The transition planning phase reflects a clear institutional decision and does not represent an immediate change to how courses are taught or delivered. Moodle will remain fully supported; no Spring 2026 courses are affected, and no action is required from faculty or staff at this time.

Why now?

Over the fall semester, Teaching and Learning Technologies, in partnership with academic and IT colleagues, conducted a comprehensive review of the university’s learning management system. That process included open forums, surveys and structured feedback from more than 125 faculty and staff members and more than 400 undergraduate and graduate students.

The evaluation highlighted the importance of adopting a learning management system to support current and evolving approaches to learning and engagement.

Beginning the transition planning now allows the university to move forward deliberately, ensuring the transition is well supported and aligned with Elon’s broader commitment to engaged learning and student success.

Why Canvas?

Canvas was selected following a careful review of faculty and student input, market analysis and platform capabilities.

“This decision was guided by the needs and hopes of our faculty and students,” said Rebecca Kohn, provost and vice president of academic affairs. “Our community asked for a system that is reliable and flexible; one that can adapt to diverse approaches to teaching and learning. Canvas emerged as the platform that best aligns with those priorities as we look ahead.”

What this means and what’s next

As planning moves forward, a few key points may be helpful to keep in mind:

• Moodle remains fully supported through the transition.
• No action is required from LMS users at this time.
• No change will be made to how courses are taught or delivered for Spring 2026.

Teaching and Learning Technologies will lead the transition process in close partnership with academic and IT colleagues. TLT will coordinate training, support and future communications, ensuring faculty, staff and students have clarity and guidance well in advance of any changes.

As details take shape, including a clearer transition timeline and answers to frequently asked questions, TLT will share updates with the campus community. Additional information is expected before March.

“Transitioning to a modern, user-friendly platform like Canvas supports engaged learning and student success,” said Kelly Reimer, senior director of Teaching and Learning Technologies. “Our goal during this early phase of work is to establish a strong foundation for both the technical transition and how we will support faculty and students in ways that minimize disruption to teaching and learning.”

Faculty engagement & Next Steps

Faculty involvement remains central as the transition planning continues. Opportunities for faculty engagement, support and training will be communicated by Teaching and Learning Technologies as plans are refined.

“As a member of the LMS evaluation project team, I was grateful for the quantity and depth of feedback we received from colleagues and students,” said Eric Bauer, faculty fellow for technology and assistant professor of biology. “I’m excited to see how my colleagues creatively use the many new tools within Canvas to make their classes even more engaging and easy for students to navigate and look forward to exploring with them the possibilities of the new LMS.”

The transition to Canvas will be implemented over time, with ongoing communication and support as the university moves through the next academic year.

51±ŹÁÏÍű’s 2025 Homecoming & Reunion Weekend welcomed alumni, students, faculty and staff onto campus for a dynamic slate of weekend events.

From open houses and an evening step show through a Saturday football game against Villanova University, highlights included the return of the Rock the Block Homecoming concert featuring “The Plain White Ts”, the Golden Alumni Luncheon, campus and academic department receptions, oral history booths, affinity group award celebrations, leadership and networking conversations across schools, themed tailgates, tours, and wellness events.

Against that backdrop, alumni were asked to share stories of mentorship from their Elon years. Voices reflected how encouraging guidance — from professors, staff or fellow students — helped launch careers, build confidence and shape leadership styles.

What follows is a curated series of reflections that capture those moments.

“Melissa Jordan was an incredible mentor. My first year here, I had a difficult class and she helped me process my emotions, think through solutions, and gave me the confidence to approach my professor. Now that I work in higher education, I try to give my students that same support and encouragement that she gave me.”
— Alicia Carter ’15, Strategic Communications

“Mary Kate Brogan in the Class of 2014 mentored me through The Pendulum. She showed me what it means to be there for others coming up behind you. I was introverted and hesitant to reach out, but she pulled me out of my shell and taught me the importance of being that person for someone else — giving them the little push that can change their life.”
— Kaitlin Dunn ’16, Journalism

“Tom Nelson taught me that it’s important to be yourself and to find environments where you can thrive. You spend 40 hours a week with the people you work with — you have to be happy being yourself around them. Learning to understand who you are helps you build those environments where everyone can be authentic and successful.”
— Mary Kate Brogan ’14, Journalism

“At Elon, I learned from professors like Jeffrey Carpenter and Bernard Curry that education is about being comfortable in all sorts of environments. I try to teach my high school students that same lesson: you can be academic, creative, athletic, and belong to many different communities. Learning to be comfortable in different settings helps us live together as a society.”
— Will Frauenfelder ’15, History and Education

“Evan Small in the Kernodle Center for Service Learning was always motivating me to do things outside my comfort zone, whether that was a service trip or an adventure class like the ropes course. That encouragement to try new things stuck with me. I started out teaching, moved into human resources, and I’m still pushing myself to keep life exciting.”
— Rachel Gilman Yahyapoor ‘15, Education

“Dr. Gronowski in the psychology department was an outstanding professor — very engaged and always keeping students involved in the learning process. As I went on to earn my Ph.D. and teach at the university level, I’ve seen how involving students actively in their education really improves their experience.”
— Jack LoCicero ’81, Psychology

“When I was an RA, my supervisor Sylvia Wade noticed I was struggling in the winter and introduced me to sunlamps. I still use one today when I’m feeling low — it helps so much. I never would have known to do that without her.”
— Aileen Bell ’20, Political Science

“My mock trial coach, Kristen Delforge, told me, ‘Don’t do something just to do it — do it because you love it.’ I think about that all the time. Life’s too short to spend it doing things you don’t enjoy.”
— Jacob Hayward ’20, Sociology and Policy Studies

“My orientation leader told me not to spread myself too thin — to go all in on a few things that matter most. That advice helped me focus my energy on entrepreneurship and innovation. I helped found the AI Club and became lead intern at the Doherty Center. Even now in my QA job and running my own business, I focus on doing a few things well and serving our core clients with excellence.”
— Joshua Mason ’25, Financial Technology

“From Dan Reis in the Maker Hub, I learned that failure is part of learning. You shouldn’t give up when something doesn’t work. You should learn from it. Now, as an elementary school teacher, I tell my students every day that struggling is part of the process and makes you a better learner.”
— Joshua Donald ’19, Human Service Studies

Homecoming & Reunion Weekend 2025 included the return of the Homecoming concert, featuring "The Plain White Ts" on Oct. 10.

51±ŹÁÏÍű held Homecoming & Reunion Weekend on Oct. 10-11, 2025.

51±ŹÁÏÍű held Homecoming & Reunion Weekend on Oct. 10-11, 2025.

51±ŹÁÏÍű held Homecoming & Reunion Weekend on Oct. 10-11, 2025.

51±ŹÁÏÍű held Homecoming & Reunion Weekend on Oct. 10-11, 2025.

51±ŹÁÏÍű held Homecoming & Reunion Weekend on Oct. 10-11, 2025.

51±ŹÁÏÍű held Homecoming & Reunion Weekend on Oct. 10-11, 2025.

51±ŹÁÏÍű held Homecoming & Reunion Weekend on Oct. 10-11, 2025.

51±ŹÁÏÍű held Homecoming & Reunion Weekend on Oct. 10-11, 2025.

51±ŹÁÏÍű held Homecoming & Reunion Weekend on Oct. 10-11, 2025.

51±ŹÁÏÍű held Homecoming & Reunion Weekend on Oct. 10-11, 2025.

51±ŹÁÏÍű held Homecoming & Reunion Weekend on Oct. 10-11, 2025.

51±ŹÁÏÍű held Homecoming & Reunion Weekend on Oct. 10-11, 2025.

51±ŹÁÏÍű held Homecoming & Reunion Weekend on Oct. 10-11, 2025.

Elon President Connie Ledoux Book during Homecoming and Reunion Weekend on Oct. 11, 2025.

51±ŹÁÏÍű held Homecoming & Reunion Weekend on Oct. 10-11, 2025.

51±ŹÁÏÍű held Homecoming & Reunion Weekend on Oct. 10-11, 2025.

“A former student body president once told me, ‘You can be the sweetest peach on the tree, but some people just don’t like peaches.’ That advice reminds me you can’t please everyone — and that’s okay. As long as you’re doing your best, that’s what matters. I carry that with me as a teacher and as a leader.”
— Britt Mobley ’24, Strategic Communications and Outdoor Leadership & Education

“Dr. Mary Knight-McKenna encouraged us to believe we could rise beyond the acorn and become the Phoenix, to meet every challenge. She taught me to keep a positive, inspiring spirit that motivates not just myself but everyone I encounter, because you never know what lesson will encourage someone else to go even farther.”
— Corey Waters G’23, Master of Education (Innovation in Education)

“A professor once told me, ‘Once you get into business, it’s just as important to sell yourself as it is to sell your product.’ That stuck with me throughout my 33-year career at Unilever. People buy from people they trust, and that’s advice I still share with younger professionals today.”
— Barry Baucom ’75, Business

“My advisor, Robert Baxter, taught us the ‘seven Ps’ — ‘prior proper planning prevents piss-poor performance.’ I still use that every day as a procurement officer. If you’re prepared and plan ahead, you’ll prevail.”
— Kathy (Berger) Frame ’90, Business Management

“Dr. John Sullivan in the philosophy department convinced me to major in philosophy even though I was headed for business. He said philosophy teaches you to think and reason — skills that prepare you for anything. He was right. Those lessons have guided me throughout my career.”
— Nick Whiting ’90, Philosophy

Five members of faculty and staff in Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences, were honored during Planning Week on Aug. 18, 2025, for their excellence in teaching, scholarship, service-leadership and mentorship.

Recipients of the annual awards are nominated by their colleagues and selected by the College’s dean and associate deans.

“It is an honor to recognize these exceptional faculty and staff,” said Hilton Kelly, dean of Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences. “In their own unique ways, each has demonstrated remarkable dedication to their students, their colleagues and the mission of the College. Their brilliance, creativity and care strengthen our community and create a place where every student feels supported, challenged and inspired to thrive.”

The 2025 College Excellence Award recipients:

Excellence in Teaching Award

Kim Shively

Associate Professor of Performing Arts

Associate Professor Kim Shively has led nationally recognized workshops on consent-based pedagogy across North America and Europe, and she is the co-author of “Applied Meisner for the 21st Century Actor” as well as the forthcoming “The Theatre Artist’s Guide to Consent-Based Pedagogy”. This past year, she mentored Honors Fellows, led a service-learning course in arts education and played a key role in shaping Elon’s theatre curriculum. Her classes are known for their rigor, care and representation where students can feel seen, respected and empowered. Beyond her work in the classroom, she is the cofounder of the Piedmont Shakespeare Company, which launched its inaugural season this summer with “Hamlet”, where Shively played Gertrude, Hamlet’s mother.

Excellence in Scholarship Award

Samuele Pardini

Professor of Italian

Professor Samuele Pardini’s work explores the intersections of Italian American identity, African American history and American literary modernism — making meaningful contributions to national conversations in the humanities. In 2024, he published “Writing Home: Selected WWII Letters of Leslie A. Fiedler”, a work critics called “literary, biographical, cultural and historical gold.” He submitted new scholarship on Sacco and Vanzetti, W.E.B. Du Bois, and the African American press to American Quarterly and presented it at the National MELUS conference. His work also included multiple essays in The Brooklyn Rail and a keynote address at Morgan State University honoring the centennial of James Baldwin. Beyond publishing, he mentors students, serves on research and curriculum advisory boards and continues to shape emerging fields like Black Mediterranean and comparative diaspora studies.

Excellence in Service-Leadership Award

CJ Fleming

Chair of the Department of Human Service Studies and Associate Professor of Psychology

The scholarly contributions of Associate Professor CJ Fleming, chair of the Department of Human Service Students, span departments and shape programs that benefit faculty and students throughout the university. She has strengthened Elon’s internship and research infrastructure as Faculty Fellow for Internships and associate director of the Office of Undergraduate Research, preparing 37 students to present at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research and co-authoring the Elon Statement on Work-Integrated Learning. A champion for equity in experiential learning, she has mentored nationally recognized student researchers, supported faculty in expanding career readiness, and helped shape Elon’s National Campus. Drawing on her training as a clinical psychologist, she has provided thoughtful guidance on key student well-being committees.

Excellence in Mentoring Award

Elisha Savchak-Trogdon

Associate Professor of Political Science and Public Policy

For more than a decade, Associate Professor Elisha Savchak-Trogdon has mentored students pursuing careers in pre-law. As the university’s pre-law advisor, she offers strategic, personalized guidance—from first conversations about legal careers to law school acceptances and scholarships—mentoring students across majors, class years, and even after graduation. She leads the Legal Professions Scholars program, designed a course on global legal rights, and now advises the 3+2.5 Accelerated Law Program with Elon Law, guiding fast-tracked future lawyers with care and structure. Through panels, programming, and one-on-one advising, she creates a supportive community where students feel prepared, confident, and seen.

Staff Excellence Award

Morgan Troxler

Program Assistant for Political Science & Public Policy, Philosophy & Religious Studies

Since joining the 51±ŹÁÏÍű community in December, Morgan Troxler has balanced the needs of and contributed additional organization and efficiency to all three departments. Known for completing tasks ahead of schedule and with care and precision, she demonstrates responsiveness and a commitment to faculty and student success. As one department chair noted, their program would be lost without her.

The last Homecoming Concert was hosted three years ago by the Student Union Board in 2022, when Tai Verdes performed.

Rock the Block is a fan-favorite Homecoming event featuring food trucks, a bar, yard games, inflatables and an end-of-night fireworks show. Traditionally hosted on the Friday of Homecoming to kick off the weekend of festivities, we are now bringing a headlining artist to the Rock the Block stage. Plain White T’s is set to perform from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Friday evening.

Rock the Block and the Homecoming Concert are open to all members of the Elon community for free! Registration for Homecoming & Reunion Weekend will open on Sep. 3 for all alumni.

The guests started the night mingling to the tune of smooth jazz at an event reception before being ushered to their seats to watch a video showcasing the connections alumni continue to foster with their alma mater. Kelsey McCabe ’16, New York City alumni chapter president took the stage to share her love for the university as well as congratulate the New York chapter on the community they’ve built.

“This year we’ve thrown some of our classic happy hours, amped up Women of Elon activities even more, including the Central Park Walk scheduled for May 17, and have increased our social media presence,” said McCabe.

After thanking the guests for their generosity towards the current students, she introduced President Connie Ledoux Book to the stage.

President Book began her university update by thanking Joan and Trustee Ed Doherty P’07 as it was their generosity that helped Elon plant the roots of this gathering in New York years ago.

“These evenings have a certain rhythm to them,” said Book. “The energy is warm and the conversations easy. There’s always this sense that we already know each other because at some point in our lives, we were shaped by the same place. That place on the bricks, in the classrooms, in the late nights and early mornings of our own becoming.”

Book pivoted to speak on Boldly Elon the university’s strategic plan for 2030. She noted that the plan has already driven significant improvements, resulting in Elon being ranked #1 nationally for undergraduate teaching by U.S. News & World Report.

“The nation’s best faculty are at Elon—ahead of Brown, Princeton, and others. That distinction speaks to the core of who we are: a university that puts students first—and backs that promise up every day, in every classroom, in every interaction,” said Book.

Her remarks also covered the improvement across campus. Elon’s Martha and Spencer Love School of Business, which was ranked #38 overall and in the top 25 among private colleges and universities in the nation by Poets&Quants’, is welcoming Haya Ajjan as the new dean of the school in June.

In the School of Communications, Elon has added a new major in digital content management. Finally, in the arts, Elon is one of the top 10 most-represented colleges on Broadway. That kind of recognition Book reflects is not just by talent but brought on by a community where artists are deeply supported—and prepared to perform.

Attendees also learned that the Eco-Village is thriving as a living-learning community developed with a sustainable design and a leader in the university’s sustainability efforts. On the heels of the Eco-Village, Elon launched a new Sustainability Master Plan, doubling down on efforts to be carbon neutral by 2037 leaving the community a cleaner, healthier place for all.

Book wrapped up by touching on HealthEU the second largest capital project in Elon’s history, a campus-wide center for wellness before introducing Stephanie Ainsworth ’21 and Reagan Ogle ’18 to the stage.

Stephanie Ainsworth ’21 and Reagan Ogle ’18 performed their rendition of “Get Happy/Happy Days Are Here Again” originally sung by Barbra Streisand and featuring Judy Garland.

Jim Piatt, senior vice president for university advancement and external affairs, provided closing remarks, focusing on growing stronger together, ending the night with the well-known song, “New York, New York.”

Family Weekend 2025 will take place from Friday, Sept. 26, to Sunday, Sept, 28. The Phoenix football team will take on Hampton University on Saturday, Sept. 27, at Rhodes Stadium.

Homecoming & Reunion Weekend will be Friday, Oct. 10, through Saturday, Oct 11, with the Phoenix hosting Villanova on Saturday.

Stay tuned this summer for additional information, including full schedules and registration information.

Visit and for more information.

An administrator and executive coach skilled in building relationships and fostering collaboration has been named 51±ŹÁÏÍű’s next associate vice president for human resources and chief human resources officer.

Melissa Clodfelter, currently the assistant vice president for faculty & staff experience at Wake Forest University, begins her new role on Feb. 26, 2025, following a national search.

As chief human resources officer, Clodfelter will provide comprehensive oversight for all operations within the Office of Human Resources, including the development and management of effective strategies for attracting, recruiting, and hiring top talent to meet the university’s needs in pursuit of goals outlined in the Boldly Elon strategic plan.

Clodfelter will oversee onboarding processes, employee benefits programs, management of human resources information systems, and wage and salary administration. She will also provide guidance and assistance as needed for employee relations issues, ensure compliance with Title IX regulations, and lead and support inclusive excellence initiatives, among other responsibilities that will include a role on the university’s senior staff starting in August.

51±ŹÁÏÍű’s Office of Human Resources includes 23 professionals and manages human resources operations for more than 1,600 university employees. Clodfelter joins Elon during a period of significant investment in the university’s faculty and staff, highlighted by initiatives such as Navigate Your Career, the establishment of Elon’s childcare center, and the revitalization of the Office of Leadership & Professional Development. 

“I am delighted to welcome Dr. Clodfelter to 51±ŹÁÏÍű,” said Janet Williams, the university’s vice president for finance and administration and chief financial officer. “Melissa stood out because of her impressive experience and her ability to negotiate complex situations and relationships to build trust and initiate change, which aligns perfectly with Elon’s culture. She is an excellent person to fill this vital role.”

Melissa stood out because of her impressive experience and her ability to negotiate complex situations and relationships to build trust and initiate change, which aligns perfectly with Elon’s culture.

– Janet Williams, Vice President for Finance and Administration and CFO

Clodfelter has called Wake Forest University home since 2001 when she started work in higher education following a career in hospice chaplaincy.

Success in her earliest roles with students in Wake’s School of Divinity quickly led to opportunities for recruitment and professional development programming through the Office of Human Resources and, by 2019, leadership responsibilities as an assistant vice president overseeing campus engagement and employee relations.

Among the responsibilities in her current role, Clodfelter has:

• Provided strategic oversight, program development, and change management to four functions across the employee lifecycle including learning & development, employee relations, recruiting, and employment solutions resulting in building a stronger, more proactive bridge between Human Resources and the academic enterprise
• Served as coach and strategist with university leadership around issues of organizational change, organizational structure, and employee relations
• Co-chaired the Student Information System Steering Committee and developed the Office of Institutional Equity where she served as interim executive director pending the successful outcome of a search for the office’s first leader
• Co-chaired a working group established to create policy and procedures on discrimination, harassment, and retaliation and craft recommendations for the Office of Human Resources
• Crafted and implemented a series of conversations between HR team members and the Office of Diversity & Inclusion’s “Realizing Inclusion, Diversity, & Equity” framework to forward a goal of transparency, development, and inclusion within the Human Resources team
• Initiated and implemented a pilot program with the National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity and the Office of the Provost to support 17 faculty in research discipline and endeavors

“I have a deep love of higher education and an appreciation for the significant work that faculty and staff do in the formation, support, and education of our next generation of leaders,” Clodfelter said. “It’s such an honor to get to stand close to those who are student-facing to support them by securing the resources they need to thrive in their teaching and mentoring of young people.”

Clodfelter earned a Bachelor of Arts from Gardner-Webb University, a Master of Arts from Southeastern Seminary, and a Doctor of Philosophy in educational leadership and cultural foundations from the University of North Carolina Greensboro.

Before entering higher education, she served as a hospice chaplain, bereavement counselor, and volunteer coordinator for StaffBuilders Home Health and Hospice in Louisburg, North Carolina.

Clodfelter succeeds Kelli Shuman, who had served Elon for more than five years before joining the administration of Carnegie Mellon University in August as associate vice president and chief human resources officer.

51±ŹÁÏÍű 51±ŹÁÏÍű

51±ŹÁÏÍű is a nationally recognized leader in engaged, experiential learning that prepares graduates to be creative, resilient, ambitious and ethical citizens of our global culture.

At Elon, more than 7,000 students learn through hands-on experiences and close working relationships with faculty and staff whose priorities are teaching and mentoring. The curriculum is grounded in the liberal arts and sciences with emphasis on global experiences and career development. More than 70 undergraduate majors are complemented by professional and graduate programs in law, business, education and health care. Elon is ranked No. 1 for excellence in undergraduate teaching by U.S. News & World Report.

Elon’s academic divisions include Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences; the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business; the School of Communications; the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education; the School of Health Sciences; and the School of Law, with programs in Greensboro and Charlotte, North Carolina.

Search Committee for the Associate Vice President for Human Resources and Chief Human Resources Officer

• Janet Williams, Vice President for Finance and Administration and CFO, co-chair
• Chris Leupold, Professor of Psychology and Faculty Athletics Representative, co-chair
• Owen Covington, Assistant Vice President for Strategic Communications and Media Relations
• Allie Duffney, Dean of Graduate Admissions
• Kelly Elliston, Executive Assistant to the President
• Emily Krechel, Director of New Student Programs
• LakĂ© Laosebikan-Buggs, Director of Inclusive Excellence for Graduate and Professional Education
• Margaret Laws, Senior Associate Athletics Director for Finance and Operations / Chief Financial Officer
• Jozi Snowberger, Assistant Vice President for University Advancement – Parent Engagement
• Jackie Riffle, Academic Affairs Chief of Staff
• Christopher Waters, Associate Vice President of Information Technology and CIO

The night started with a reception followed by an introductory video highlighting the new projects and initiatives at Elon.

Senior Vice President for University Advancement and External Affairs, James B. Piatt, Jr., introduced President Connie Ledoux Book and moderator Kailey Tracy ’17, an alumnus of Elon’s School of Communications and multimedia journalist at Fox13 Tampa Bay.

Tracy facilitated a Q&A with President Book about the latest news on campus. Their conversation included an update on how Boldly Elon, the university’s current strategic plan, has created high-impact spaces that foster Elon’s mission to respond to society’s needs. One example of this was establishing the Gerald L. Francis Center that houses the Department of Nursing. This new building enables nursing students to learn at a higher caliber, which will help combat the nursing shortage in America. President Book also shared that Elon’s faculty were named best in the nation for undergraduate teaching for the fourth year in a row. She also noted the plan for new majors that will serve a purpose in our community, such as financial technology and cybersecurity.

Tracy also asked President Book about how Elon was responding to, leveraging and managing expectations concerning Artificial Intelligence (AI) and AI platforms, such as ChatGPT, in the classroom. President Book said Elon has taken a proactive response by developing an AI research team and working alongside numerous other higher education institutions to develop core guiding principles. Elon is expanding the knowledge and use of AI into every major.

President Book highlighted , a new way to connect alumni with students to build engagement in the community. The platform allows students to ask questions about many topics, including career advice, and they are matched by AI with alumni who can best answer those questions. Alumni are also connecting with their alma mater through Elon NEXT, the continuing education program specifically designed for their professional development journey.

Tracy concluded the fireside chat with a discussion about the new Elon Flex Law Program and internships for undergraduates in Charlotte, North Carolina, as part of Elon’s National Campus Programs. Clay Thompson ’20, the Tampa alumni chapter president, offered closing remarks, ending with “Long Live Elon,” before the night concluded with a dessert reception.

With music blasting and plenty of food and fellowship to go around at Schar Center on Saturday – Ken Davis ’70 was taking it all in. The 2024 Homecoming & Reunion Weekend marked the first time Davis had returned to campus since graduating more than 50 years ago.

“This is fantastic,” said Davis. “I really enjoyed the entire atmosphere of the campus and how they’ve gone out of their way to treat us. It’s really exciting to see the growth of Elon.”

The Class of 1970 was invited to celebrate alongside the Class of 1974 to honor their 50^th reunion after their celebration planned for 2020 coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic. The Class of 1974 was officially welcomed into the Golden Alumni Family over the weekend.

“I’ve got a chance to connect with some of the ’74 alums and some others,” said Davis. “It’s been real nice.”

The happiest place on earth

Homecoming & Reunion Weekend 2024 held Nov. 1-2 was all about connection and celebration, starting with the annual Rock the Block Community Block Party on Young Commons on Friday. On Saturday morning, alumni were welcomed home with the familiar Elon tradition: College Coffee. Then it was time for the alumni tailgate outside of Schar Center, preparing to cheer on the Phoenix before they defeated Campbell University 50-27. Rush Lacoste ’25 and Drew Fetterolf ’25 were crowned Homecoming royalty.

Jenn Riemer ’10 and Clark Riemer ’11 try to return to campus for every home football game, but Homecoming is special. The couple grilled out with their family, sharing the Elon spirit with others.

“It’s always just great to be back in the happiest place on Earth,” said Jen Riemer. “It’s good to bring our kids back and let them see what we grew up with and what they have to look forward to.”

Fellowship in a community

The weekend also included celebrations for the many Elon affinity networks, including the LGBTQIA Alumni Network and the Elon Black Alumni Network (EBAN). EBAN has helped Lynne Daniels ’94 stay connected with Elon since her graduation and now she’s celebrating her 30^th reunion.

“I love Elon, I love to come back to Elon, I love to volunteer with the Elon Black Alumni Network and I love to give to Elon,” said Daniels. “The importance of having an Elon Black Alumni Network is to make sure our presence is here and for people to understand how much we love Elon and that we contribute to Elon.”

EBAN serves to unite and represent the interests of Black alumni and strives to empower, connect, and celebrate Elon’s Black community.

“I love coming back and really getting to connect and network with folks and really just fellowship in a community,” said Brianna Nobles ‘21, who serves on the EBAN leadership board. “It’s really nice to come home and feel loved by people who have known me for a really long time.”

At the EBAN alumni tailgate area, it was all hugs and smiles for Nobles and Mariatu Okonofua ’19. The two are members of the Omicron Iota chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

“Omicron Iota is a big part of me coming back,” said Okonofua, who is also part of the Young Alumni Council. “I’m really close with my sisters to this day. I wanted to have the opportunity to fellowship and see folks I haven’t seen in forever.”

Elon is home

Pearl Sullivan ’21 and Jonathan Stettler ’21 had the opportunity to connect with President Connie Ledoux Book while they were enjoying the student tailgate area by Rhodes Stadium. Stettler worked in the President’s Office as a student assistant and is the former executive vice president of the Student Government Association.

“We were talking with President Book about how student government was doing a big outdoor initiatives project while I was on campus and I was helping lead it, so the outdoor fitness court and a lot of new seating was from projects I was working on,” said Stettler. “They popped up on campus the summer after I left so it’s nice to see students using them still.”

Melissa Von der Heide ’04 reconnected with her classmate Kim Van Acker ’04 and friend Matt Lardie ‘06. Von der Heide and Van Acker were celebrating their 20^th reunion; the two met while doing undergraduate research in psychology.

“Elon is home, that’s what it comes down to,” said Von der Heide, who hasn’t returned to campus in more than a decade. “One of the nice things is I can go anywhere in the United States and find somebody from Elon.”

Van Acker, who was a track and field student-athlete while at Elon, returned for her 10^th reunion and felt she was ready to come back again after another decade.

“So much has changed in my life and Elon’s life since then,” said Acker. “So it was a good time to come.”

Lardie, Von der Heide and Van Acker all agree: Elon is about the people.

“Over any individual experience, study abroad or group I was part of. It’s the fact that I have people like Melissa and other friends who are now my family and have been in my life for decades through all the ups and downs and more so than my four years here,” said Lardie. “We’ve all grown together based on that singular Elon experience.”

The Kernodle Center inspires and equips students to work with diverse communities, addressing local and global challenges while fostering a deeper sense of civic responsibility. It connects students with community-based, experiential learning opportunities in partnership with faculty, staff, and local organizations for the common good. This is shown through their committed team of professional staff members, like Frigo.

“We not only teach students to become engaged in local communities, but we also model the way in our own lives,” said Frigo. “Some of us coach youth soccer or a Special Olympics basketball team, some teach at Sunday school and others are involved in programs like the Boy Scouts. How we spend our time beyond Elon is an example to students that playing a role in building strong communities is a lifelong habit.”

Along with his position at Elon, Frigo is the father to two boys.

“Growing up, I watched my dad be a leader for my Boy Scout troop and coach my sister’s basketball team,” Frigo said. “It left a mark on me. Each of us needs to find our calling to serve as volunteers and leaders in our communities.”

Frigo’s engagement is not only seen in the Elon and Alamance community, but also in the community where he lives. He is currently an assistant scoutmaster with Boy Scout Troop 316 in Apex, North Carolina where he creates experiential learning opportunities for the troop. Frigo’s involvement with the Boy Scouts is something he holds close to this heart.

“During the last few years, we have gone caving, whitewater rafting, skiing, and have worked with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Liberty and the U.S. Coast Guard in the Outer Banks. My involvement with the Boy Scouts has been a way to spend time with my two boys and use my skill set in the community to advance the common good.”