As Elon community members converged on the area, Bollywood music played, colorful kites leaned against the brick wall of PBK commons, and hundreds of cups of colored powder lined a white tarp stained with splotches of pink and blue color.

The event opened with an educational presentation, reflections and stories shared by students, and a performance by Surtal, Elon’s Bollywood dance team. After a collective countdown, attendees tossed handfuls of brightly colored powder into the air, marking the official start of the celebration.

This year marked the 14th anniversary of Holi at Elon, a tradition led by the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life. The center’s mission is to support and engage the Elon community with the wisdom of the world’s religious, spiritual, and ethical traditions, and hosting celebrations like Holi is one way the Truitt Center creates opportunities for celebration, learning, connection, and shared experience.

Students from across backgrounds and identities participated, coming together through music, movement and the shared ritual of color throwing.

Multifaith interns Addison Anderson and Taylor Polonsky played a central role in shaping the program. In preparation, they spent time studying the history of Holi, its cultural and religious significance, and the symbolism of the colors used in the celebration.

“Planning our campus’s Holi celebration was a wonderful challenge for us,” shared Anderson. “Holi is incredibly different than many of the other celebrations we do, and it was important to us to make it the perfect welcome for Spring. Through our time learning and planning the event, my co-coordinator and I learned about the importance of the holiday for over a billion people around the world.”

This year, the celebration began well before the official color toss. Guests arrived early to enjoy Bollywood music, sample Indian appetizers, savor traditional sweets, and participate in hands-on activities such as coloring mandalas, creating rangoli, and applying mehndi (henna). The early energy carried through the afternoon, with dancing starting organically as the crowd gathered.

For members of the campus South Asian community, festivals like Holi and Diwali create a sense of belonging, community, and visibility.

Second year Multifaith intern Ahron Frankel, who helped plan Holi in 2025, and introduced kite-flying to the campus Holi celebration, shared their journey as a South Asian student on campus.

“When I first came to Elon, one of the biggest hurdles to overcome was the lack of desi students,” said Frankel. “It was very hard to find people that I could connect with on this part of my identity, and there were never any set spaces for the few of us that were here. However, I soon found out that Holi is one of our biggest campus events, which made all the difference. For the past 3 years, I have had the joy of bringing my friends to this celebration while listening to Bollywood tunes and celebrating the coming of spring.”

The Truitt Center’s festival series invited the campus community to experience cultures, traditions, and holidays other than their own, in intentionally shaped spaces that are both educational and celebratory. Members of the cohort of Multifaith Interns plan the festivals alongside Hillary Zaken, director of Multifaith Programming and Engagement.

The exploration of diverse worldviews is an essential part of an Elon education and helps prepare students to respectfully engage in dialogue across difference.? While the celebration of holidays like Holi are reflective of an authentic experience, they are also crafted as a means to teach about the values and practices of the Hindu community.

“Before you celebrate today, I want y’all to remember that this isn’t just about paint throwing,” explained Frankel to the crowd. “It holds deep cultural and religious significance for people across South Asia. In the diaspora, it’s a way to connect back home and ground ourselves in the culture we may rarely get to celebrate visibly.”

By the end of the event, participants left Speaker’s Corner covered in vibrant color, having engaged both the festive and educational dimensions of the holiday, and carrying that energy into the weekend ahead.

As Taylor Polonsky shared: “Holi is a reminder for everyone to take a moment and add some color and joy on your life during hard times, including impending exams or graduation.”

Catholic Campus Ministry (CCM) welcomed more than 550 students, families, and community members for worship, filling the gym floor and overflowing into the bleachers. CCM has witnessed continued growth in Easter Mass attendance, from 268 in the spring of 2023 to over 550 this year.

“Young people have grown disenchanted with the superficial promise of happiness that our culture offers,” said Father Peter Tremblay, associate chaplain for Catholic Life. “They are looking for something deeper: seeking a deeper connection to truth and beauty.”

But the story is about more than just those attending Mass; eight students received the Sacraments on Easter, including a baptism, two professions of faith and Confirmation for all. Easter, the most important celebration in the Christian calendar, is traditionally a time when new members are welcomed into the Catholic Church through the Sacraments after a year of attending classes in the Order of Christian Initiation for Adults (OCIA). Lorelei Lowen ‘29 shared,

“I was interested in receiving my sacraments, so I emailed Father Peter before coming to Elon, and he connected me with T and the OCIA program,” said Lorelei Lowen ’29.

“OCIA has allowed me to face some of the most difficult doubts and questions in my faith journey,” said Maggie Blakeney ’26. “It has taught me that faith isn’t done alone, but with others.“

Local dioceses in Raleigh and Charlotte have noticed a similar trend of college-aged adults participating in the OCIA process. Campus ministry played a crucial role in fostering this growth. Through welcoming communities, retreats, small groups, and conversations with the Chaplain and ministry staff, students find opportunities to explore questions of faith, life, and meaning.

“CCM has shaped not only my experience at Elon, but it has transformed the way that I think about life and the circumstances that are thrown our way,” said Savanna Bell ’28. “CCM was simply the light in the darkness that chained me to my past life. By placing myself at the center of it, literally, the friendships are what have made me Catholic (or how I like to say it, ElonCatholic). I would have never gotten so deeply rooted in the Sacraments if it weren’t for the smiles that greeted me each time I walked into the big church doors.”

The celebration began with an educational program in the McBride Gathering space before moving outdoors to Phi Beta Kappa Commons for an evening of food, music, and henna. Elon’s Eid celebration is part of the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life’s festival series, religious programs that create space not only to mark holidays, but to deepen understanding of culture, meaning, traditions, and values.

Eid al-Fitr marks the conclusion of Ramadan, a month during which Muslims fast from dawn to dusk and gather for nightly meals known as iftars. Throughout the month, the Elon community participated in a range of Ramadan-related programs that offered opportunities to learn, build relationships, and share in these practices together.

This year’s Eid celebration reflected both growth and connection within the campus Muslim community.

“Here at Elon, this Ramadan has been especially meaningful,” said Elon Muslim Society President Adil Qadeer. “The Elon Muslim Society has grown so much over the years, and this year we saw that growth not just in numbers, but in connection. From on- and off-campus iftars to early Waffle House suhoors, to all of our events with friends from all kinds of backgrounds, this Ramadan truly felt like a community effort, and that’s what makes today even more special. Eid reminds us to be grateful for our faith, our families, and the communities we’re part of. It reminds us to celebrate, but also to reflect on who we’ve become and who we still want to be.”

The program opened with a welcome from Rev. Kirstin Boswell, university chaplain and dean of multifaith engagement, and an educational presentation from Truitt Center multifaith interns Omar Khamis and Bella Kuperman, who shared the history and traditions of Eid. Remarks followed from Associate Chaplain for Muslim Life Imam Shane Atkinson, and students Adil Qadeer and Huria Tahiry.

For many students, the event provided a sense of belonging that extended beyond campus.

“Working on Eid al-Fitr as a Muslim multifaith intern was an amazing opportunity to learn how my fellow Muslim colleagues celebrate,” said Multifaith Intern Omar Khamis, who helped plan the program.?“Meeting with students and faculty and learning about their traditions to get a pulse on how to plan for this event meant more than a job, but an opportunity for growth and reflection. Seeing what is unique and familiar allowed me to feel more connected with them as a fellow Muslim. And the ability to see it all come together was very heartwarming. Having a very large crowd come together from the Elon community, especially with members from the local mosque in Burlington, allowed me to feel like I was back home in Jordan, celebrating with friends and family again.”

That sense of connection across difference was echoed by the other student planner, Multifaith Intern Bella Kuperman.

“Working on Eid al-Fitr was a vibrant journey that connected us with diverse stories and traditions,” shared Kuperman. “It enriched our understanding and allowed us to celebrate the holiday’s spirit from both inside and outside the Muslim community.”

The wide attendance of the event highlighted the continued growth of Muslim Life at Elon, as well as the university’s broader commitment to religious and cultural engagement – this year’s program was co-sponsored by the Center for Religion Culture and Society and the Isabella Cannon Global Education Center. The celebration also welcomed around 100 guests from the Burlington Masjid, strengthening ties between campus and the local community. As dinner was served, families, students, and children filled the space with joy, laughter, and shared belonging.

For many, that sense of shared belonging reflects a core value of Eid itself.

Eid celebrations center on joy, gratitude, and community. At Elon, those values take shape through partnerships, relationships, and intentional spaces for connection, ensuring that students can celebrate not in isolation, but as part of a broader, supportive community.

“Programs such as Eid exemplifies how Elon makes space for students to stay rooted in their own traditions and celebrations, while allowing them to expand their perspectives and learn about where their peers find meaning and purpose,” said Director of Multifaith Programming and Engagement Hillary Zaken. “Our festivals are both authentic celebrations and also learning spaces that prepare students to move through our diverse and interconnected world with awareness and respect.”

The Eid festival is one of several major religious celebrations hosted each year by the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life. Planned by the Zaken and the multifaith interns, these events are designed to build religious literacy, foster meaningful relationships, create opportunities for students to engage traditions beyond their own, and learn about the common threads that bind members of the campus community together, regardless of identity.

As Huria Tahiry shared, “Being here, far from home, Eid feels different. I miss the sounds, the gatherings, and the familiar traditions. But today, I am grateful to share a piece of my culture with you. Eid teaches us values that go beyond any one country, which are community, forgiveness, and generosity.”

The celebration offers an opportunity for reflection, education and connection, deepening understanding of API communities’ lasting impact, with the Center for Race, Ethnicity, and Diversity Education (CREDE) leading a variety of programs throughout the month.

Recognizing the diversity within Asian & Pacific Islander communities, this year’s theme, “Distinctly in Bloom: Growing Together”, focuses on highlighting the uniqueness of different Asian, Pacific Islander and South Asian cultures and identities across the diaspora.

“Our hope for the theme is that the campus community will understand and get to learn about the full spectrum of APISA cultures and identities,” George Dou, assistant director of the CREDE, said. “That means also learning about each culture or people individually as well, which is something we’re hoping to highlight throughout the course of the month.”

Throughout April, with events continuing into May, the CREDE will host a variety of events to honor and highlight these communities. Highlights of this year’s events include the annual kickoff celebration, the Asian Film Series and the Kaju & Lina Piano Duo (Voyage of Dance).

For additional questions, please contact Dou at gdou@elon.edu.

Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month Events at Elon

Communi-Tea Time

Every Tuesday in April

12:30-1:30 p.m. | CREDE (Moseley 221)

APIHM?Kickoff

Wednesday, April 1

5:30-7 p.m. | Medallion Plaza

The Elon community is invited to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) communities at our API Heritage Month Kickoff Event! This celebration will feature different foods, cultural performances, local businesses and engaging activities that highlight the contributions and traditions of API communities.

Kaju & Lina Piano Duo (Voyage of Dance)

Wednesday, April 1

7:30 p.m. | Whitley Auditorium

A duet piano recital featuring classical and Korean folk music. Kaju Lee and Lina Yoo Min Lee met while teaching in Wisconsin and have performed together at various institutions and venues, often showcasing both well-known classical pieces and works by contemporary and Korean composers. Their performances frequently feature both solo and duo (4-hands) repertoire. Sponsored by the Department of Music.

Matcha & Sushi Pops

Tuesday, April 7

2-3 p.m. | Outside Lakeside

Spring into History w/ Chinese Club & Arabic Club

Wednesday, April 8

6-8 p.m. | El Centro Kitchen (Carlton 114)

K-DNS: Open Dance Session

Friday, April 10

6-7 p.m. | Koury Dance Studio 5

Holi

Friday, April 10 (Rain dates: April 17 and April 24)

4 p.m. | Phi Beta Kappa Lawn

A Hindu spring festival of color and sharing love, Holi marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. The Elon community gathers at Speaker’s Corner to throw colored powder at one another, celebrating the earth returning to color and life and good triumphing over evil. If you plan to throw color, please wear old clothing that can get dirtied by paint. There will also be crafts, food, and other ways to celebrate the holiday. Sponsored by the Truitt Center for Religious & Spiritual Life.

APISA Community Dinner

Monday, April 13

5:30-7 p.m. | CREDE (Moseley 221)

Rainbow Boba?

Friday, April 17

5:30-6:30 p.m. | CREDE (Moseley 221)

Asian Film Series: The Globalization Tapes

Tuesday, April 21

7 p.m. | Global Media Room 103

A documentary exploring how a community in West Java navigates the forces of globalization, tourism and cultural identity.

Food For Thought: Korea

Wednesday, April 22

6 p.m. | CREDE (Moseley 221)

Donghua Night

Friday, April 24

8-10 p.m. | Alamance 315

A collaboration between the Chinese Club and the Anime & Japanese Studies Club where we will be watching donghuas (动画), which is the Chinese term for anime.

Exploring Asian America: Workshop

Wednesday, April 29

5:30-7 p.m. | CREDE (Moseley 221)

An interactive workshop where participants will get to learn more about the spectrum of voices and experiences in Asian America.

Asian Film Series: Perfect Days

Tuesday, May 5

7 p.m. | Global Media Room 103

A Tokyo toilet cleaner finds quiet beauty and contentment in his daily routine and unexpected human connections.

Tai Chi with Chinese Club

Wednesday, May 6

5-6 p.m. | Colonnades Quad

LTW: EOY Celebration

Thursday, May 7

6-7:30 p.m. | McKinnon (Moseley 128)

Explore the full schedule of API Heritage Month events on the CREDE website.

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.

“罢丑别蝉别 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爆料网’s Multifaith Strategic Plan.?

Applications for the and there are spots saved for Elon students who?are ready to build skills in dialogue, conflict navigation and team leadership that translate directly into their campus roles.

The Viewpoints Fellowship is a nine-month, stipended program designed for student leaders who want to lead stronger teams and build cultures where honest dialogue is possible. Through training, mentorship, and hands-on projects, fellows learn practical approaches to addressing conflict, engaging differences with curiosity, and creating spaces where diverse perspectives can be heard.

“We are excited to continue this partnership and expand opportunities for Elon students to develop the skills needed to lead,” said Hillary Zaken, director of multifaith programming and engagement in the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life at Elon. “The fellowship helps student leaders move beyond avoiding tough conversations and instead equips them to guide them thoughtfully, constructively and with curiousity.”

The fellowship builds campus-based cohorts of student leaders from universities across the country. Participants engage in an interdisciplinary approach to understanding difference and disagreement, then apply what they learn by creating programs within their own student organizations and communities.

For current fellow Jacob Bradshaw, president of Milk Club, learning started from the beginning of the Fellowship experience: “In order to discuss something, I don’t always have to be an expert on it or have a perfect argument. It’s more important to have civil discussions with room for error than to not have any discussions at all.”

Current fellows are hosting their capstone on April 11, a program entitled “Disagree Curiously.” Participants will?engage in structured, respectful dialogue through rotating roundtables, guided prompts, and facilitated moments of tension that spark understanding rather than division. From playful debates (2% chocolate milk or white milk, etc) to real-world issues that matter, participants will practice civil discourse alongside faculty, facilitators and a moderator who helps model what it means to disagree well.

Fellowship Overview
The program begins with an all-expenses-paid retreat held September 4–6, 2026, where fellows participate in workshops, mentorship, collaborative activities, and reflection focused on constructive disagreement, emotional resilience, storytelling, and community building. Fellows then work with mentors to design and lead a custom program within their student organization. Later in the year, participants reconvene for a winter retreat to share insights and develop campus-wide capstone initiatives that engage the broader community.

Eligibility
The fellowship is open to current freshmen, sophomores and juniors who will be on campus during the 2026–27 academic year and who hold formal or informal leadership roles in student organizations, fraternities or sororities, or other campus communities.

What Fellows Receive

• Training in navigating difficult conversations, conflict and civil discourse
• One-on-one mentorship
• A LinkedIn certification in Curious Disagreement
• Access to a national network of student leaders
• A $1,000 stipend and an all-expenses-paid fall retreat

What Fellows Do

• Develop and lead programming in their student organizations focused on curious disagreement
• Collaborate with other student leaders to design and implement a campus capstone project
• Build dialogue and leadership skills through workshops, retreats, and mentorship

Fellows will receive a?$1,000 stipend for their participation and may return as trainers the following year.?Learn more here:?

Applications for the 2026–27 Viewpoints Fellowship are now open. The deadline to apply has been extended to April 6 and selected fellows will be notified in mid-April.

Students can apply at or contact hzaken@elon.edu with questions.

51爆料网 the Viewpoints Fellowship
The Viewpoints Fellowship centers on three core questions: why it is difficult to approach disagreement with curiosity, why it remains essential and how students can build that approach within their communities. By combining leadership development with hands-on application, the fellowship prepares students to lead more effectively in an increasingly complex and divided world.

Throughout the month, Muslim Life, the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life, the Elon Muslim Society, the Arabic Language Organization, Jewish Life, Harvest Table, and other campus partners are collaborating to create spaces for prayer, learning and community connection.

“This year, Muslim Life at Elon is excited to partner with Arabic Language Organization, Elon Muslim Society, Jewish Life, and Harvest Table to create our most robust Ramadan programming to date,” said Imam Shane Atkinson. “Leading up to Ramadan and Lent, we had a ‘Pizza and Prayer’ teaching service about fasting at the Ripple Interfaith Conference. Not only do we have two halal dinners at Lakeside Dining Hall, Harvest Table created ‘grab-n-go’ breakfast bags for fasting students.”

Ramadan is a sacred month in Islam marked by daily fasting from dawn to sunset, prayer, reflection, and acts of service. Each evening, Muslims gather for iftar, the meal that breaks the fast. At Elon, many of those iftars are organized and led by students.

The month began with a Ramadan Iftar Dinner on Feb. 19 at Lakeside Dining Hall, featuring a street food station with favorites such as adana kebab, couscous, sambal sauce, and roasted vegetables. On Feb. 20, the student-led Elon Muslim Society (EMS) hosted a Chat & Chai Iftar Dinner in the Moseley Center Kitchen, bringing together students for halal food, games, and trivia.

On Feb. 25, Muslim Life and Jewish Life co-hosted an interfaith iftar in McBride Gathering Space, where participants shared a home-cooked Moroccan meal and learned about Ramadan together.

In March, there are a wide range of collaborative programs on offer for the campus community. The Arabic Language Organization will host additional iftars on March 4 and March 11, creating space for fellowship and community education around Ramadan practices and traditions.

A Sip of Sunnah Iftar, a collaboration between Elon’s popular Milk Club and the Elon Muslim Society, will be held March 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. in McBride Gathering Space.

“This Ramadan I’m really excited for Elon Muslim Society’s Chat and Chai Iftar events,” said Adil Qadeer, president of the Elon Muslim Society. “It’s a great time to connect with others from many different faith traditions and backgrounds. It’s also a great time to learn more about this holy month and how Muslims participate in it.”

EMS will host an additional Chat & Chai Iftar Dinner on March 10, continuing their popular student-led tradition of conversation and connection. And on March 16, Lakeside Dining Hall will again feature a Ramadan street food station, serving West African groundnut stew, jeweled rice, and curry chickpea stew.

And finally, an Interfaith iftar on March 17 from 7 to 9 p.m., also in McBride Gathering Space, will invite the wider campus community to experience the breaking of the fast and learn from Muslim students about the meaning of the month.

In addition to special events, Friday Jumu’ah prayers are held weekly at 1:40 p.m. in Room 210 of the Numen Lumen Pavilion. The Long Table in Lakeside Dining Hall is reserved on multiple evenings throughout Ramadan for Muslim students, faculty, and staff to gather for iftar, including Feb. 18, 20, 24, 26, and 27, and March 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, and 17.

The month will culminate in a campus celebration of Eid al-Fitr on March 31 at 5:30 p.m. in McBride Gathering Space. Often called the “holiday of breaking the fast,” Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan with prayer, food, and festivity. The Elon celebration will include dinner, trivia, a henna station, and goodie bags.

With a significant number of programs envisioned and led by students, this year’s Ramadan observance reflects a growing and vibrant Muslim presence on campus, and a broader commitment to interfaith engagement and shared learning across the Elon community.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Community Conversations & Civic Engagement

Deliberative Dialogue – America’s 250: What’s Next America?

Monday, Feb. 23, 4:30 p.m., Lakeside 212

As America marks its 250th year, this dialogue invites reflection on our shared past and the opportunity for diverse voices to share space and ideas to develop a collective vision for the next 250. Sponsored by the Kernodle Center for Civic Life and Political Engagement Work Group

Better Together: Breaking Bread, Building Bridges

Feb. 24 – May 5, every other Tuesday, 12:30-1:45 p.m.

Join us at Better Together this spring for connection and conversation. This time together invites us to live fully in the present and reflect on what makes this moment meaningful. Share stories, explore diverse perspectives, and build community. .

Dr. Habiba Sarabi: Education Rights of Afghan Women

Tuesday, Feb. 24, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Alumni Gym

Join a conversation with Dr. Habiba Sarabi on the global impact of Afghanistan’s ban on women’s education and the fight for educational rights and gender equality. Dr. Sarabi, an Afghan politician, women’s rights activist, and medical doctor made history as the first woman to be appointed a provincial governor in Afghanistan, leading Bamyan Province. She previously served as Minister of Women’s Affairs and Minister of Culture and Education, where she focused on expanding education, protecting the environment and advancing the rights of women.

State of the Union Address Watch Party

Tuesday, Feb. 24, 8-10:30 p.m., Moseley 105

Join us for pizza and a live viewing of President Trump’s first State of the Union address of his second term. Come watch, discuss and stay informed. Sponsored by Elon Votes!

Love Your Body, Berry Much

Wednesday, Feb. 25, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., Lakeside Entrance

Stop by for coconut-lime strawberries and a strawberry mocktail, courtesy of Elon Dining, while also learning tips for mindful eating. Swing through, grab a treat and discover ways to build healthier habits. Visit the for more information.

Cynthia Miller-Idriss – “Man Up: Understanding Misogyny to Prevent Extremism

Lauren Dunne Astley Memorial Lecture

Thursday, Feb. 26, 4:30 p.m., Numen Lumen Pavilion, McBride Gathering Space

Extremism expert Cynthia Miller-Idriss examines how misogyny – online and off – fuels the rise in far-right and mass violence, and offers strategies for interruption and prevention rooted in everyday life. The Lauren Dunne Astley Memorial Lecture honors Lauren, who was set to join Elon’s Class of 2015 before her murder by a former boyfriend in July 2011. Established in her memory, the fund educates the Elon community on healthy relationships and building a culture free from violence. Visit the Spring Cultural Calendar for more information about upcoming events this semester.

Adventure Time with Elon Outdoors!

Adventures in Leadership Summer Staff Positions Available

Applications are now open for summer Adventures in Leadership staff positions, where you’ll guide incoming first-year students through exciting outdoor experiences. Earn potential internship credit and build leadership skills. Apply today on the Elon Job Network!

Elon Challenge

The Elon Challenge is a great way to help classes, teams, organizations, corporations or cohorts grow through building authentic relationships, learning how to manage resources, developing creative thinking, and applying knowledge in new ways. Visit the Elon Challenge website to review the options, gather your group, and complete the interest form to schedule a customized, no-cost experience.

Last Chance to Become an Orientation Leader

Application Deadline is Friday, Feb. 27

The Orientation Leader application is still live. As an OL, you are an integral part of the orientation process. You will play a pivotal role in the transition of all the new students to Elon, serving as a guide and mentor to new students throughout their transition. by this Friday, Feb. 27.

Miranda is the sixth Elon student in five consecutive years to receive District 7690’s Rotary Club’s Global Grant. She follows Faith Leslie ‘21, Allison Potter ’22, Kiara Hunter ’23, and joint recipients Megan Curling ’23, Ava de Bruin ’23 and Nazaneen Shokri ’24. All recipients since 2022 have had at least one major in public health, a testament to the Department of Public Health’s ability to successfully prepare leaders who address the most pressing public health concerns of the 21st century.

This opportunity is not limited to public health majors, though, and all interested Elon students and alumni should contact the National and International Fellowships Office for more information about the application process.

From Elon to the CDC

At Elon, Miranda double majored in public health studies and international & global studies and minored in geography. She made the most of her undergraduate experience by engaging in research and service, and studying abroad in Tanzania. Outside of the classroom, she worked in the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life and is proudest of her time as a Multifaith Intern.

The combination of these experiences prepared Miranda well for a post-graduate career with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, where she served for five years. She first served as a COVID-19 epidemiologist in Kentucky before transitioning to a new role at the Vermont Department of Health, where she specialized in public health emergency preparedness and response. Miranda’s time with the CDC helped her clarify her passions and refine her professional philosophy: “equitable access to healthcare is essential for thriving communities.”

With this domestic training under her belt and her philosophy front of mind, Miranda was ready to go global.

An Intersection of Values

When the time came to think about furthering her education, Miranda grew confident in her decision to look beyond the United States.

“I knew I wanted to shift my career toward global health, but I also knew I did not want to do so without first understanding my own interests, values, and limits through hands-on experience,” she explained. “When I began thinking about graduate school, I realized that studying abroad would allow me to expand that perspective while learning how health systems operate in a different cultural and policy context.”

Miranda was drawn to Taiwan for its strong public health infrastructure and commitment to disease prevention. National Taiwan University’s MSc in Global Health program, with its emphasis on international perspectives, offered an unparalleled opportunity for her to deepen her academic and technical training.

To support her goal of attending NTU’s Global Health program, Miranda began working with the National and International Fellowships Office at Elon, which assists students and alumni in identifying and applying for externally funded scholarships and grants. She first applied for a study/research grant through the and was unfortunately unsuccessful, but undeterred. She continued conversations with Ann Cahill and Nicole Galante, director and assistant director of the Elon National and International Fellowships Office, and it quickly became clear that she was a perfect fit for another fellowship: The Rotary Global Grant.

Guided by their core areas of focus, Rotary is a highly values-based organization that seeks to support students who are just as passionate about solving the world’s problems as they are. The intersection between Miranda’s work and Rotary’s goals was evident to both Miranda and her advisors.

“I couldn’t think of a better fit. It’s almost as if Holly has spent her whole life preparing to be a Rotarian without actually knowing it,” said Galante.

It was no surprise, then, when Miranda applied for and ultimately received the $30,000 grant that enabled her to begin graduate studies in the fall of 2025.

Returning to the Classroom While Arriving in a New Country

Returning to the classroom after five years—in a new country, no less—presented its challenges for Miranda, but she quickly found her footing.

During her first semester, she took courses like Global Health Science, Introduction to Epidemiology, and Social and Behavioral Health, while also participating in field trips to the National Health Care Agency, the global think tank CAPRI, and the Taiwan International Workers Association. To get the most out of her experience in the country, Miranda also took advantage of the free Chinese language courses offered by NTU for international students. Her intensive winter course met for three hours a day, five days a week.

As she looks towards the remainder of her time in the program, Miranda is eager to begin her master’s thesis.

“I’m looking forward to conducting my thesis research, focusing on adolescent mental health. I am honored that Professor Shu-Sen Chang is my thesis advisor; he is a leading expert in mental health and suicide prevention in Taiwan and the region. It is a privilege to be part of his lab and to contribute to this area of public health, which I am deeply passionate about,” she said

Once she graduates, Miranda will be well prepared to re-enter the workforce, strengthening health systems, enhancing disease surveillance, and improving outbreak preparedness. In the long term, she aspires to lead outbreak response efforts with Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), combining the values and experience she’s gained from Elon to Taiwan, to no doubt make this world a better and healthier place.?