In the fall, the team traveled to the 2025 NIRSA nationals tournament in Kansas City, Missouri, to compete against other clubs from all across the country and represent Elon. The appearance marked one of the highest achievements in the club’s history and highlighted the program’s continued growth.

Following the fall season, the team made a statement as semifinalists in the Spring 2026 Collegiate Club Soccer tournament. The team finished second in the North Carolina West Division and secured a sixth-place post-season ranking within Collegiate Club Soccer.

Despite falling short of finals, the players were proud of what they accomplished.

鈥淎lthough we fell short, semi-finalists was the kind of statement performance we were aiming for,” said Club Vice President Noah Vienne. “We know we are one of the smaller schools in the league, but we have a competitive group of guys, and we know we鈥檙e capable of competing with the bigger schools. It鈥檚 a testament to the program that鈥檚 been built on and off the field by guys in the past.鈥�

There were many factors that led to the club having this end to the Spring 2026 season.

鈥淎 big reason for the success is because we have created a great culture within the team,” said Club President Logan Corriveau. “No matter what class year or major, we are always finding time together both on and off the field. Throughout the season, I have been able to speak to alumni, which has provided a great perspective on how the team has continued to grow and become more competitive.鈥�

With these recent successes, the club has no plans to slow down.

鈥淪ixth is great, but we鈥檙e keeping a lot of players going into next year, and we plan to take the team to the next level,” Corriveau said. “We are absolutely going to push to win it all this year.鈥�

After representing the university on the national stage and making an impressive postseason run, the team will return this fall looking to continue raising the standard for the program.

Alongside this infographic, these stories highlight some of the positive impact across campus through community partnerships during the past academic year:

• Elon receives Carnegie classification for community engagement
• Elon recognized for advancing nonpartisan student civic engagement
• Elon creates community through Special Olympics and Elon Athletics partnership
• Turning service into impact: How an Elon alumna is bringing Alamance County together
• Literary Journalism class engages Town of Elon mayor in civic dialogue
• Writing for Impact students secure funding for local nonprofit
• Showing up, growing together: Inside KING/PINK Academy鈥檚 power of mentorship
• Students reflect on service, community and connection during Fall Break
• New HealthEU course encourages students to go 鈥榖eyond the Elon bubble鈥�
• Elon empowers staff to make an impact in the community through paid volunteer leave

It was through the Gender & Sexuality Living-Learning Community that Lagunes Flores discovered something more: a community that helped her realize she wasn’t “just another student,” but someone who mattered deeply to the people around her.

“It made me realize that I played a bigger role than I initially did,” Lagunes Flores said. “I thought it was just going to be, ‘Oh, another first year,’ but it made me realize that I mattered a lot more than what I thought.”

What began as a search for belonging has evolved into a commitment to help others find it, too. That transformation started the day she moved to campus.

A journey of self-discovery

Lagunes Flores鈥檚 journey began during a Phoenix Friday event, where she experienced a sense of belonging and purpose after meeting another incoming student who encouraged her to apply to the Gender & Sexuality LLC. The two would later become roommates.

“I thought to myself, ‘Well, okay, at least I’ll have one friend at Elon and a roommate I know I can trust,'” said Lagunes Flores, who joined the university community through the听Leon and Lorraine Watson scholarship in the Odyssey Program.

What she didn’t know at the time was that the connection would help shape the foundation of her first year of college. After settling in on move-in day, Lagunes Flores and her roommates gathered the pride flags they had brought for their shared living space.

“One of my roommates was like, ‘Before putting them up, do you want to just go outside or go in the hallways and run with them?'” Lagunes Flores said.

Carrying their flags through the residence hall, she and her roommates celebrated the start of their first year and the community they had established. For Lagunes Flores, this moment meant so much more than celebrating move-in day.

“That was the first time I had actually experienced a sense of community with other queer people,” she said.

Growing up in a Native American community in Lumberton, North Carolina, Lagunes Flores had few opportunities to explore many of her intersecting identities.

“The only identity that I really got to explore before undergrad was the money struggles and things like that,鈥� she said.

Elon became a springboard for self-discovery, helping her embrace parts of her identity that had remained largely unexplored. That journey included gaining a deeper understanding of her queer identity. Experiences and friendships with fellow students led her to the support and community she needed.

One of those experiences came during a Drag Extravaganza event hosted by the Gender and LGBTQIA Center (GLC), featuring drag star Stormie Daie, who invited audience members to celebrate diverse identities and encouraged them to cheer when they heard one that resonated with them.

“That was the solidifying moment where I was comfortable in my sexuality,” Lagunes Flores said. “That was when I found my label.”

Building a foundation of belonging

Beyond helping her explore her identity, the Gender & Sexuality LLC also connected Lagunes Flores with mentors who would shape her academic and professional journey. Among them were Lauren Gulimette, an associate professor of philosophy and co-coordinator of Women鈥檚 Gender and Sexualities studies, and Luis Garay, director of the GLC, who are both co-advisors of the LLC.

Through conversations with Gulimette, Lagunes Flores discovered a passion for Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies and eventually added it as a minor, alongside her major in elementary education and a minor in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).

Guilmette also connected her with the PACE program, which helped her secure a campus position and introduced her to opportunities she hadn’t considered as a first-year student.

Among them was an internship with Transcend Alamance, a nonprofit organization that supports transgender individuals in Alamance County. As an intern, Lagunes Flores helps write the organization’s bi-monthly newsletter.

Those who have worked closely with Lagunes Flores have noticed her growth and commitment to building community, noting that she is someone who actively creates spaces where others feel welcomed and connected.

“While Maria can at first seem shy and quiet, it has been a pleasure to watch her find community and come into their own as an active participant in the classroom and a student organizer on campus,” Gulimette said.

Garay echoed Gulimette, highlighting that Lagunes Flores鈥� commitment to inclusivity and building connections extends beyond the living-learning community itself.

“She brings floormates and friends outside of her residence hall to our monthly community dinners, extending our values of connection and relationship-building to others across campus,” Garay said.

Tibs Vance 鈥�29, a fellow student and friend, said that Lagunes Flores has a gift for helping others feel included.

“Maria is always really good at inviting me to events she helps organize or events she thinks I’ll enjoy,” he said. “Her understanding of others in her communities really helps her support and form impactful connections.

The sense of belonging and community that she found through the Gender & Sexuality LLC and with students, such as with Vance, now informs how she approaches leadership opportunities and her future career goals.

Looking ahead, she hopes to help students explore their identities and find community, just as she did during her first year at Elon. After graduation, she plans to teach in the classroom before pursuing a graduate degree and a career in higher education.

Her first-year experiences have shaped not only her career aspirations but also her understanding of belonging and what pride looks like in everyday life.

“Belonging means knowing you’re loved in a space and that space makes you feel welcome,” she said. “You being you is an act of everyday pride.”

Elon honors Pride Month stories

As part of LGBTQ+ Pride Month, 福利亚洲国产精品 is sharing stories through Today at Elon that highlight students, faculty and staff who contribute to a campus environment where cultural identities and experiences are celebrated year-round. Throughout the month and year, Elon also offers resources and events听to support the LGBTQ+ community.

The following 120 students contributed 50 or more hours of service through co-curricular opportunities and community-based learning or community-engaged learning courses during the spring 2026 semester:

Lillian Argabrite
Sofia Barnes
Ava Battaglia
Grayce Bechtel
Kate Becksvoort
Metasibya Behailu
Savanna Bell
Rachel Bergman
Sydney Blau
Mary Boyle
Abby Bradbury
Nick Brillo
尝别补丑听叠谤辞辞办别谤
Harper Brooks
Keeley Brown
Kaila Burke
Ava Campione
Camille Christeon
Maddie Cook
Sky Covino
Isabelle Cross
Lilly Cyprow
Julia DeGenova
Emma Del Savio
Maggie Dion
Maddy Donner
Paige Douglass
Audrey Drouin-Prou
Emily Ecker
Olivia Evener
Wiley Falter
Jordan Felice
Aidan Fishkind
Cat Gerst
Madelyn Gibson
Anna Grace Gilbert
Cami Glebocki
Mia Glickman
Maddie Goldberg
Daniela Gonzalez
Andrew Gronski
Stella Habashi
Harry Haber
Delaney Hanf
Caitlyn Harris
Ava Heestand
Diego Hernandez
Aileen Humphreys
Ariel Jaklin
Ava Jenkins
Diana Jimenez-Carreno
Cameron Johnson
Lily Karten
Jacob Karty
Abby Kee
Jonathan Kim
Lauren Klappholtz
Veronica Kowalewski
Nick Lachapelle
John Lagarde
Emily Lambert
Will Larkin
DJ Lem
Mari Lilla
Elinoa Loewenthal
Lexi Lopilato
Princess听 Lorde
惭辞濒濒测听尝辞谤诲别苍
Abigail Lynch
Ramsay Mansuetto
Edward Massey
Marissa May
Lucy McAfee
Paige Melchiorre
Emily Menjivar
Julianna Millett
Caden Minnich
Lindsey Moore
Quincey Moreland
Anna Morelli
Lucy Morris
惭辞濒濒测听惭辞测濒补苍
Taryn Mularczyk
Gabriel Nagy
Audrey Nott
Sammy Olesen
Mallory Otten
Allyson Parent
Cassidy Parrish
Sadie Paulos
Elise Peele
础苍诲谤别补听笔别谤别锄
Hannah Peterson
Natalie Plamondon
Paige Postufka
Erin Price
Jackson Quispe
Krissy Randolph
Eden Redmond
Ashleigh Ribe
Anna Rodrigues
Graham Rogers
Allie Rooney
Phoebe Safian
Jackie Salas Rodriguez
Olivia Sandercock
Ella Sarluca
Karrie Scales
Carley Sgueglia
Sara Simpson
Maria Skiedzel
Gracyn Speter
Alex Strassberg
Rahv Tupac-Yupanqui
Kara Watral
Emily Wilson
Amanda Winchock
Alina Wolcott
Jordan Wolfe
Hailey Youngman

June was officially recognized by the U.S. government as Pride Month in 1999 when President Bill Clinton proclaimed June 鈥淕ay and Lesbian Pride Month.鈥� Learn more about the history of the month听.

The GLC also hosts a Pride Month Community Coffee event on June 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. in Irazu Coffee. Attendees can get one medium iced or hot drink. .

Resources at Elon

• Gender and LGBTQIA Center听(GLC) in Moseley 209 provides support to LGBTQIA students, provides confidential support for survivors of gender-based violence, and presents on gender and LGBTQIA-related topics. The GLC is open during the summer, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on holidays. Feel free to stop by the office, email (glc@elon.edu) or call at 336.278.6228
• The Gender and Sexuality Living Learning Community听is a residential community open to any student wishing to explore topics around gender and sexual orientation.
• 听is a queer-straight student alliance ensuring a safe space for all queer people, existing for over 20 years.
• OutLaw听is a social and educational organization that fosters a supportive and accepting environment for LGBT students, faculty, staff and professionals at Elon Law.
• LGBTQIA Alumni Network celebrates听and connects LGBTQIA alumni by fostering belonging and advocating for our community.
• The Spirit and Pride Initiative听is a grant-funded initiative supported by The Carpenter Foundation and in collaboration with the GLC and Truitt Center to support LGBTQIA students of faith.
• RISE, a QTPOC student initiative, supports LGBTQIA students of color through affirmation, celebration, and elevation.
• CLEAR听(Coalition of Learning, Empowerment & Anti-violence Resources) is a听student-directed initiative supervised by the GLC that coordinates events and presentations on gender-based violence awareness and prevention.
• The GAP Fund听provides financial support to currently enrolled Elon students who are supported by the mission and programs of the Gender and LGBTQIA Center. The GAP Fund is made possible by generous donations to the GLC from LGBTQIA alumni, allies, faculty, staff, current students, and community members.

Community Resources

• 听is a nonprofit organization serving the LGBTQ communities of Alamance County by organizing an annual Pride festival.
• 听provides support for families and friends of LGBTQ people through educational materials and advocacy against harassment and bullying.
• 听is a community-led initiative created to form opportunities that inspire a sense of belonging for LGBTQIA+ and gender expansive people of any age, race and ability in Alamance County.
• 听(Greensboro) creates unity through programming and philanthropy that advances equality and inclusion for LGBTQ communities.
• 听works to to serve, empower, and advocate for the well-being of our diverse LGBTQ+ communities.
• 听supports LGBTQ+ people through services, programming, resources, and support networks that center their wellbeing and allows them to thrive.

Allyship Tips from the GLC

• Connect with any of the organizations in this article.
• Give听to the Gender and LGBTQIA Center to provide financial support for LGBTQIA students who are experiencing food insecurity, to have access to gender-affirming clothing and to make educational experiences financially accessible.
• Learn the history of the LGBTQIA communities from The Society for Human Rights to the Compton鈥檚 Cafeteria Riot and to the Stonewall Riots and subsequent Pride Parades.

Reach out to the staff at the Gender and LGBTQIA Center about other ways to get involved or if you are interested in volunteering with the GLC.

Refined听during the 2025-26听academic year with oversight from Sam Lopez, associate director of Student Involvement, SOE builds on prior efforts to provide听a听structured approach to chapter development, encouraging organizations to engage intentionally across key areas, including intellectual development, membership development, chapter operations, alumni and graduate engagement, responsibility, health, and safety, and housing operations.

Throughout the year, chapters听participated听in training, educational programs, and philanthropic initiatives, with members across all class years contributing to their organization鈥檚 progress. A points-based tracking system measured engagement and outcomes, with chapters earning recognition at the Red, Bronze, Silver or听Gold听level based on overall performance.

Supporting chapters throughout this process is a chapter coaching model led by Assistant Directors of Student Involvement Aniya Jerkins, IFC/NPHC advisor, and Kayla Hedrick, PA/MGC advisor. Through ongoing coaching, individualized support, and regular check-ins, staff work directly with chapter leaders to help them interpret expectations, set goals and make meaningful progress within the SOE framework.

The SOE program is also made possible through听collaboration听across multiple campus partners, creating a holistic and integrated approach to student organization development. Contributing offices included the Center for Race, Ethnicity, and Diversity Education; Kernodle Center for Civic Life; Gender & LGBTQIA Center; Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life; Health Promotion, Academic Accommodations & Accessibility; Center for Leadership; Residence Life; Student Conduct; Inclusive Excellence; Hazing Prevention Coalition; and Belk Library.

Thirteen organizations achieved Gold Status, the program鈥檚 highest level of recognition: Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Epsilon Phi, Alpha Omicron Pi, Alpha Xi Delta, Beta Theta Pi, Chi Upsilon National Latin Sorority, Inc., Delta听Delta听Delta, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Kappa Delta, Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc., Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Kappa and Zeta Tau Alpha.

Chapter leaders also听participated听in end-of-year presentations, sharing accomplishments, challenges, and goals with a panel of Elon faculty and staff. These presentations, combined with each chapter鈥檚 SOE performance, helped inform the听selection听of the Chapter of the Year recipients across the four governing councils. Chapter of the Year honors recognize organizations that听distinguish themselves听through a听strong commitment听to leadership, accountability and community engagement.

This year鈥檚 recipients are:
Beta Theta Pi (Interfraternity Council)听demonstrated听strong growth听and achievement across the academic year, earning top marks in both fall and spring semester GPAs, and receiving national recognition through the Knox Award. The chapter expanded member engagement through a variety of brotherhood events and campus partnerships, including collaborations with the Burlington Animal Shelter, while also showing a commitment to health and safety through high participation in training programs and prevention initiatives.

Chi Upsilon Sigma National Latin Sorority, Inc. (Multicultural听Greek听Council)听excelled academically and organizationally, earning听an听鈥淎bove & Beyond鈥� rating for both fall and spring semesters’ GPAs, and actively听participating听in academic enrichment initiatives such as the Chapter Study Challenge and campus study programs. The chapter听showed听strong commitment听to leadership and service through executive board engagement, partnership with the Mebane Public Library, alumni programming and recognition at the national level.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (National Pan-Hellenic Council)听maintained听an active presence in leadership, educational engagement and community programming throughout the year. The chapter achieved high academic success while听participating听in identity-based programming and campus events, including the Black Solidarity Conference and Spring Pride. Their efforts also included hosting a Rise Against Hunger service event and engaging members in professional development opportunities, reflecting a focus on both community impact and member growth.

Alpha Chi Omega (Panhellenic Association)听demonstrated听comprehensive excellence across all areas of the Standards of Excellence program, exceeding expectations听in member听education and leadership听development. The chapter hosted a wide range of sisterhood, philanthropic, and career-focused initiatives, including 鈥淲alk a Mile,鈥� Alpha Chi Olympics, and a professional headshot and LinkedIn workshop, while also听establishing听partnerships听with Family Abuse Services. Their strong participation in health and safety training and consistent chapter operations reflect a well-rounded and highly engaged organization.

The Office of Student Involvement will continue to build on the program鈥檚 first year, with plans to further support chapter development and enhance opportunities for engagement across the fraternity and sorority community.

福利亚洲国产精品 celebrated the dedication, innovation and service of its staff during Staff Appreciation Day on May 29, honoring individuals and teams whose work exemplifies the university鈥檚 mission and values.

鈥淓ach of you exemplifies the spirit of 福利亚洲国产精品 through your passion, innovation and teamwork鈥揳ll of which has created an environment for excellence in learning, growth and success,鈥� Melissa Clodfelter, associate vice president for Human Resources and chief human resources officer, shared in her welcoming remarks to hundreds of university staff who had gathered for the celebration inside Schar Center.

The Rev. Kirstin Boswell, 福利亚洲国产精品’s chaplain and dean of multifaith engagement and an assistant professor of religious studies, followed with the invocation, where she encouraged staff to recognize and celebrate those who were honored during the ceremony, as well as those whose contributions often go unseen.

鈥淢ay we recognize the dignity in every role and the value in every contribution,鈥� Boswell said. 鈥淎nd may all of us leave this gathering renewed in purpose, strengthened by community and grateful for the opportunity to contribute our gifts to something larger than ourselves.鈥�

President Connie Ledoux Book provided updates on several university priorities, including progress on the Slattery Center, the university鈥檚 new center for health and wellness; the Roberts Academy at 福利亚洲国产精品 for children with dyslexia; the merger of Elon and Queens University of Charlotte; and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching classification for community and civic engagement.

Book said Staff Appreciation Day is about sharing thanks with colleagues for helping one another accomplish goals. 鈥淚 really love the strength of this community,鈥� she reflected. 鈥淭oday is a day for us to pause and take a day of gratitude for us to say ‘thank you.’鈥�

Retirees

Two retirees elected to have someone speak on their behalf as part of the ceremony. Kelly Elliston retired on December 31 as the executive assistant to the president. In a pre-recorded video, Book thanked Elliston for her friendship, commitment, excellence and partnership.

Now retired, Elliston shared that she appreciates drinking coffee on the porch to the sounds of birds singing. She recalled Elizabeth Bowman鈥檚 acceptance speech after winning the 2025 professional hourly staff member of the year award, where Bowen described Elon as a ship with captains, wheels, nuts and bolts. 鈥淚鈥檝e been one of those nuts for a really long time!鈥� Elliston said to friendly laughter from the audience.

Julie Myers, assistant for information technology, was recognized in a prepared video by her supervisor, Pat Donohue, deputy CIO. Donohue said Myers played a key role in budgeting, personnel management, business efficiency, bringing structural, accountability and cost awareness and was so meticulous that she would have backup plans for plans. Myers thanked several staff members in the audience for their time worked together.

Myers encouraged the audience to continue to look forward and not back as they take on new challenges. 鈥淭hat is why the windshield is bigger than the rearview mirror,鈥� she shared.

Read the stories of 2025-26 Elon retirees in the Today at Elon story.

Phoenix Awards

Four Phoenix Awards are presented each year to recognize outstanding innovation, collaboration and dedication to the university鈥檚 mission. Janet Williams, vice president for finance and administration and chief financial officer, announced the award winners.

Phoenix Innovation Award

Terrance Copling was named the 2026 Phoenix Innovation Award winner. The Phoenix Innovation Award is presented to a member of the Elon staff who has displayed innovation by creating, designing, improving or implementing a new idea or program that benefits the university or the community.

In his role as senior ERP application developer, Copling was recognized for designing a solution to allow Elon Benefits Hub, powered by PlanSource, to communicate directly with Colleague, a feat that was previously thought not possible. Copling鈥檚 innovation has eliminated manual data entry, which reduces errors, improves processing time and creates a smoother and more efficient experience for Elon employees.

Copling was described as someone who consistently demonstrates an ability to translate complex challenges into thoughtful and effective solutions 鈥撎齱hich he approaches with humility, patience and a palpable desire to help others succeed.

One nominator said about Copling, 鈥淗e is the person colleagues turn to when a challenge seems unsolvable because time and again, he proves that with enough creativity and persistence, nothing is out of reach.鈥�

When accepting the award, Copling shared his gratitude for the team effort, within his team and other partners on campus. 鈥淚 couldn鈥檛 do this with you,鈥� he shared.

Phoenix Rising Award

Andrew Moffa was named the 2026 Phoenix Rising Award winner. The award is presented to one newer member of Elon鈥檚 staff who has consistently displayed excellence in pursuit of Elon鈥檚 mission with an engaged mind in inspired leadership and global citizenship.

Moffa is the assistant director of the Kernodle Center for Civic Life. He was described as the 鈥渕entor people dream of having鈥� and someone who 鈥渃reates an environment where students feel valued and empowered鈥� in several roles he plays, including advising students in Elon 101, mentoring members of the Elon Votes! Team and supporting students who work in the office.

One nominator shared that Moffa 鈥渆mbodies the essence of allyship: showing up consistently, listening deeply and helping students bring their goals and ideas to life.鈥� Students said he is 鈥渁n amazing support to any student he comes across鈥� and 鈥渁n open space for us.鈥�

Moffa expressed gratitude towards the Kernodle Center and the Division of Student Life, as well the students he works with. 鈥淚t comes back to the students that we work with,鈥� he shared. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 why I鈥檓 here, that鈥檚 why I love showing up to work 鈥� it wouldn鈥檛 be the same without them.鈥�

Phoenix Collaboration Award

The 2026 Phoenix Collaboration Award was presented to Elon Guided Reflection on Work Student Employment Mentoring Implementation Work Group, led by Alison Doherty, Jo-Rae Jennings, Emily Krechel, Noah Orr and Kameryn Taylor. ElonGROW is a framework designed to help students connect what they鈥檙e learning in the classroom with the skills they are developing in their campus jobs. Through brief conversations with their supervisors, students reflect on how their work supports their academic, professional and personal growth.

The award is presented to an Elon staff team or group that has fostered cooperation, collaboration and open communication across two or more departments/offices/centers on campus.

A nominator said about the group, 鈥淭he team modeled the very competencies it seeks to cultivate in students: communication, teamwork, leadership, professionalism and adaptive thinking.鈥�

ElonGROW was designed to be the fabric of supervision and student employment university-wide. Due to the collaborative efforts, supervisors now have clearer expectations, stronger training and accessible tools to facilitate intentional developmental conversations, and student employees are more likely to recognize transferable skills, articulate growth and connect work to academics and future careers.

Emily Krechel, director of new student programs, addressed the audience with ElonGROW members standing near the podium. As chair of the workgroup, she described the team as 鈥渢he most productive, efficient and collaborative people she has ever had the privilege of working with.鈥�

Phoenix Community Engagement Award

Tammy Hill, student health insurance and immunization compliance project manager, was named the 2026 Phoenix Community Engagement Award winner. The award recognizes a member of the Elon staff who has demonstrated exemplary service to the university, local or global community through their engagement in volunteer organizations.

Hill is a leader within the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation and was described as someone who tirelessly contributes her time, expertise and energy to support cultural preservation, community engagement and organizational leadership.

Hill is profoundly dedicated to the preservation, protection and promotion of her tribal community鈥檚 history, culture and traditions. When she was 55, she pursued a degree in American history to deepen her understanding of Western expansion and the many successes of other tribes in the United States. She has served the OBSN as newsletter editor, a member of the Scholarship Committee and Tribal Secretary on the Tribal Council, and she is self-taught in the skills needed for her current role managing the tribal website, web store and trading post.

One nominator stated, 鈥淲hether supporting her tribal community, fostering cultural awareness or strengthening connections within the Elon community, she leads with humility, integrity and dedication. She demonstrates that service is not simply something she does 鈥� it is who she is.鈥�

Hill has been at Elon for more than two decades and leaves an indelible mark on students and colleagues alike who fondly reflect on her guidance, warmth and genuine care. She was not present at the ceremony and Jana Lynn Patterson, associate vice president for Student Life/dean of Student Health & Well-Being/assistant professor, accepted on her behalf.

Blanche Garrison Memorial Award

Drema Holder was named the 2026 Blanche Garrison Memorial Award recipient. The award was established in memory of the late Blanche Garrison, an Elon Medallion awardee, who served the university with distinction as a staff member at Maynard House. This award was created through the generosity of President Emeritus Leo Lambert and Laurie Lambert and recognizes a staff member who has contributed significantly to shaping the student experience at 福利亚洲国产精品 through their everyday commitments and actions to support, encourage and mentor Elon students.

Holder is the Moseley Center program assistant and was described as the epitome of graciousness and customer service, someone whose authentic kindheartedness, commitment and enthusiasm are vital to keeping her area of campus running effectively and making all who pass through its halls feel welcome.

One nominator shared that Holder 鈥渃ontinually puts others before herself, uplifting students and advocating for them to receive the recognition they deserve.鈥� Another nominator added, 鈥淚f Moseley is the heart of campus, then Drema is the heart of Moseley.鈥�

Holder shared that this is her 48th year in higher education and 鈥渁ll my students and all my coworkers have a special place in my heart.鈥�

Staff Member of the Year Awards

Three Staff Member of the Year Awards are presented annually to university non-teaching staff 鈥� one for each of the following categories: facilities management, professional hourly staff and administrative staff. Elon President Connie Ledoux Book announced the award winners.

Staff Member of the Year 鈥撎齈rofessional Hourly

Sharon Holmes was honored as the 2026 professional hourly staff member of the year. Holmes is a program assistant in the Office of Alumni Engagement and described as someone who goes above and beyond to facilitate events, manage student workers and make alumni feel welcome.

Nominators shared that Holmes is a 鈥渕om away from home鈥� for student workers and a valued source of support and friendship for her colleagues.鈥� Another team member added, whatever the team needs, she will do without question and with the biggest smile you will ever see.鈥�

She was further described as 鈥渢he welcoming voice on the phone, the smiling face when alumni stop by her office and the helpful hand when students have questions.”

Upon receiving the award, Holmes shared that working at Elon is meaningful to her because she is from Alamance County. She expressed her appreciation to her team members, saying, 鈥淭hey are truly a pleasure to be around, to work with and to collaborate with. It鈥檚 a joy to support them.鈥�

Staff Member of the Year 鈥� Administrative

Ross Wade was named the 2026 administrative staff member of the year. He is Elon鈥檚 interim associate vice president for the Student Professional Development Center.

Wade was recognized for steering his department through a period of critical transition with 鈥渞emarkable grace transparency and intentionality.鈥� He is described as having thoughtful, future-focused leadership and lauded for restoring a sense of direction and vigor to the team and introduced policies that have substantially improved workflow efficiency.

One nominator stated that 鈥淗e leads by example 鈥� rolling up his sleeves, staying engaged and demonstrating through his own actions what dedication to this work actually looks like.鈥�

Wade expressed the challenges of stepping into a leadership role during a time of transition for SPDC. 鈥淚 stumble through it every single day with the grace and the help from the SPDC team,鈥� he shared. 鈥淭hank you so much for your patience, kindness and ideas.鈥�

Staff Member of the Year 鈥� Facilities Management

Carol Pulliam received the facilities management staff member of the year award. She is the custodian for Sato Commons.

Nominators used an array of sentiments to describe why Pulliam is, as they describe, one of the most important members of her building鈥檚 team: exceptionally detail-oriented, proud of her work and orderly. 鈥淪he ensures every facet of the physical space reflects the excellence for which Elon is known,鈥� a nominator said.

Pulliam was not only recognized for her immaculate work, but also her willingness to submit FixIt requests and helping students set up research posters.

Another nominator shared that her genuine warmth truly sets her apart. 鈥淗er willingness to engage people on the floor in meaningful conversations helps make our floor more connected and caring.鈥�

Addressing her staff peers, she expressed, 鈥渢hank you, God, and thank you to all the people that made this possible 鈥撎齀 love each and every one of you.鈥�

Emergency and Crisis Response

• As a reminder, Campus Safety & Police will operate as normal, 24-hours per day, and can be reached at 336-278-5555.听 They can also assist with connections to the Student Life on-call administrators, who are available 24/7 throughout the summer.
• SAFEline is always available at 336-278-3333 for confidential support with sexual and relationship violence response 鈥� it can also be a confidential resource to access on-call violence responders.
• For urgent mental health needs, the Counselor On-Call is available at 336-278-2222.
• For any life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1.

TimelyCare Virtual Medical and Mental Health Care 鈥� available all summer

• Telemedicine and telemental health services through TimelyCare will be available to all Elon students, regardless of whether they are enrolled in summer classes, as long as they are in the United States.
• Information is available on the TimelyCare page of the Division of Student Life website, and can also be accessed through the appointments pages of the Counseling Services and Student Health Services websites.

Campus services available during Summer Break

Below are the hours for student service operations during Summer Break.

Belk Library

• Belk Library will be open 8 a.m. 鈥� 5 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26, through Thursday, May 28.
• Summer hours begin Saturday, June 1, and are as follows:
  • Mondays – Thursdays: 8 a.m.听 鈥� 9 p.m.
  • Fridays: 8 a.m. 鈥� 5 p.m.
  • Saturdays: 9 a.m. 鈥� 5 p.m.
  • Sundays: 12 p.m. 鈥� 5 p.m.
• Visit the for current library hours.

Campus Bookstore

• Starting Tuesday, May 26, the bookstore will be open weekdays from 10 a.m. 鈥� 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. 鈥� 2 p.m. It will be closed on Sundays and holidays coinciding with university closures.
• Visit the for information about hours or online shopping.

Campus Recreation

• Koury will be closed for an operations reset on Thursday, May 21, starting at 2 p.m., and will reopen on Monday, June 1, at 11 a.m. Summer hours for Campus Recreation facilities are the following:
  • Koury Center
    • Mondays 鈥� Fridays:听 11 a.m. 鈥� 7 p.m.
  • Driving Range
    • Mondays 鈥� Fridays: noon 鈥� 7 p.m.
    • Saturdays and Sundays: 9 a.m. 鈥� 7 p.m.
    • Last bucket at 6 p.m.
• Visit the Campus Recreation website for more information.

Counseling Services

• No clinical appointments are available Monday, May 26, through Friday, May 30. Starting Monday, June 2, hours will include the following:
  • Administrative Office Hours: weekdays, 8 a.m. 鈥� 5 p.m.
  • Clinical Hours: Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. 鈥撎� 4 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. 鈥� 1 p.m.
  • Closed weekends and holidays
• Call 336-278-7280 during administrative office hours or visit the Counseling Services website to schedule an appointment.
• Important updates on available services and听online scheduling are available on the Counseling Services website.
• On-demand mental health support is available 24/7 throughout the summer using TimelyCare鈥檚 鈥淭alkNow鈥� service. For information about how to access the service, visit TalkNow on the Counseling Services website.

Elon Dining

• Starting Tuesday, May 26, Lakeside Dining Hall will be open weekdays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will be closed on most weekends and holidays coinciding with university closures.
• Additional hours may be available based on the camps and conference schedule.
• Menus and hours are always available .

Elon Express and Campus Transportation

• All Elon Express routes will stop service at the end of Wednesday, May 20 at 10 a.m. Elon Express will resume routes in August with the start of the Fall semester.
• Elon Express schedules and routes and E-Ride Services are available online.

Moseley Center

• Starting Tuesday, May 26, the Moseley Center’s hours of operation are as follows:
  • Mondays through Fridays, 8 a.m. 鈥� 5 p.m.
  • Saturdays, 9 a.m. 鈥� 1 p.m.
  • Closed on Sundays
• Irazu Coffee will be open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. 鈥� noon.
• Updated building hours of operation are available on the Moseley Center website.

Mail Services

• Weekdays: 8:30 a.m. 鈥� 5 p.m.
• Closed weekends and holidays coinciding with University closures
• If you are in Elon for the summer (June & July) and would like to continue receiving mail and packages, you MUST complete the Summer Address Notification Form in .
• Visit the Summer Mail page for more information. This only applies to returning students, not students who have graduated.

Student Health Services

• Starting Tuesday, May 26, 2026:
  • Appointments with a provider are available every Monday and Tuesday, 9 a.m. 鈥� 4 p.m. and every other Wednesday beginning June 3 from 9 a.m. 鈥� 11:30 a.m. in the office and in Francis Center for SHS grads only from 12:40鈥�4:30 p.m.
  • Closed weekends and holidays.
  • Administrative staff will be available by phone Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. 鈥� 4 p.m.; closed for lunch from noon 鈥� 1 p.m.
• Call 336-278-7230 during operational hours to schedule an appointment or make an appointment online through the PhoenixHealth portal (instructions online).
• TimelyCare medical telehealth service is available 24/7 throughout the summer.
• For information about how to access the service, visit the appointments page of the Student Health Services website.

Patrick Murphy G鈥�01

Assistant vice president for financial aid

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

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

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

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

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

Beth McCain

Assistant teaching professor of accounting

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

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

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

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

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

Linda Niedziela

Associate professor of biology and chair of the Department of Biology

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

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

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

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

Anthony Hatcher

Professor of journalism and chair of the Journalism Department

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

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

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

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

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

Robert Moorman

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

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

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

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

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

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

Charity Johansson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Marcia Dodson

Program assistant for the Station at Mill Point Neighborhood

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

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

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

Rosemary Haskell

Professor of English

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

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

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

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

Cheryl Riley

Custodian

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

Linda Dunn

Adjunct assistant professor of Peace and Conflict Studies

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

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

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

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

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

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

Elizabeth Bailey

Assistant teaching professor of exercise science

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

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

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

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

Kim Giles, 鈥�11 G鈥�16

Associate director of communications for the Student Professional Development Center

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

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

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

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

Sharon Moss LaRocco

University accompanist and instructor in music

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jana Lynn Patterson

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

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

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

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

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

Also retiring

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

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

Opening the celebration with remarks, Jon Dooley, vice president for Student Life, reflected on the division鈥檚 role in supporting and transforming students throughout their Elon journeys.

鈥淲e educate students and we transform lives,鈥� Dooley said.

Throughout his remarks, Dooley emphasized the importance of relationships and the meaningful impact Student Life professionals have on students both inside and outside the classroom. 鈥淭he relationships we build with students 鈥� and with each other 鈥� are our greatest assets,鈥� Dooley said

The celebration highlighted milestones from across the division and university, including launching the division鈥檚 new five-year plan, signing the Okanagan Charter, re-energizing the Hazing Prevention Coalition, expanding resources and communications for graduate students and being named one of the most promising places to work in student affairs for the sixth consecutive year.

The event also celebrated staff service milestones, departmental accomplishments, graduate apprentices, upcoming retirees and the professional achievements of colleagues across the division.

Special guests in attendance included Provost Rebecca Kohn and Vice President Emeritus Smith Jackson.

As the academic year comes to a close, the event served as a reflection on the collective care, collaboration and commitment that continue to shape the student experience at Elon.

Division of Student Life Award Recipients

Academic Partnership Award

The Academic Partnership Award is presented annually to a Student Life professional and department that worked closely with academic partners to design a program or service that purposefully integrates curricular and co-curricular experiences or connects social and intellectual activities in an intentional manner.

Professional: Boaz Avraham-Katz, Truitt Center

Department: Counseling Services

Administrative Professional Award

The Administrative Professional is presented annually to a Student Life administrative professional (hourly staff member) who exhibits exceptional ability, commitment, and excellence in supporting student success and departmental/divisional priorities and projects.

Professional: Catherine Little, administrative assistant for campus life/New Student Programs

Collaboration Award

The Collaboration Award is presented to an individual and department that has excelled in forming partnerships within and/or outside the Division of Student Life to enhance the student experience by advancing the division鈥檚 and/or the university鈥檚 priorities.

Professional: Sam Lopez, Student Involvement

Department: Campus Recreation

Inclusive Excellence Award

The Inclusive Excellence Award is presented to a professional and department that has demonstrated a commitment to fostering a positive campus climate and community through advancing diversity, equity and inclusion.

Professional: Emily Krechel, New Student Programs

Department: Student Care & Outreach

Innovation Award

The Innovation Award is presented to a professional and department that has developed new, unique programs, services, or ways of working to support our divisional mission and goals.

Professional: AK Krauss, Gender & LGBTQIA Center

Department: Gender & LGBTQIA Center

Mentoring Award

The Mentoring Award is presented annually to a Student Life professional who is an exceptional mentor to students and engages with them in purposeful student development activities.

Professional: Destiny Payne, New Student Programs

New Professional Award

The New Professional Award is presented to an individual serving in their first or second year at Elon听who exhibits exceptional ability and commitment to work as a Student Life professional.

Professional: Ivie Shelton, Campus Recreation

Professional Achievement Award

The Professional Achievement Award is presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the student affairs profession.

Professional: Jana Lynn Patterson

Professional Development Scholarship

The Professional Development Scholarship Award is designed to extend beyond those opportunities to provide employees with support for continued professional growth through participation in selected professional experiences. Participants are expected to develop a creative strategy for sharing insights and lessons learned with colleagues on campus.

Recipient: Callie Kelly, Health Promotion

Years of Service

5 Years听

• Kirstin Boswell
• Meredith Harrison
• AK Krauss
• Cara Plasencia
• Tumi Shadreck
• Christina Wittstein

10 Years

• Shane Atkinson
• Callie Kelly
• Peter Tremblay

15 Years听

• Jan Register
• Marilyn Slade

20 Years

• Susan Lindley
• Chris Troxler

40 Years

• Jana Lynn Patterson