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

¡°Before Elon, I didn¡¯t really have any attachment to my heritage,¡± Wible said. ¡°I¡¯ve learned so much about myself since being here.¡±

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wible¡¯s exploration of her identity has also taken shape in an unexpected place ¡ª her home.

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

¡°It was my roommates decorating for Lunar New Year and ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ me traditions, like cleaning the house before the Lunar New Year holiday,¡± Wible said. ¡°I just never realized those were things that happened.”

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

Finding community through connection

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

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

¡°We aim to promote an inclusive sisterhood while giving back to the community and celebrating culture, especially in a space where there aren¡¯t many of us,¡± Wible said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

¡°Reagan doesn¡¯t just support Elon KPL members, but supports our (members) all over the country,¡± said Bella Pelini ¡¯27, a member of the Associate Chapter of Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority, Incorporated, who considers Wible a mentor. ¡°She is always the first to ask Elon (memberS) if we want to join her at other North Carolina school cultural events or reveals. She has helped us strengthen our sisterhood throughout all of North Carolina and beyond.¡±

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

She hopes to leave a lasting impact on the community she has built at Elon by encouraging others to pursue new opportunities. ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone,¡± Wible said. ¡°It might be scary, but it can change your life in a really positive way.¡±

Elon honors Asian & Pacific Island Heritage Month

As part of Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ is sharing stories through Today at Elon that highlight Asian and Pacific Islander students, faculty and staff who contribute to a campus environment where cultural identities and experiences are celebrated year-round. Throughout the month, Elon is also recognizing API Heritage Month through a series of events and programming.

¡°I chose Elon because I didn’t want an environment where I was just a number,¡± Wright recalled.

She knew she wanted an environment where her professors not only knew her name but knew her as a person and were able to support her in her academic journey. And Wright found that supportive community at Elon, from classmates who study together to professors who assist her with research to staff members who help her find community.

Like many Elon students, Wright is involved in several clubs and organizations. The biochemistry major serves as vice president for the Asian-Pacific Student Organization (APSA), volunteers as a SMART mentor, works as a tour guide for the Office of Admissions, and dedicates free time to the Open Door Clinic of Alamance County.

Building Community

Wright also conducts ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ research in public health.

When she first arrived at Elon, Wright attended a handful of APSA events and stayed after to help clean up, which caught the attention of then-president Nhat ¡°Ivan¡± Nguyen ¡¯25, who encouraged Wright to join the executive board.

¡°I’m an Asian adoptee and I was like, ¡®Oh, I’m not Asian enough to be on the exec board. I don’t know my native language,¡¯¡± Wright said when Nguyen tried to recruit her to a leadership role in the organization.

But when Wright continued attending APSA events, Nguyen kept showing her that there is more than one way to express an Asian identity. Through APSA, Wright found that many classmates had similar backgrounds, and it was the small moments with friends where she felt most at home.

¡°There was a space for me that I could explore being Asian in a safer way,¡± Wright said.

Wright soon took Nguyen¡¯s advice and joined the board of APSA as the events coordinator in the spring of 2025, and last fall she took over as vice president. She oversees events, planned this year¡¯s Lunar New Year festivities, and is assisting the Center for Race, Ethnicity, & Diversity Education with its own event planning for API Heritage Month.

The Lunar New Year celebration is one of Wright¡¯s proudest moments. She said she loved the collaboration between her fellow board members and the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life to bring people from across campus together to discover belonging.

Between Two Worlds

As an adoptee who grew up in predominantly white spaces, Wright often felt caught between identities. Her siblings were also adopted from China, and she said her mother encouraged participation in Chinese community events. But often in those events, she felt that she was ¡°not Asian enough¡±.

¡°They could understand their native language. Their parents were from there, and I never felt like I belonged,¡± Wight explained.

For many Chinese adoptees, Wright said, there are a lot of unanswered questions about their origins. Wright felt grateful that her mother was able to bring her and her siblings back to China for many years, showing them where they were from, an experience not all adoptees are able to have.

At the same time, Wright said, it wasn¡¯t until she came to Elon and met other adoptees that she felt seen in a way she hadn¡¯t before. ¡°It was nice to have the same experience of just not belonging anywhere,¡± Wright said, ¡°so we find a place of belonging with each other.¡±

Mentorship

Mentorship is an important element of Wright¡¯s collegiate experience. During her first year, Wright¡¯s SMART mentor, Emily Cashen ¡¯26, walked her through the process of selecting biology classes for the spring semester. Cashen¡¯s guidance inspired Wright to become a SMART mentor herself.

In her constellation of mentors, Wright has also praised George Dou, assistant director of the Center for Race, Ethnicity, & Diversity Education who advises ASPA.

¡°Emily has been a great leader since she has gotten involved with APSA,¡± Dou said. ¡°She’s great at planning ahead, is thoughtful about how she engages with her team and other students and is a pleasure to work with.¡±

While Wright is only in her sophomore year, she has found another mentor in John Moses-Brownson, the associate director of career advising for pre-health professionals, who helps Wright see the ¡°bigger picture¡± of her journey to a career in health care.

¡°When I first met Emily the first week of her time at Elon, I knew that she was going to be a major presence on campus,?and I feel that she has exceeded even my high hopes in just her first two years,¡± Moses-Brownson said. ¡°Emily dreams big,?and her dreams are kind, embracing of everyone, and destined to create ripples of change in her wake.¡±

For Wright, Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is not just about celebration. It¡¯s about recognition. It¡¯s a time where she knows she is Asian enough and no one can tell her otherwise.

What once felt like a disconnect has become a point of connection with others who share similar experiences. Now, as a leader, mentor and future health professional, Wright said she hopes to continue creating spaces where others feel that same sense of belonging.

Elon honors Asian & Pacific Island Heritage Month

As part of Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ is sharing stories through Today at Elon that highlight Asian and Pacific Islander students, faculty and staff who contribute to a campus environment where cultural identities and experiences are celebrated year-round. Throughout the month, Elon is also recognizing API Heritage Month through a series of events and programming.

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 ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ 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 (¶¯»­), 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.

SGA Elections, Events, and Resources

There are several important activities coming up this week from your Student Government Association:

SGA Spring Elections

Monday and Tuesday, March 16-17, conducted through PhoenixCONNECT

In addition to the leadership of SGA for next year, the Spring Elections ballot also includes the semifinalists for Senior Commencement Speaker. Members of SGA will be available to answer any questions at Moseley tables Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. ¨C 4 p.m.

Sips with SPIE

Monday, March 16, 6:30-8 p.m., Irazu Coffee Shop

The ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ Promoting Inclusive Excellence Committee will host a four-panel discussion on identity and imposter syndrome, sharing personal stories and strategies to support peers and foster a more inclusive campus.

Funding Your Events: SGA Budget Request Workshop (Q1)

Tuesday, March 17, 5-6:15 p.m., KOBC 112

New to SGA funding or need a refresher? This session will walk student organization leaders through how to submit a Quarter 1 budget request in PhoenixCONNECT, including tips, common mistakes to avoid and time for questions.

SGA Spring Election Results Announcement

Tuesday, March 17, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Medallion Plaza

Bill Adair: ¡°Why Fact-Checking Still Matters in our Polarized Discourse¡±

Monday, March 16, 7:30 p.m., Whitley Auditorium

Bill Adair, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and founder of PolitiFact, will discuss how misinformation shapes political conversations. Drawing from his book Beyond the Big Lie, he explains why fact-checking still matters in today¡¯s political climate. Sponsored by Liberal Arts Forum.

Erica Moiah James: ¡°Haptic Archives and the Critical Work of Tenderness in Global Caribbean Art¡±

Tuesday, March 17, 5:30 p.m., LaRose Student Commons

Erica Moiah James, an art historian and professor at the University of Miami, will speak about contemporary Caribbean art and how artists explore themes of touch, care and connection. Her talk draws on her research on Caribbean and African diaspora art and her upcoming book After Caliban. Sponsored by Art History.

Physician Assistant Program Panel

Tuesday, March 17, 5-6:15 p.m., KOBC 112

Join the ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ Physician Assistant (PA) Program as they meet with the Elon Pre-Health Society and any students interested in learning more about becoming a PA. They¡¯ll share insights about the program, discuss their experiences, and answer questions about the PA career path.

Cup of Culture: Street Spice and Green Papaya

Wednesday, March 18, 5:30-7 p.m., El Centro Kitchen, Carlton 114

Cup of Culture is one of CREDE¡¯s signature monthly programs that introduces students to different APISA (Asian, Pacific Islander, and South Asian) cultures through food and conversation. ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ will learn how to make green papaya salad, a dish known for its bold balance of spicy, sour, salty and sweet flavors.

Look for more information on Tuesday about ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ Safety and Services during Spring Break.? There¡¯s no Phoenix Five email message next Sunday.? Have a great spring break!

The conference featured a keynote address by playwright,?director?and activist Spirit Tawfiq, who spoke about the role of storytelling,?courage?and intentional dialogue in bridging the gap between the civil rights movement and modern social justice. Tawfiq is the founder of the ¡°Let Your Light Shine¡± program and the daughter of?Minnijean?Brown-Trickey, one of the Little Rock Nine who?desegregated?Central High School in 1957.

She shared that her work is deeply rooted in her family¡¯s history and her commitment to continuing conversations around justice,?accountability?and healing. Throughout the talk, Tawfiq returned to a central question: Who is holding the pen?

She encouraged students to consider whose stories are told, whose voices are?amplified?and how silence can contribute to continued harm.
Referencing the bravery of the Little Rock Nine, Tawfiq emphasized that healing requires confronting generational trauma rather than ignoring it. She challenged students to view history as an ongoing process and to recognize their role in shaping what comes next. Healing, she said, must be intentional and rooted in understanding,?accountability?and a willingness to ask?difficult questions. Tawfiq described humanity as a quilt, made up of individual stories and experiences stitched together to form a shared whole.

¡°We each bring a patch and we put these patches together to make a beautiful, warm quilt, but racism?doesn¡¯t?want our patches connected,¡±?she said.
¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ were encouraged to become comfortable navigating discomfort, which Tawfiq described as a necessary step toward healing and growth. Learning about experiences that differ from one¡¯s own, she said, ¡°helps foster empathy and connection and tear the structures of racism down.¡±

The event also included a gallery walk, where attendees moved around the room and wrote words and phrases on the walls that represented what gives them courage. Responses included family, shared legacy, honesty, storytelling, helping others and giving power to the powerless. Faculty boldly and vulnerably shared stories on the wall of things that have healed or are?currently healing from. The through line being that human connection and conversation were the key to healing.

¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ reflected on the impact of the discussion and the importance of listening as a form of action.

¡°The most impactful thing I learned is that everyone has their own story and we should do our best to listen and understand them,¡± said Luke?Bonifacio ’28.

Another student highlighted the role of dialogue in the healing process.
¡°They are trying to bridge the gap through physical and mental healing, and conversations like this are the start of that,¡± the student said.

As the event concluded, students were encouraged to continue the work of healing beyond the conference by engaging in difficult conversations, resisting?silence?and using their voices to support those around them.

Royal¡¯s office is warm and welcoming and offers a window into her past, present and future. Her space honors the values she carries and the people and milestones that have shaped her journey.

Royal serves as Elon¡¯s associate director of the Center for Race, Ethnicity, & Diversity Education, where she brings faculty, staff and students of all backgrounds together through workshop facilitation and mentorship.

After graduating from Elon in 2017 with a psychology degree, Royal taught fourth and fifth grade at a charter school in Washington, D.C., where she discovered her favorite part of ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ was building trust with students and their families and supporting their academic, social and emotional growth. In 2021, she returned to Alamance County and reconnected with Elon staff she had worked with as a student.

As an ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ, Royal worked four years with the dean of students and three years with CREDE, sung in the Elon Gospel Choir and served as an executive intern in admissions. She proudly displays her Elon graduation cap framed in her office next to one she wore from her master¡¯s graduation at George Washington University.

These experiences, along with others in childhood, shaped Royal¡¯s understanding of self and built her confidence. At age nine, she became the youngest person in North Carolina to earn a black belt in karate and later won national championships in sparring. Royal¡¯s mother enrolled her in the sport when she was only four years old and it proved to be an outlet for her to develop and grow when her mother tragically passed when Royal was only five.

Royal¡¯s formative years instilled in her a dynamic understanding of relationships, families and identity, all of which she leverages in her work today.

Royal offers members of Elon¡¯s community workshops, mentorships and events that help others grow their self-confidence and understand their values. She offers a variety of workshops to help students, faculty and staff identify and understand the core and unique identities each participant holds.

¡°Participants are offered an hour in their day to think about who they are and how they show up in spaces,¡± she said. ¡°These moments are hard to come by and are so rewarding.¡±

Royal is also a passionate mentor and a champion of student success, as evidenced by her collection of photos in her office.

One student she is currently working with is Madison McCrainey ¡¯26, a cinema and television arts major.

¡°Throughout every interaction, Simone has been someone who has encouraged me to be more involved within the Black community and pushed for me to become more confident,¡± McCrainey said.

Royal said that many of her connections with students have extended past their graduation. ¡°I love continuing relationships with students from undergrad to postgrad. I think it shows how strong the relationships are and how mentorship can be carried over through the years.¡±

Blake Mobley ¡¯27, a sports management major, is appreciative that Royal is someone he can confide in and who can keep him grounded. Royal is someone he could look up to as a professor in the 1010 class, an Elon alumna and a former member of Greek life.

¡°Simone has helped and guided me and was one of the first people to really listen to how I was feeling and what I had to say,¡± he said. ¡°She will never truly know the positive impact that she has had on my college experience and on my life.¡±

Royal says that people are more similar than different and that it is her mission to open the door for everyone to feel comfortable sharing their heritage, culture and personal self.

¡°We all are here to help each other in some way or format,¡± she said. ¡°I want to contribute to making the world a greater place to live in.¡±

Black History Month

As part of Black History Month, ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ is sharing stories through Today at Elon that highlight Black students, faculty and staff who actively contribute to a campus environment where cultural histories and identities are celebrated year-round. In February, Elon is also recognizing the month through a series of events and programming.

For Maelah Proctor ¡¯26, that reminder has shaped her path from uncertainty to leadership. Now she has become a voice for others on campus.

Her confidence did not always come naturally. Over time, she came to understand that she holds her leadership roles because her skills, perspective and voice are needed in those spaces.

Throughout her time at Elon, she has intentionally stepped into spaces where students need to be heard, amplifying voices, advocating for equity, and building community as president of the Black Student Union and as a Student Athletic Council representative for the cheerleading team.

As she reflects on her Elon journey, she points to the people who shaped her path and the purpose that continues to guide her work.

The power of community

Proctor¡¯s confidence did not grow in isolation but through community.

What began as attendance at a Black Student Union event soon evolved into leadership, first serving as vice president for Black Excellence and now as president.

For Proctor, a political science and policy studies major from Charlotte, North Carolina, belonging is deeply connected to visibility. If you don’t see yourself in the community that you’re supposed to represent, she said, it’s hard to feel a part of that community

That understanding now shapes how she leads, ensuring other Black students can find the same affirmation and space that once grounded her. ¡°BSU made me feel comfortable and gave me the confidence to continue here,¡± Proctor said. ¡°Because sometimes going to Elon and not seeing a lot of people who look like you can be very alienating.¡±

In addition to finding belonging within the Black Student Union, she has also built community as a Leadership Fellow, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and a cheerleader.

¡°I¡¯ve been able to find community in different spaces on campus, and each one has shaped me in a different way,¡± Proctor said.

Each role has strengthened her confidence and deepened her understanding of what it means to lead with intention.

Mentorship as momentum

Proctor recalls meeting Simone Royal ¡¯17 G¡¯25, associate director of the Center for Race, Ethnicity and Diversity Education, at her first BSU brunch.

¡°I didn¡¯t really know anyone, so I sat with Simone because she was a staff member and it felt less intimidating,¡± Proctor said.

A simple conversation evolved into mentorship.¡°She has been someone I could go to with questions, someone who helped me navigate things when I didn¡¯t have all the answers,¡± Proctor said.

Throughout their relationship, Royal has witnessed Proctor¡¯s growth firsthand.

¡°She has not only stepped up to be the leader that the organization needs, but she¡¯s learned how to extend her leadership skills to others ¡ª how to prepare other students to be the best of themselves as well,¡± Royal said.

Through Royal¡¯s example, Proctor learned that leadership is not about being the loudest voice in the room, but about ensuring others feel heard.

Refusing to shrink

As Proctor deepened her leadership on campus, she became more aware of navigating hyper-visibility and invisibility.

¡°Sometimes it feels like you’re the only person in the room that looks different,¡± she said. ¡°You’re holding a certain perspective that might be an outlier.¡±

She once tried to soften her presence to avoid stereotypes. Over time, she realized shrinking herself served no one. Proctor has chosen to lean into her voice.

¡°She is a tireless advocate for the community that she serves,¡± said Abdul-Malik Harrison ¡®21, assistant director of the Center for Race, Ethicity and Diversity Education. ¡°When she has a vision, she wants it enacted. She is the epitome of, ¡®if you want it bad enough, you can get it done¡¯.¡±

Rather than simply demanding space, Proctor works to create it.

As Proctor looks ahead to law school and life beyond Elon, she hopes to continue advocating for equity and expanding access through public service and policy work. Her experiences navigating visibility, representation and leadership on campus have only deepened her desire to pursue law school as a tool for systemic change.

For now, her message remains clear: take up as much space as you want.

¡°Be unashamed in who you are,¡± she said. ¡°The second you stop letting other people¡¯s opinions, stereotypes or perceptions limit you is the second you¡¯re free to pursue what you want to pursue.¡±

Proctor said her time at Elon serves as proof that when a student chooses to step forward, their voice does more than fill a room ¡ª it amplifies others. And that amplification, she said, is what creates lasting change.

Black History Month

As part of Black History Month, ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ is sharing stories through Today at Elon that highlight Black students, faculty and staff who actively contribute to a campus environment where cultural histories and identities are celebrated year-round. In February, Elon is also recognizing the month through a series of events and programming.

This year¡¯s theme, ¡°History in the Making,¡± highlights the power, creativity and resilience of Black individuals who continue to shape the world today. Black history is not confined to the past, it is a living story unfolding daily in our communities, classrooms, workplaces and beyond. From leaders advancing justice and equity to innovators influencing art, science, politics and culture, the theme honors those actively shaping the future. History in the Making reminds us that progress is not only remembered ¡ª it is created.

¡°As we reflect on the legacies that paved the way, we also recognize and uplift the changemakers of today who carry that torch forward, ensuring that the story of Black excellence, empowerment and endurance continues to inspire generations to come,¡± Abdul-Malik Harrison, assistant director of the CREDE, said.

This year will include the annual kickoff event, carnival, Black History Honth basketball game, Black Solidarity Conference and return of the Tiny Shelf Concert. New this year, the CREDE, in collaboration with the Truitt Center for Spiritual and Religious Life and the Center for the Study of Religion, Culture and Society (CSRCS), will host an interactive exhibit exploring the history of Black American Muslims.

If you have any questions, please contact Abdul-Malik Harrison at aharrison16@elon.edu or (336) 278-7243.

Black History Month 2026 Events at Elon

Black History Month Kick Off
Monday, Feb. 2 | 5:30¨C7 p.m.
McKinnon Hall

The Empowerment Experience
Thursday, Feb. 5 | 5:30 p.m.
Belk Library, KLC 127

The EmpowerMENt Experience invites male-identifying students to explore and redefine masculinity through engaging activities and a culminating discussion to better understand healthy manhood.

Honoring the Legacy of Imam WD Muhammad: Roots, Routes and Resistance
Wednesday, Feb. 4 & Thursday, Feb. 5 | 9 a.m.¨C5 p.m. & 10:30 a.m.¨C5 p.m.
McBride Gathering Space

Join Muslim Life, the CSRCS, and the Truitt Center for an interactive exhibit exploring the history of Black American Muslims, aligned with this year¡¯s Black History Month theme, ¡°History in the Making: Honoring our Roots, Routes, and Resistance.¡± The walk-through traces the community¡¯s roots, its growth from Chicago, and the role of Islam as a pathway of resistance for Black Americans.

Black Table Talk
Wednesday, Feb. 11 | 5:30¨C7 p.m.
McBride Gathering Space

Tiny Shelf Concert
Friday, Feb. 13 | 5:30¨C7 p.m.
Belk Library

A Tiny Shelf Concert that highlights the rich cultural contributions of Black artists and Elon Jazz Studies! Come through, be inspired, and honor Black excellence through the power of music!

African American Literature Read-In
Tuesday, Feb. 17 | 5¨C6:30 p.m.
Belk Library 113

Gather to read aloud or just listen as folks share favorite works by African American writers. Poetry, stories, excerpts, quotes, etc. Light refreshments provided!

Black History Month Basketball Game
Friday, Feb. 20 | 7 p.m.
Schar Center

Cheer on your Lady Phoenix as they face off against Campbell. Come for the game, stay for the opportunity to win some cool prizes!

Carnaval Celebration
Wednesday, Feb. 25 | 5:30¨C7 p.m.
McKinnon Hall

Carnival is a lively celebration of music, dance, costumes, and parades, celebrated worldwide¡ªmost famously in Brazil¡ªand in places like Trinidad and Tobago, Haiti, Colombia and Bolivia, each with its own unique traditions.

Black Solidarity Conference
Friday, Feb. 27 | Noon¨C5:30 p.m.
McKinnon Hall

The ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ Black Solidarity Conference is dedicated to bringing together students, faculty, and community members to celebrate community, explore Black identity and intersectionality, and strengthen solidarity across campus.

Africa Night
Saturday, Feb. 28 | 6¨C8:30 p.m.
Alumni Gym

African Night celebrates the rich diversity of Africa under the theme ¡°One Continent, Many Stories¡± through music, dance, food and performances, offering an opportunity to connect with our community, explore vibrant cultures, share traditions, and honor the beauty and unity of African heritage.

As a reminder from my email on Friday, the new first-year residential student parking lot, the ¡°Gateway Lot,¡± is open. Be sure to review the parking information and map on the ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ Safety & Police website for more information.? And here is this week¡¯s Phoenix Five:

Kwame Anthony Appiah: Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Address

Thursday, Jan. 8, 6 p.m., McCrary Theatre, Center for the Arts

Attend the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Address with . A leading global thinker and New York Times ethicist, Appiah is a recipient of the National Humanities Medal and is known for encouraging thoughtful conversations that bridge differences and emphasize our shared humanity. Admission is $15 or free with your Elon ID. Get your tickets at .

Burst the Bubble 2026

?workshops?are free, student-led, non-credit programs where students share their knowledge with their peers during Winter Term. ?Open to all students, these programs are fun activities with no grades and an opportunity to connect with other students who have similar interests. .

Spring Recruitment for IFC Fraternities and Panhellenic Association Sororities is Now Open

Spring recruitment for IFC fraternities and Panhellenic Association sororities is now open. begins Friday, Jan. 23, while begins Friday, Jan. 30. The Panhellenic registration deadline is Tuesday, Jan. 6, and the IFC registration deadline is Friday, Jan. 16. For more information, visit the . Questions about IFC fraternity recruitment can be directed to Aniya Jerkins at ajerkins@elon.edu or 336-278-7214. Questions about Panhellenic sorority recruitment can be directed to Kayla Hedrick at khedrick@elon.edu or 336-278-7214.

Intersect Diversity & Leadership Event in Recognition of the National Day of Racial Healing

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 11:45 a.m.¨C 1:30 p.m., McKinnon Hall

Join the Center for Leadership and the Center for Race, Ethnicity and Diversity Education (CREDE) for the Intersect Diversity and Leadership Event in recognition of the National Day of Racial Healing. This year¡¯s keynote speaker is Spirit Tawfiq, daughter of Minnijean Brown Trickey of the Little Rock Nine, who will share powerful reflections on storytelling, leadership and healing. . For more information, visit the .

Men¡¯s Basketball vs Campbell

Saturday, Jan. 10, 7 p.m., Schar Center

Come cheer on the men¡¯s basketball team as they host Campbell University. Bring your maroon and gold pride to Schar on Saturday, Jan. 10! Get your .

Here are your Phoenix Five for the upcoming week:

Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week

Monday, Nov. 10 to Friday, Nov. 14

The Kernodle Center for Civic Life and Elon Volunteers! invite you to engage in a week of service and education focused on food insecurity and housing. Participate in volunteer projects at the Second Harvest Food Bank, a food drive supporting Southern Alamance Family Empowerment (S.A.F.E), a panel with local leaders and a tour of a local Habitat for Humanity house. ¾Ã¾ÃÈÈ can register for volunteer shifts on .

Eat Around the World

Experience global flavors and cultural connections right here on campus! This week, gather at the events that celebrate community through food.

Ramen Across Asia

Wednesday, Nov. 12, 5:30 p.m., Moseley Kitchen

Join the Asian-Pacific Student Association for a flavorful journey through Asia¡¯s beloved noodle soups! Sample regional ramen styles and learn about their cultural roots. From Japanese classics to Korean, Filipino, and Chinese variations. RSVP on .

Caf¨¦ Con Leche

Wednesday, Nov. 12, 5:30 p.m., El Centro, Carlton 114

Connect with fellow students at this monthly gathering centered on Latinx and Hispanic cultures. Share experiences, build friendships and explore college life in a welcoming, supportive environment open to all. This month will be Thanksgiving-themed! Come enjoy food, fellowship, and friendship. RSVP on .

SGA Townhall: Small Actions, Big Impact: How Individual Efforts Create Meaningful Change

Wednesday, Nov. 12, 6 p.m., Lakeside Meeting Rooms

Join SGA for a two-part event focused on taking action and creating change.

Part One: Hear from CrossRoads and the Gender & LGBTQIA Center on how small actions can lead to lasting impact in preventing sexual violence.
Part Two: Take part in roundtable discussions with local leaders and peers to explore how individual efforts can inspire collective transformation.

This is a great opportunity to connect, learn, and leave with ideas to make a difference. Follow for more information.

Late Night Elon: Limitless Showcase

Friday, Nov. 14, 7 p.m., College Street Taphouse

This Friday, the Taphouse is your spot for good vibes and good music. Join Late Night Elon and Limitless for a full night of music featuring student artists at the Limitless annual showcase. Visit for more information.

Elon Basketball Double Header

Saturday, Nov. 15, Women¡¯s Basketball at 5 p.m., Men¡¯s Basketball at 8 p.m., Schar Center

Come out and support Phoenix basketball in a special night of back-to-back action on the court! The women¡¯s team takes on Howard, followed by the men¡¯s team facing Gardner-Webb. and bring your Phoenix Spirit! Additionally, the National Pan-Hellenic Council will be collecting books at the game for students in the Alamance-Burlington School System.