Posts by Michaela Zeno | Today at Elon | �þ��

Tours honor freedom and reflection on Black history at �þ��

Michaela Zeno — Thu, 19 Jun 2025 16:08:29 +0000

Juneteenth, a federal holiday observed each year on June 19, commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned they were free, more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

In recognition of Juneteenth, �þ�� has organized programs for students, faculty, staff, and community members, including a self-guided walking tour that highlights locations on campus marked with informational signs offering historical context.

Signs at each location��feature a QR code linking to a webpage with expanded details about the site.

Organizers hope that through the tour experience, participants will gain insight into the lesser-known histories of Elon’s Black community. Those insights, they said, will foster reflection, education, and commemoration of the holiday’s significance.

“Our understanding of the historical and contemporary significance of Juneteenth helps us grow into a community that embraces shared responsibility to act deliberately toward equitable outcomes,” said Carla Fullwood, director of inclusive excellence education and development in the Division of Inclusive Excellence.

Juneteenth serves as both a celebration of emancipation and a solemn reminder of the long struggle for racial justice, Fullwood said, and that �þ�� – as an institution committed to inclusive excellence – engages the community through events that reflect values of justice, critical inquiry, and shared humanity.

“Juneteenth is also a time to honestly reflect on our nation’s history of independence, recommit to the work of justice, and create space for both rest and joy,” she said.

�þ�� to honor Juneteenth with variety of activities

Michaela Zeno — Fri, 13 Jun 2025 12:56:03 +0000

Juneteenth will be observed on June 19 with online resources and main campus programs throughout the day that reflect on the significance of the holiday and the history of Black achievements, activism and influence at �þ��.

Freedom Footprints Self-Guided or Virtual Tour ��
All Day | In-person and Online ��
Elon community members are invited to explore Black history, activism and more at the university through a self-guided walking tour—in person or online accessible beginning on Juneteenth.

Juneteenth Reflection Hour ��
9:30-10:30 a.m. | McBride Gathering Space of the Numen Lumen Pavilion��
Come as you are for a quiet, interactive, reflective hour with light refreshments. A short remembrance will be offered by the Rev. Donna Vanhook ’07.

Juneteenth Lunch and Learn Conversation ��
12-1 p.m. | Oaks Commons 212 | Register �ᷡ�鷡 ��
Join us for lunch and a guided conversation on the significance of Juneteenth, past and present.

Freedom Footprints Guided Tour ��
1:15 p.m. | Meet outside Oaks Commons ��
Led by Assistant Professor Amanda Kleintop, a member of the Committee on Elon History and Memory, this walking tour will offer more context and broader stories of Black activism and contributions at Elon.

Commemoration events are sponsored by the Black Lumen Project, , Committee on Elon’s History and Memory, HealthEU Initiatives, and the Office of Inclusive Excellence Education and Development.

An �þ�� Juneteenth Q&A

In honor of Juneteenth, two members of the �þ�� community – Assistant Librarian Shaunta Alvarez, a member of the Committee on Elon History and Memory, and Carla Fullwood, director of inclusive excellence education and development – share personal reflections, historical insights, and perspectives on the significance of the holiday.

Both answered questions they hope will provide a deeper understanding of the holiday’s legacy and its relevance in both academic and community spaces today.

What does Juneteenth mean to you? ��
Carla Fullwood: Juneteenth represents the ongoing journey toward liberation. It commemorates the delayed emancipation of enslaved people and reflects how Black and African American communities continue to fight for equity in our society.

Shaunta Alvarez: Juneteenth is a grand and uplifting moment in the history of Black people in the United States. It’s a time for both celebration and embittered reflection.

Carla Fullwood, director of inclusive excellence education and development

Why should Juneteenth be celebrated and recognized? ��
CF: Juneteenth should be observed because it represents a significant part of American history. When we honor Juneteenth, we acknowledge the value, contributions and culture of Black people. These narratives and lived experiences were not fully recognized on July 4, 1776, and deserve to be uplifted as part of a more complete American story.

SA: Commemorating Juneteenth offers opportunities for education about the nation’s history and to acknowledge the significance of freedom for all Americans. We take this time to study the history of Black people at Elon to remember that working toward freedom and inclusion is ongoing and that emancipation from enslavement was just a beginning.

What are some of the benefits of raising awareness and understanding about Juneteenth? ��
CF: Raising awareness about Juneteenth creates space for truth-telling, racial healing and solidarity. As an educator, I see this as a meaningful way to live out our Elon values, particularly our commitment to respecting human differences and inclusive excellence.

SA: While I’m a fan of personal or individual study and reflections, community recognitions and discussions create safe spaces to ask questions like “What was it like when…?”,  “How did they feel about…?”, or “Why did it happen that way?”  and discuss what we know and don’t know about.

What is something you learned while celebrating Juneteenth? ��
CF: I’ve learned that Juneteenth is not only about resisting inequitable systems, but this day is also about rest and restoration. These practices have long been part of Black liberation and civil rights movements. The fight for liberation can coexist with moments of physical or mental rest, meditation, storytelling, music, food, fellowship, or engaging in physical activity that helps restore the body and spirit for the continued work ahead.

Assistant Librarian Shaunta Alvarez, a member of the Committee on Elon History and Memory

SA: The most important thing I’ve learned is that I must make time to study the complexity of historic events such as Juneteenth and how both the events themselves as well as the narratives about them shape our experiences. What I was taught about was limited; Juneteenth was simply the day all the enslaved people in the U.S. were freed. Over the years, I’ve learned there is so much more to that period that includes what the issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 meant up to the ratification of the 13th Amendment in December 1865.

Members of the �þ�� communities are invited to share your thoughts and reflections by submitting them for a possible feature on the �þ�� Instagram page.

For Bella Pelini ’27, a journey of breaking barrier and building sisterhood

Michaela Zeno — Tue, 27 May 2025 14:24:16 +0000

When Bella Pelini ‘27 moved from the multicultural heart of Chicago to attend �þ�� in North Carolina, she anticipated the typical challenges of college life — new classes, new friends and adjusting to life away from home.

What she did not expect was the huge cultural shock that came with leaving one of the most diverse cities in the country for a predominantly white campus and region.

“I feel like the hardest part when I came to Elon was that my family was so far away, I was alone and didn’t have a support system,” Pelini said. “There was also a culture shock, but I have now found a community of friends and people where we share cultural interests.”

Now a sophomore cinema and television arts major, and the vice president of��Elon’s first and only Asian-interest sorority at Elon, Pelini has become a leader in creating space and visibility for students of Asian descent.

Her experience highlights the growing conversation around cultural representation, identity and belonging on college campuses.

Bella Pelini ’27 and some of her Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority sisters at the Lunar New Year 2025 celebration.

Not only is Pelini part of the first and only Asian-interest sorority, she continues to be a trailblazer as she is also talking about establishing a Filipino student union.

“We have an overall Asian-Pacific Student Association, but there is quite a big Filipino community on campus and the culture is so distinct,” she said.

Established by students who saw the need for a supportive, culturally affirming space, the sorority was founded on March 9, 1995, with a chapter established on �þ��’s campus in 2022.

“I joined as a second-semester freshman, so I’m going to be the first freshman to be in the sorority all four years,” Pelini said. “I’ve been able to get in touch with other Asian cultures, and it’s been really nice to build community and sisterhood with others who I share a cultural background with.”

As May marks Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are being celebrated for their rich culture, history, and contributions. For Pelini, this month holds special meaning because not only is this a time to reflect on her identity, but also to recognize the groundbreaking role she plays in Elon’s history.

Pelini is also one of the four founders of the Multicultural Greek Council. This council serves as the governing organization for culturally based fraternities and sororities, working to enhance the campus environment by fostering diversity and promoting unity.

“This semester, as our first official semester as a council and we have been finding ways for all of the Multicultural Greek organizations to intersect,” Pelini said. “We are excited to have a presence on campus and are looking forward to collaborating with the��National Pan-Hellenic Council and Panhellenic Association.”

For Pelini, joining��Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority��was more than a personal milestone; it was an act of visibility.

“I was��struggling with connecting to my culture on campus,” she said. “I’m an Odyssey Program scholar and one of my mentors who is a part of , introduced me and from there��I’ve been super involved.”��Pelini received the Heinrich Family Odyssey Program scholarship.

Today, the chapter is��growing in number of sisters from diverse Asian and Pacific Islander backgrounds, united by their commitment to sisterhood, service and cultural diversity.

Members of Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority and Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity.

“Bella is a passionate student who’s been involved in a lot of things with the community,” said George Dou, assistant director of the Center for Race, Ethnicity & Diversity Education. “She’s been super pivotal in planning, but also does a lot of work on the side to help document important moments throughout the year with her photography.”

Pelini points to diversity within the greater Asian Pacific American community and the need for more representation and understanding of various Asian cultures.

“There is so much diversity within the API communities and people don’t talk about it,” she said. “People always think of the big three in Asia: Chinese, Korean, Japanese, but there’s so much more than that.”

As Elon continues to recognize the importance of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders representation, Pelini said, she and her sorority are standing at the forefront – and their presence is a reminder that building community can spark change.

“I’m excited to have that spotlight on my culture and be able to share that culture on campus,” Pelini said. “It’s been wonderful to get in touch with other Asian cultures and (share) my culture with the community.”

Elon’s Club Field Hockey scores on Feature Phoenix

Michaela Zeno — Tue, 20 May 2025 15:03:24 +0000

The president of��Club Field Hockey��shares insights about the way her club fosters a welcoming space for �þ�� students interested in Club Field Hockey��in the latest episode of a video series produced by the Division of Inclusive Excellence and the Office of University Communications.

Episode 20 of “Feature Phoenix” introduces Julie Snow ’26, a psychology and human service studies double major from Stafford, Virginia,��who serves as president of the Club Field Hockey.

Club Field Hockey is a club sport open to all students, of both genders,��on Elon’s campus. Club Field Hockey is highly competitive and made up of dedicated players that value forming strong relationships and enjoying the sport. Players with all levels of experience are welcome to try the sport.

The Club Sports program��allows students to compete against other collegiate club teams across the Southeast. It is overseen by staff from the �þ�� Recreation & Wellness department, who offer professional support and guidance to the Club Sports Council.

“The people make a huge difference in inclusive excellence. Our team is very accepting,” Snow said. In the video, she shares how Club Field Hockey has become a welcoming space for those who join.

“We have students from around the world and through my time in Club Field Hockey, I have met the most amazing people,” she said.

Club Field Hockey attends both fall and spring semester org fairs. If interested, visit their table to learn more.��Contact information, officers, documents and more are available on . Club Field Hockey also posts about upcoming events, games, meetings and more on its .

Feature Phoenix is a bimonthly video feature of clubs and organizations of different sizes that bring together �þ�� students around a range of topics. Find the newest video on the Inclusive Excellence website and visit the  for past episodes.

Lavender Graduation & Awards Ceremony celebrates achievements of LGBTQIA students and employees

Michaela Zeno — Wed, 14 May 2025 13:38:42 +0000

�þ��’s Gender and LGBTQIA Center hosted its annual Lavender Graduation and Awards Ceremony in Alumni Gym on May 9 to recognize excellence, leadership and advocacy for and within the university’s LGBTQIA community.

“Lavender Graduation is one of my favorite times of year as we celebrate students who have contributed to LGBTQIA inclusion at Elon,” said Luis Garay, director of the Gender and LGBTQIA Center. “It’s a special time of community and celebration. I am thankful to faculty, staff and students who volunteered to help with the event.”

Jon Dooley, vice president for student life, also offered remarks during the event.

The rainbow stoles given to graduates during the 2025 Lavender Graduation.

Soon-to-be graduates received a rainbow stole, a lavender cap and tassel in advance of �þ��’s 135th Commencement on May 23. Stoles were placed by someone special and unique to each graduate whose name was called.

In support of the mission of �þ��, the Gender & LGBTQIA Center partners across campus and community to support, advocate, and educate around gender and LGBTQIA identities to create an inclusive campus community of equity, justice, and academic excellence for students, employees, and alumni.

Ahead of Lavender Graduation, several��members of the Class of 2025 shared how the Gender & LGBTQIA Center nurtured their resilience, leadership, and advocacy throughout their college journeys.

After the ceremony, graduates and loved ones gathered for photos, laughter, and heartfelt congratulations. Award recipients were nominated and voted on by their peers in the graduating class.

Award Winners

Outstanding Graduate

Rachael (Mae) Curington��‘25

(Left to right) Nijah Toshumba, assistant director of the Gender & LGBTQIA Center for gender-based violence prevention and training; Rachael (Mae) Curington��‘25 and Becca Bishopric Patterson, associate director of Gender and LGBTQIA Center during �þ��’s Lavender Graduation on May 9, 2025 in Alumni Gym.

James Hemmingway ‘25

(Left to right) Nijah Toshumba, assistant director of the Gender & LGBTQIA Center for gender-based violence prevention and training; Becca Bishopric Patterson, associate director of Gender and LGBTQIA Center and James Hemmingway ’25 at �þ��’s Lavender Graduation on May 9, 2025 in Alumni Gym.

Jayla Martin-Beasley��‘25

(Left to right) Nijah Toshumba, assistant director of the Gender & LGBTQIA Center for gender-based violence prevention and training; Jayla Martin-Beasley ‘25 and Becca Bishopric Patterson, associate director of Gender and LGBTQIA Center

Employee Champion for LGBTQIA Inclusion��

Rev. Julie Tonnesen, associate university chaplain

(Left to right) Nijah Toshumba, assistant director of the Gender & LGBTQIA Center for gender-based violence prevention and training; Rev. Julie Tonnesen and Becca Bishopric Patterson, associate director of Gender and LGBTQIA Center during �þ��’s Lavender Graduation on May 9, 2025 in Alumni Gym.

Event of the Year��

Trans and Queer Art Showcase

Two students accept the Event of the Year Award for the Trans and Queer Art Showcase at �þ��’s Lavender Graduation on May 9, 2025 in Alumni Gym.

Outstanding Scholar

Christina Stafford

(Left to right) Nijah Toshumba, assistant director of the Gender & LGBTQIA Center for gender-based violence prevention and training; Christina Stafford ’25; and Becca Bishopric Patterson, associate director of Gender and LGBTQIA Center during �þ��’s Lavender Graduation on May 9, 2025 in Alumni Gym.

Asian-Pacific Student Association promotes Asian and Pacific Islander culture on Feature Phoenix

Michaela Zeno — Tue, 13 May 2025 13:34:30 +0000

The president of the Asian-Pacific Student Association shares insights about the way her club fosters a welcoming space for �þ�� students in the latest episode of a video series produced by the Division of Inclusive Excellence and the Office of University Communications.

Episode 19 of “Feature Phoenix” introduces Cece Ebora ’27, a political science & public policy major from Philadelphia. Ebora describes the opportunities for anyone at �þ�� interested in exploring and learning about the rich cultures of Asia and the Pacific Islands.

Founded in 2019, Asian-Pacific Student Association is a student lead organization that provides educational and social programs that uplift Asian and Pacific Islander communities. The organization operates as an extension of the Center for Race, Ethnicity, & Diversity Education and is popular among students who identify as Asian, Asian American, or Pacific Islander.

“Our primary goal of APSA is to make sure that all Asian and Pacific Islander students feel represented and included,” Ebora said. “I want to be able to make sure they feel at home here on campus while we build community within the API student body.”

Social media, officers, documents and more are available on . Asian-Pacific Student Association also posts about upcoming events, meetings and more on it’s .

�þ�� reflect on the ‘pride of progress’ and the Gender & LGBTQIA Center

Michaela Zeno — Mon, 12 May 2025 14:02:46 +0000

Among the first programs held each commencement season at �þ�� is the Lavender Graduation Celebration, a public event hosted by the Gender and LGBTQIA Center that recognizes the achievements of seniors whose presence and work with the LGBTQIA community nurtured an inclusive campus culture.

In the lead-up to the 2025 celebration, three graduating seniors answered questions from the Division of Inclusive Excellence and the Office of University Communications about their personal and professional growth at �þ��.

They also shared how the Gender & LGBTQIA Center helped them embrace their identities while developing lifelong leadership skills.

These are the stories of their journey.

James Hemmingway ’25
Hometown:��Parkland, Florida
Majors: Public Health Studies and Marketing��

James Hemmingway ’25

Q: When did you realize your identity and how has that changed you?��
A: “I was 14 and living in South Florida, which was difficult. Coming to Elon as a whole, not just with the Gender & LGBTQIA Center, but the community I’ve made, has made me appreciate being a part of the LGBTQIA community as something that I am proud of.”

Q: What was something you learned from the Gender & LGBTQIA Center that you didn’t already know?��
A: “Before I came to Elon, I had never met a queer person over the age of 18. Seeing adults in the Gender & LGBTQIA Center live their lives was powerful for me, seeing what my future can look like as a queer person.”

Q: Did the Gender & LGBTQIA Center have an impact on what you want to do in the future?��
A: “I want to work with queer people in their life transition from teenager to adulthood. It’s a unique experience for queer people, finding your space, and I think the Gender & LGBTQIA Center has great resources to facilitate that for people. That inspires me.”

Q: What is your biggest takeaway from the Gender & LGBTQIA Center?��
A: “I feel grateful that Elon has done a good job with bias reporting and protecting students through the work of the Gender & LGBTQIA Center. And I’ve learned that change takes time. Since the GLC started, there has been so much change … and students benefit more and more.”

Jayla Martin-Beasley��’25
Hometown:��Greensboro, North Carolina
Major: Strategic Communications

Jayla Martin-Beasley��’25

Q:��Tell me about your Elon experience?��
A: “My Elon experience has been primarily about inward exploration. I made it a goal to acquire new skills and understanding about the things I was passionate about, and through my work at the Gender & LGBTQIA Center and my experiences around campus, I have absolutely done so.”

Q: Tell me about how the Gender & LGBTQIA Center shaped your experience and you as a person?�� 
A: “Working at the Gender & LGBTQIA Center has been one of the best experiences of my life. I have been able to grow and stretch myself beyond what I first thought was possible. Planning events, interacting with students and helping them, and just being a voice for others are all valuable experiences that I would not change for the world.”

Q: When did you realize your identity and how has that changed you?��
A: “I realized my identity back in middle school and had been on the road to acceptance about it all the way up until getting into Elon. I often struggled with the validity of my sexuality, wondering if I was confused or somehow deluding myself for attention, and it took a long time to overcome those doubts. Now I am proud to be myself, authentically and wholeheartedly.”

Q: What was something you learned from the Gender & LGBTQIA Center that you didn’t already know? ��
A: “I learned just how many ways there are to care for a community. We have worked on spreading information, resources and opportunities for gathering around various topics like queer and transgender identities, sexual assault, domestic abuse, stalking and intersectionality with BIPOC communities.”

Celia Dupuy��’25
Hometown:��Collierville, Tennessee
Major: Human Service Studies��

Celia Dupuy��’25

Q: Tell me about how the Gender & LGBTQIA Center shaped your experience and you as a person?��
A:��“Working at the Center for Leadership, we often had partnerships with the Gender & LGBTQIA Center, and that’s how I got introduced. I would also attend events such as Spring Pride or Dragstravaganza, and it was comforting coming to Elon knowing that there was a space where people were there to support me, especially because I came from a very conservative area.”

Q: When did you realize your identity and how has that changed you?��
A: “Growing up in the small town that I did, most people were not accepting, but my family and a few friends were very supportive when I came out. Over the past four years, I have grown to be a lot more comfortable with who I am, and Elon has been a very positive space for me to be able to live my life authentically.”

Q: Did the Gender & LGBTQIA Center have an impact on what you want to do in the future?�� 
A: “I want to go into higher education after graduation and eventually work in an LGBTQ+ center, like what Luis Garay is doing. Overall, I want to help the community in any space that I am in and take what I’ve learned from Elon to make an impact, no matter what direction I take in my career.”

Q: What is your biggest takeaway from the Gender & LGBTQIA Center?��
A: “There are always places where there is support for your identity, where people are going to help you, watch out for you, and can give you advice and resources. The Gender & LGBTQIA Center has shown me that support is everywhere. No matter where you are, you’re not alone.”

Olivia Kogan ’24 advocates for Jewish Americans through legislative work

Michaela Zeno — Mon, 05 May 2025 13:56:47 +0000

An �þ�� alum is helping to create change for Jewish Americans by leading legislative advocacy, attending congressional meetings, engaging with the White House and more through a prestigious fellowship in Washington, D.C.

Olivia Kogan ’24 works at the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism��as an , a year-long program designed for recent college graduates who demonstrate a strong commitment to Judaism, social justice and public policy.

The RAC is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to Jewish social justice��and represents the Reform Jewish movement, the largest and most diverse Jewish denomination in North America, which encompasses 825 congregations, 2000 rabbis and 1.8 million Reform Jews.

“I support the work of the organization through attending congressional meetings, coalitions, engaging with the White House, the cabinet offices and state and local officials,” Kogan said. “I also lead our legislative advocacy on gun violence prevention, racial justice, criminal justice, death penalty, health care and Native American Indigenous People’s rights.”

Olivia Kogan ’24 (right)

In her role, Kogan staffs the Commission on Social Action Task Force on transgender rights, where she is currently authoring and developing a comprehensive toolkit to equip congregations and communities with resources for inclusion, advocacy and policy engagement around transgender rights.

“I think the most challenging part is that policy is continuously changing. Most of the work in a faith-based organization, there’s a limited amount that we can say or do,” said Kogan. “I want to make the most amount of change, but right now that’s really difficult.”

Kogan works with the organization to host social justice seminars and weekends for high school students, which is how she discovered the organization for which she now works.

“I participated in twice when I was in 9th and 10th grade. I had the ability to come to Washington and learn about social justice areas with a culminating experience lobbying my congressional representatives,” said Kogan,��who grew up in��Huntington Valley, Pa. “I knew when graduating that I wanted to come back to the organization that inspired my social justice advocacy.”

Olivia Kogan ’24 and former Vice President Kamala Harris.

Kogan said she is still very early into her career but has already had an ‘I made it’ moment when she met former Vice President Kamala Harris. Since Kogan manages the organization’s racial justice work, she was invited to attend the annual breakfast for Martin Luther King Jr., where racial justice leaders came together to celebrate the progress that has been made while also acknowledging all the work that has to follow.

“We did not know former Vice President Harris was attending the event and then the host made an announcement introducing her,” Kogan said. “She had the best mindset and created a positive reminder that we all need moral courage in this moment.”

Kogan majored in human service studies with minors in poverty and social justice policy studies and Jewish studies. She was deeply involved in Jewish life at Elon, including Elon Hillel as an engagement intern and her work on planning Shabbat services and social justice initiatives.

Kogan was also an Elon College Fellow and completed a thesis project on the experiences of Jewish summer camp counselors being able to support the socio-emotional needs of non-white campers. Her project explored how formal and informal DEI training and resources influence and shape the counselor experience.
“Last year I was walking through Elon’s annual SURF Day presentations when I happened upon Olivia Kogan,” said Betsy Polk Joseph, director of Jewish life. “Olivia was surrounded by a crowd of students, administrators and faculty who were hanging on her every word as she shared findings from her research.”

Kogan credits Elon with providing her the opportunity to grow and pursue leadership positions that allowed her to explore her Jewish identity in new ways. She plans to pursue a Master of Social Work and potentially attend law school to establish a comprehensive social service hub where individuals can access social services and legal needs all in one place.

Elon Women in Finance create a plan on Feature Phoenix

Michaela Zeno — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 15:00:58 +0000

The president of Elon Women in Finance shares details about her organization’s work in creating a welcoming space for all women interested in learning about finance, no matter their major, in the latest episode of a video series produced by the Division of Inclusive Excellence and the Office of University Communications.

Episode 18 of “Feature Phoenix” introduces Mia Devereaux ’25, a financial technology major from Boston, who leads a student organization focused on professional development, networking and mentorship.

While the organization counts several finance majors from the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business among its members, all students are welcome to join.

Devereaux said Elon Women in Finance strives to ensure everyone feels included and able to voice opinions.

“We want to make sure everyone feels (they) can contribute to an open and honest conversation,” Devereaux said.

The organization offers a space for Elon alumni and prominent women in finance to speak with current members. It also provides opportunities to network, and learn more about career paths within the field of finance.

Contact information, officers, and upcoming events can be found on . Elon Women in Finance also posts about workshops, meetings and more on its .

Spring Pride returns with a western twist

Michaela Zeno — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 15:38:12 +0000

The Gender and LGBTQIA Center will hold a Spring Pride event from 5-7 p.m. on May 1 in Young Commons with the goal of educating the campus community on LGBTQIA identities.

Ana Sofia Rodriguez ‘25, a supply chain management major from Mexico, is helping to organize this year’s Spring Pride program, which features activities with a Western theme like cowboy hat-painting. There will be other��crafts, music, food and more. There will also be events leading up to Spring Pride with rainbow boba and a�� CARE-nival.

Educational resources from the Burlington area and surrounding Alamance County communities will be available for students to find resources away from campus.

“I hope that people are aware of the GLC and while it’s very focused on LGBTQ identities, we’re also trying to bring all students together with what we do,” said Rodriguez.

Rodriguez has been involved with the Gender and LGBTQIA Center since her first year at �þ��. It was during Rodriguez’s sophomore year that��Becca Bishopric Patterson, the center’s associate director, asked her about becoming a manager.

“The GLC allowed me to build on a community. I really look up to Luis, Becca and so many others as they became a good source for advice and other aspects of life,” said Rodriguez. “A way for anyone to show support is by showing up and being open-minded, it’s a very simple way to support the community and be aware of what’s going on.”

For more information, visit the GLC’s Instagram at or you can email them at glc@elon.edu.

Posts by Michaela Zeno | Today at Elon | �þ���

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