Those who knew Allison Keill remember her passion for education and mentoring and how she touched the lives of every student she encountered in the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education.

That legacy will live on in the Allison E. Keill Memorial Global Engagement Endowed Scholarship that has been established by Keill’s husband, Chad Esposito, of Burlington, North Carolina, along with gifts from dozens of friends and family members who have come together to honor her memory.

Keill, 50, served as director of the Curriculum Resources Center and associate librarian in the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education before passing away March 25, 2026.

“Allison brought light and love to all in the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education,” said Dean Ann Bullock. “Her genuine, welcoming spirit and boundless sense of adventure make this scholarship a fitting tribute to an educator who impacted lives far beyond the classroom.”

The scholarship will assist students with financial need in the Watts Williams School of Education who are pursuing study abroad or Study USA opportunities.

Esposito remembers his wife as a woman of extraordinary grace, strength and heart who loved her family deeply.

“Allison was selfless and giving in every sense of the word—always putting others before herself and offering love, comfort and kindness so freely to everyone fortunate enough to know her,” he said. “She had a way of making people feel seen, cared for and important, and her beautiful smile could light up even the darkest room. Allison will be remembered for her positivity, intelligence, resilience and unwavering spirit.”

Keill was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in September 2024 yet refused to let the disease define her, Esposito said.

“Even in the face of unimaginable hardship, Allison remained inspiring, strong, thoughtful and full of love,” he said. “She met life’s challenges with courage and dignity, and she taught those around her what it truly means to live with purpose, gratitude and grace. Her family was the center of her world, and she poured her heart into every moment spent with them. She also understood deeply that nothing in this life is guaranteed, and because of that, she embraced each moment with love, laughter and intention.”

Esposito hopes the scholarship will inspire students to embrace education and global exploration.

“Endowing this scholarship ensures that Allison’s legacy continues in a way that reflects who she was—a compassionate educator, an inspiring mentor and someone who saw the world as a classroom without borders,” he said. “Allison had a genuine love of learning, not only through books and teaching, but through experiencing the world firsthand. She believed that understanding different cultures and perspectives made people better educators, better thinkers and better human beings.”

Born in Summit, New Jersey, Keill grew up in Westport, Connecticut, and Brunswick County, North Carolina. After graduating high school from the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, she earned her bachelor’s degree from UNC-Greensboro, and a master’s degree in library science from East Carolina University.

Make a Gift

Anyone interested in donating to the scholarship may contact Brian Baker, associate vice president of university advancement, at (336) 278-7453 or bbaker7@elon.edu.

“Celebrating Three Decades of International & Global Studies: Advancing Interdisciplinary and Intercultural Excellence” highlighted the efforts and achievements of key faculty and staff in creating the first interdisciplinary major at Elon.

The program on April 21, 2026, included remarks by 51������ President Connie Ledoux Book; Hilton Kelly, dean of Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences; and Andrea Sinn, an associate professor in the Department of History and Geography and the program’s current director.

Nancy Mueller ’27 and Emily Ecker ’26, both international and global studies majors, also delivered remarks.

Book shared the early beginnings of the program, and she noted important milestones and alumni accomplishments. She also praised Professor Emeritus Brian Digre for his leadership in launching the program.

“Three decades later, so many lives have been changed through Dr. Digre’s vision,” Book said. “Thank you to faculty and students for continuing to ask important questions, for your curiosity and for reaching beyond where you are comfortable into our really rich and diverse world.”

Launched for the 1995-1996 academic year as International Studies, Elon’s first interdisciplinary major, the program provides students with a knowledge of international affairs as well as expertise on one of five world regions: Europe, Latin America, Asia, Middle East and Africa. From the start, study abroad, foreign language learning and the flexibility for students to shape their own academic paths were central to the program.

“Through international and global education, as well as study abroad, we are preparing students intentionally for new opportunities for collaboration, connection and competition in an era of global interconnectedness,” Kelly said. “Study abroad is far more than an opportunity to travel. It is a transformative educational experience. Study abroad is a cornerstone of the International & Global Studies program because it transforms regional concentration from an academic focus into lived understanding.”

Currently home to more than 100 students and a growing alumni network of over 1,000, the International & Global Studies program continues to explore political and cultural dynamics, technological advances and intertwined global economies. The major equips students with this understanding through an interdisciplinary approach that combines broad knowledge of global issues with focused study of one of the five regions.

The program allows students to build a customized interdisciplinary curriculum, drawing from fields such as politics, economics, history, geography, literature, religion and culture, while focusing on a specific world region.

Tributes to the program came from Nancy Mueller ’27 and Emily Ecker ’26.

“I love that Elon has an array of study abroad opportunities and a unique ‘choose your own adventure’ IGS program where I could align my studies with my interests,” Mueller said. “I enjoy the interdisciplinary nature of the program and its emphasis on language learning. I also love that the program faculty themselves come from various backgrounds, each bringing their own expertise to the table. My semester in Tunisia took me a few steps closer to me dream career where I get to travel to new places, meaningfully interact with local people, use and advance my Arabic language and cultural skills and pursue my own research interests.”

Both students expressed gratitude for the faculty that make up the International & Global Studies Program.

“I am deeply grateful for the faculty here today who are part of what Dr. Idris calls ‘my constellation of mentors’ — people who have supported, challenged, and advocated for me through every high and every setback at Elon,” Ecker said. “T������ relationships are something no study abroad program, no research project, or line on a resume can replace. The people here today are among the greatest strengths of this program and among the best things about this university, so I urge everyone to take advantage of this unique program.”

Associate Professor of History Andrea Sinn has directed the program since 2023.

“Study abroad is a cornerstone of the International & Global Studies major and one of the most powerful ways students bring their academic learning to life. While coursework builds critical knowledge about global systems, cultures and regions, studying abroad allows students to experience these dynamics firsthand,” Sinn said. “Students can further demonstrate their skills through the Intercultural Global Competency digital badge, highlighting their ability to navigate and communicate effectively in diverse global contexts.

“Together, these experiences prepare graduates for careers that require strong intercultural understanding and global awareness including roles in government, international business, nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, education, diplomacy, and law, as well as for advanced graduate study.”

Since graduating its first cohort in 1996, the International & Global Studies Program has steadily expanded its global reach. In its first five years, 57 students studied abroad in six countries including Australia, China, Costa Rica, Germany, Spain and the United Kingdom.

Today, that number has grown to more than 50 countries. A new interactive StoryMap created by Ryan Kirk, associate professor of geography and environmental studies and chair of the Department of Environmental Studies, captures this evolution, showcasing the experiences of International & Global Studies majors who complete at least one semester abroad, often in regions tied to their academic focus.

“This immersive experience enables students to engage directly with local communities, institutions and perspectives, while earning credit toward their major,” Sinn explained. “For IGS students, studying abroad is not just an opportunity: it is an essential component of their education that fosters adaptability, cultural humility and real-world perspective needed for globally engaged careers. Whether studying politics in London, public health in Rwanda, or culture and language in Argentina, students gain a more nuanced and personal understanding of global issues.

“We take great pride in our students and alumni, whose impactful work embodies and advances the values of IGS across the globe.”

Professor of Religious Studies Pamela Winfield, the program’s associate director since 2023, said the 30th anniversary serves as a reminder that cultivating the values of global citizenship, international cooperation and cross-cultural collaboration continues to be relevant.

“I see this milestone anniversary as an opportunity to reaffirm our faith in those values and in our mission to educate and prepare this next generation for their international careers both here and abroad,” Winfield said. “It inspires me to look ahead to the next 30 years and beyond, when our substantive coursework, foreign language training, transformative study abroad and real-world internship experience will attract even more IGS majors and expand our already vibrant world-wide network of IGS alumni.”

Many faculty advisory board members attended the celebration, including Damion Blake, associate professor of political science and public policy; Shereen Elgamal, assistant teaching professor of Arabic; Sean Giovanello, assistant professor of political science and public policy; Nick Gozick, dean of global education and assistant professor; Mussa Idris, associate professor of anthropology, Waseem Kasim, assistant professor of history; Douglas Kass, associate professor of cinema and television arts; Juan Leal Ugalde, associate professor of Spanish; Ariela Marcus-Sells, associate professor of religious studies; Vitaliy Strohush, associate professor of economics; and Yidi Wu, O’Briant Developing Professor and associate professor of history.

History of the program

Brian Digre, professor emeritus of history, secured a Department of Education grant to launch the university’s first interdisciplinary major. Established in 1995-96 as International Studies, with only an African regional concentration, the program grew with additional regional concentrations in Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. By 2005, immersive global learning became central, with study abroad, advanced language study and a senior seminar requirement for all majors.

Under the leadership of Safia Swimelar, professor of political science and public policy, the program underwent a transformation during the 2015-16 academic year. The International and Global Studies Program adopted a revised mission, new interdisciplinary themes and enhanced language expectations.

The introduction of IGS 250 International Studies: Approaches and Perspectives further strengthened the curriculum by providing a shared foundation for all majors.

Sudibyo, an assistant teaching professor of Spanish who joined Elon in 2023, brings a global perspective shaped by her Indonesian roots and academic journey. Through her teaching, research and campus involvement, she is creating spaces where students feel a sense of belonging, something she says first drew her to Elon.

“I really enjoyed the company of my colleagues, and they were such wonderful people,” Sudibyo said of her first visit to Elon. “Then the students, during my teaching demo, were all engaged, and it just felt like a great place.”

Being from Indonesia, Sudibyo describes her academic path as somewhat “random.”

“We don’t speak Spanish in Indonesia, it’s not our national language and we don’t have a lot of connections to the Spanish-speaking world in that way,” said Sudibyo, who decided to major in Spanish.

Now, as a professor, Sudibyo focuses on bridging those connections, encouraging students to think beyond traditional cultural boundaries, particularly through her research studying the intersections of the Asian and the Spanish-speaking world. Her scholarship highlights stories that, she says, are often overlooked, including the history of the Philippines under Spanish colonial rule and the presence of Asian voices within Hispanic culture.

“Something I’ve discovered that is not talked about a lot are the Hispanic Philippines,” she said. “There are a lot of cultural productions, all in Spanish, and it was never taught to me as a graduate student. It became very personal.”

By bringing these perspectives into her courses, including “Women’s Writing in the Hispanic World,” Sudibyo is broadening how students understand language, culture and identity, while also increasing visibility for Asian narratives in traditionally Eurocentric spaces.

Outside the classroom, Sudibyo continues that work as a faculty-in-residence in the Danieley Neighborhood, where she connects with students on a more personal level.

“It’s a very rewarding experience because you get to interact with students outside of class,” she said. “They get to see me as a human being.”

She also serves as an advisor to the Polyglot Living Learning Community, helped launch the Spanish Club in Fall 2025, and channels her passion for event planning into creating inclusive, community-building experiences.

For Sudibyo, mentorship is one of the most meaningful aspects of her role, and central to creating spaces of belonging.

“Seeing the students’ growth and seeing them reaching the goals that they’ve said they wanted to do—I think that’s the most rewarding part,” she said.

That impact is also felt by her students.

“Dr. Sudibyo has impacted me at Elon by being a mentor for me as a student but also as a person,” said Hailey Landers ‘28, president of the Spanish Club and a dance science major from Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina. “Her guidance and genuine support have made a lasting difference in both my personal and academic journey.”

During API Heritage Month, Sudibyo’s presence on campus also carries deeper significance. As one of the coordinators of Elon’s API Employee Resource Group, she is intentional about increasing visibility and challenging narrow perceptions of what it means to be Asian.

“When we say ‘Asian,’ a lot of us think of East Asia,” she said. “For me, it’s important to show up because it shows Asia is a diverse continent with so many cultures and so many languages.”

Through her teaching, mentorship and advocacy, Sudibyo is helping ensure that diversity is not just acknowledged at Elon but actively understood, represented and celebrated.

Elon honors Asian & Pacific Island Heritage Month

As part of Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, 51������ is sharing stories through Today at Elon that highlight Asian and Pacific Islander students, faculty and staff who contribute to a campus environment where cultural identities and experiences are celebrated year-round. Throughout the month, Elon is also recognizing API Heritage Month through a series of events and programming.

The nine-day journey brought together 26 travelers for an immersive experience through coastal and central Italy, blending cultural exploration and historic sites with the fun that comes from shared experiences.

“It was truly a special Elon experience that included bonding with new friends, journeys to locations off the beaten paths and immersion into the local culture,” said LA Sarmiere ’93 P’27.

A global classroom

Led by retired Professor Barbara Gordon, the program marked a new chapter in alumni engagement — extending the university’s tradition of experiential learning beyond campus and across generations of graduates.

“This experience demonstrated the power of lifelong learning and connection can happen anywhere,” said Kendra Haskins, senior director of Alumni Engagement. “Our Elon community is full of curiosity and the explorer spirit. What a perfect mix for travel!”

A journey through Italy’s landscapes and culture

The group began their travels in Turin before heading into the UNESCO-recognized Langhe region, where they enjoyed a winery visit. Along the Italian Riviera, alumni explored the picturesque villages of Cinque Terre, traveling between the colorful coastal towns and taking in sweeping views of the Mediterranean.

In Tuscany, the group settled into a countryside village for several days, where they experienced the art, architecture and cultural legacy of the Italian Renaissance.

“I had an absolute blast. This was my first time in Italy and being able to fully immerse myself in the culture while seeing places beyond the major tourist spots was incredible. The balance of being guided by local experts, learning about the history and culture, while also having time to explore independently is what truly made this a standout adventure,” shared Frederick Evans ’20.

A new chapter in alumni engagement

As the inaugural travel experience, this Italian adventure was the first in an announced series of educational travel experiences for alumni, family and friends.

Upcoming journeys include:

A Spotlight on Paris
Sept. 30 – October 6, 2026

Canadian Rockies & Glacier National Park
July 2-9, 2027

Christmas on the Danube
December 4-12, 2027

Be a traveler, not a tourist with Elon!
Read more about upcoming travel with Elon Alumni on their website: /u/alumni/travel/

McCollum, a cinema and television arts BFA major from Charlotte, spent last fall studying at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, also known as FAMU. The program is unique among Elon’s study abroad programs: eight hours of class a day for the first two months, with the rest of the semester dedicated entirely to filming and editing a short film.

“You’re really there to focus on making this one film, which is kind of awesome,” McCollum said.

After students pitch scripts at the start of the program, seven are selected, and crews form organically around those directors. McCollum landed the role of director of photography on “Night Shift,” a dark mystery short about a janitor who discovers a dead body in his office building and is met with indifference when he seeks help. The team immediately set about trying to find locations to film around Prague – which turned out not to be an easy task.

When the crew applied to 20 locations around the city and heard nothing back, they turned their own school building into a film set. The production designer spent an hour before and after every shoot day transforming the space, while McCollum measured each room in advance to plan every lighting setup.

The film was also shot on 16mm – real, physical film – which added an entirely different layer of pressure. No monitor, no autofocus, no fixing exposure problems in post-production.

“You don’t really know what your shot looked like until you saw it on the big screen,” McCollum said.

When the group left Prague, they pooled $50 each and handed McCollum the $200 to spend on festival submissions. He used Film Freeway to submit to festivals in Charlotte, Los Angeles, and New York – the hometowns of the four crew members. Then he waited.

The first response came from the Independent Shorts Awards, where “Night Shift” earned a Bronze Award for Best Production Design. A follow-up email brought additional recognition – an Honorable Mention for Best Mystery Short, a category McCollum hadn’t even entered. The film has also been nominated for Best Student Short at the Queen City Culture Film Festival in Charlotte, scheduled for Saturday, April 25, with several more decisions still pending.

With early success on the festival circuit, the experience has reshaped how McCollum views filmmaking beyond the classroom. He plans to submit his senior BFA film to festivals and now encourages other student filmmakers to take that same step.

“Once you apply to your first festival, you’ll get attention,” he said. “You just gotta get your foot in the door.”

A Virginia resident majoring in communication design, Wu grew up in the DaXing area near the capital city until age 12 and has closely followed efforts to clean up the LiangShui (Cold Water) River.

Judges for the Pulitzer Fellowship, a competitive international travel grant awarded to an Elon student journalist each year, noted that Wu’s proposal stood out for its background research and on-the-ground context.

A fluent Mandarin speaker with his own photography business, Wu noted that while air pollution in China receives much attention, less coverage has been given to water quality and to the impact of factory effluent, agricultural runoff, and untreated waste on the region’s rivers, lakes and groundwater. Wu believes much has changed since the conditions he observed in his childhood, when waterways were filled with algae blooms and litter.

“This is an example of when a community and its officials reach an agreement to improve a crucial resource to their well-being and actually work out a beneficial solution,” he said. “However, there are so many towns, especially rural ones, that lack the power, voice or physical ability to improve something as important as a shared waterway.”

51������ is a long-standing member of the , a network of colleges and universities that support the center’s mission to promote journalism on critical global issues. The organization pairs students with mentors and advises student journalists through the reporting and publication phases. Students from the 39 participating campuses travel to Washington, D.C., to present their projects, and campus partners also benefit from professional journalist grantees who visit partner campuses.

Among his professors and collaborators at Elon News Network, Wu has earned a reputation for being open to a variety of assignments and for his technical dexterity, said Randy Piland, associate teaching professor in Communication Design.

“Ethan’s always willing to take on any photo assignment,” Piland said. “He has a sense for quality. He’s taken it to another level.”

Lorraine Ahearn, assistant professor of journalism, serves as Elon’s liaison to the Pulitzer Center.

The three category winners were been publicly announced on Instagram, and one of those winners is set to be named the Grand Prize winner at International Coffee Hour on Thursday, April 2, 9:30 am, in the GEC. The Grand Prize includes a $350 travel voucher.

Category: Elon Inclusive
Hazel Silverstein
Saradwadi Village, Jamkhed, Maharashtra, India
WT 26 India Public Health Studies Practicum

Silverstein’s photo captured a quiet but meaningful moment in rural India. Taken in Saradwadi village, the image showed a local goat herder guiding her herd through the fields while balancing a basket on her head. The scene offered a glimpse into daily life in the village and reflected the connections formed between students and community members during the practicum.

Category: Elon Global Explorers
Erin Howard
Seville, Spain
Spring 2025 CIEE Seville Liberal Arts

Howard’s photograph captured Semana Santa, one of Seville’s most powerful traditions, as brotherhoods carried elaborate floats through the streets in solemn processions. Howard stood in the crowd with her host mother while her younger host sister took part in the procession, making the experience especially personal. The image reflected the atmosphere of a city gathered at sunset to witness a tradition that has shaped Seville for centuries.

Category: Live Like a Local
Hannah Nicholls
Diamond Head, O’ahu, Hawaii
WT 26 Hawaii – Nation or State

Nicholls’ image captured a sunrise scene at Diamond Head, where surfers were already out on the water as the day began. She observed that surfing culture was deeply rooted in Hawaii and remained central to life on the islands. In her photo, a surfer headed toward the ocean as light reflected off the wet sand, creating a striking image of a local rhythm of life.

Ashley Bobotas, a supply chain management major and student worker in the GEC, reflected on her time helping to organize the contest: “Having studied abroad myself and seen the impact of these opportunities firsthand, it was especially meaningful to highlight how Elon’s Global Education Center provides programs that truly shape students’ perspectives and experiences.”

“Each of these photographs told a story about the way Elon students engaged with place, people, and culture in meaningful ways,” said Nick Gozik, dean of global education. “The contest showcased not only beautiful images, but also the depth of learning and connection that came through these experiences.”

Faculty-led programs for the upcoming Winter Term cover a wide array of subjects and global locations, blending academic inquiry with experiential learning. Students can explore topics such as ecotourism in New Zealand, music and dance in New Orleans and Brazil, literature in England, and West African history in Ghana. Each course is designed to extend learning beyond the classroom and into real-world environments.

“Winter Term programs give students the chance to step outside the classroom, engage with new cultures, and connect their academic interests to real-world experiences in meaningful ways,” said Gia Pineda, director of short-term programs.

Open to students from all majors, each program includes a required pre-departure seminar during the fall semester, preparing participants with essential academic and cultural context before traveling in January.

Registration for Winter Term 2027 will open in mid-April as part of fall 2026 course registration. Students interested in participating are encouraged to connect with the GEC through upcoming events:

College Coffee: Visit the GEC table on March 31, April 7, or April 14 to meet staff and program leaders
Winter Term Advising: Drop in this week from 2–4 p.m. for Quick Questions advising at the GEC in Sato Commons

For additional details and a complete list of programs, visit .

“This year’s award recipients reflect the very best of Elon’s commitment to global engagement,” said Nick Gozik, dean of global education. “Through their leadership, service, scholarship and care for others, they help create a campus culture where internationalization is not simply an aspiration, but a lived experience. Their efforts strengthen our community and remind us that global education is essential to preparing thoughtful, engaged citizens in an interconnected world.”

Courtney Smith, senior associate director of financial aid, received the staff award for her outstanding support of study away students. Her work, particularly in the area of financial aid and literacy, has played an important role in helping students thousands of students access global opportunities and navigate the financial aspects of studying away.

“Courtney’s contributions have been pivotal to the university’s efforts to make international experiences more accessible and manageable for students,” said Allegra Laing, executive director of global programming.

Jeff Carpenter, William S. Long Professor and professor of education, received the faculty award in recognition of his leadership in global education, including as chair of the Global Education Curriculum Committee; support and leadership of overseas programs, including the joint GEC/Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education program in New Zealand; and strong record of scholarship and teaching with a global focus. It was noted that Carpenter’s work as a teacher educator, scholar and mentor has helped strengthen Elon’s global learning environment, and his teaching overseas reflects a sustained commitment to international and intercultural education.

Huria Tahiry, recipient of Elon’s Commitment to Democracy Scholarship, received the international student award for her contributions to Elon’s campus community since arriving in fall 2022. Tahiry has served as an International Student Ambassador and has been involved in the Muslim Student Society, Eco-Reps, the Asian Pacific Student Association and other campus organizations. She also founded Caravan Club focused on Central Asian countries and culture, worked as an environmental justice intern and served as a SOC analyst for the Information Security Office. In addition, she is president of Women in Computer Science (WiCS).

Most recently, Tahiry worked with campus partners to bring Habiba Sarabi to Elon, helping foster dialogue about the global impact of Afghanistan’s ban on women’s education and the ongoing fight for educational rights and gender equality. Denise Teeters, director of international students, said Tahiry stands out not only for her accomplishments but for her character, noting that she is consistently among the first to offer support to others.

“Her presence has made a meaningful and lasting impact on our campus, and we are stronger because of her,” Teeters said.

Mya Lee received the Study Away Student Award for exemplifying Elon’s commitment to global learning through academic excellence, leadership and meaningful engagement abroad. An Odyssey Scholar, Global Ambassador and student-athlete, Lee brings a thoughtful and inclusive perspective to global education.

“Mya’s study abroad experience in Florence further reflected her dedication to cultural exchange, learning and community, while inspiring her peers through her leadership and engagement,” said Danthon, program coordinator.

While university administrators and faculty report that the word “multifaith” is often associated solely with belief in transcendent beings, they emphasize that, at Elon, it encompasses a broader invitation for the community to explore questions of meaning, value and purpose across religious, spiritual, ethical and secular worldviews.

The Multifaith Strategic Plan, developed in 2023, aligns with the Boldly Elon Strategic Plan and outlines four guiding goals:

• Increase religious diversity
• Foster a more equitable and inclusive campus community
• Support meaningful multifaith learning and engagement opportunities
• Articulate the educational value of multifaith diversity, equity and inclusion for all.

Together, they say, these goals build upon Elon’s longstanding traditions while expanding how the university honors and supports worldview diversity. The strategic plan affirms that graduates should be equipped to navigate a world shaped by differences in religion, belief systems, values and ways of life and that such preparation begins on campus.

Spirit of shared meaning

One of the most visible expressions of this commitment is Numen Lumen: Senior Baccalaureate Reflection, held Under the Oaks during Commencement Week. Reimagined in 2022, the ceremony reflects the Elon motto “numen lumen,” meaning “spiritual light” and “intellectual light.”

Rather than a traditional sermon, the gathering centers on shared reflection, celebration and inspiration, featuring student voices alongside readings and blessings drawn from a wide range of religious and cultural traditions.

“This will be a place for seniors to be able to come together with their friends and reflect together on their Elon journey,” said Rev. Kirstin Boswell, university chaplain and dean of multifaith engagement, when the redesign was introduced. “Baccalaureate is being reimagined as a space of pure celebration of the diversity within our graduating class.”

That same spirit of shared meaning is visible each December during the Festival of Lights and Luminaries, one of Elon’s most cherished traditions. The event brings the campus community together to learn about and honor a variety of religious, spiritual, ethical and cultural traditions, reinforcing the idea that multifaith engagement is not limited to formal spaces but woven into the rhythm of campus life.

This reflection is more than just once a year; it’s weekly. Every Thursday from 9:50 to 10:20 a.m., the Elon community is invited to Numen Lumen: A Thursday Inspiration, where they can hear members of the community share pieces of their stories, enjoy live music and artistic expression, and share in coffee and refreshments.

“T������ events are an invitation for every community member, regardless of religious, spiritual, or ethical tradition and worldview, to encounter perspectives and practices beyond our own,” said Hillary Zaken, director of multifaith programming and engagement. “They are unique spaces that are genuine and authentic celebrations of these important holidays, and at the same time make space for our community to practice skills of respectful engagement, learn about and honor diverse identities, and lift up the Truitt Center’s work to show that spiritual and intellectual growth belong together.”

Learning spaces

Through facilitated dialogue, educational programming and student leadership opportunities, Elon encourages exploration of worldview diversity as an essential component of a liberal arts education.

For example: the Ripple Interfaith Conference, a student-led initiative advised by Zaken that has grown steadily since its founding 10 years ago by an intern in the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life. Designed to empower and inspire interfaith student leaders, Ripple convenes participants from diverse religious, spiritual and ethical identities for dialogue and community-building.

The 2026 theme, “A Recipe for Interfaith,” invited participants in February to explore how connection is built through shared practices, particularly food. By examining meals, recipes and storytelling, the conference highlighted how everyday experiences can foster understanding across differences

“Interfaith engagement, like cooking, requires curiosity, patience and a readiness to experiment,” said Lauren Bedell ’26, co-director of the 2026 conference. “Ripple is designed to serve everyone, and its cook time is lifelong.”

Food and faith

Food also plays a role in Elon’s multifaith commitments. Harvest Table, the university’s dining partner, works closely with campus stakeholders to accommodate religious observances and dietary needs.

Passover meals are available in Lakeside Dining Hall during the Jewish holiday, to-go bags support students observing Ramadan and Lenten fish is served on Fridays for those abstaining from meat. The Phoenix Flavors Vending Machine in the Truitt Center includes Kosher, Halal and pareve options, while the allgood station in Lakeside offers Halal chicken daily.

Elon’s commitment to multifaith engagement also shows in the religious and spiritual organizations that contribute to campus community and belonging. Through the Truitt Center, students can connect with recognized student groups representing diverse traditions and practices. These include communities such as Catholic Campus Ministry (CCM), which offers weekly Mass, retreats and service opportunities; Elon Hillel and Chabad, which provide social, cultural and spiritual support for Jewish students; and the Elon Muslim Society, where students celebrate Islamic traditions and engage in interfaith dialogue.

There are also Christian ministries like Campus Outreach, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and Fellowship of Christian Athletes, as well as contemplative and wellness groups like Iron Tree Blooming (meditation) and the Yoga Club—all open and welcoming spaces for students across different identities.

Buddhist Life offers opportunities for understanding and awareness of the Buddhadharma, including the Sand Mandala event each fall where a Buddhist monk visits Elon for three days and used colored sand to create a sand mandala, a Tibetan Buddhist symbol that fosters both healing and peace for those who view it. Elon enables Hindu students to engage with the religious tradition through events, services and forums, including the annual tradition of Diwali. A small, vibrant and diverse Pagan community is also supported at Elon.

Efforts reflect how Elon continues to honor its traditions while expanding multifaith engagement in intentional and meaningful ways. Through ceremony, dialogue, learning spaces and everyday practices, Elon affirms its commitment to preparing graduates who can engage thoughtfully and respectfully in a diverse and interconnected world.

“Elon’s Multifaith Strategic Plan is a promise to our students, faculty, staff, and the wider community that we will take them seriously as whole, complex people,” said Brian Pennington, director of the Center for the Study of Religion, Culture, and Society. “It is also a commitment to our students that an Elon education will prepare them to lead in a world where interreligious understanding is crucial to a sound global community.”

This story is the first in a series of stories focusing on 51������’s Multifaith Strategic Plan.