Thursdays in Fall 2026

Numen Lumen

Sacred Space, Numen Lumen Pavilion, 9:50 to 10:20 a.m.

Join us each Thursday for our beloved Elon tradition, Numen Lumen, a time set aside for inspiration, community and fellowship. Hear speakers and musicians sharing thoughts, reflections, and stories based on a common theme. Sponsored by the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life

Thursday, August 27

Douglas Jurs, Intelligent Life during Artificial Intelligence, piano recital

Yeager Recital Hall, Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m.

Program drawn from John Cages Complete Sonatas and Interludes and Maryanne Amachers excerpts from Intelligent Life. Sponsored by the Department of Music

Thursday, September 3

Keith Alessi, The Banjo Saved My Life

Whitley Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

A heartfelt project that began as a nudge when Keith Alessis life took a major turn. Now, it’s his mission to raise money for causes close to his heart. Alessi shares his exceptional true story of leaving the world of corporate board rooms to follow a long-delayed passion playing the banjo. When faced with a deadly cancer battle, his musical pursuit took him on a journey that became the key to saving his life. Told through authentic storytelling, heartfelt humor and music, Keiths story is an uplifting tale of challenge, triumph and the healing power of the arts and music.Admission is free; donations will be collected in support of Elon Relay for Life.

Sunday, September 6

Mass of the Holy Spirit

Elon Community Church, 5 p.m.

The Elon Catholic community kicks off the academic year with a special blessing at the annual Mass of the Holy Spirit. All are invited to attend this Catholic worship service, especially all students, faculty and staff. Following Mass will be the first CCM Sunday Supper of the year, offering a free meal to all. Sponsored by Catholic 消消犯 Ministry and Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life

Monday, September 7

Jody Servon & Lorene Delany-Ullman: Saved Objects of the Dead

Gallery 406 at Arts West, artist talk and opening reception, 5 p.m.
Exhibition runs from August 25 through October 1

A collaborative work by North Carolina-based artist Jody Servon and California-based poet Lorene Delany-Ullman that considers how everyday possessions often serve as mediators in the grieving process and as a connection to the deceased. The exhibition features photographs of belongings saved after a loved ones death, paired with prose poems that honor the emotional afterlife of ordinary things. Servon’s and Delany-Ullman’s work has been featured in more than 30 exhibitions internationally, published in five literary journals and showcased in publications nationwide.

Artist Jody Servon and poet Lorene Delany-Ullman met at the Vermont Studio Center in 2009 and have collaborated ever since. They have achieved widespread recognition for their unique blend of photography and poetry that offers a profound exploration of the human experience of life, death and memory. Their book, published by Artsuite in 2023, also includes Mattering, an essay by Cora Fisher, Visual Arts Curator of Visual Arts Programming at the Brooklyn Public Library, and micro-essays with photographs by five renowned artists/authors.

Tuesday, September 8

Tectonic Plates: Alamance Countys Science Caf辿 with Tim Martin, Science from the ends of the Earth

Burlington Beer Works, 103 E. Front Street, Burlington, NC, 7 p.m.

Each month on 2nd Tuesdays, learn cutting edge science in a relaxed atmosphere without all the technical jargon. The series runs from September to December; information is available at . In September, Tim Martin of National Geographic Expeditions will discuss science from the ends of the Earth.

Friday, September 11

Artificial Justice (Justicia artificial), 2024, film screening with English subtitles

Directed by Sim坦n Casal (Spain)
Turner Theatre, Schar Hall, 5:30 p.m.

Part of the film series, En los m叩rgenes del hogar/On the Margins of Home: Nation, Family and Identity in Contemporary Hispanic and Latin American Cinema. Sponsored by the Department of World Languages and Cultures with screening rights provided through a Pragda Spanish Film Club Grant. Each screening will include a brief introduction and a post-screening conversation.

Friday Sunday, September 11-13

Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year)

Rosh Hashanah is the holiday marking the Jewish New Year. Rosh Hashanah is a time for new beginnings, spiritual renewal and community. Holiday traditions include gathering for prayer services to hear the blowing of the shofar, or rams horn, dipping apples into honey to symbolize hopes for a sweet new year and gathering for communal meals.

Friday September 11
Dinner
McBride Gathering Space, Numen Lumen Pavilion, 6 p.m. (RSVP only)

Saturday, September 12
Day 1 Services
Sacred Space, Numen Lumen Pavilion, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Saturday, September 12
Luncheon
Sklut Hillel Center Pavilion, 12:15 p.m. (RSVP only)

Saturday, September 12
Tashlich
Lake Mary Nell (meet at Sklut Hillel Chapel), 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday, September 15

Trigg Watson: Magic for the Future

McCrary Theatre, Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m.
消消犯 Lyceum Series

Internationally recognized high-tech magician Trigg Watson delivers a cutting-edge experience that blends technology, illusion and audience interaction. His tech-infused magic has been seen on TV shows such as “Master of Illusion,” Penn & Tellers Fool Us and “Americas Got Talent,” where he was a semifinalist. Known for his innovative approach to magic, Watson has built a reputation for creating impossible moments using tech devices like smartphones, televisions, robots and holograms. Appropriate for all ages. Admission: Tickets are $15 or free with valid Elon ID and available beginning August 25 at .

Wednesday Friday, September 16-18

Green Tara Sand Mandala

Sacred Space, Numen Lumen Pavilion
Opening ceremony, Sept. 16 at 9 a.m., Closing ceremony, Sept. 18, 3 p.m., Ongoing viewing 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day

Tibetan Buddhist monk Geshe Palden Sangpo will construct a Green Tara sand mandala for healing and peace over a period of three days. Viewers are encouraged to stop by frequently throughout the week to see its progress and learn about the significance of a sand mandala in Buddhist tradition. At the closing ceremony on Friday at 3 p.m., the mandala is deconstructed and the sand is shared with the community and the earth. Sponsored by the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life

Thursday, September 17

Janeria Easley, From Barriers to Bridges: The Landscape for Intergenerational Mobility and Economic Equity in Black America

LaRose Digital Theatre, Koury Business Center, 4:30 p.m.

Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking presentation exploring the dynamics of intergenerational mobility with Janeira Easley, Assistant Professor in the Department of African American Studies at Emory University. The talk will examine how race, poverty, and patterns of business investment intersect to shape economic opportunity across generations for African American communities. Drawing on research and real-world insights, Easley will illuminate structural challenges as well as pathways toward greater equity and sustainable community development. This event offers valuable perspectives for students, faculty and community members interested in social mobility, racial equity and economic justice.

Sunday Monday, September 20-21

Yom Kippur (the Jewish Day of Atonement)

Considered by many to be the holiest day on the Jewish calendar, Yom Kippur is a 25-hour fast day, during which time Jews take stock of their past year, atone, repent and many wear white to mark the somber mood of the day, the opportunity for a fresh start, and the connection to the cycle of life and death. According to tradition, on Rosh Hashanah, the Book of Life is written, and on Yom Kippur, it is sealed. The Elon community gathers for meals to begin and end the fast and participates in prayer services.

Sunday, September 20
Meal Before the Fast
Sklut Hillel Center Pavilion, 5:30 p.m. (RSVP only)

Sunday, September 20
Kol Nidrei Services
Sacred Space, Numen Lumen Pavilion, 6:30 p.m.

Monday, September 21
Morning Services/Yizkor
Sacred Space, Numen Lumen Pavilion, 10 a.m.

Monday, September 21
Yizkor Followed by Neilah Services
Sacred Space, Numen Lumen Pavilion, 6:30 p.m.

Monday, September 21
Break the Fast
Sklut Hillel Center Pavilion, 7:40 p.m. (RSVP only)

Monday, September 21

Texas Guitar Quartet

Whitley Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.
消消犯 Lyceum Series in support of 消消犯 Hispanic Heritage Month

The Grammy-nominated Texas Guitar Quartet brings a rare blend of precision, warmth and joyful virtuosity to the concert stage. Formed in 2009, the ensemble has been praised by Classical Guitar Magazine as impeccable in every respect, and has earned an international reputation for adventurous programming and polished, deeply engaging performances. Their repertoire reflects the full expressive range of the guitar quartet, from bold new works to inventive arrangements. The Elon program offers an evening of dazzling ensemble playing, expressive color, and the kind of intimate musical conversation that makes chamber music feel immediate, fresh and alive. Admission: Tickets are $15 or free with valid Elon ID and available beginning August 25 at

Thursday, September 24

Powell Lecture in Religious Studies with Lynne Gerber

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

Friday, September 25

Fall Convocation with David Brooks

Alumni Gym, Koury Athletic Center, 3:30 p.m.
2026-27 消消犯 Speaker Series Bold Leadership

A bestselling author and longtime New York Times columnist, David Brooks is a leading observer of American culture, politics and civic life. He serves as a staff writer at The Atlantic, a commentator on “PBS NewsHour” and a senior fellow at Yale Universitys Jackson School of Global Affairs. Over decades in journalism, his columns have become some of the most widely read in the nation, offering insight into political dynamics, social trends and the challenges facing modern democracy. Admission: Tickets are $15 or free with valid Elon ID and available beginning August 17 at .

Friday-Saturday, September 25&26

Department of Performing Arts presents
Dancing in the Landscape

Artistic Director: Jasmine Powell
Global Neighborhood
Sept. 25 at 5:30 p.m., Sept. 26 at 12 p.m.

Dancing in the Landscape is a vibrant site-specific performance that transforms familiar outdoor spaces into living stages. Featuring original choreography by faculty, a guest artist, and students, the work invites audiences to experience movement in direct dialogue with the natural and architectural environment. Presented during Family Weekend, this performance celebrates community, creativity, and the dynamic spirit of dance beyond traditional boundaries.

Friday, September 25

Beloved Tropic (Querido Tr坦pico), 2024, film screening with English subtitles

Directed by Ana Endara (Colombia/Panam叩)
Turner Theatre, Schar Hall, 5:30 p.m.

Part of the film series, En los m叩rgenes del hogar/On the Margins of Home: Nation, Family and Identity in Contemporary Hispanic and Latin American Cinema. Sponsored by the Department of World Languages and Cultures with screening rights provided through a Pragda Spanish Film Club Grant. Each screening will include a brief introduction and a post-screening conversation.

Friday, September 25

Collage: An Elon Music Theatre Revue

Yeager Recital Hall, Center for the Arts, 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. (same show)
Faculty Advisors: Courtney Liu and Chris Rayis

Experience the best of Elon Music Theatre, a top-ranked national program. Expect show-stopping performances, original student choreography, fresh arrangements of favorite Broadway songs and heartfelt tributes from the stars of tomorrow. Sponsored by the Department of Performing Arts | Admission: Tickets are $15 or free with valid Elon and available beginning September 4 at .

Friday, September 25

Family Weekend Shabbat

Sklut Hillel Center Pavilion, 5:30 6:30 p.m.

Friday Friday, September 25 October 2

Sukkot

Sukkot is the Jewish holiday marking the fall harvest. People gather in sukkot (outdoor tents), shake the lulav in the mornings and wind down after the intensity of the High Holidays. The week of Sukkot is known as zman simchateinu, the season of our joy. It is a time to reflect on the ephemerality of life, gather in community and experience joy.

Friday, September 25
Shabbat Sukkot
Sklut Hillel Center Pavilion, 5:30 p.m. (RSVP only)

Saturday Sunday, October 3-4
Simchat Torah
Sacred Space, Numen Lumen Pavilion, 6 p.m.

Saturday, September 26

Instant Laughter

Yeager Recital Hall, Center for the Arts, Three shows, 5:30 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Directed by Julian Stetkevych

Elons comic improv troupe, Instant Laughter, takes the stage performing scenes and sketches based on audience suggestions. Admission: Tickets are $15 or free with valid Elon ID and available beginning September 4 at .

Sunday, September 27

Family Weekend Protestant Worship and Brunch

Holt Chapel, 10 a.m.

Protestant Worship for families and students during Family Weekend, followed by a light brunch.

Sunday, September 27

Family Weekend Catholic Mass and Brunch

Alumni Gym, Koury Athletic Center, 10 a.m.

Catholic Mass for families and students during Family Weekend. Brunch to follow on the west lawn outside of the Koury Athletic Center.

Sunday, September 27

Bagel Brunch

McKinnon Hall, Moseley Center, 11 a.m. 1 p.m.

Sponsored by Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life and Jewish Life

Monday, September 28

Active Citizens Series: Deliberative Dialogue Selecting Candidates on Your Election Ballot

Lakeside 212, Moseley Center, 4:30 p.m.

When you cast your ballot during the midterm elections, how will you decide whom to vote for? How will you decide what makes an effective elected official? Elections provide an opportunity for voters to select the leaders who will shape how our municipalities, counties, states and nations are governed. Making informed decisions about who we vote for has a direct impact on our daily lives and the lives of our fellow citizens. This dialogue will provide an opportunity to explore the issues that matter most to you and to consider how you might select candidates who best represent your values and your needs. Sponsored by the Kernodle Center for Civic Life, Political Engagement Work Group and Elon Votes!

Tuesday, September 29

Elon Common Reading Lecture with Hanif Abdurraqib, author of “There’s Always This Year: On Basketball and Ascension”

Alumni Gym, Koury Athletic Center, 7:30 p.m.
2026-27 消消犯 Speaker Series Bold Leadership

An acclaimed essayist, poet and cultural critic, Hanif Abdurraqib is widely recognized for his lyrical and deeply personal writing that explores music, identity and the intersections of culture and lived experience. His work blends criticism with memoir, offering readers a nuanced perspective of art, belonging and the forces that shape contemporary life. Abdurraqib is the author of several award-winning books and is known for his ability to connect cultural analysis with broader questions about race, community and memory. Theres Always This Year: On Basketball and Ascension was selected as Elons Common Reading for 2026-27. Admission: Tickets are $15 or free with valid Elon ID and available beginning September 8 at . Elon’s Clear bag policy will be followed.

Wednesday, September 30

The Fred and Phyllis Young Classical Music Program featuring the North Carolina Symphony Orchestra
Patriotic Pops Celebrating America 250

Alumni Gym, Koury Athletic Center, 7 p.m.
Sophie Mok, conductor

The North Carolina Symphony performs a concert celebrating America 250 including favorites such as Sousas The Stars and Stripes Forever, John Williams Liberty Fanfare, the Armed Forces Salute, and Coplands Buckaroo Holiday.Admission: Tickets are $15 or free with valid Elon ID and available beginning August 17 at.油掘鉛看稼’壊 Clear bag policy will be followed.