SPJ’s Region 2 includes Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia and the District of Columbia. First-place recipients advance to the national competition, where they will be judged alongside winners from SPJ’s 12 regions. National honorees will be recognized at the SPJ convention, scheduled for Oct. 1–4 in Columbus, Ohio.

Elon News Network earned seven first-place awards:

• Best All-Around Student Newspaper | The Pendulum | April 9, 2025; April 30, 2025; and Dec. 10, 2025 editions
• General News Reporting | Nia Bedard |
• In-depth Reporting | Anjolina Fantaroni |
• Feature Photography | Katrina Holtz | 
• Television Feature Reporting | Charlotte Pfabe | 
• Regional Political Reporting | Miles Hayford | and
• Retail/Small Business Journalism | Lilly Molina | and

In addition, the organization earned five finalist nods:

• Best Affiliated Website | Elon News Network | 
• Best All-Around Television Newscast | ENN Tonight | Ìę±đ»ćŸ±łÙŸ±ŽÇČÔ
• Best Use of Multimedia | Erin Martin |
• Personality Profile Writing | Avery Sloan |
• Sports Writing | Miles Hayford |

“Sustainability, health and wellness are deeply connected because the health of people is inseparable from the health of the environments we live in,” said Kelly Harer, associate director of sustainability for education and outreach. “Clean air, safe water, nutritious food systems and access to green spaces all support both environmental sustainability and human wellbeing.”

A group of Elon students learned firsthand how these connections can come to life during an alternative break experience.

Alternative breaks, coordinated by the Kernodle Center for Civic Life, provide students with opportunities to engage in experiential learning while serving the community. Each experience is student-led, with coordinators playing a key role in shaping the experience, including selecting the location, theme and building relationships with community partners. Additionally, two faculty or staff members are a part of each program and serve as learning partners with the student leaders.

“Alternative break experiences immerse students in communities and allow them to understand a place through its history and culture, while also allowing them to learn from and work alongside community leaders and residents,” said Bob Frigo, assistant dean and director of Kernodle Center for Civic Life. “That combination is a truly powerful community-based engaged learning opportunity.”

For the recent trip to Savannah, Georgia, Betsy Knapp ’28 and Nivea Millner ’26 served as student coordinators, with support from Kaylee Hudson G’26 and Kassidy Puckett ’24 G’26. When Knapp and Millner met last spring to plan the experience, one interest quickly emerged: sustainability.

“We recognized that many students on campus are passionate about environmental issues, further reinforcing our decision,” Knapp said. “As I learned more about the environmental challenges facing Savannah and the work local organizations are doing to address them, it confirmed that sustainability would be a meaningful and relevant focus.”

Knapp and Millner’s perspectives were also reflected among the students on the trip.

“Almost all of the participants on our trip had an existing connection with sustainability either through service or their major,” Millner said. “The experience became less about understanding the issue itself and more about connecting with the community we are seeking to serve and strengthening connections with other students at Elon.”

This shared foundation shaped how students approached their work throughout the week.

Sustainability in action

Through partnerships with organizations, such as Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia, Re: Purpose Savannah and the Ocean Discovery Center, students engaged in hands-on work addressing food insecurity, environmental conservation and community education.

But beyond the service itself, students began to see sustainability not just as environmental action, but as a reflection of everyday choices and their impact on others.

For some, that realization began with access to food. One student reflected on the privilege of choosing what to eat – something that became more apparent while working with Second Harvest, where even slightly damaged food could make a meaningful difference to someone else.

“It got me thinking that I am one of the people who is privileged enough to choose the box that is ‘pretty enough’ to eat, Mealnie Alarcon ’29 said. “Some people just don’t have that privilege.”

Others were struck by how small actions can create a large-scale impact.

“In just two hours at Second Harvest, we were able to make 4,100 meals,” Knapp shared enthusiastically. “That’s such a small time commitment, but it really makes a big difference in the community.”

On Tybee Island, the connection between environmental health and community well-being came into focus. As students began collecting trash around the beach, the sheer number of items they collected became evidence of how individual behavior can affect entire ecosystems.

“It’s interesting to see how much of an issue trash is, just looking at all that we picked up today,” Knapp said.

This reflection led students to rethink not only how they engage in cleanup efforts, but how they can prevent harm in the first place.

“Whenever you put effort into trying to make an impact, you can see a greater impact,” Millner said. “ You should also make sure you’re not contributing to the problem.”

Service enhancing well-being

These experiences also shaped students’ own well-being. For some, the trip provided a mental reset.

“I have a lot of things going on right now, Alarcon expressed. “This trip was an escape. I got a mental break from these things going on campus.”

For others, it created opportunities to build new relationships, strengthen leadership skills and engage more deeply with the communities around them.

“It lets people meet other people,” Millner said. “Forcing you to talk to each other and figure things out together.”

That sense of connection expanded beyond undergraduate students. Hodson and Puckett both noted how the experience supported their professional growth and deepened their engagement with students.

“It’s allowed me to build more relationships with students outside of my office,” Puckett said.

“The experience has given me different ways and tools to get out in the community and meet and talk to other people,” Hodson added.

By the end of the week, sustainability was no longer just about protecting the planet. It became a way of thinking — one rooted in care for people, places and the environment.

“By spending a week immersed in a community working closely with community partners, students get to see how these organizations play a crucial role in creating healthy and sustainable communities,” said Andrew Moffa, assistant director of the Kernodle Center.

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±ŹÁÏÍű 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.

Added to the chapter’s roster were 59 undergraduates, 12 graduate students, and two alumni.

The keynote address was delivered by Jana-Lynn Patterson, associate vice president for Student Life and dean of Student Health & Well-Being. PKP Officers April Post, president; Erin Hone, secretary and treasurer; Rhonda Belton and Barry Bradberry, alumni relations; and Kaelyn Elien, student vice president, also took part in the ceremony. Kaelyn shared an update about a meal swipe campaign being organized by student vice president Abi Colburn to raise funds for Feed the Hunger. Post announced that undergraduate Mira Fitch’s Fellowship application was selected for the national PKP competition.

JimmiAnne Lowe Ellington ’12 was inducted into the chapter by Barry Bradberry, former associate dean of admissions and special assistant to the president. JimmiAnne, a fourth-generation licensed funeral director with Lowe Funeral Home, has spent the past decade compassionately serving families while becoming a trusted presence in her community. Alongside her professional leadership and historic role in the North Carolina Funeral Directors Association, she remains deeply committed to outreach and family, creating meaningful community events and making a lasting impact through service and care.

Sandra Bays ’99 was inducted into the chapter by Rhonda Belton, associate director of institutional research. Sandra was honored for her more than four decades of impactful service as an educator, coach, and community leader, shaping programs and mentoring students across Alamance County and 51±ŹÁÏÍű. Her career spans teaching, coaching, and innovative program development, from leading school initiatives and youth athletics to creating community-focused programs in residence life, earning her multiple awards and lasting influence.

The convention, themed “Be More Anchored,” explored what it means to be grounded in one’s roots, core values and unwavering purpose.

“Let us leave this place more grounded, more courageous, and more committed—to one another, to our values, and to the future of this association,” McElderry said during his opening speech to attendees.

One highlight of the convention was the Division of Student Life being recognized as one of the Most Promising Places to Work in Student Affairs for the sixth consecutive year. Presented by The EDU Ledger, the designation recognizes higher education institutions that demonstrate a strong commitment to creating a supportive, equitable and sustainable work environment for student affairs professionals.

“This recognition reflects our leadership commitment for staff support, belonging, and professional growth,” said Jon Dooley, vice president for Student Life.  “When staff find meaning and purpose in their work, they are able to be at their best for our students and create environments and experiences that help students thrive.”

Elon is one of only two institutions to earn this recognition for six consecutive years, alongside Kent State University.

Another notable honor recognized during the convention was the 2026 Anne S. Pruitt Presidential Citation Award, awarded to Jon Dooley for his support and mentorship during McElderry’s presidency. Though announced in January 2026, the award was formally presented at the convention.

The convention also marked the conclusion of McElderry’s term as the 86th ACPA president, capping a year of leadership focused on mentorship, equity-minded practice and reflection on the future of student affairs.

“Our work does not pause with a person — it continues through purpose,” McElderry said during his closing remarks.

As McElderry ends his term in ACPA leadership, Emily Krechel, director of New Student Programs, will begin her term on the ACPA Leadership Council as incoming Chair for Member Retention.

As chair, Krechel will help lead efforts to ensure members feel connected, supported and engaged, focusing on retention strategies, data-informed decision-making and alignment with the association’s broader strategic goals.

“I’m really excited to focus on building meaningful connections that help members see themselves in ACPA for the long term,” Krechel said. “Retention is about more than numbers, it’s about creating a professional home where people feel valued, supported, and inspired to stay engaged.”

Other recognitions included Citlalli (Cici) Salazar ’23, G’26, receiving the 2026 Erik M. Colon Outstanding Graduate Student Award and Jana Lynn Patterson, dean of student health and well-being and associate vice president for Student Life, receiving a retirement resolution, read during the ACPA Business Meeting.

In addition, Elon faculty and staff led multiple presentations. Presentations included:

• Healing Together: Black Women and Latinas Facilitating Care/Cariño Through PlĂĄtica/Dialogue (Calhoun & Hernandez Rivera)
• Strategic Planning as a Process to Advance Divisional Excellence (Dooley, Krechel, McElderry, Noltemeyer, & Payne)
• Documenting and Strengthening High-Impact Student Experiences (Dooley & Noltemeyer)
• Creating Professional Development Opportunities with Limited Funding: History and Lessons (Garay)
• Emerging Scholars Research: Minoritized Students, Practitioners, and Necropolitical Norms (Hernandez Rivera)
• Shaking the Table: Survival and Healing Amongst Identity Center Practitioners (Hernandez Rivera, McElderry, Garay et al.)
• Working with Respondents in Sexual Misconduct Cases: Perspectives from Practitioners (Karbley & Karunarathne)
• ’Round 51±ŹÁÏÍű Campus Presents: A Live Episode on Equity-Minded Mentoring (McElderry, Hernandez Rivera, Krechel, et al.)

Among those who presented were several staff members attending the ACPA Convention for the first time. For these individuals, the experience was a dynamic opportunity for professional development, connection and growth.

“I really enjoyed connecting with student affairs professionals from other institutions to learn more about their work, discuss shared challenges, and brainstorm ideas, especially as we collectively navigate the complexities of higher education right now,” Lauren Feeley, program assistant for Student Involvement, said.

Looking ahead, ACPA is expanding its benefits. Beginning July 1, ACPA will offer free membership to all degree-seeking master’s and undergraduate students, expanding access for the next generation of professionals.

As the convention concluded, staff members reflected on key takeaways from their experience and the convention’s central theme.

For Stephanie Hernandez Rivera, assistant professor in the Master of Arts in Higher Education Program and Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education Emerging Professor, the impact centered on graduate student success.

“One important takeaway I have is the importance of investing in graduate student success and development and the next generation of higher education professionals,” Hernandez Rivera said. “As someone who also served as faculty for the NextGen Institute for ACPA right before the conference, which is an institute for undergraduate students in the field, I saw this reflected in their participation in the institute and the dedication of those of us who facilitate the Institute to ensure the next generation of professionals is prepared for the field.”

Megan Karbley, director of compliance and Title IX coordinator, reflected on her overall experience being able to fellowship with Elon colleagues.

“I can always rely on feeling re-energized after attending ACPA,” Karbley said. “This was my first ACPA experience with my Elon colleagues, and I left feeling more connected to colleagues across divisions and reminded that I am not alone in the work of navigating complex community needs.”

While Karbley reflected on connection and renewed energy, others highlighted the long-term professional impact of attending ACPA.

“I’ve been attending ACPA for nearly 30 years and every time I return with fresh ideas and new takeaways,” said Tierza Watts, director of the Center for Leadership and director of the Isabella Cannon Leadership Fellows. “This year, I learned about an innovative assessment method called Photo Voice, and I’m looking forward to collaborating with a few offices to apply it in a leadership assessment project.”

As attendees reflected on their individual experiences, a shared theme emerged: a commitment to investing in the field’s future. That vision was reinforced in McElderry’s closing remarks.

“It is time to turn the page to the next chapter in our association’s history — grounded in our roots, guided by our values, and steadfast in our purpose,” McElderry said.

As graduation approaches, Wible now looks back on the encounters and experiences that helped her better understand herself and shaped the impact she hopes to leave as she crosses the stage in May.

“Before Elon, I didn’t really have any attachment to my heritage,” Wible said. “I’ve learned so much about myself since being here.”

To fully understand Wible’s journey, you must begin at the start. The daughter of two adoptees — one from Korea and the other a white American — she did not grow up in her small Pennsylvania hometown with a strong connection to her Korean heritage.

“I never had a clear sense of this part of me, since both of my parents are adoptees,” Wible said. “Coming from a predominantly white school and community, there were times when I felt that my Korean heritage was something to be ashamed of.”

Wible said that changed when she was admitted to Elon. She recognized college as an opportunity. “I knew I would have better resources and outlets to put myself out there and learn more about Pan-Asian cultures,” she said.

Looking for those opportunities, Wible first explored her identity through the university’s Center for Race, Ethnicity and Diversity Education’s SMART Mentor Program. She remembers it as a leap outside her comfort zone, but one she knew could open new doors.

That one decision changed the trajectory of her Elon experience. Through the SMART Mentor Program, Wible met Anna Marchesseault ’24.

“She introduced me to all of her friends, and they helped me attend more events and find community early on,” Wible said.

Wible’s exploration of her identity has also taken shape in an unexpected place — her home.

Living with two other Elon students of Asian heritage, she found a space to explore her culture through everyday behaviors.

“It was my roommates decorating for Lunar New Year and teaching me traditions, like cleaning the house before the Lunar New Year holiday,” Wible said. “I just never realized those were things that happened.”

What may have seemed like small moments became meaningful opportunities for connection and growth.

Finding community through connection

With the encouragement of her new friends, Wible began exploring her heritage by attending events, such as Food for Thought and previous API Heritage Month programs

These steps would eventually lead her to deeper campus involvement, including membership in Elon’s Associate Chapter of Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority, Incorporated, a sorority open to anyone interested in Pan-Asian cultures.

“We aim to promote an inclusive sisterhood while giving back to the community and celebrating culture, especially in a space where there aren’t many of us,” Wible said.

This mission is reflected in the sorority’s guiding pillars of service, academic excellence and cultural awareness across university campuses and communities. As the current president of the Associate Chapter at Elon, Wible serves as the organization’s on-campus face and primary contact, as well as a member of the sorority’s national marketing staff.

Beyond her responsibilities as president, she has served as a mentor and demonstrated strong leadership within the sorority.

George Dou, assistant director of the CREDE and advisor to the sorority, praises Wible’s presence and contributions to the university campus.

“Reagan is someone who’s passionate about what she does,” Dou said. “Many student leaders are, but Reagan has always expressed a desire to improve upon what she’s given and to excel rather than being content with simply being satisfactory.”

As Wible has invested in the organization, the sorority has also become a space where she has further discovered herself, explored her identity and developed her leadership.

“I want to build relationships across organizations and show that even if we come from different backgrounds, there are still ways we can connect and learn from each other,” said Wible, who also serves on the executive board of the Multicultural Greek Council.

That vision has taken shape through her efforts to strengthen relationships across chapters.

“Reagan doesn’t just support Elon KPL members, but supports our (members) all over the country,” said Bella Pelini ’27, a member of the Associate Chapter of Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority, Incorporated, who considers Wible a mentor. “She is always the first to ask Elon (memberS) if we want to join her at other North Carolina school cultural events or reveals. She has helped us strengthen our sisterhood throughout all of North Carolina and beyond.”

These actions reflect the legacy Wible hopes to leave on campus and bring her journey full circle, from the moment her mentor invested in her upon arriving at Elon. As she looks ahead, Wible is considering graduate school and pursuing a career on a college campus.

She hopes to leave a lasting impact on the community she has built at Elon by encouraging others to pursue new opportunities. “Don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone,” Wible said. “It might be scary, but it can change your life in a really positive way.”

Elon honors Asian & Pacific Island Heritage Month

As part of Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, 51±ŹÁÏÍű 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.

Now a junior journalism major, Pfabe has been elected the executive director of Elon News Network for the 2026-27 academic year. Her path to the top leadership spot was a fast one, starting with a variety of roles in broadcast, web, and print. By the spring of her first year, she was already helping others get started as a new member coordinator.

“I helped new students get acclimated to ENN, responded to emails, and acted like I knew what I was doing,” Pfabe said.

Her passion for the craft actually goes back to her childhood. While she briefly considered psychology because she loved learning why people act the way they do, she realized journalism was a better way to learn others’ stories. She did morning announcements in elementary school and even acted as a reporter for Junior Achievement BizTown, which combines in-class learning with a day-long visit to a simulated town.

“I think local news is one of the pillars of local community and society,” Pfabe said. “People trust their local news more than they trust their national news. There is such a value in having people that are constantly around and making those connections to tell stories, especially ones that don’t get told often.”

Pfabe finds inspiration in local reporters she grew up watching in Baltimore, like investigative reporter David Collins. She recalled being starstruck when she finally met him during an internship. She also looks up to Elon alumni who started exactly where she is now, such as Gary Grumbach ’16, a legal affairs reporter for NBC News, and Maya Eaglin ’19, an on-air reporter for MSNOW.

“They started where we’re starting, and their Elon education helped them get there,” Pfabe said. “That is so phenomenal.”

As she looks toward her new role, Pfabe wants to shift the focus toward community-facing initiatives. She plans to lead ENN in more outreach and volunteer events throughout Burlington and Graham to build relationships that are not just transactional.

“You’re going, and you’re volunteering in your community. You’re doing good, and you’re not getting a story out of it,” Pfabe said. “You’re just doing something for the community.”

Transparency is another major goal for the upcoming year. Pfabe said she wants to break down the mystery of how news is made and show the campus that the staff is juggling many responsibilities at once.

“There is this idea that we are journalists first and students second, but we’re journalists and students at the same time,” Pfabe said. “We are still learning, and we’re still doing schoolwork at the same time as we’re doing our stories. We have classes with the same people we’re interviewing.”

Community Well-Being: How has sustainability helped you feel more connected to a community—either on campus or beyond?

Finn Hughes ’28:  On campus, it’s helped me connect with people who share the same values and passions, whether that’s for the environment, animals or sustainability in general. It’s helped me build friendships, but it’s also shaped my moral compass and pushed me to get more involved beyond campus. I’ve had opportunities I didn’t even know were possible, like trips where we can go to the beach, do cleanups and take part in volunteer work.

Sophie Frank ’29: On campus, Eco Reps and the Office of Sustainability host a lot of events, and since many of my friends are involved in organizing them, I’m able to show up and participate. It feels like we’re all contributing to sustainability on campus as a community, and that’s something that really brings us together. There’s always something going on.

Grace Smith ’27: I’ve been really involved with the Sustainability LLC, especially last year as an RA. I got to see the community we built with the first-year students on my floor. It gave us a way to connect around something bigger than ourselves while still making a real impact in small ways. That shared commitment really shaped a strong sense of community on campus.

Lulu Welch ’28: Between my classes, especially the more environmentally focused ones, and this trip, it’s nice to be around people who care about the environment as much as I do. It can be hard to find people who also care about sustainability, even though it is such an important issue right now.

Emotional Well-Being: In what ways does practicing sustainability support your emotional well-being or sense of purpose?

Hughes:  It definitely hurts my emotional well-being to see the things that are happening to our planet. But practicing sustainability also helps me with my emotional and social well-being. Practicing activities, like cleanups and seeing the positive impact that I can have on the planet, helps me to feel rejuvenated.

Frank: The Earth is very valuable, and honestly, it feels good to be able to take care of it and do what I’m supposed to do. When you make sustainable choices, you influence and engage others. It is rewarding.

Smith: It makes me feel like I’m part of something larger than myself. We all have to be a part of promoting sustainability, educating ourselves and others and living a sustainable lifestyle. All those little things add up, especially when a large group of people is doing them. It feels good to support the well-being of others and the world around me.

Welch: Sustainability is important because it’s how we preserve our environment. It’s something I practice every day. If I didn’t, I’d feel like I wasn’t practicing what I preach and I would be a hypocrite.

Seeing people not care about the environment can be upsetting, because this is our Earth and we need to take care of it. But at the same time, seeing people who do care gives me hope for the future. It makes me emotional because it reminds me that there are people who are paying attention and trying to make a difference.

Physical: Well-Being: What are some sustainable choices you make in your daily routine that also support your physical health?

Hughes: I try to use less plastic, which is good, because it limits the microplastics in your body. I’m also vegan and eat homegrown and fresh produce. I also try to avoid processed foods.

I also try to limit my emissions by walking or biking instead of driving whenever I can.

Frank: I am big on spending time outdoors, walking outside and not using single-use plastic. I am also a vegetarian, which is something that affects my day-to-day lifestyle and overall helps the environment.

Smith: I’ve really been into spending more time outdoors and supporting my national and state parks. When I am outside, I try to pick up any trash and keep the environment clean.

Welch: I always pick up trash when I see it on the ground, and I try to avoid unnecessary plastics by using reusable items. I also try to shop for organic food.

I do a lot of gardening, mostly flowers. I grew up helping take care of my yard, and my mom loves growing flowers, so that’s something I’ve always enjoyed. I’ve tried growing vegetables too, but being from Massachusetts, that didn’t always go very well. I also avoid using pesticides or anything that could be harmful to the environment.

Social Well-Being: How have conversations or shared experiences around sustainability influenced your relationships with others?

Hughes: I’m able to relate to others, whether through protests or shared involvement in sustainability, which helps me feel like I’m not alone. It can be overwhelming at times. It’s easy to feel like one person can’t make a difference. But when you’re surrounded by others who care, it reminds you that your actions matter and together you can get more done, take action and create more opportunities to make an impact.

Frank: Through my major, I’ve been able to connect with a lot of people and build close relationships. I’ve also done volunteer work in western North Carolina, where I met new people. Experiences like this trip and the work we’re doing right now, are already helping me to build new connections.

Smith: Even with this trip, I’ve built a lot of friendships. Coming together in support of a common cause, like sustainability, has helped me build relationships with others who are working toward that same goal.

I came into this trip not knowing anyone, and I’m leaving with friends, all because we shared the same purpose: promoting sustainability.

Welch: I think a lot of people don’t fully understand the importance of sustainability, and that’s the first step. It includes having conversations and educating others so they can better understand the impact of sustainability.

There are plenty of people who don’t really believe in sustainability, which I find funny, because there’s so much science and research that shows why it matters. It’s how we keep our environment clean, healthy and moving forward.

Financial Well-Being: How has sustainability shaped the way you think about spending, saving or using resources?

Hughes:  Even when I go to the store, I’ll pick something up and then stop and think, ‘Wait, is this good for the environment?’ It’s made me more aware of where things come from and what happens after I use them. I think documentaries and experiences like seeing trash on the beach really put that into perspective. It makes you realize how your everyday choices add up and what they actually mean.

Frank: I try not to use single-use plastic. That’s one of the things I try to do the most. When I go to the store, I try to avoid plastic bags and water bottles as much as I can. If I do use them, I make sure to recycle whenever possible.

Smith: I’ve really tried to buy less plastic and throw away less. I avoid things like individually wrapped snacks, like Goldfish. It’s the little things that add up.

That’s really how it has impacted me. I think more about what I’m using and what happens to it after. Where is the garbage I produce going? Is it being recycled properly? Is it actually being turned into something else?

I refuse to use single-use plastics, like one-use water bottles. I’m not a fan. I’ve also been trying to bring my own bags every time I grocery shop. All of those small choices are ways I’m trying to stop contributing to overconsumption and the mass production of plastic, and really downsize my impact.

Welch: I only use reusable products and try to avoid food that is overly processed or full of hormones by shopping for organic foods.  Overall, I try to live my life as sustainably as possible.

Purpose Well-Being: How has your understanding of sustainability influenced your sense of purpose or the impact you want to make after Elon?

Hughes: Sustainability has shaped a lot of my purpose because I’m really passionate about it. It’s changed me to focus more on action rather than being passive, telling people what needs to be done. Getting hands-on has made me more confident and more passionate about getting involved, whether that’s through school boards, larger organizations or even speaking opportunities.

It’s also helped me realize that I have a purpose that’s bigger than myself. I am able to talk about sustainability in ways that feel more accessible. Sometimes it can seem distant or overwhelming, but bringing it back to everyday actions makes it feel more real and something people can actually connect to.

Frank: With my major, I want to go into corporate sustainability, more on the business side. My goal is to work with larger companies to find ways for them to become more sustainable, while also helping engage businesses and the public in making choices that better support our environment.

Smith: I want to live a sustainable life. As a nursing major. I see there’s so much single-use plastic, things being thrown away in the healthcare industry. I would love to someday make an impact in the healthcare system and make it more sustainable. I want my own life to be sustainable, but there’s more work to be done toward a bigger cause here. Many of our industries aren’t promoting sustainability, and I want to make an impact there.

Welch: For me, sustainability has given me a great sense of purpose. I grew up in a town that was big on recycling. You could even get fined if you didn’t do it. Because of that, my dad has always been a big recycler and it became something that was important to me, too.

I’ve also always been interested in science and biology, so over time those interests started to align with my goals. Now, I want to go into research focused on sustainability or ecological conservation.

Through this shared experience, students reflected on how sustainability isn’t just a single action. It’s a mindset shaped by everyday choices that support the environment and strengthen their own well-being across the six dimensions of well-being.

Gabriela Alvarez ’28 built her Elon experience around connection, opportunity and identity. As a first-generation college student, she has embraced campus communities that strengthen her character while also discovering her passion for strategic communications.

In her junior year of high school in Westchester, New York, Alvarez signed up for the Immersion experience through the Emerging Journalists Program at 51±ŹÁÏÍű, where she was flown to Elon for a week to gain experience in her passion for news and broadcasting. Before the program, Elon had not been on Alvarez’s radar.

“The program changed my view of Elon. I had a really good time and connected with the professors and the cohort I was in. So, I decided to come see Elon as a result,” said Alvarez, who notes communications faculty Colin Donohue, Kelly Furnas and Israel Balderas were influential in her experience.

Her campus tour was on Homecoming & Reunion weekend, where she spoke up about her interest in journalism, which resulted in the tour guide encouraging her to explore the newsroom. There, she was able to chat with alumni from the School of Communications, who shared their positive experiences from their time at Elon.

After touring the communications facilities and connecting with these alumni, she knew Elon was the place for her.

Her first year here, Alvarez was a journalism major, and joining Live Oak Communications Agency became a turning point in her communications career. After contributing to the agency, Alvarez realized her passions aligned more with the strategic communications major.

“I fell in love with agency life. I liked strategic communications better because there was more creative freedom for me. I enjoy helping businesses that are someone’s life’s work, blossom even further,” she said.

As a part of the Communications Fellows cohort, Alvarez was able to attend a Winter Term Florida trip in her first year. She notes that this trip gave her the opportunity to explore different fields within communications, which reinforced her passion for strategic communications.

“I think the Fellows is an amazing program. It’s given me some of my best friends, and it opened doors for me to connect with professors,” said Alvarez. “I’m so glad I met Professor (Vanessa) Bravo through a Communications Fellows networking event because, like me, she is Hispanic, and that’s very important to my identity. I connected with her, and I joined the Unity in Communications club that helped me connect with other people who are interested in diversity in the communications world.”

Alvarez is also a proud first-generation college student. As the secretary for Elon’s First-Generation Society, she is consistently making the most out of the opportunities offered to her.

“I really love being first-generation,” she said. “It’s a big part of my identity. I try to do as much as I can to make my parents proud and make their sacrifices worth it.”

In addition, she is also a Bill and Sue Smith Odyssey Scholar. Through attending workshops on financial literacy, discussions on how to stay motivated, and even mental health checks.

“Odyssey has pushed me to be a better person and a better leader who is not afraid to ask for help or try new things. I’ve become more aware of how to succeed in the future, and I feel prepared for post-graduate,” she said.

Through the many communities and cohorts Alvarez is committed to, she has found belonging and purpose on Elon’s campus.

“I think being a part of these communities, like Odyssey, First Phoenix and Unity in Communications, is a way for me to stay true to myself,” she explained. “I grew up in a Hispanic-centered community, so coming to a predominantly white institution was a bit intimidating, but joining these communities helped me connect to others who have similar backgrounds and qualities as me. It’s important to stay true to the characteristics that are important to you and what makes you, you.”

Her scholarships have been a “weight off her shoulders” throughout her experience at Elon, allowing her the opportunity to see her dreams realized.

“Being able to tell my family they don’t have to worry so much about me and that I’ve worked hard in school and will continue to work hard is very rewarding. I’m very proud of myself. I’m proud to make my parents happy,” she said. “I’m willing to fight for dreams and fight for what I’m passionate about, and my scholarships have made that possible for me.”

“We are honored to receive this national recognition for our nonpartisan work in civic engagement,” said Bob Frigo, assistant dean of campus life and director of the Kernodle Center for Civic Life. “With each passing year, we become a more politically engaged university where our students are prepared to become the next generation of informed leaders who will help strengthen communities and shape our democracy.”

The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge empowers colleges and universities to achieve excellence in nonpartisan student democratic engagement.

“This recognition is a testament to Elon’s emphasis on nonpartisan democratic engagement. This work is truly a team effort and speaks to our incredible partners both on and off campus,” Andrew Moffa, assistant director of Kernodle Center for Civic Life said.  “We look forward to continuing our focus on developing strong civic leaders and active citizens.”

The recognition highlights institutions that are taking intentional, nonpartisan steps to strengthen democratic engagement through civic learning, political engagement and student voter participation. Elon’s action plan, co-authored by Frigo and Moffa, outlines key goals, such as hosting local elected officials on campus and expanding voter registration drives to reach the entire campus community.

Elon also received recognition in 2024 and is among .