Six rising juniors have been named members of the tenth class of Multifaith Scholars, a two-year fellows program for juniors and seniors that offers a closely mentored, experientially rich and intellectually rigorous educational opportunity for students with significant potential.

After a highly selective application and interview process, students are awarded $5,000 annually to support research and study in global contexts connected with religious diversity and multi-religious societies. Students who show great potential as academically curious and socially engaged leaders committed to their own ongoing development and the enhancement of their local and global communities are selected each spring.

“I am delighted to welcome these six impressive rising juniors into the Multifaith Scholars program and look forward to supporting their compelling projects over the next two years,” said Amy Allocco, director of the Multifaith Scholars program. “Their research interests include music and Christian religious experience, linguistic anthropology and the vocabulary of faith, religious diversity in clinical settings, gender and religious roles in Asian art, the intersection of biomedicine and traditional healing practices and the history of Black churches here in Alamance County.”

In addition to pursuing their faculty-mentored undergraduate research projects and undertaking academic coursework in religious studies and interreligious studies, the scholars will extend the program’s ongoing community partnership with the Burlington Masjid. Through the partnership, scholars teach English classes, participate in youth and social events with the local Muslim community, join community garden workdays, volunteer with the food pantry and take part in potlucks and iftar meals during Ramadan.

“It is wonderful to welcome such a strong class with such diverse academic interests,” reflected Brian Pennington, director of the Center for the Study of Religion, Culture, and Society, which supports the Multifaith Scholars program. “As we approach the tenth anniversary of the MFS, it is gratifying to see so many clear signs of the program’s maturity and significance: our largest class ever, the inclusion of seven new faculty mentors, and students majoring in three disciplines never before represented in MFS.”

The 2026-2028 Multifaith Scholars

Addison Anderson

Majors: History, Sociology

Minors: Museum Studies, Public History, and Interreligious Studies

Mentor: Amanda Kleintop (History and Geography)

Project Title: History and Memory of Alamance County’s Black Churches

Proposed Research: Examine the relationship between Alamance County African American churches and local politics in North Carolina from Reconstruction through 1900.

Blair Berenson

Major: Anthropology

Minors: Jewish Studies, Sociology, Philosophy and Interreligious Studies

Mentors: Amy Allocco (Religious Studies) and Devin Proctor (Sociology & Anthropology)

Project Title: An Anthropological Approach to Cross-Generational Shifts in Hindu and Jewish Perspectives of Faith in the US

Proposed Research: Conduct fieldwork in Jewish and Hindu communities in Atlanta to understand how different generations articulate the concept of faith.

Katie Castelo

Major: Biochemistry

Minors: Neuroscience, Spanish, and Interreligious Studies

Mentor: Cathy Quay (Nursing)

Project Title: Bridging Faith and Medicine: Improving Cultural Awareness of Religious Practices in the Healthcare System

Proposed Research: Explore the healthcare industry’s approach to death and ways it can be more open to diverse religious practices.

Faith Elliott

Major: Neuroscience

Minors: Expressive Arts and Interreligious Studies

Mentors: Lynn Huber (Religious Studies) and Morgan Patrick (Music Theory)

Project Title: Neurotheology: An Interdisciplinary Study into Sacred Music and Feelings of Well-Being

Proposed Research: Examine the historical significance of music and understand and measure the behavioral impact associated with an emotional, transcendent spiritual experience and the well-being that results from listening.

Mariama Jalloh

Major: Public Health

Minors: Biology and Interreligious Studies

Mentor: Sandra Darfour-Oduro (Public Health)

Project Title: Faith, Healers, and Health: How Religious Beliefs and Community Trust Shape Healthcare Decisions in West African Communities

Proposed Research: Examine how religious leaders and traditional healers influence healthcare decisions in communities in Ghana, and how public health programs can partner with these practitioners to improve health education outcomes.

Ryleigh Rouse

Majors: Art History, Religious Studies

Minors: Museum Studies and Public History and Asian Studies

Mentor: Kirstin Ringelberg (Art History)

Project Title: Religion’s Impact on Japanese Women: Through an Art Historical Lens

Proposed Research: Employ art as a lens to examine how religion shaped gender perceptions and Japanese women’s roles.

Pamela Runestad, assistant professor of anthropology, has been named the 2026-2028 Scholar for the Center for the Study of Religion, Culture, and Society (CSRCS). During her term, Runestad will focus on resources for faculty and staff with community engaged experiences in their courses. Additionally, she will help build CSRCS capacity for student research, internships and foster campuswide engagement. Runestad will assume her position on June 1, 2026.

“I’m really excited to bring together expertise from CSRCS and PERCS regarding best practices for class site visits to religious sites so that we have resources for faculty and staff who facilitate community engaged experiences as part of their courses. I hope these will be useful for in-house courses and winter term courses abroad,” Runestad said.

CSRCS Director Brian Pennington says that Runestad’s “expertise in Japan and in medical anthropology will bring new skills and insights to the CSRCS. Her commitments to student learning and to campus culture are well known, and we will be excited to welcome her on board.”

Runestad is a Food Studies faculty member and is a medical anthropologist who began to combine interests in biology, social studies, and culture while teaching in Nagano, Japan, from 2000 to 2006. She moved to Honolulu to study medical anthropology in 2006 and returned to Japan for her doctoral research on HIV/AIDS, supported by Fulbright-Hays and the Crown Prince Akihito Scholarship Foundation, from 2009 to 2013. She is particularly interested in medical narratives, and biocultural aspects of infectious disease, chronic conditions and nutrition.

“As a medical anthropologist, I’m also excited to contribute to the ‘Bridging Faith and Health’ microcredential and related conversations about interdisciplinary health and human experience on campus. My own research explores socio-cultural and religious components of maternity clinic strategies to engage patient-clients as the birthrate continues to decline in Japan,” said Runestad. “Sometimes religious underpinnings of everyday practices are difficult to discern or are more complicated than they appear at first glance. Attending to those underpinnings can make root causes of social issues clearer.”

This year’s symposium, “Sensorial Cosmologies and Cultural Resistance in Latin America,” explored political strategies, activism, and theoretical interventions for combatting cultural homogenization in Latin America and the Caribbean. Presenters engaged themes such as religion, cosmology and critical theory; gender justice and eco-feminism; and migration from the global south and racial inequality in the USA.

Seventeen scholars from across the US joined 51������ faculty conveners Federico Pous (World Languages and Cultures), Leyla Savloff (Sociology and Anthropology), and Juan Leal Ugalde (World Languages and Cultures) to feature work on counternarratives and cultural resistance offered by Indigenous cosmogony and artistic creation. Presentations included  topics such as “Catholic Feminism and Reproductive Justice in Argentina,” “Resistance in Apu Kolki Hirka,” “Revival in the Sikiru Movement,” and “Trans Migrant Women’s Spatial Practices in Queens.”

“The quality of papers presented, and the intellectual conversation we held at the symposium were very stimulating,” said Federico Pous, associate professor of Spanish. “We are currently preparing a dossier for the very well-known journal Acontracorriente, in which most of the participants at the symposium will publish an article on the topic of sensorious cosmologies. I hope to continue organizing academic encounters like this one in the future.”

This year’s keynote presentation, “Contemporary Audiovisuality as a Site of Cosmological Inscription,” was delivered by Ana M. Ochoa, professor of music and ethnomusicology at Tulane University. Her lecture outlined her collaborative work on audio production among indigenous filmmakers in South America.

“The global politics of migration calls us to think how media, audiovisual and sound technologies are not simply a way to broadcast entertainment, art, or events. They have been part of the fabric of a sensorial cosmological transformation in the make-up of life and how we think of it,” said Ochoa. “This is not only the case when, for example, indigenous peoples film their myths, or participate in transnational art events to affirm their cultures and cosmologies, but also as we trace the historical links between extractivism, the soundscape of life, and audiovisual sensoriums.”

CSRCS Director Brian Pennington emphasized that supporting Elon faculty scholarship is a primary purpose of the symposium.

“Symposium participants, led by Drs. Savloff and Pous, have already developed a detailed roadmap for publishing these papers, and we are excited about the important collection that will result,” said Pennington.

For more information, visit the On the Edge Symposium webpage.

Since 2022, Festival of Lights and Luminaries has been coordinated by a campus-wide planning committee under the direction of University Chaplain and Dean of Multifaith Engagement, Rev. Dr. Kirstin Boswell, and Director of Multifaith Programming and Engagement Hillary Zaken. The planning committee includes representatives from across campus, such as the Office of the Vice President of Student Life, the Department of World Languages and Cultures, and Facilities Management. This year’s planning committee also included student representation from Sarah Moore ’26, managing editor of The Pendulum.

For eight out of the past nine years, Festival of Lights and Luminaries has been voted “Best University Tradition.” According to Moore, the “Best Of” is “decided from a survey promoted to our readers, including students, staff, faculty, alumni and local residents. We have published a ‘Best Of’ edition each year since 2018.”

With thousands of candle-lit luminaries lining Under the Oaks, Historic, and the Academic Pavilions, students gather with friends to find their luminary, pausing for photos and reflection. Music from a cappella groups and student choirs fills the air, contributing to an atmosphere of celebration and joy.

Rev. Kirstin Boswell describes the Festival of Lights & Luminaries as “one of the most beautiful expressions of who we are as a university community. It brings together students, faculty, staff, alumni, families, and neighbors across religious, cultural, and worldview differences to honor light in its many forms — hope, wisdom, justice, compassion, and joy.”  She adds that “recognition as a ‘Best Tradition’ affirms what so many experience each year: this is a sacred and celebratory gathering where belonging is made visible and our shared community is literally illuminated.”

Beyond the visual beauty, the Festival of Lights and Luminaries highlights the university’s religious, spiritual, ethical and cultural diversity. Academic departments, student organizations and cultural clubs host tables offering educational opportunities about their traditions. The combination of light, music, and meaningful engagement makes the event memorable.

Hillary Zaken shared that she is “always delighted to learn that Festival of Lights and Luminaries has won ‘Best Tradition.’ It’s truly a festival that celebrates the best of who we are by highlighting our diverse identities and allowing us to shed light on what matters most to the Elon community. We’re so grateful for this honor and to everyone that worked to make this happen.”

Addison Anderson ’28, Truitt Center multifaith intern lead for this year’s event says that “a unique benefit to planning such a cherished and historic event as the Festival of Lights and Luminaries is the opportunity to learn about the special memories it has created over the years for people, whether that be attending decades ago as a young child, getting a little reminder from home in a lantern, or even putting out the occasional fire with friends. It brings me so much joy to know that the festival lived up to its legacy.”

For more information on annual events and programs and 51������ traditions, visit the Truitt Center’s website and follow on Instagram and Facebook.

Rev. Kirstin Boswell, university chaplain and dean of multifaith engagement, provides leadership and guidance for religious, spiritual, and ethical traditions and worldviews on campus. In this role, she leads the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life and co-leads multifaith initiatives across campus.

Beyond her campus responsibilities, Rev. Boswell collaborates on published works. Her most recent contribution is Chapter 11, “The Conversation Circles: A Sacred Space of Healing,”  published in “Redefining Spiritual Spaces in the Age of Technology: Innovations and Pitfalls.” The chapter explores the development and purpose of the Conversation Circles, an initiative housed within the Chaplaincy Innovation Lab, providing support for chaplains of color navigating today’s climate.

“Engaging in this work beyond campus deepens my commitment to the students, faculty, and staff I serve,” said Boswell. “Writing this chapter affirmed for me that healing is sacred work, and that it requires intentional spaces where people can speak their truths without fear. The Conversation Circles began as a national project, but they continually remind me that chaplaincy must be both justice-centered and relational—work that strengthens our community at Elon as we build spaces of belonging, compassion, and growth.”

Imam Shane Atkinson serves as the associate chaplain for Muslim Life and advisor for the Elon Muslim Society. In this role, he provides support for Muslim students, faculty, and staff across campus, as well as care for faculty and staff as they navigate grief and loss.

In December 2025, Imam Atkinson contributed to an article published in the Journal of Islamic Faith and Practice titled “The Illuminating Lamp: A Four-Step Model for Islamic Chaplaincy in North America”. The article offers a four-step framework that affirms the necessity of mentorship, accountability, and continuous self-refinement for Muslim chaplains in America. Through this approach, Muslim chaplains provide support by meeting people where they are. “Contributing to the article clarified my approach to mentoring and pastoral care. I focus on being present and building genuine connections,” said Imam Atkinson when asked how contributing to the article impacts his work as a chaplain. He went on to say that “once these relationships are established, we can then explore meaning-making and, if they wish, faith. The article also affirmed my belief that effective chaplaincy relies on ongoing learning, self-reflection, and openness to feedback from peers and mentors.”

Father Peter Tremblay serves as the associate chaplain for Catholic Life and is a member of the Franciscan religious community. In his role, he provides spiritual leadership and pastoral care for students, faculty, and staff of the Catholic faith, as well as members of the surrounding community.

In October 2025, Father Peter collaborated with 51������ students to develop a podcast as part of his doctoral thesis on Catholic social teaching. “Peace and Good,” developed for students, consists of nine episodes that focus on different topics, ranging from Catholic social teaching to discussing solidarity. At the beginning and conclusion of each episode, listeners were invited to complete questionnaires to assess whether the conversations influenced their views.

“There is a deep wisdom and perspective that Gen Z has about society, ethics, and justice,” said Tremblay of how developing the podcast impacts his work on campus. “Collaborating with our students, learning from them and engaging their wisdom made my doctoral research both a joy and made me a better chaplain.”

At the core, a chaplain’s primary role is in caregiving. On a university campus, that care extends to students, faculty and staff alike. Through their work, chaplains contribute not only to the university’s spiritual life on campus, but their works also invites continued dialogue, learning and engagement on campus and beyond.

For alumni of the Elon Gospel Choir, the festival offers a return to campus and a reunion through song. These former students have come together from across the country to celebrate their shared experiences, faith and passion for gospel music. Their stories reflect a blend of tradition and the ongoing evolution of the choir, capturing a lasting sense of connection to Elon and its community.

A tradition of song and service
Elon Gospel Choir has been an integral part of university life for decades, offering a space for students to explore and share their faith through the rich history and culture of gospel music. Many alumni credit their time in the choir with fostering a strong sense of community, acceptance, and spiritual growth. 

“Participating in the gospel choir was at the very core of my Elon experience. It helped provide community and opportunities to celebrate culture and faith. Because there were so very few African American students on campus at the time, we all migrated to the choir as a place of community and support,” said La’Tonya Wiley ‘97, assistant director of affinity alumni engagement.

These experiences in the choir left a lasting impact, deepening their connection to their faith and helping them develop lifelong friendships.

Rehearsals and rediscovery
For the choir alumni, preparing for this special performance will bring memories of late-night rehearsals, holiday concerts, and camaraderie. This year’s reunion offers the opportunity to reconnect, revisiting harmonies and melodies they once sang as students.

“It feels like I’m coming full circle. To know that I can stand next to someone whose shoes I once stood in and know what singing in this particular group means to them now but what it will mean to them in years to come. It’s especially meaningful to know that the revival of the gospel choir is something that Dr. Book personally requested. It’s encouraging to know that she understands the importance of this organization and outlet modeling at the university at large.” said Wiley.

The preparation for their Festival of Lights and Luminaries performance promises to be both nostalgic and deeply meaningful. Reuniting with former choir members and rehearsing songs together has offered a sense of renewal and reconnection that only music—and the shared experience of Elon’s Gospel Choir—could inspire.

Music that heals and uplifts
This year, led by musical director Che Shearin ’95, as the lights flicker throughout the campus and the songs of the Elon Gospel Choir alumni rise into the evening air, their voices are sure to create an unforgettable experience, uplifting both the singers and the audience.

Joined by current students, their performance will not only serve as a highlight of the night, but will also offer a unique opportunity for reflection, shared by alumni, current students, faculty and the local community alike.

“I would hope we can spread joy and spread hope to people and remind them that everything will be all right and that we are here together,” said choir member Fancy Mitchell ’25

A lasting legacy
The Elon Gospel Choir has always been more than just a student organization; it has been a foundation for fellowship, cultural celebration and shared purpose. For the alumni returning to perform at the Festival of Lights and Luminaries, this year is a chance to contribute to that legacy and pass the torch to current students who share the same love for gospel music and community. They hope that in their song, there is a flame that ignites to revive this organization.

“The Elon Gospel Choir has had a legacy of being a space of support, worship, community and joy for many students,” said Rev. Boswell. “In recent post-COVID years, however, the choir has had more challenges maintaining a core membership, which I feel is a great loss to the Elon community.”

As the choir alumni raise their voices once again, they not only celebrate the season but also rekindle the ties that have bound them together long after their years at Elon. Their performance serves as a powerful reminder of the bonds formed through music, faith and shared experiences—and how those bonds, much like the glowing luminaries, continue to light the way forward.

“There’s something uniting about coming together in song. Perhaps we are better able to sing together the words of peace and love that we don’t say to each other often enough,” said Rev. Boswell. “I feel that’s the importance of a space like the Elon Gospel Choir. I’m excited for past and present Elon students, faculty and staff to come together to breathe renewed life into the choir and sing together for the Festival of Lights and Luminaries. I hope that it will be the start of something big and will bring joy to festival attendees.”