to Bone鈥�

2nd Place
Georgia Vaughn 鈥� 鈥淎 Note On Dreaming鈥�

3rd place
Addison Hobgood 鈥� 鈥淕rip鈥�

Honorable Mentions
Lidia Briones 鈥� 鈥淥ur Love, Unending鈥�
Emma Briceno 鈥� 鈥淩osencrantz and Guildenstern Were Right鈥�
Allena Boddie-Chapman 鈥� 鈥淭he Unlost and Unfound鈥�

Beyond recognizing outstanding poetry, the evening underscored the transformative power of the contest itself. Several of this year鈥檚 finalists had never publicly identified as poets before submitting their work, and for some, the April 28 reading marked the first time they had ever shared their writing aloud in front of an audience. Their willingness to step forward and be heard speaks to the welcoming, affirming space the Primavera Poetry Contest continues to create.

Now in its third year, the contest has become a vibrant tradition within the Historic Neighborhood, offering students a meaningful venue to explore creative expression and build community through poetry. With another successful year concluded, organizers look forward to continuing this celebration of student voices in the years ahead.

Campus safety

As a reminder, several 24/7 services are available throughout this time.

• Campus Safety & Police can be reached at 336-278-5555. They can also assist with connections to the Student Life on-call administrators.
• On-call crisis counselors are available at 336-278-2222.
• SAFEline is available at 336-278-3333 for confidential support with identity-based bias, sexual violence, or interpersonal violence 鈥� they can also be a confidential resource to access on-call violence responders.
• TimelyCare free virtual medical and mental health service, is available 24/7 throughout the break from anywhere in the United States.

Residence halls and university apartments

• Residence halls (not apartments) close at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 21. Student staff will be entering all spaces during closing to complete closing room checks.
• Residence halls (not apartments) reopen at 10 a.m. on Sunday, March 29.
• Information about requests to stay late or return early can be found on the Break Housing page of the Residence Life website.
• Offices remain open during the break during regular weekday business hours, 8 a.m. 鈥� 5 p.m., except when University offices are closed.

Secure your residence

Whether you live on-campus or off-campus, make sure you secure your room, apartment or house.聽 Other important steps to take before you leave:

• Unplug all appliances
• Hide or relocate valuables and move expensive items away from windows
• Secure any non-perishable food in airtight containers or cabinets; discard any perishable food from your refrigerator
• Empty all trash; if you live off campus, secure your trash and recycling containers
• Check all water faucets to make sure they are completely off
• Set your thermostat for 50-55 degrees
• If you have a hidden spare key outside of your residence, make sure you remove it
• Make sure all doors and windows are shut and locked

Students residing in off-campus residences may want to request a Vacation Home Check, a service provided by the Town of Elon Police 鈥� .

Parking & Transportation

If you are planning on leaving your vehicle on campus during Spring Break, you may leave it in your permitted lot or you may park it in the South Campus lots or the Innovation Quad lot. FY permits must remain in the FY permitted lots. Make sure your vehicle is locked and you take any valuables with you.

Elon Express and Campus Transportation

• All Elon Express routes will stop service at the end of shifts on Friday, March 20. Elon Express will resume their normal schedule on Monday, March 30.
• A modified Elon Express route from Gateway Parking Lot to Inman will run on Sunday, March 29, from 3 p.m. 鈥� 9 p.m.
• Schedules and routes are available online.

Campus services

Below are the hours for student service operations during Spring Break. Please note that University offices are closed on Friday, March 27.

Belk Library

• Belk Library will have reduced hours: Friday, March 20, will close at 5 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 21,聽 9 a.m. 鈥� 5 p.m.
  • Sunday, March 22,聽 10 a.m. 鈥撀� 6 p.m.
  • Monday, March 23 – Friday, March 27聽 8 a.m. 鈥撀� 5 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 28,聽 9:00 a.m. 鈥撀� 5 p.m.
  • Sunday, March 29, 10 a.m. – Midnight
• Visit the for information about the library鈥檚 adjusted hours.

Campus Bookstore

• The Barnes & Noble Store will be open for reduced hours during Spring Break:
  • Saturday, March 21: 10 a.m.鈥� 2 p.m.
  • Sunday, March 22 and Monday, March 23: Closed for inventory
  • Tuesday, March 24-Friday, March 27: 10 a.m.鈥撀� 4 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 28: 10 a.m.鈥� 2 p.m.
  • Sunday, March 29: Closed
• Regular operating hours will resume on Monday, March 30.
• Visit the for information about hours or online shopping.

Campus Recreation聽

• Campus Recreation facilities will have adjusted hours from Friday, March 20, through Sunday, March 29.
• The PARC fitness center will remain open from 4 a.m. to midnight daily throughout Spring Break.
• Visit the and scroll to 鈥淪pring Break Hours鈥� for adjusted hours of operation.

Counseling Services

• Counseling Services will be open by appointment with the following adjusted hours:
  • Monday, March 23: 8:30 a.m. 鈥� 5 p.m.
  • Tuesday, March 24: No clinical appointments
  • Wednesday, March 25: 8:30 a.m.鈥� 5 p.m.
  • Thursday, March 26: 8:30 a.m. 鈥� 5 p.m.
  • Friday: CLOSED
• Throughout Spring Break, students will have 24/7 access to on-demand mental health support through TimelyCare. Information on how to download TimelyCare and access Talk Now is available on the Counseling Services website.
• The Crisis Counselor-on-Call remains available 24/7 by calling 336-278-2222.
• Call 9-1-1 for any psychological emergency that is life-threatening or involves imminent danger to self or others.
• Visit the for information about hours and appointment times, links to online resources, and information about emergency and crisis resources.

Dining Services

• A list of adjusted locations and hours for Spring Break is located .聽 Regular dining hours will resume on Monday, March 30.
• Elon Dining is proud to partner with the University to provide a daily meal to students who are remaining on campus over Spring Break. Please bring your Phoenix Card to swipe in at McEwen Dining Hall.
• Menus and hours for dining locations across campus are always available on the .

Mail Services

• Mail Services will have adjusted hours during spring break:
  • Saturday, March 21 and Sunday, March 22: Closed
  • Monday, March 23 鈥� Thursday, March 26: 8:30 a.m. 鈥� 5 p.m.
  • Friday 鈥� Sunday, March 27-29: Closed
• Regular operating hours will resume on Monday, March 30.
• Visit the Mail Services website for updated hours and operations.

Moseley Center

• Moseley Center will have adjusted hours during Spring Break:
  • Saturday, March 21: 聽9 a.m. 鈥� 1 p.m.
  • Sunday, March 22: Closed
  • Monday, March 23 – Friday, March 27: 8 a.m.鈥� 5 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 28: 9 a.m. 鈥� 1 p.m.
  • Sunday, March 29: 11 a.m. 鈥� midnight
• Visit the Moseley Center website for information about adjusted hours.

Student Health Services

• Student Health Services will be closed to patients on Friday, March 20 at 3 p.m., through Sunday, March 29. Regular operating hours will resume on Monday, March 30 at 8:30 a.m.
• Students in search of care during the dates above can call the Elon Faculty Staff Wellness Clinic at 336-278-5569 to make an appointment during the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 23-26 and 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 27.
• TimelyCare medical telehealth service is available 24/7 throughout the break. For information on how to access the service, visit the Student Health Services website’s appointments page.
• Students who are experiencing a medical emergency should call 9-1-1 for immediate assistance.
• Visit the Student Health Services website for information on hours and appointment times.

福利亚洲国产精品 dedicated a bench in memory of longtime employee Rena Leath on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026.

Leath worked at Elon for 30 years, starting as a dining hall supervisor and then moving to Environmental Services. On Thursday, she was remembered as “dedicated, reliable and deeply kind,” as friends and family gathered for the dedication in the Collonades, between Story Hall and Moffitt Hall.

“She made others feel cared for, seen, and respected, often without words 鈥� simply through the way she moved through her work,” said Rev. Kirstin Boswell, university chaplain and dean of multifaith engagement, who led Thursday’s dedication. “Rena was not only a devoted member of this campus 鈥� she was a woman whose life was shaped by love, joy, and connection outside of these walls.聽She loved to travel, to be with friends, and to gather with her family around meals, stories and laughter. She understood that joy is a practice, and she embraced it fully.”

Raymond Fletcher, senior director of facilities management, acknowledged how many lives Leath touched in her work at Elon. Friends and loved ones also shared words of remembrance during the dedication, describing Leath as someone who “left a little bit of light wherever she went.”

“This bench is more than just a place to sit, it’s a place to pause, reflect, and remember her kindness, her laughter, and her generous heart,” said Nicki Elliott, a friend of Leath’s and a distribution services associate with Elon’s Environmental Services. “I hope that everyone who stops here will feel even a small part of the warmth and love she gave so freely.”

Autumn Parish 鈥�28 found her place in the African Diaspora Living-Learning Community, located on the fourth floor of Jackson Hall in the Global Neighborhood. On that hall during her first year, she discovered best friends and built the foundation of her Elon experience.

鈥淚t鈥檚 important where you live,鈥� Parish said. 鈥淵ou have to feel at home when you鈥檙e not home.鈥�

While the African Diaspora LLC is her safe space on campus, the human service studies major is deeply involved in campus life. Parish serves as a member of the Student Government Association, a SMART mentor, an Elon College Fellow, a fall 2025 initiate of Alpha Kappa Alapa Sorority, Inc., a Renaissance Scholar and secretary for the National Council of Negro Women.

She also works as a student coordinator for the Black Student Success team, helping plan events centered on the Black community at Elon.

鈥淚 find planning events fulfilling because it lets students know that their community is here,鈥� Parish said.

Mentorship

Mentorship is woven into the culture at Elon. Professors, staff and students alike step into mentorship roles, helping others navigate their college experience.

Parish serves as a SMART mentor, which feels natural. She鈥檇 always tried to be a positive role model for her younger siblings back home, and she now extends that same energy to first-year students finding their footing at Elon.

Sandra Reid, a professor of human service studies and Parish鈥檚 research adviser, inspires Parish鈥檚 approach to mentoring. Reid first made an impression at an admissions event when she led a mock class that ultimately swayed Parish鈥檚 decision to choose Elon.

鈥淚 know I can be successful in a small classroom environment where professors don鈥檛 see me as a number, but they know who I am,鈥� Parish said. 鈥淭hey know my name, and they care about my well-being.鈥�

Now working alongside Reid for her research, Parish continues to grow academically and personally.

鈥淎utumn is a caring, inquisitive and highly focused research student who consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to learning,鈥� Reid said. 鈥淪he soaks up new information and engages thoughtfully with complex material, applying strong critical thinking skills to her work.鈥�

The culture of mentorship at Elon has been one of the university鈥檚 defining characteristics.

鈥淚 love when people help me help the world,鈥� Parish said. 鈥淚 love that it鈥檚 part of the culture. The professors want you to succeed. The advisers want you to succeed. Even someone who doesn鈥檛 even know who you are, they want to see you succeed.鈥�

History in the Making

For Parish, Black History Month is about understanding where you come from and honoring those who paved the way.

Growing up, her parents emphasized that the opportunities she has today exist because of sacrifices made by generations before her.

鈥淎nd just to think that was only a couple of generations away 鈥� my grandparents protested,鈥� Parish said. 鈥淭hey showed us how important it was and the sacrifices they made for the opportunity for me to get a scholarship at a school I didn鈥檛 even think I could go to.鈥�

That perspective shapes how she approaches her work on campus. Parish believes history is not confined to the past. It is unfolding every day.

鈥淏lack history is happening all the time, and you are living Black history because everything that you do is history in the making,鈥� she said.

Parish views her involvement at Elon as preparation for a life centered on service and impact. The sense of belonging she found in her first year and the mentors who guided her continue to shape how she shows up for others.

鈥淓verything that you do makes an impact on future things to come,鈥� Parish said. 鈥淓very decision you make can make a positive impact if you let it.鈥�

Black History Month

As part of Black History Month, 福利亚洲国产精品 is sharing stories through Today at Elon that highlight Black students, faculty and staff who actively contribute to a campus environment where cultural histories and identities are celebrated year-round. In February, Elon is also recognizing the month through a series of events and programming.

For more information, contact Melinda Box at mbox@elon.edu or (336) 278-6225.

Scavenger Hunt
Monday – Friday, Feb. 9 – 13

Join in the competition by racking up credits for attendance, safety knowledge, and equipment identification. Win awesome, hand-crafted, collectible prizes.

Hazard Symbol Bingo
Monday, Feb. 9, 7 – 8 p.m., East Commons Lounge

Have fun and learn essential safety symbols while you play. Win Flubber-themed prizes.

Film Festival: “Flubber” (1997)
Monday, Feb. 9, 8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., East Commons Lounge

Join us for laughs, Flubber-themed refreshments, and a fun departure from stodgy protocols and esoteric regulations.

Play It Safe!
Tuesday, Feb. 10, 4 – 7 p.m., IQ Atrium

Engage in hands-on safety activities with virtual reality and mood-setting black lights. Test your decontamination skills, firefighting abilities, and safety knowledge, and win collectible event swag.

Film Festival: Meltdown Three Mile Island
Tuesday & Wednesday, Feb. 10 & 11, 8 – 10 p.m., Sato Commons Media Room

Experience the stories of nearby residents who lived through and cleaned up after the worst nuclear reactor accident in the United States history. Learn how close conditions came to a widespread major accident.

Safety First, Coffee Always with International Coffee
Thursday, Feb. 12, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Discuss the international comparison of nuclear reactor accidents and their connection to modern practices of lab safety.

Film Festival: K19: The Widowmaker
Thursday, Feb. 12, 8 – 10 p.m., LaRose Student Commons

Become immersed in the world of nuclear-powered submarines with this dramatization of an actual near-miss nuclear reactor accident. Starring Harrison Ford and Liam Neeson, this movie tells the story of the heroic and resourceful efforts of a Russian crew to prevent meltdown and possible explosion.

Lab Mystery Night
Friday, Feb. 13, 7 – 8 p.m., LaRose Theatre (KOBC)

Compete to find out “who done it”! Who left the unlabeled beaker of clear liquid in this random location? Where did it come from, and more importantly, what is it? Be among the first to solve the mystery and win unique prizes.

Film Festival: Radium Girls
Friday, Feb. 13, 8 – 10 p.m., LaRose Theatre (KOBC)

Follow this group of determined watch dial painters as they discover the reality of the hazards they have been exposed to and pursue justice for themselves and workers of the future. Scavenger Hunt prizes will be awarded before the movie screening.

During housing selection, current students will select their 2026-27 housing assignment. Students can聽check聽the housing selection page聽to find additional information.

Current students must:

1. APPLY聽鈥� Submit their聽Housing Application聽by Feb. 10, 2026 on ()
2. GROUP鈥� Begin roommate grouping (complete roommate group prior to your selection day/s)
3. SELECT聽鈥� Participate in a聽selection day process聽or be accepted to an LLC or Fraternity/Sorority house.

Residence Life encourages students to聽ask questions聽and聽contact Residence Life staff with any concerns. There is a recorded information session available as well as several upcoming Q&A sessions students/families can attend.

The , a national organization that seeks to create a network where faculty and student affairs educators can learn, build and advance scholarship on the residential college experience, launched its awards program this year to recognize excellence in residential education.

A national model for living and learning

At Elon, living and learning are intentionally intertwined. Faculty and staff work across divisions to connect students鈥� academic journeys with their residential communities through shared courses, embedded faculty roles, themed living-learning communities and opportunities for informal mentorship.

The university was selected as the inaugural recipient of the Institutional Excellence in Residential Education Award for its collaborative, relationship-rich approach, which RCS described as a deeply human model of education that centers belonging, well-being and intellectual engagement.

鈥淎t Elon, Living and Learning isn鈥檛 just a program; it is the Elon experience,鈥� Nick Tippenhauer, RCS Executive Leadership Team member and assistant Dean for studies at Rockefeller College at Princeton University, said during the awards ceremony, referencing the nomination. 鈥淚t is a defining commitment to engaged learning that weaves together every aspect of campus life.鈥�

Accepting the award on behalf of the university were Eleanor Finger, assistant vice president for Student Life and dean of campus life, and Jennifer Stephens, director of Academic-Residential Partnerships, who also emphasized the uniqueness of Elon鈥檚 integrated model.

鈥淲hat makes Elon鈥檚 model distinctive is that we are fully integrated,鈥� Stephens said. 鈥淩arely do you see an actual partnership between Academic Affairs and Student Life across the entire living and learning experience the way you do at Elon.鈥�

Community building at the heart of residential life

Much of Elon鈥檚 national reputation in living and learning is rooted in the day-to-day work happening in its neighborhoods. Faculty-in-residence and community directors collaborate to foster spaces that help students grow personally, academically and socially.

One example of this approach is illustrated in the Global Neighborhood, led in part by Outstanding Faculty Member Award recipient Sandy Marshall, where traditions such as 鈥淪undaes on Sundays鈥� and 鈥淢ondays with the Marshalls,鈥� as well as monthly film nights and neighborhood dialogue dinners, have become beloved opportunities for students and faculty to connect beyond the classroom.

鈥淥ur Global Neighborhood team works with our amazing campus partners to create and sustain meaningful opportunities for students to connect with one another as well as faculty, staff, and community mentors,鈥� Marshall said. 鈥淚 love connecting with the students and seeing them make their own connections at these events.鈥�

During the awards ceremony, Tippenhauer emphasized that Marshall鈥檚 programs are more than social events. 鈥淭hey are acts of community-building that make a large campus feel personal and connected,鈥� he said.

Mariann King, community director for the Global Neighborhood, noted that the impact of these programs becomes clear as students grow over the academic year.

鈥淲hen you think about where students are that first weekend and then see where they are by the time we host our Global Gala in the spring, you really get to see your students shine,鈥� she said. 鈥淭hose moments show just how much they learn from living on campus.鈥�

Deepening connection, belonging and student success

The awards from the RCS reaffirm Elon鈥檚 long-standing commitment to exploring ways to deepen students’ connections and well-being.

鈥淲hen faculty and staff invest in students as people, students feel like they have a place,鈥� Finger said. 鈥淭hat sense of being cared for is what builds belonging.鈥�

Stephens echoed this sentiment, stating, 鈥淭he two biggest indicators of student success are student-to-faculty interaction and peer-to-peer interaction,鈥� she said. 鈥淲hen those happen naturally in residential spaces, it strengthens both connection and well-being.鈥�

Looking ahead, Elon will continue to evolve its integrated model. Finger emphasized that ongoing refinement and growth will drive the next phase of this work.

鈥淲e are excited to engage more faculty in this transformative work, and to think dynamically about new living and learning communities that spark curiosity and interest in our students,鈥� she said.

Even as the model evolves, its core purpose will remain the same: bringing faculty, staff and students together outside the classroom to build community.

As a reminder, there are several 24/7 services that remain available throughout this time:

• Campus Safety & Police can be reached at 336-278-5555. They can also assist with connections to the Student Life on-call administrators.
• Crisis Counselors are available at 336-278-2222 for urgent mental health needs.
• SAFEline is available at 336-278-3333 for confidential support with identity-based bias, sexual violence, or interpersonal violence 鈥� they can also be a confidential resource to access on-call violence responders.
• TimelyCare free virtual medical and mental health service, is available 24/7 throughout the break from anywhere in the United States.

Below are the hours of student services operations during the break. Please note that university offices will be closed on Thursday and Friday, Nov. 27 and 28, for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Parking & Security

• If you are leaving your vehicle on campus during Thanksgiving Break, please be aware that several events may affect where you park for the week.
  • Students must move vehicles from Global, Schar Center, Ingold, Koury, Inman Admissions and Barnes lots before 6 a.m. Saturday, November 22, for the home football game. Vehicles left in those lots after that time will be towed.
  • Park in approved alternate lots before returning to permitted spaces by 7 a.m. Monday, Dec. 1.
  • A separate email will be sent on Thursday morning regarding game day parking during Thanksgiving Break.
• Please make sure your vehicle is locked and you take any valuables with you.
• Regardless of whether you live on or off campus, make sure you unplug all appliances, move expensive items away from windows, remove spare keys from outside your residence and lock your doors.

Residence Life

• Residence Halls close on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 10 a.m. and will reopen on Sunday, Nov. 30 at 10 a.m. This applies to residence halls only. University apartments remain open and accessible throughout the break.
• Information about requests to stay late or return early can be found on the Break Housing page of the Residence Life website. If you will be in a residence hall anytime during the period the halls are closed, you must register in advance.
• Offices remain open during the break during regular weekday business hours, 8 a.m. 鈥� 5 p.m., except Thursday and Friday, Nov. 27-28, when university offices are closed.
• As a reminder, electric scooters/electric transportation devices CANNOT enter any campus buildings. This includes during breaks. Please ensure your electric transportation devices are securely locked outside on a bike rack prior to the break. Any electric transportation devices left inside campus housing/student rooms will be confiscated, and students will be charged a $50 fee.

Belk Library

• The Belk Library will operate on a during Thanksgiving Break:
  • Friday, Nov. 21: Closing at 5 p.m.
  • Saturday, Nov. 22: 9 a.m. 鈥� 5 p.m.
  • Sunday, Nov. 23: Noon 鈥� 6 p.m.
  • Monday 鈥� Wednesday, Nov. 24-26: 8 a.m. 鈥� 5 p.m.
  • Thursday 鈥� Saturday, Nov. 27-29: Closed
• Belk Library will reopen at 10 a.m., Sunday, Nov. 30, and resume .
• Visit the for information about library hours for Phoenix cardholders and community members.

Campus Bookstore

• The Barnes & Noble Store will be open for reduced hours during Thanksgiving Break:
  • Saturday, Nov. 22: Regular Hours
  • Sunday, Nov. 23: Closed
  • Monday 鈥� Wednesday, Nov. 24-26: 10 a.m. 鈥� 4 p.m.
  • Thursday and Friday, Nov. 27-28: Closed
  • Saturday, Nov. 29: 10 a.m. 鈥� 6 p.m.
  • Sunday, Nov. 30: Closed
• Visit the for information about hours or online shopping.

Campus Recreation

• Recreation facilities will have modified hours during Thanksgiving Break.
• In addition, PARC Fitness Center will remain open daily, 4 a.m. 鈥� midnight, throughout the break.
• Koury Athletic Center will be open until 5 p.m. on Friday, November 21. The facility will also be open Monday and Tuesday, November 24-25, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Koury Athletic Center will reopen on Monday, Dec. 1, at 6 a.m., and all facilities will resume their regular schedule of operations at that time.
• Visit the Campus Recreation website for detailed information about facilities and programs.

Counseling Services

• Counseling Services will be closed Thursday, Nov. 27, and Friday, Nov. 28. Regular operating hours will resume on Monday, December 1
• TimelyCare’s free virtual medical and mental health service is available 24/7 throughout the break from anywhere in the United States.
• The crisis counselor on-call also remains available 24/7 by calling 336-278-2222.
• If a student is experiencing a psychological emergency that is life-threatening or involves imminent danger (risk of harm to self or others at any time), call 9-1-1 for immediate assistance.

Elon Dining

• All dining locations will have modified hours right before and after Thanksgiving Break.
  • Dining locations will begin to have adjusted hours beginning on Friday, Nov. 22.
  • Most locations will be closed for the entire week, with the exception of Monday to Wednesday, when Biscuitville will have limited hours.
• Dining locations begin re-opening on Sunday, Nov. 30.
• The menu-hours page on the Elon Dining website always has the latest information on dining location .

Moseley Center

• The Moseley Center will operate on a reduced schedule during Thanksgiving Break:
  • Friday, Nov. 21: 7 a.m. 鈥� 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, Nov. 22: 7 a.m. 鈥� 2 p.m.
  • Sunday, Nov. 23: Closed
  • Monday, Nov. 24 鈥� Wednesday, Nov. 26: 8 a.m. 鈥� 5 p.m.
  • Thursday, Nov. 27 鈥� Saturday, Nov. 29: Closed
• Moseley Center will reopen on Sunday, Nov. 30, and resume regular operating hours.
• Visit the Moseley Center website for the schedule and information for airport shuttles. Most shuttle spaces were filled by the deadline, but you can contact the Moseley Information Desk at 336-278-7215 to inquire whether there is still space available for a particular shuttle time.

Mail Services

• Mail Services will operate on a reduced schedule during the Thanksgiving Break:
  • Saturday, Nov. 22 and Sunday, Nov. 23: Closed
  • Monday, Nov. 24 and Tuesday, Nov. 25: 8:30 a.m. 鈥� 5 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Nov. 26: 8:30 a.m. 鈥� 4 p.m.
  • Thursday, Nov. 27 鈥� Sunday, Nov. 30: Closed
• Mail Services will reopen on Monday, Dec. 1 and will resume regular operating hours.
• Visit the Mail Services website for updated hours and operations.

Student Health Services

• Student Health Services will be closed Saturday, Nov. 22, through Sunday, November 30. Regular operating hours will resume on Monday, Dec. 1.
• Students may be seen by a provider at the Faculty/Staff Health and Wellness Clinic in Ellington Center during the Thanksgiving Break. Students should call (336) 278-5569 to schedule an appointment. There is no out-of-pocket cost to the student for the office visit.
  • Monday, Nov. 24: 7:30 a.m. 鈥� 4 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Nov. 25: 7:30 a.m. 鈥� 4 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Nov. 26: 7:30 a.m. 鈥� noon
• TimelyCare medical telehealth service is available 24/7 throughout the break. For information on how to access the service, visit the Student Health Services appointments webpage.
• Visit the Student Health Services website for additional information about after-hours care and resources in the community.

Transportation and Elon Express

• Transportation and Elon Express will end service on Friday, Nov. 21, at 5 p.m.
• On Monday, Dec. 1, all transportation services resume regular schedules at 7 a.m.
• Visit the 福利亚洲国产精品 Transportation website for the latest news, updates, after-hours resources, and real-time route tracking.