On a Friday afternoon, the Gerald Francis Center was transformed from a quiet space of rigorous study into a lively hub of global play. The SHS Student Diversity Committee hosted its Cultural Game Night on May 22, inviting students, faculty, and staff to “play something new and meet someone new” while celebrating the unique diversity of the School of Health Sciences.

The event was well attended, drawing a diverse crowd that included students from three separate Physical Therapy and Physician Assistant Studies cohorts, the PT resident, and

multiple faculty and staff members.

As one student remarked, “It is nice to be in the (Francis Center) and get to do something other than study with other students that I only get to pass in the halls.”

The festivities were fueled by a generous donation of popcorn from Regal Cinema in Greensboro, secured by DPTE Program Assistant Angie Reid. Attendees snacked as they navigated a world of games, ranging from high-tech favorites like Japan’s Mario Kart to traditional staples like Africa’s Mancala. While a four-person Mancala board, Connect 4, and Uno saw constant action, the competitive spirit of the afternoon reached its peak during a custom Kahoot trivia challenge.

The Kahoot tested participants’ knowledge of cultural dress, traditions, and holiday celebrations from around the globe. Second year student Maci Yaeger claimed victory. Her winning edge? A quick-thinking identification of the Dirndl, a traditional female German outfit.

Beyond the competition, the event provided a space for meaningful reflection. Rousing games of Spades and Dominoes were preceded by a heartfelt discussion regarding the cultural lineage of these games. Participants shared stories of how these traditions were passed down through generations, often learned at grandparents’ kitchen tables, and kept alive within family circles. This “drop-in” afternoon bridged the gap between academic life and personal heritage, proving that the SHS community is defined by much more than just its curriculum.

As the school year continues, the SHS Student Diversity Committee remains committed to fostering this spirit of inclusion. In June 2026, the committee will celebrate Juneteenth and Pride Month.

Performers can either do karaoke, sing an original song, or lip sync — the one stipulation is that it must be in a language other than English. This year, there were 14 performances with songs in 10 different languages: French, Spanish, German, Arabic, Italian, Korean, Indonesian, Japanese, and Old French/Latin.

Global Vision was inspired by the Euro Vision Song Contest, which has been hosted since 1956. However, the event at Elon is for languages across the globe, not only languages spoken in Europe.

Elon’s performers were rated in the categories singing, language skills, and performance by Sandy Marshall (Global Neighborhood), Bethanny Sudibyo (World Languages and Cultures), Trudy Arling (Polygot LLC RA), and Joel Thomas (�þ��� Safety and Police).

There were three prize baskets for the winners filled with international candies, snacks and drinks. In addition to the sweet treats, the first-place winners also went home with a trophy!

Congratulations to this year’s winners:

• 1st place – Vee Brown performed in Italian
• 2nd place – Emma Arruda performed in French
• 3rd place – Tamar Kalisher performed in French/Latin

Elon’s sixth Global Vision Song Contest is scheduled for Spring 2027.

Supported by a grant from Alamance Arts, CREATE (Cultivating Rhythm, Expression, Art, Theatre and Engagement) launched its pilot program this spring with weekly sessions hosted on �þ���’s campus. Over the course of nine weeks, students in second through fifth grade rotated through three artistic disciplines: theatre arts, dance and visual arts. Each discipline was led by experienced instructors who developed an engaging curriculum designed to encourage creativity, collaboration and self-expression.

Briston Whitt ’23 led theatre arts instruction throughout the semester. Whitt, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in acting from Elon, introduced students to physical expression, improvisation and scene work. By the end of the semester, students could perform short scenes that showcased the skills and confidence they developed throughout the program.

“I absolutely enjoyed working with CREATE as a drama instructor this spring. My favorite part was watching students step further and further out of their comfort zones each week and truly begin to see themselves as actors and performers. Each week they committed to stepping into the imaginary world and embodying the courage to try new things no matter how new and silly they felt. It was also really cool to see how involved the volunteers became throughout the process. They fully committed to the activities as well and modeled the same courage and energy we were looking for in the students,” said Whitt.

“Seeing how immersed everyone became in the experience was such a reminder of the timelessness and magic of theatre,” Whitt said. “It reaches people of every age and has a unique way of bringing us all together. For the students, it created a space to be creative, build confidence, and step outside the box. For the volunteers and myself, it was a reminder of the power of play even in seasons of life that can feel more serious.”

Kate Gunter, an art teacher at Woodlawn Middle School, led visual arts instruction for the program. Through lessons inspired by artists including Frank Stella, Claude Monet and Minnie Evans, students explored a variety of artistic concepts and mediums. Activities focused on geometry, symmetry and watercolor painting left students with an improved understanding of how they can advance their artistic skillset.

“�þ��� loved learning about different artists and how they were inspired to create. These insights encouraged our young artists to discover their own inspirations as they emulated the techniques and styles of established artists,” said Gunther.

Furthermore, the program has been able to provide a mentorship experience for �þ��� students. With the opportunity to volunteer with one of the disciplines across nine weeks of programming, volunteers fostered connections with the students and worked alongside them at each session.

“I loved working with the students in CREATE,” said Kennedy Williams, a finance and business analytics major and The Susan scholarship recipient in the Odyssey Program who volunteered with the theatre arts program. “It was so rewarding to watch them grow artistically and open up more as the weeks progressed.”

Additionally, several Elon student organizations partnered with CREATE throughout the semester by leading activities connected to their organization’s mission and artistic focus. Participating groups included Divine Embers, Muses Show Choir, Dance Lab, Alpha Xi Delta, Colonnades Literary and Art Journal, WSOE 89.3 FM, NewWorks and the Yarn Arts Club. Student organizations introduced students to a variety of artistic experiences, from crochet lessons to choreography workshops, and built upon the foundations of the curriculum.

Natalie Dixon ’26, a senior double majoring in dance science and dance

performance and choreography, had the opportunity to lead dance instruction through her involvement with Dance Lab, a student organization focused on integrating dance and STEM disciplines. Through a collaboration with CREATE, Dixon applied her �þ��� research during the session to assist students with understanding different ways they can move.

“I really enjoyed working with the kids through the CREATE program,” Dixon said. “They were all very enthusiastic and open to learning new things, which made the experience especially rewarding. You could tell that the program created a very positive and encouraging environment for them, and it was great to see everyone engaged and excited to participate.”

The CREATE program reflects the Village Project’s mission of strengthening connections between Alamance-Burlington families and �þ��� through collaborative learning experiences. The initiative will continue expanding in the coming academic year through a $5,000 Community Grant from the Alamance Community Foundation, which will support future CREATE programming and continue to broaden access to arts education for local students.

Interested in joining the impact? Help support future Village programming .

“It’s the best when you hear the laughs and see the smiles,” Liam said. “To see that piece come to life was really special.”

For two brothers who had started filmmaking with a DSLR camera and the guidance of a high school teacher, it was a milestone in their careers worth remembering.

Liam and Julien Dupas, identical twins born and raised in Atlanta, had a passion for filmmaking long before they discovered �þ���. In high school, their broadcast teacher owned a production company outside of his �þ���, where he would produce music videos for popular Atlanta artists.

“We started to build a close relationship with him,” Julien said. “Because he saw our passion, he hired us for some of his own projects, showing us a side of filmmaking we had never seen before.”

“I was saving up for my first-ever camera at the time. I worked a few side jobs to save up, and we both invested in a camera and started shooting a bunch of videos. It was a DSLR camera, the Lumix G85,” Liam said.

As both Liam and Julien were in the early stages of exploring their passion for film, they knew they wanted to continue pursuing it professionally. After touring Elon’s School of Communications and learning what the program had to offer from day one of enrollment, they decided to apply for scholarships.

Both Liam and Julien were accepted into the Communications Fellows scholarship program, and Julien was also accepted into the Odyssey Program. They expressed their love for Elon’s School of Communications and pointed out that with the help of their scholarships, they made the final decision to enroll.

Freshman year, they began their Elon journey with FreshTV, a 15-week accelerated program that introduced first-year students to camera operation and video editing. The program, led by Bryan Baker, director of technology, operations and multimedia projects, was one of the biggest factors in their decision.

“It gave me the feeling that I know where I’m at, and I need to be here,” Liam said. “Bryan Baker has been more than a professor to me. Since the beginning, he’s been a friend and a mentor. It’s been such a professional relationship that he’s been able to pour into us. I am truly blessed with the opportunity to work with Bryan Baker inside the classroom and outside the classroom.”

Julien added, “Liam and I had some experience filming coming into college, so we knew Elon had access to cinema-level cameras like the C70. I remember talking to Bryan and expressing our interest in shooting with the C70. Sure enough, he gave us access as freshmen to that camera, which shows how willing he is to help if he sees your passion.”

In their sophomore year, Liam and Julien collaborated with friends they met through FreshTV and Cinelon Productions, each with varying interests in film production, to create their own production company.

“One of our buddies is really interested in producing logistics, and our other friend was really good at directing and screenwriting. I was pretty skilled at shooting, so we all had different interests, and we came together over multiple meetings. We decided to start a production company,” Julien said.

Seismic Studios was born. Under the Seismic Studios name, their team created 30 to 40 videos.

“We did everything from weddings to music videos to corporate stuff and some film for our religious organization we are a part of, and some commercials, short films and short documentaries,” Julien said.

Sour Note was one of their award-winning short films that went on to be shown in a theater with an audience.

“I remember vividly we went to a screening in Raleigh and saw Sour Note on a big screen with an actual audience full of people I’ve never met, and hearing their reactions was a thrilling experience. It’s the best when you hear the laughs and see the smiles. To see that piece come to life was really special,” Liam recalled.

Their work was also shown at the Cinelon Productions Film Festival in Turner Theatre. Complete with a mini red carpet, the team’s family, friends and loved ones got the opportunity to gather for a celebration of the hard work that went into creating the short film.

“Watching our work on the big screen, with everyone around you, brings the film to life,” Julien said.

Their scholarships have launched their Elon careers and set them up for success in their industry post-graduation.

“I always like to give thanks to the donors first and foremost for the opportunity to be a part of these scholarships. For both Odyssey and Communications Fellows, we’ve taken multiple trips to cities where the communications industries are thriving. We got to meet with professionals, do Q&As with them, pick their brains and it’s led to my understanding of the film industry in a whole new light,” Julien explained.

“This scholarship has given me a stepping stone into the industry,” said Liam of the Communications Fellows. “During the Fellows’ first-year January term Florida trip, we got to tour agencies and production companies. I secured a prestigious internship a year and a half later at Diamond Gear, where I was an editor. It was truly one of the most incredible experiences I’ve had.”

“I got to work with real professionals who were working on commercials with Publix, Red Bull, Amazon, WWE, and it was mind-blowing,” Liam added. “I attribute it all to the Communications Fellows because, had I not gone on that trip, I wouldn’t have been able to meet such incredible people and get that opportunity.”

Liam and Julien are so grateful for the donors who have made their Elon experience possible.

“These projects and doing contracting work, starting a production company, working with professors in and outside of the classroom. That’s all because of the Communication Fellows program,” explained Liam.

“I’d like to say thank you from the bottom of my heart because without the scholarships I’ve received, I wouldn’t be here or have taken the classes that I have gotten to take, and I wouldn’t be as far in my career as I am,” Julien said. “I’m so grateful for the donors who generously give their money to students like me to have these opportunities and, as cliché as it sounds, make my dreams a reality.”

Visiting �þ��� in the next academic year:

• David Brooks, bestselling author, staff writer for The Atlantic and longtime New York Times columnist – Sept. 25, 2026
• Hanif Abdurraqib, author and cultural critic (Common Reading Lecture) – Sept. 29, 2026
• Lance Cpl. Kyle Carpenter, Medal of Honor recipient and author – Nov. 11, 2026
• Danielle Coke Balfour, artist, author and social justice advocate – Jan. 13, 2027
• Tim Tebow, Heisman Trophy winner, former NFL quarterback and philanthropist – March 9, 2027
• Heather Cox Richardson, historian and bestselling author – April 6, 2027

All programs are free to �þ��� students, faculty and staff with ID. Venues will be announced closer to the dates of the programs. Tickets for the public for Fall Convocation go on sale starting in August. Admission: $15 via .

�þ���’s Cultural Calendar for Fall 2026 will be available later this year with additional speakers and a wide range of musical, theatrical, artistic and other intellectual and creative events.

About the 2026-2027 Speakers at �þ���

David Brooks

Sept. 25, 2026

Fall Convocation

3:30 p.m.

A bestselling author and longtime New York Times columnist, 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 University’s 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.

Brooks is the author of multiple bestselling books, including “How to Know a Person,” “The Second Mountain,” “The Road to Character” and “The Social Animal,” which explore moral development, human connection and the search for meaning. His work emphasizes the importance of community, empathy and the cultivation of both inner character and outward relationships as essential to a flourishing society.

Hanif Abdurraqib

Sept. 29, 2026

Common Reading Lecture

7:30 p.m.

An acclaimed essayist, poet and cultural critic, 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 on 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. “There’s Always This Year: On Basketball and Ascension” was selected as Elon’s Common Reading for 2026-27.

Lance Cpl. Kyle Carpenter

Nov. 11, 2026

Carol Ann Walker International Lectureship

11 a.m.

A United States Marine and the youngest living recipient of the Medal of Honor, Carpenter is recognized for extraordinary heroism during his service in Afghanistan. In 2010, he sustained life-threatening injuries after throwing himself on a grenade to protect a fellow Marine, an act of valor that led to years of recovery and more than 40 surgeries.

Following his recovery, Carpenter set and achieved ambitious personal goals, including completing a college degree, running a marathon and traveling internationally. He is the author of the memoir “You Are Worth It: Building a Life Worth Fighting For,” which chronicles his journey of resilience and purpose. Today, he speaks widely about leadership, perseverance and finding meaning in adversity, encouraging others to overcome challenges and pursue lives of impact.

Danielle Coke Balfour

Jan. 13, 2027

Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Address

12 p.m.

An artist, entrepreneur and author, Balfour is the founder of Oh Happy Dani, an illustration-based educational platform that uses visual storytelling to make complex ideas about racial justice and advocacy accessible to broad audiences. Through her work, she has built a community of hundreds of thousands who engage with her content on social media and beyond.

Her creative approach to “artivism” combines design, storytelling and education to inspire individuals to take meaningful action in their own communities. She is the author of “A Heart on Fire: 100 Meditations on Loving Your Neighbors Well” and a companion workbook that encourages reflection and everyday advocacy. Through partnerships with major brands and speaking engagements across the country, she promotes a message of hope, empathy and sustained engagement in social change.

Tim Tebow

March 9, 2027

Baird Lecture

7 p.m.

A Heisman Trophy winner and two-time national champion, Tebow gained national prominence as a quarterback at the University of Florida before being selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. He later played professional baseball and has become a prominent sports analyst, author and motivational speaker.

Tebow is a seven-time New York Times bestselling author and founder of the Tim Tebow Foundation, an organization that serves vulnerable populations in more than 70 countries through initiatives focused on faith, health and human dignity. Through his speaking and philanthropic efforts, Tebow encourages audiences to pursue their passions, lead with integrity and make a positive impact in the lives of others.

Heather Cox Richardson

April 6, 2027

James P. Elder Lecture

6:30 p.m.

A professor of history at Boston College, Richardson is a leading scholar of American political history with expertise in the Civil War, Reconstruction and the evolution of the Republican Party. Her work examines the intersections of politics, economics and social change, helping audiences better understand the forces shaping the nation’s past and present.

She is the author of several award-winning books, including the bestselling “Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America,” which explores the nation’s ongoing struggle to uphold its own ideals. Richardson also writes “Letters from an American,” a nightly newsletter that reaches millions of readers with analysis of current events in historical context. She hosts two video series, “Journey to American Democracy” and “American Conversations,” both of which are available on YouTube and Facebook. Her articles and reviews have been published in the Washington Post, the New York Times, and The Guardian, among others.

The contest and event were carried out by Historic Neighborhood’s Faculty Director, Claudine Moreau. This year’s contest was judged by Asheville poet Ivy Rozen, who has commitment to lifting up emerging writers brought thoughtful attention to each submission. Rozen, who has a new book forthcoming this summer titled, If I Love You, from Seed Bed Press, praised the depth, originality, and emotional resonance of the student work.

Winners

1st Place
Madelyn Fourie — “Bone to Bone”

2nd Place
Georgia Vaughn — “A Note On Dreaming”

3rd place
Addison Hobgood — “Grip”

Honorable Mentions
Lidia Briones — “Our Love, Unending”
Emma Briceno — “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Were Right”
Allena Boddie-Chapman — “The Unlost and Unfound”

Beyond recognizing outstanding poetry, the evening underscored the transformative power of the contest itself. Several of this year’s finalists had never publicly identified as poets before submitting their work, and for some, the April 28 reading marked the first time they had ever shared their writing aloud in front of an audience. Their willingness to step forward and be heard speaks to the welcoming, affirming space the Primavera Poetry Contest continues to create.

Now in its third year, the contest has become a vibrant tradition within the Historic Neighborhood, offering students a meaningful venue to explore creative expression and build community through poetry. With another successful year concluded, organizers look forward to continuing this celebration of student voices in the years ahead.

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As the spring semester at �þ��� draws to a close, the campus remained vibrant and full of energy throughout April. The 2025–26 Elon Speaker Series wrapped up with a visit from bestselling author Frank Bruni, while nearly 200 students, faculty, and staff came together to celebrate Holi, the Hindu Festival of Colors. Progress also continued on the new Roberts Academy, and Elon hosted its largest-ever Spring Undergraduate Research Forum.

Take a look back at April through the lens of the University Communications team.

A new life for Holland House

University leaders and student-athletes celebrated a new era for Elon’s Holland House on South �þ��� with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that debuted a preeminent home for the Phoenix men’s and women’s golf programs. Before the latest renovation, the building was home to two Elon presidents and administrative offices — and even moved across campus.

The Montagues in McCrary

�þ��� Performing Arts brought history’s most famous love story to McCrary Theatre with “Romeo and Juliet.” The Shakespearean tragedy tells the tale of Romeo, from the House of Montague, and Juliet, from the House of Capulet, who secretly fall in love and get married, despite their families disapproval.

Stargazing for mental health

�þ��� were encouraged to engage with nature in support of their mental wellness through the Star Gazing for Mental Health event at Lake Verona. The Astronomy Club, Counseling Services, the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education and the Office of Sustainability sponsored the event.

Trollinger’s new look

Renovations have started on Trollinger House, which was once a small residence hall but will soon serve as the temporary location for Roberts Academy at �þ���, an all-day private school for children with dyslexia that opens in August.

Established in 2025 through a gift from philanthropists Hal and Marjorie Roberts of Lakeland, Florida, the Roberts Academy at �þ��� will be the fourth in a series of successful university-based private elementary schools the couple also supported at Vanderbilt University, Mercer University and Florida Southern College.

A Holi Celebration

On April 10, a warm and sunny spring afternoon, nearly 200 students, faculty, and staff gathered on the lawn of the Lambert Academic Village to celebrate Holi, the Hindu Festival of Colors. This year marked the 14th anniversary of Holi at Elon, a tradition led by the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life.

Escaping the ‘age of grievance’

Journalist and bestselling author Frank Bruni delivered a sold-out Frank P. Elder Lecture in Whitley Auditorium on April 9. He explored how Americans are living in what he calls an “age of grievance,” a time where more people believe they are losing because someone else is winning. The Elder Lecture marks the final event of the 2025-26 �þ��� Speaker Series.

A record-breaking SURF

�þ��� held its largest-ever Spring Undergraduate Research Forum on April 28, featuring 384 presentations, including 229 poster presentations, 155 oral presentations, and performances.

SURF Day is an annual event at the university, during which other campus activities are suspended to celebrate the academically centered creative endeavors and research efforts of Elon students.

Double CAA Champs

Both the men’s and women’s tennis teams took home CAA titles in April. The conference title was the , when the Phoenix also took down UNCW. This was Elon’s fifth straight CAA championship match, all of which were against the Seahawks. With the victory, Elon secures an automatic bid to the NCAA Men’s Tennis Championship.

The women have , with both championship match victories coming against William & Mary. With the win, Elon secured the conference’s automatic bid to the NCAA Women’s Tennis Championship.

Go baby go!

For the first time, Elon students brought the Go Baby Go initiative to campus, adapting ride-on toy cars for children with mobility challenges.

The collaborative effort between the Elon Engineering Club, Phoenix Racing and the Department of Physical Therapy brought the Go Baby Go Initiative to Elon’s campus for the first time. Founded in 2012 at the University of Delaware, Go Baby Go is a national initiative that modifies ride-on toy cars to meet the individual physical needs of young children who experience mobility challenges.

Kicking things off, the Elon Music Ambassadors will present “Songs of Summer: Celebrating the Music that Makes Every Summer Unforgettable” on Tuesday, April 28 at 7:30 p.m. in McCrary Theatre. Directed by Virginia Novine-Whittaker, this dynamic vocal and instrumental ensemble blends pop, jazz and contemporary favorites to capture the warmth and energy of the season. The program promises a mix of familiar melodies and feel-good moments that reflect both the memories of summers past and those still to come.

Later that week, audiences can take a step back in time with the Mixed Tape Concert – Music from the 60’s and 70’s on Thursday, April 30 at 7:30 p.m. in the Community Life Center at Elon Community Church. Directed by Stephen A. Futrell, élán – Elon vocal jazz will perform alongside a rhythm section, bringing to life classic hits from artists like ABBA, The Carpenters, Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, Simon & Garfunkel and Neil Diamond. With Beatles and Motown medleys woven throughout the program, the concert invites audiences to sing along and fully immerse themselves in the music.

The celebrations continue into May with the Elon Concert Band’s spring performance, “Visions, Vibes, and Tales,” on Tuesday, May 5 at 7:30 p.m. in McCrary Theatre. Directed by Michael Phillips, the concert will showcase a wide range of music and feature a graduating senior Production Technology student as an electric guitar soloist. The evening will conclude with an interactive piece, encouraging audience members to join in by singing or whistling along.

Closing out the series, the Elon Wind Ensemble will present its spring concert, “A Semiquincentennial Celebration,” on Wednesday, May 6 at 7:30 p.m. in McCrary Theatre. Conducted by Jonathan Poquette, the ensemble will perform a variety of Americana works in honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary. The performance will also feature soprano soloist Polly Cornelius, adding another layer of artistry to a program designed to celebrate the richness and diversity of American music.

Directed by Assistant Professor of Music Alex Heitlinger, the concert centers around the music of Sun Ra, a visionary artist known for blending jazz, philosophy and Afrofuturism into a sound unlike any other. His work blurs the lines between swing and avant-garde, drawing inspiration from ancient Egypt, outer space and beyond. Through this performance, audiences will step into what Sun Ra described as a “universe of sound,” where music becomes both an artistic and conceptual experience.

Throughout his life, Sun Ra—born Herman Poole Blount—crafted a persona as unique as his music. He famously claimed to have been transported to Saturn in the 1930s and instructed by alien beings to share his message through music. Whether symbolic or sincere, this narrative became central to his artistic identity. Beyond the mythology, Sun Ra was a groundbreaking innovator: one of the first jazz musicians to experiment with electronic synthesizers and among the earliest Black artists to establish an independent record label. His ensemble, known as the Sun Ra Arkestra, has continued performing for decades, carrying forward his legacy through electrifying, theatrical performances.

The April 24 concert will reflect that same spirit of creativity and unpredictability. The evening will feature two distinct sets: an opening small group performance showcasing works by Sun Ra and his contemporaries, followed by a high-energy big band set with more than 20 musicians and multiple vocalists. Adding to the immersive experience, Heidi Jo Schiemer, costume designer for Performing Arts, has created intergalactic attire inspired by Sun Ra’s signature style—complete with nods to both ancient Egyptian and cosmic themes.

While Sun Ra’s music is often described as experimental or avant-garde, it remains deeply rooted in the traditions of big band swing. This combination makes the performance both musically sophisticated and highly engaging—equally suited for close listening and pure enjoyment. Audiences can expect a concert that is as entertaining and danceable as it is imaginative.

Sponsored by the Department of Music, this performance promises to be one of the most unique musical events on campus this year. With its fusion of sound, storytelling, and visual spectacle, the Elon Jazz Ensembles’ tribute to Sun Ra invites audiences to embrace the unexpected and experience music in an entirely new way.

This year’s celebration featured a “Diamond Dust” theme, encouraging sparkling outfits to match ballroom glamour. The event was hosted by local drag performers Honey Z and Giselle Cassidy Carter, who gave energetic and interactive performances, encouraging students to participate in the ball’s various competition categories.

The Kiki Ball is an annual event organized by the GLC to celebrate the QTPOC (queer and trans people of color) community on campus and introduce students to the history and traditions of ballroom culture. Rooted in black and LGBTQIA communities, ballroom culture has played a significant role in shaping drag performances and overarching LGBTQIA expression.

Kate Campbell, the GLC’s graduate apprentice, said that the purpose of the evening is to both celebrate and educate the campus community about ballroom culture and the communities that shaped it.

The event also included educational components that allowed attendees to learn about ballroom history. The RISE team, which oversees the GLC’s QTPOC initiative, hosted a table that featured photocards highlighting influential drag performers and important figures in ballroom history. These helped provide context for students who may not have attended the program before or were unfamiliar with ballroom culture.

Beyond the educational focus of the Kiki Ball, students were encouraged to take part in performances and walk the runway. Attendees donned themed outfits and competed in various performance categories in order to show off their flair. Hosts and audience members all cheered as students stepped onto the runway.

Organizers say one of the most important pieces of the night is creating a welcoming environment where students can comfortably express themselves. Maverick Powell, a GLC student employee who helped plan and work the event, said the supportive atmosphere helped participants feel motivated to walk the runway.

“Everyone was just really happy to be there and encouraging of each other,” Powell said.

For many students, this program provides a rare opportunity on Elon’s campus to experiment with their identities in a supportive setting. Janeeta Smith, manager of RISE, said the event allows students to explore performing in a way that encourages creativity and accessibility.

“I view Kiki Ball as a way students can express themselves through their outfits and performances,” Smith said.

Although attendance was slightly smaller this year than in previous years, the evening maintained a lively, upbeat atmosphere. By combining educational aspects with opportunities for self-expression, the Kiki Ball created a space where students can both learn from and actively participate in a culture rooted in exploration, identity, creativity and community.