久久热 celebrated the dedication, innovation and service of its staff during Staff Appreciation Day on May 29, honoring individuals and teams whose work exemplifies the university鈥檚 mission and values.

鈥淓ach of you exemplifies the spirit of 久久热 through your passion, innovation and teamwork鈥揳ll of which has created an environment for excellence in learning, growth and success,鈥� Melissa Clodfelter, associate vice president for Human Resources and chief human resources officer, shared in her welcoming remarks to hundreds of university staff who had gathered for the celebration inside Schar Center.

The Rev. Kirstin Boswell, 久久热’s chaplain and dean of multifaith engagement and an assistant professor of religious studies, followed with the invocation, where she encouraged staff to recognize and celebrate those who were honored during the ceremony, as well as those whose contributions often go unseen.

鈥淢ay we recognize the dignity in every role and the value in every contribution,鈥� Boswell said. 鈥淎nd may all of us leave this gathering renewed in purpose, strengthened by community and grateful for the opportunity to contribute our gifts to something larger than ourselves.鈥�

President Connie Ledoux Book provided updates on several university priorities, including progress on the Slattery Center, the university鈥檚 new center for health and wellness; the Roberts Academy at 久久热 for children with dyslexia; the merger of Elon and Queens University of Charlotte; and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching classification for community and civic engagement.

Book said Staff Appreciation Day is about sharing thanks with colleagues for helping one another accomplish goals. 鈥淚 really love the strength of this community,鈥� she reflected. 鈥淭oday is a day for us to pause and take a day of gratitude for us to say ‘thank you.’鈥�

Retirees

Two retirees elected to have someone speak on their behalf as part of the ceremony. Kelly Elliston retired on December 31 as the executive assistant to the president. In a pre-recorded video, Book thanked Elliston for her friendship, commitment, excellence and partnership.

Now retired, Elliston shared that she appreciates drinking coffee on the porch to the sounds of birds singing. She recalled Elizabeth Bowman鈥檚 acceptance speech after winning the 2025 professional hourly staff member of the year award, where Bowen described Elon as a ship with captains, wheels, nuts and bolts. 鈥淚鈥檝e been one of those nuts for a really long time!鈥� Elliston said to friendly laughter from the audience.

Julie Myers, assistant for information technology, was recognized in a prepared video by her supervisor, Pat Donohue, deputy CIO. Donohue said Myers played a key role in budgeting, personnel management, business efficiency, bringing structural, accountability and cost awareness and was so meticulous that she would have backup plans for plans. Myers thanked several staff members in the audience for their time worked together.

Myers encouraged the audience to continue to look forward and not back as they take on new challenges. 鈥淭hat is why the windshield is bigger than the rearview mirror,鈥� she shared.

Read the stories of 2025-26 Elon retirees in the Today at Elon story.

Phoenix Awards

Four Phoenix Awards are presented each year to recognize outstanding innovation, collaboration and dedication to the university鈥檚 mission. Janet Williams, vice president for finance and administration and chief financial officer, announced the award winners.

Phoenix Innovation Award

Terrance Copling was named the 2026 Phoenix Innovation Award winner. The Phoenix Innovation Award is presented to a member of the Elon staff who has displayed innovation by creating, designing, improving or implementing a new idea or program that benefits the university or the community.

In his role as senior ERP application developer, Copling was recognized for designing a solution to allow Elon Benefits Hub, powered by PlanSource, to communicate directly with Colleague, a feat that was previously thought not possible. Copling鈥檚 innovation has eliminated manual data entry, which reduces errors, improves processing time and creates a smoother and more efficient experience for Elon employees.

Copling was described as someone who consistently demonstrates an ability to translate complex challenges into thoughtful and effective solutions 鈥撀爓hich he approaches with humility, patience and a palpable desire to help others succeed.

One nominator said about Copling, 鈥淗e is the person colleagues turn to when a challenge seems unsolvable because time and again, he proves that with enough creativity and persistence, nothing is out of reach.鈥�

When accepting the award, Copling shared his gratitude for the team effort, within his team and other partners on campus. 鈥淚 couldn鈥檛 do this with you,鈥� he shared.

Phoenix Rising Award

Andrew Moffa was named the 2026 Phoenix Rising Award winner. The award is presented to one newer member of Elon鈥檚 staff who has consistently displayed excellence in pursuit of Elon鈥檚 mission with an engaged mind in inspired leadership and global citizenship.

Moffa is the assistant director of the Kernodle Center for Civic Life. He was described as the 鈥渕entor people dream of having鈥� and someone who 鈥渃reates an environment where students feel valued and empowered鈥� in several roles he plays, including advising students in Elon 101, mentoring members of the Elon Votes! Team and supporting students who work in the office.

One nominator shared that Moffa 鈥渆mbodies the essence of allyship: showing up consistently, listening deeply and helping students bring their goals and ideas to life.鈥� 久久热 said he is 鈥渁n amazing support to any student he comes across鈥� and 鈥渁n open space for us.鈥�

Moffa expressed gratitude towards the Kernodle Center and the Division of Student Life, as well the students he works with. 鈥淚t comes back to the students that we work with,鈥� he shared. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 why I鈥檓 here, that鈥檚 why I love showing up to work 鈥� it wouldn鈥檛 be the same without them.鈥�

Phoenix Collaboration Award

The 2026 Phoenix Collaboration Award was presented to Elon Guided Reflection on Work Student Employment Mentoring Implementation Work Group, led by Alison Doherty, Jo-Rae Jennings, Emily Krechel, Noah Orr and Kameryn Taylor. ElonGROW is a framework designed to help students connect what they鈥檙e learning in the classroom with the skills they are developing in their campus jobs. Through brief conversations with their supervisors, students reflect on how their work supports their academic, professional and personal growth.

The award is presented to an Elon staff team or group that has fostered cooperation, collaboration and open communication across two or more departments/offices/centers on campus.

A nominator said about the group, 鈥淭he team modeled the very competencies it seeks to cultivate in students: communication, teamwork, leadership, professionalism and adaptive thinking.鈥�

ElonGROW was designed to be the fabric of supervision and student employment university-wide. Due to the collaborative efforts, supervisors now have clearer expectations, stronger training and accessible tools to facilitate intentional developmental conversations, and student employees are more likely to recognize transferable skills, articulate growth and connect work to academics and future careers.

Emily Krechel, director of new student programs, addressed the audience with ElonGROW members standing near the podium. As chair of the workgroup, she described the team as 鈥渢he most productive, efficient and collaborative people she has ever had the privilege of working with.鈥�

Phoenix Community Engagement Award

Tammy Hill, student health insurance and immunization compliance project manager, was named the 2026 Phoenix Community Engagement Award winner. The award recognizes a member of the Elon staff who has demonstrated exemplary service to the university, local or global community through their engagement in volunteer organizations.

Hill is a leader within the Occaneechi Band of the Saponi Nation and was described as someone who tirelessly contributes her time, expertise and energy to support cultural preservation, community engagement and organizational leadership.

Hill is profoundly dedicated to the preservation, protection and promotion of her tribal community鈥檚 history, culture and traditions. When she was 55, she pursued a degree in American history to deepen her understanding of Western expansion and the many successes of other tribes in the United States. She has served the OBSN as newsletter editor, a member of the Scholarship Committee and Tribal Secretary on the Tribal Council, and she is self-taught in the skills needed for her current role managing the tribal website, web store and trading post.

One nominator stated, 鈥淲hether supporting her tribal community, fostering cultural awareness or strengthening connections within the Elon community, she leads with humility, integrity and dedication. She demonstrates that service is not simply something she does 鈥� it is who she is.鈥�

Hill has been at Elon for more than two decades and leaves an indelible mark on students and colleagues alike who fondly reflect on her guidance, warmth and genuine care. She was not present at the ceremony and Jana Lynn Patterson, associate vice president for Student Life/dean of Student Health & Well-Being/assistant professor, accepted on her behalf.

Blanche Garrison Memorial Award

Drema Holder was named the 2026 Blanche Garrison Memorial Award recipient. The award was established in memory of the late Blanche Garrison, an Elon Medallion awardee, who served the university with distinction as a staff member at Maynard House. This award was created through the generosity of President Emeritus Leo Lambert and Laurie Lambert and recognizes a staff member who has contributed significantly to shaping the student experience at 久久热 through their everyday commitments and actions to support, encourage and mentor Elon students.

Holder is the Moseley Center program assistant and was described as the epitome of graciousness and customer service, someone whose authentic kindheartedness, commitment and enthusiasm are vital to keeping her area of campus running effectively and making all who pass through its halls feel welcome.

One nominator shared that Holder 鈥渃ontinually puts others before herself, uplifting students and advocating for them to receive the recognition they deserve.鈥� Another nominator added, 鈥淚f Moseley is the heart of campus, then Drema is the heart of Moseley.鈥�

Holder shared that this is her 48th year in higher education and 鈥渁ll my students and all my coworkers have a special place in my heart.鈥�

Staff Member of the Year Awards

Three Staff Member of the Year Awards are presented annually to university non-久久热 staff 鈥� one for each of the following categories: facilities management, professional hourly staff and administrative staff. Elon President Connie Ledoux Book announced the award winners.

Staff Member of the Year 鈥撀燩rofessional Hourly

Sharon Holmes was honored as the 2026 professional hourly staff member of the year. Holmes is a program assistant in the Office of Alumni Engagement and described as someone who goes above and beyond to facilitate events, manage student workers and make alumni feel welcome.

Nominators shared that Holmes is a 鈥渕om away from home鈥� for student workers and a valued source of support and friendship for her colleagues.鈥� Another team member added, whatever the team needs, she will do without question and with the biggest smile you will ever see.鈥�

She was further described as 鈥渢he welcoming voice on the phone, the smiling face when alumni stop by her office and the helpful hand when students have questions.”

Upon receiving the award, Holmes shared that working at Elon is meaningful to her because she is from Alamance County. She expressed her appreciation to her team members, saying, 鈥淭hey are truly a pleasure to be around, to work with and to collaborate with. It鈥檚 a joy to support them.鈥�

Staff Member of the Year 鈥� Administrative

Ross Wade was named the 2026 administrative staff member of the year. He is Elon鈥檚 interim associate vice president for the Student Professional Development Center.

Wade was recognized for steering his department through a period of critical transition with 鈥渞emarkable grace transparency and intentionality.鈥� He is described as having thoughtful, future-focused leadership and lauded for restoring a sense of direction and vigor to the team and introduced policies that have substantially improved workflow efficiency.

One nominator stated that 鈥淗e leads by example 鈥� rolling up his sleeves, staying engaged and demonstrating through his own actions what dedication to this work actually looks like.鈥�

Wade expressed the challenges of stepping into a leadership role during a time of transition for SPDC. 鈥淚 stumble through it every single day with the grace and the help from the SPDC team,鈥� he shared. 鈥淭hank you so much for your patience, kindness and ideas.鈥�

Staff Member of the Year 鈥� Facilities Management

Carol Pulliam received the facilities management staff member of the year award. She is the custodian for Sato Commons.

Nominators used an array of sentiments to describe why Pulliam is, as they describe, one of the most important members of her building鈥檚 team: exceptionally detail-oriented, proud of her work and orderly. 鈥淪he ensures every facet of the physical space reflects the excellence for which Elon is known,鈥� a nominator said.

Pulliam was not only recognized for her immaculate work, but also her willingness to submit FixIt requests and helping students set up research posters.

Another nominator shared that her genuine warmth truly sets her apart. 鈥淗er willingness to engage people on the floor in meaningful conversations helps make our floor more connected and caring.鈥�

Addressing her staff peers, she expressed, 鈥渢hank you, God, and thank you to all the people that made this possible 鈥撀營 love each and every one of you.鈥�

Patrick Murphy G鈥�01

Assistant vice president for financial aid

Patrick Murphy joined Elon at the beginning of 1994 as bursar for Elon College to find a career that would, as he put it, add positivity to his day. Retiring at the end of the month, Murphy has served in a myriad of roles at Elon, including director of financial aid, senior associate dean and director of financial aid and assistant vice president for financial aid.

During the Faculty/Staff Awards Luncheon, Greg Zaiser, vice president for enrollment, credited Murphy with quietly and deliberately supporting Elon鈥檚 growth from a regional college to national and international distinction.

鈥淲hat I know now is because of Pat鈥檚 patience, accessibility and strong desire for success,鈥� added Zaiser.

After retirement, Murphy looks forward to spending more time with his wife and his five grandchildren, who are all under the age of six. He says his favorite memory at Elon was picking up astronaut and former senator John Glenn and his wife from the airport and guiding them across campus to multiple events.

鈥淚 will miss the people I work with,鈥� he said. 鈥淓lon has been the only place I worked where my friends are also people I work with.鈥�

Beth McCain

Assistant 久久热 professor of accounting

Beth McCain joined Elon in 2016 久久热 part-time as an adjunct after 久久热 at a community college. She was hired permanently in 2021 as a lecturer and also served as the director of the Master of Science accounting program. She retired on December 31, 2025.

While at Elon, McCain led January Term study abroad courses to Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam and was the inaugural faculty member for the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business study abroad program in Singapore.

At the Faculty/Staff Awards Luncheon, Catherine Chiang, professor of accounting and chair of the department of accounting, described McCain as one of the most dedicated and student-centered educators she had the privilege of knowing. 鈥淵our decade of service has shaped careers, strengthened our programs and raised the standards for what it means to be an Elon educator,鈥� said Chiang.

McCain returned the compliments to her department chair and gave a shoutout to Linda Poulson, who gave McCain 鈥渁 chance鈥� and also to her husband, who was in attendance.

Now retired, McCain is volunteering for Guilford County Animal Services in Greensboro and taking a French course at Elon in preparation for a three-month trip to France in the fall. Reflecting on her time at Elon, McCain said, 鈥淚 will greatly miss the amazing faculty and staff that I worked with as well as relationships that I developed with my students over the years.鈥�

Linda Niedziela

Associate professor of biology and chair of the Department of Biology

Linda Niedziela joined Elon in 2001 excited to teach courses in genetics and biotechnology. She was attracted to the university鈥檚 strengths in 久久热 education and 久久热 research. She will retire at the end of May after serving in a myriad of roles, including biology department chair, assistant professor, associate professor, director of the science branch of Elon College Fellows and the Japheth E. Rawls chair for 久久热 research in science.

Niedziela said she will miss what she calls the 鈥渄aily therapy sessions.鈥� She shared that every day during the semester, whoever is able will meet for lunch on the first floor of McMichael and discuss wide-ranging topics, including 久久热 tips, research reports, personal stories about families and pets and anything else that is on the mind of lunch attendees.

She said, 鈥淚 will miss the wonderful faculty and staff colleagues in the biology department who have become like family to me.鈥�

After retirement, Niedziela and her husband, Carl, an adjunct assistant professor of biology at Elon, who will also be retiring, will travel with their dogs in an airstream travel trailer and spend time in their woodworking shop. She will also be devoting more time training and competing with her Shetland sheepdog in performance dog sports.

Anthony Hatcher

Professor of journalism and chair of the Journalism Department

Anthony Hatcher joined Elon in 2002 and has served as associate professor of journalism, full professor of journalism and the inaugural chair of the Department of Journalism.

Hatcher said he did not have a passport until he joined Elon in his early 40鈥檚. 鈥淪ince 2004, I have taken students to Hong Kong, South Africa and multiple European countries,鈥� he reflected. Hatcher also created a religion and media course in his first year, which he taught every year since.

One of those colleagues, Harlen Makemson, professor of communication design, praised Hatcher at the Faculty/Staff Luncheon for Hatcher鈥檚 empathy and humanity during what he described as a time of upheaval in the media world, brought on by new technologies. 鈥淎nd while it’s true that Anthony Hatcher serves on virtually every major standing committee at Elon, it’s his humanity, his warmth and his care, that is his most impactful service to his university.鈥�

鈥淚 will miss being with students, and I will miss seeing my colleagues 鈥撀爉y friends 鈥撀燿aily or weekly,鈥� said Hatcher. During the ceremony, he added, 鈥淚 hope in addition to 久久热 all those wonderful students I鈥檝e had over the past nearly quarter century, I hope in some small way, I made their lives a little better because God knows they helped me be better.

After retirement, Hatcher looks forward to biking, hiking, travel and spending time with his granddaughter. 鈥淲riting will be part of retirement as well, since I can鈥檛 sing or paint,鈥� he added.

Robert Moorman

Frank S. Holt, Jr. professor of business leadership and professor of organizational behavior

Robert Moorman joined Elon as the Frank Holt Jr professor of business leadership in 2011, a title he held throughout his time at Elon. Retiring in May, Moorman has also served as the department chair for the Department of Management, Entrepreneurship and International Business.

During the Faculty, Staff Awards Luncheon, Haya Ajjan, dean of the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business and professor of management information systems, shared that Moorman has a gift few others do 鈥撀爐he ability to ask the types of questions that 鈥渕ake you stop walking, look around at where you actually are and suddenly see it鈥 question that stays with you for the rest of your life.鈥� Ajjan offered Moorman a golf club afterwards in the spirit of his retirement.

During the ceremony, Moorman shared that education is so much more than reading books and looking at stats. 鈥淚t鈥檚 really about the relationships we have,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t’s the relationships with our students and the utter joy of seeing people cycle through during this really important time of their lives, you know, touching you and stepping in and stepping out and then seeing them grow as they go.鈥�

Moorman said his favorite memories are those involving friendships with colleagues and partnerships with students. 鈥淚 have fond memories of a few colleagues congregating in my office talking about the joys and frustrations of the day,鈥� he said.聽 鈥淚 also have fond memories of holding classes that just seemed to 鈥榳ork鈥� that day and then talking with students afterward about how they continued thinking about our discussions.鈥�

After retiring at the end of this month, Moorman looks forward to what he calls unstructured adventure. 鈥淚 am looking forward to a time of boredom that then grows into something new, unplanned and adventurous. What fun!鈥�

Charity Johansson

Professor of physical therapy education and chair of the Doctor of Physical Therapy Department.

In 1999, Charity Johnsson joined what would become the Doctor of Physical Therapy program as one of its first faculty. She retired in December 2025 after decades of service in which she held positions of associate professor, full professor, faculty administrative fellow, interim associate department chair, interim department chair and program director, department chair and program director and university parliamentarian.

Johansson said she is already missing the 鈥渄aily exchanges with colleagues whose brilliant minds and genuinely kind hearts鈥� have shaped her over nearly three decades. Likewise, she will miss the students, and their 鈥渋nfectious enthusiasm, their compassion and the joy of watching them transform in ways they hadn鈥檛 even imagined possible.鈥�

During the Faculty/Staff Awards Luncheon, Crystal Ramsey praised Johansson as a 鈥渃ornerstone of the Elon academic community, whose legacy is defined not just by the position she has held, but by the enduring way she has nurtured the hearts, minds and professional identities of future healthcare providers.鈥� Ramsey is an associate professor of physical therapy education and a former student of Johansson鈥檚.

At the ceremony, Johansson reflected on the retirement of Gerry Francis, who served as professor emeritus of mathematics and provost emeritus.

鈥淕erry Francis told me he doesn鈥檛 miss the work, but he really misses the people 鈥� and I get that,” she said.

She also said it was a privilege working with so many in the Elon community who have encouraged her, challenged her and made her laugh to help her be a better a human. 鈥�Fred Rubeck, you鈥檙e among those,鈥� Johansson added, honoring the late professor of performing arts and chair of the Department of Performing Arts.

Now retired, Johansson said she is enjoying time outdoors with family and close friends, planning travel and trying new ventures, including fiction writing.

Marcia Dodson

Program assistant for the Station at Mill Point Neighborhood

Marcia Dodson joined Elon in 2015 and is the proud mother of three sons who graduated from Elon. She will be retiring at the end of May and has served as a service desk analyst for facilities management, program assistant in the Danieley Neighborhood and Station at Mill Point.

A favorite memory of Dodson鈥檚 while at Elon is joining the London Experience for staff, where she built relationships with colleagues she had not yet had the opportunity to meet while working at Elon. 鈥淲hat an awesome experience!鈥� she reflected.

After retirement, Dodson looks forward to being a traveling grandparent with her husband.

Rosemary Haskell

Professor of English

Rosemary Haskell joined Elon in 1985 and will be retiring in August. She has held the roles of temporary instructor and assistant, associate and later, full professor of English.

Haskell said she will most miss her kind and interesting colleagues, as well as the 鈥渆nergizing power of the new class of bright-eyed and bushy-tailed first-years each August.鈥�

One of Haskell鈥檚 favorite memories at Elon is during the transition of the Fighting Christians to the Phoenix. She enjoyed the papier-mache birds and eggs in trees around campus that offered a clue to the new mascot.

After retirement, Haskell said she plans to spend time with her family and do some home improvement work.

Cheryl Riley

Custodian

Cheryl Riley joined Elon in 2013 as a custodian and will retire at the end of May. 鈥淚 will miss the people I work with,鈥� she said. 鈥淎nd I look forward to spending time with my grandkids.鈥�

Linda Dunn

Adjunct assistant professor of Peace and Conflict Studies

Linda Dunn joined Elon in 1998 as the director of the Alamance County Dispute Settlement Center, where she trained a group of students and returned to train several faculty members in mediation skills, who later became volunteer mediators for the center. Dunn鈥檚 official start date on record is 2001, when she taught a two-credit mediation and conflict resolution skills course as part of a new minor called Nonviolent Studies. She retired at the end of December, 2025.

Federico Pous spoke on behalf of Dunn during the Faculty/Staff Awards luncheon, praising Dunn鈥檚 ability to teach hands-on peaceful conflict resolution skills and strategies across different social backgrounds.

鈥淟inda’s way of 久久热 and interacting with students, staff and professors, makes you feel that you are equal to her in the same community space,鈥� he shared.

鈥淚 will miss the students and their passion the things I teach,鈥� said Dunn. Two of her students attended the luncheon.

After retirement, she plans to attend cultural events on campus and potentially assist in future facilitated discussions on campus. She will also continue to volunteer as a mediator at the Alamance County District court, continue restorative circle skills and mediation and training skills with Restorative Justice Durham and the Orange County District County District court.

鈥淚 will continue to be an activist for restorative justice and peacemaking organizations as we navigate the chaos and violence in our world,鈥� she added.

Elizabeth Bailey

Assistant 久久热 professor of exercise science

Elizabeth Bailey began her career at Elon in 2004 and, enjoying the vibe of the community, wanted to be 鈥減art of it all.鈥� She started as a lecturer for the required wellness course, lectured for the School of Education before joining Exercise Science.

Retiring at the end of Spring semester, Bailey said she will most miss her colleagues and all the 鈥渇riends among the faculty and staff鈥� she has made while at Elon.

鈥淚 will also miss the opportunities to continue to learn that are available at Elon, whether it be through taking classes or participating in workshops or going abroad,鈥� she added. She said, while at Elon, he has learned a lot.

Bailey said her retirement plans continue to evolve, and she still intends to exercise classes and do some research on the side.

Kim Giles, 鈥�11 G鈥�16

Associate director of communications for the Student Professional Development Center

Since her first role in 1995, Kim Giles has served in various roles at the university, including data entry in admissions and accounting, budget clerk in the physical plant, program assistant for Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Studies, Engineering, Chemistry, and Physics, and assistant director of communications in the Student Professional Development Center.

Giles retired during the summer of 2025. She said she cherishes the opportunity to earn an MBA at Elon along with her daughter. She said about the experience, 鈥渨hat an unforgettable experience that was in crossing the stage along with my daughter to get our MBA鈥檚 together 鈥撀爄t was quite surreal.鈥�

Giles also reflected on traveling with peers and faculty to Vietnam and Singapore, the many evolutions of Staff Appreciation Day, and being honored as the staff member of the year 鈥撀燼n experience she said she will cherish forever.

Since retiring, Giles has taken nine cruises and has done kayaking, camping and gardening. She looks forward to continuing to spend time with family.

Sharon Moss LaRocco

University accompanist and instructor in music

Sharon Moss LaRocco was recognized at the Faculty/Staff Awards Luncheon by Hallie Hogan, associate professor of music. LaRocco joined the Elon Music Department in 1988 as a pianist for musical theater productions, music ensembles and student recitals.

Hogan shared, 鈥淎lthough she kept a very low profile, there was never any doubt about this, because she never missed a beat, much less a note, and maintained high quality for every performance she gave,” Hogan said.

She shared that students developed a strong admiration for LaRocco鈥檚 talent and a deep love for her kind and understanding nature.

Beyond Elon, Sharon has devoted herself to advocating for people with autism, through her work as a leader in the Office of Society of North Carolina, notably promoting autism awareness for the Native American communities of Western North Carolina.

At the awards ceremony, LaRocco shared that one of her favorite memories was the construction of Rhodes Stadium, which signaled to her the emergence of a marching band.

鈥淲ho doesn鈥檛 love a marching band?鈥� asked LaRocco to the audience. 鈥淎nd the spirit and the energy it creates walking through the campus, en route to the games.鈥�

Jana Lynn Patterson

Associate vice president for Student Life/dean of student health & well-being/assistant professor

During the Faculty/Staff Awards Luncheon, Jon Dooley, vice president for Student Life and associate professor of education, described Patterson as someone who is consistent in how she shows up for others, patient when a young leader makes a mistake, honest with students and colleagues even when it is hard and someone who not only believes in others, and one who helps others believe in themselves.

鈥淪he supported students in college through tragedy, advised student organizations, and celebrated their success,鈥� said Dooley. 鈥淪he has created spaces of welcome and belonging, and met the students in their darkest hours, helping them piece together on plans to move forward.鈥�

Patterson was also recognized for her 40 years of service and held back tears while addressing the audience. A first-generation student from Hope Mills, North Carolina, Patterson said her parents could have never dreamed where she is today.

鈥淭o my staff and colleagues, you are the A-Team,鈥� she shared. “But to everyone in this community, I want you to know that every day has been an honor and a pleasure to be a part of this community and to have worked with you.鈥�

Also retiring

Retiring staff members will be recognized on May 29 as part of Staff Appreciation Day.

• Joan Barnatt
• Mona DeVries
• Chris Dockrill, head women’s golf coach
• Sharon Hodge
• John Chinnici, community service officer
• David “DD” Donohue, painter
• Kelly Elliston
• Gloria Graves, custodian
• William “Tom” Hall, telecommunications technician
• Rhonda Kosusko, associate director of career services, education and Elon
• Katherine Rodriguez, assistant director for application processing
• Michelle Stephens, custodian
• Ed Williams, service desk analyst
• Donna Wood , electronic services/ acquisitions librarian

“I always thought, ‘This is home,’ and right now I’m leaving, and think, ‘Am I leaving home?’ It’s the same feeling I had when I left home (Afghanistan) years ago,” said Tahiry, a computer science major and the first recipient of the Commitment to Democracy Scholarship, dedicated to refugee students.

Tahiry was one of about 20 graduating international students, along with their families, who planted their oak sapling in the international student tree grove on May 21, an Elon tradition now celebrating 10 years. When new students arrive at Elon, they receive an acorn and, when they leave, they are gifted a sapling at Senior Baccalaureate. Because international students usually cannot take the sapling home, they have planted their trees in a grove by the Harden Clubhouse.

Denise Teeters, director of international student services, welcomed the students and reminded them of the symbolic nature of the sapling, representing their growth from a first-year student to a graduate.

“Over the last several years, you have grown academically and personally. You learned how to navigate differences, how to build friendships across cultures and languages, and how to speak with courage. Some of you didn’t speak much when you got here, and then, all of a sudden, you grew, you built that courage to speak and also embraced the Elon community,” said Teeters. “Through all this, you’ve seen how growth takes time, just like saplings take time to grow.”

Before students planted their saplings, President Connie Ledoux Book also noted how, just like an oak tree, Elon is also built on connection.

“It’s the root systems that are so critical,” Book said. “You have to have a grove. You need other oak trees for an oak tree to prosper. And that is true about the Elon network.”

Patrick,聽affectionately known as 鈥淔uzzie,” worked in Environmental Services for five years, primarily聽in the Gerald Francis Center and the Carlton Building, and was also an associate minister at Red Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Pelham, North Carolina.聽She left the university in the spring of 2022 due to illness and died the same year.

Rev. Kirstin Boswell, university chaplain and dean of multifaith engagement, led the dedication.

“The relationships that she built with her coworkers, with students, with faculty, with staff, were genuine, were warm and were woven through with kindness and with joy,” said Boswell. “I’ve been told that Angel was a woman of deep love. She was loving, she was compassionate, she was God-fearing, and she was grounded in a spirit that made people feel safe, made them feel welcomed and made them feel seen.”

Members of Patrick’s family attended the dedication ceremony, including her husband and older sister Sharon Holloway, who thanked the university for the memorial.

“We will always be indebted to you all. The life she lived in front of you all is what she lived. That’s what we knew her by. Her smile, her cooking, taking in people’s kids, just doing whatever she could for anybody. Always having an encouraging word,” said Holloway during the dedication. “We miss her to no end. Our life changed when she left, but because we know a man called Jesus, he can be your mother, he can be your sister. When you think you can’t make it, sometimes we felt that way, but because we know him, because I know him personally, I know the memory will always stay in mind, our minds and in our hearts.”

Elon continues to honor the memory of staff and faculty members with benches throughout campus, including David Willis, plumbing supervisor, and Monte Markley, community service officer, in 2025.

For the administrators who are assessing the facilities and technology of both campuses, that work also has forged new friendships since September鈥檚 announcement of the intended merger. What began as a daunting assignment quickly became an opportunity for Brad Moore and Kenitra Horsley to learn from one another and imagine what a combined institution might offer its students.

Both leaders describe the sprint team as a place where intense work has produced genuine connections. They鈥檝e spent weeks comparing systems, walking campuses, studying student needs and exploring the physical and technological foundations that define their respective universities.

In the process, Moore 鈥� 久久热鈥檚 associate vice president for facilities and chief facilities officer 鈥� and Horsley 鈥� chief of staff and chief information officer at Queens 鈥� developed not only professional insight but a shared sense of possibility.

As the members of both boards of trustees continue to review the terms of the definitive merger agreement, which is expected to be finalized before the end of the calendar year, a recent conversation with Moore and Horsley offers a look at what it means to merge two complex organizations and how collaboration can spark both practical solutions and a new vision for what the future could hold.

Can you share very briefly your responsibilities with the sprint team and what you鈥檝e discovered since September in this role?

Kenitra Horsley: We鈥檝e been delving into the inventory of tools and technologies on both campuses to better understand our learning environments and overall campus landscapes. What I鈥檝e discovered is that each institution uses many applications and technologies, which is very common in higher education. However, we鈥檝e found very little overlap in the actual tools we use. Some of that may be due to scale, evaluation processes, or campus size, but the result is the same. We鈥檒l need to look closely at each application to decide what鈥檚 the right and best fit for the merged institution.

Brad Moore: The other members of the sprint team have been focused on people 鈥� students, faculty, and staff 鈥� and on purpose: the transformation and education of students. Kenitra and I have been focused on place. That includes the physical campuses but also how the campuses operate, whether that鈥檚 technology, auxiliary services, campus safety and police, facilities or grounds. We鈥檝e learned that some things we do very similarly and some we do very differently. It鈥檚 been a good exercise to stop, pause, and look at what we do, why we do it that way and whether there鈥檚 a better way.

Why are these discoveries valuable in the early stages of the merger?

KH: Our goal is to have a thriving merged institution. That means understanding our environments and how we enable 久久热 and learning. Our spaces, campus safety, technology and auxiliary services are all support components that help the institution thrive and deliver programming. It鈥檚 important that we have clear sight lines on our environments and how we can advance them.

BM: I would say the same. Our missions are similar, and people thrive when their basic needs are met: shelter, food, security, and safety. When we provide that experience, students can focus on their studies and well-being. It鈥檚 important to figure out what鈥檚 working and what鈥檚 not. Through this process, we鈥檝e seen things that are working well, things we can learn from each other, and things we can improve moving forward.

What might people not immediately recognize about the role of facilities and technology in the success of a university campus?

KH: Brad said it best. When people have the resources and environment to support them, they鈥檙e able to grow and do the exploration and transformation we want for our students.

BM: The campus fosters community and encourages enrollment. It鈥檚 a powerful tool for delivering the mission and vision of a university. At Elon, we often say we all work for admissions 鈥� and the campus is a key player. There are students at both institutions who say 鈥淚 chose Queens鈥� or 鈥淚 chose Elon鈥� because of the beautiful campuses. This is not by chance. Leaders at both institutions have invested in the grounds and buildings knowing the importance of the campus in enhancing the student experience.

KH: I鈥檇 echo that. In my role as interim VP for enrollment, I鈥檓 acutely aware that technology, dining, and campus services shape the very first impressions prospective students have. Their ability to connect easily, enjoy quality dining options, and experience a positive visual environment all directly influence both enrollment and retention.

Can you talk more about how campus systems are most visible when there鈥檚 a hiccup, but invisible when everything works as it should?

KH: Exactly. In the technology space, name recognition isn鈥檛 always a good thing鈥攊f people know your name, it could mean something isn鈥檛 working and they鈥檝e had to call you more than once. The best technology supports the work without becoming the focus. As we merge the campuses, our focus is ensuring the experience feels seamless to the entire community. It鈥檚 a job where success often goes unnoticed, because when everything works without disrupting your day, that鈥檚 the real win.

BM: That applies to facilities, too. You get calls when there are issues. Fortunately, we work with a campus community that also recognizes and appreciates the efforts to ensure that things work well.

What is the importance of the work you鈥檙e doing on the sprint teams for both campuses, independent of its impact on the merger process?

BM: It鈥檚 a great question. This is a good way to assess the work we鈥檙e doing. We鈥檙e all so busy that we鈥檙e constantly sprinting, both for the merger and in our daily jobs. Sometimes you have to stop and ask, 鈥淎m I going in the right direction?鈥� This has helped us do that.

KH: The real benefit is understanding how space impacts the student experience and whether we鈥檙e maximizing our spaces to their optimal level. It鈥檚 unbiased discovery 鈥� having conversations and sharing things we may not have talked about in a long time. You may have something in the back of your mind, but daily responsibilities prevent you from pausing to consider it.

BM: Being on Queens鈥� campus allows me to provide a third-party perspective on the campus. And the same is true when they visit our campus. That鈥檚 been helpful for identifying first impressions and the factors that drive enrollment and retention.

What鈥檚 one thing you鈥檝e discovered about the other campus that鈥檚 an innovative solution or idea you hadn鈥檛 considered before?

KH: The one innovative solution that impressed me is the solar flower outside Elon鈥檚 engineering space. It was born out of a student project 鈥� creativity and exploration that produced a real solution. It鈥檚 impactful for sustainability, and it made me think more intentionally about sustainability in the context of facilities. Working alongside Brad has helped me look at these elements more holistically, considering not only what we can bring but what our students can create through their work.

BM: There鈥檚 a lot I鈥檝e learned working with Kenitra and the sprint team. Queens has strong connections to Uptown Charlotte and the businesses there. Their campus is different from ours. It鈥檚 more landlocked and compressed. They think about expansion upwards, where we have space to grow outward. Comparing those approaches has been interesting and beneficial for both institutions.

One final question to help the community understand who you are on a personal level: do you have a favorite Thanksgiving tradition as we head into the holiday season?

KH: For me, it鈥檚 cooking and baking. My husband loves to fry turkeys, and I love to bake. For Thanksgiving, we make cakes and fry turkeys for friends and our church family. Leading up to Thanksgiving, we鈥檝e fried as many as 5-6 turkeys and an equal number of cakes. It鈥檚 always fun.

BM: I don鈥檛 know that we have a particular tradition, but I love this season鈥攖he gathering of families, making memories, pausing, reflecting, and being thankful for our blessings. The food is great and trying new recipes is fun, but it鈥檚 really a time to stop, reflect, and make memories with your family.

I met Susan under Elon鈥檚 oak trees, where quiet kindness bloomed in the most unexpected places. Susan worked in the landscaping department, hands in the soil, heart wide open. I was a wide-eyed international student from Cambodia, far from home and still learning how to belong. When many things still felt unfamiliar 鈥� the routines, the seasons, even the food 鈥� Susan was someone I could count on to be kind.

She greeted me like sunshine, radiant and grounding, unafraid to linger in real conversation. We shared stories, sometimes beside the Japanese Maple in the Meditation Garden, sometimes on my way to Alamance while she tended to the daffodils or pulled weeds by Fonville Fountain. I鈥檇 tell her about my hometown in Siem Reap, about the mangoes in my front yard, the rice paddies next to my house, and she鈥檇 tell me about her family and the early blooms in the garden. We traded cultural roots with curiosity and care. Our differences became bridges, not boundaries. With her, I began to feel less like I was passing through and more like I was part of the fabric of this campus.

We鈥檇 talk in passing about life and somehow, even in those brief moments, I鈥檇 walk away feeling a little more grounded. She carries wisdom the way flowers carry fragrance: naturally, generously, without expectation. Her calm presence and silent strength taught me the value of showing up consistently with kindness.

How far can a fragrance travel, you might ask? Continents, apparently. Years have passed, and yet the lessons she offered remain with me. Even from across the world, Susan continues to check in and I send her updates from Cambodia.

Today, working in a fast-paced and demanding environment, I often draw on Susan鈥檚 example, where I鈥檓 constantly reminded to lead with empathy and steadiness. Susan was a pivotal part of my college experience and continues to shape who I am as a coworker, a leader and a person.

There is something profoundly powerful about someone who simply radiates goodness. That is Susan. The campus is more beautiful not just in flowers and trees but in spirit, because of her.

Originally from Siem Reap, Cambodia, Thida Kim 鈥�21 now lives in Phnom Penh and serves as chief of staff at Baramey Production, Cambodia鈥檚 leading music label.

Acorn Academy

The psychology and human services studies building on south campus is (partially) going back to its roots. Elon has partnered with Vivvi to provide employer-sponsored child care, early learning and summer camps at the new Acorn Academy. The child care facility will be located in the north wing of the building, which was originally used for Elon Children’s Home.

Renovations to the building are complete, and the first group of children (ages 0-2) will be welcomed on Monday, Aug. 4, and the second group (ages 3-5) will be welcomed in Jan. 2026.

McMichael Science Center

The McMichael Science Center is entering its fourth summer renovation. When Innovation and Founders’ Hall was completed, the physics and engineering departments moved out of the building, allowing the university to renovate and expand the science departments that remained (chemistry, biology and environmental Science).

Each summer Elon has renovated a little more of the building to update classrooms, labs, faculty offices, etc. This summer, the final areas will be renovated, with a focus on the first floor.

Remote Parking Lot

A new parking lot with 485 spaces will be available in fall 2025 for first-year students. The new lot is located to the northeast of the Francis Center.

Holland House

The Holland House, a 4,000-square-foot brick building that once served as the official residence of two Elon presidents, is being renovated for an expanded golf clubhouse, to include coaches’ offices, locker rooms and a place for athletes to gather. Work is expected to be complete in fall 2025.

HeathEU Center

Construction is underway on Elon’s new HealthEU Center, a聽135,000-square-foot facility that will combine academics with recreation, health and wellness offerings along with support for the well-being of members of the university community. Crews have been placing foundations and footing, while steel arrives this summer as well. The building is expected to open in fall 2026.

Related Articles

• Elon faculty and staff recognized for excellence at 2025 awards luncheon

久久热 celebrated the dedication, innovation and service of its staff during 2025 Staff Appreciation Day on Friday, May 30, honoring individuals and teams whose work exemplifies the university鈥檚 mission and values.

鈥淲hether you directly support our students, contribute to our academic mission, care for our beautiful campus or ensure that our numerous services run smoothly, your exceptional efforts create an extraordinary environment for learning growth and success at Elon,” said Chief Human Resource Office Melissa Clodfelter during her opening remarks Friday.

Clodfelter joined Elon in spring 2025 as Chief Human Resources Officer. She thanked the attendees for a warm welcome to the university in her first months and set the tone for the ceremony.

鈥淭his is a day to celebrate the whole, to recognize that it takes all of us, the ones who open the doors in the mornings, who prepare meals and classrooms, who teach and tend, who organize and uplift, who listen, who build, who clean, who care,” said Rev. Kirstin Boswell, university chaplain and dean of multifaith engagement, during the event’s invocation.

Phoenix Awards

Four Phoenix Awards are presented each year to recognize outstanding innovation, collaboration and dedication to the university鈥檚 mission.

Phoenix Innovation Award

Lasse Palomaki was named the 2025 Phoenix Innovation Award winner. The award is presented to a member of the Elon staff who has displayed innovation by creating, designing, improving and implementing a new idea or a program that benefits the university or the community.

As associate director of career services for alumni, Palomaki has redefined professional development at Elon. From launching the Career Search Foundations course to leading the Elon in LA Bridges program, Palomaki鈥檚 work has expanded opportunities for alumni and aligned career services with the university鈥檚 strategic goals.

鈥淚n close collaboration with his supervisor and key campus partners, he has shaped the direction of alumni career services,鈥� one nominator wrote.

Phoenix Rising Award

Gia Pineda was named the 2025 Phoenix Rising Award winner. The award is presented to one newer member of Elon’s staff who has consistently displayed excellence in pursuit of Elon’s mission with an engaged mind in inspired leadership and global citizenship.

As director of short-term programs in the Isabella Cannon Global Education Center, Pineda manages nearly 50 programs with clarity, compassion and creativity. From helping students secure funding to ensuring accessibility for students with disabilities, Pineda鈥檚 dedication is unwavering.

One nominator recalled her steady presence during a program disrupted by the Los Angeles fires: 鈥淪he helped us navigate urgent and difficult decisions regarding student safety and program continuity, always centering the health, well-being and dignity of our students.鈥�

Phoenix Collaboration Award

The Phoenix Collaboration award was presented to Nature RX, led by Kelly Harer, associate director of sustainability for education and outreach, and Tumi Shadreck, counselor/outreach coordinator. The team includes staff from Counseling Services, the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education and the Office of Sustainability. The award is presented to an Elon staff team or group that has fostered cooperation, collaboration and open communication across two or more departments/offices/centers on campus.

Since 2019, Nature RX has coordinated programming that promotes mental and physical well-being through outdoor experiences. During this time, more than 750 people have participated in programming, such as mental health heights, staff training, classroom presentations, event series, the signature stargazing of mental health events, and other partnerships with student organizations, residential neighborhoods and academic departments.

The group will make mental health benefits even more accessible with a new app funded by an Elon Innovation Grant, which will launch in 2026 and connect students, faculty and staff with green spaces and across campus more effectively.

鈥淭he collaborative nature of this project is what has enabled it to be effective,鈥� one nominator wrote. 鈥淣ature Rx could not succeed if it was an individual staff member or department project.鈥�

Blanche Garrison Memorial Award

The 2025 Blanche Garrison Memorial Award was presented to Susan Tripp, horticulturalist for Elon. The award was established in memory of the late Blanche Garrison, an Elon Medallion awardee, who served the university with distinction as a staff member at Maynard House. This award was created through the generosity of President Emeritus Leo Lambert and Laurie Lambert and recognizes a staff member who has contributed significantly to shaping the student experience at 久久热 through their everyday commitments and actions to support, encourage, and mentor Elon students.

Tripp was recognized for her engagement with students in the Gender & LGBTQIA Center and the Phoenix Free Collegiate Recovery Program, meeting students for lunch and class projects, and for generally being a welcoming and friendly presence on campus.

鈥淔or young people that are discovering who they are and maybe who don鈥檛 always feel they have majority views 鈥� I just think it’s important to slow down and pay attention. And it’s what I do,” said Tripp after receiving the award.

Staff Member of the Year Awards

Three Staff Member of the Year Awards are presented annually to university non-久久热 staff 鈥� one for each of the following categories: facilities management, professional hourly staff and administrative staff. Elon President Connie Ledoux Book, announced the award winners.

Staff Member of the Year 鈥� Professional Hourly

Elizabeth Bowen was honored as the professional hourly staff member of the year. She serves as the executive assistant to the vice president for enrollment and assistant vice president and dean of 久久热 admissions.

Described as the glue that holds her team together, Bowen brings foresight, flexibility and a spirit of service to every aspect of her work. In her role, Bowen manages a wide range of responsibilities鈥攆rom coordinating travel and overseeing safety plans to operating technology during meetings and to fielding questions from prospective students. One nominator even said that without her, counselors wouldn’t have enough publications for travel, cars wouldn’t be properly checked out, office supplies would run out and the admissions email account would be bogged down with thousands of emails.

Bowen addressed the audience after receiving the nomination to express gratitude for the award recognizing 鈥渢he little things that we do.鈥�

鈥淓lon is kind of like a ship聽鈥撀爓e are familiar with the captain and the wheel, but it鈥檚 what all the people in this room are, the little nuts and bolts, that you don鈥檛 see鈥ithout those, she ship would fall apart,” she said.

She ended the speech by saying, 鈥渇rom one nut to all the others, thank you!鈥�

Staff Member of the Year 鈥� Administrative

Doug McIntyre was awarded the administrative staff member of the year. He serves as the ERP application architect.

Working at Elon for over 30 years, McIntyre was recognized for his historical institutional knowledge and profound understanding of university operations.

With more than three decades of service to Elon, McIntyre has become a cornerstone of the university鈥檚 technological infrastructure. His role extends far beyond his title. Colleagues describe him as a historian, mentor, data integrator, system expert and developer鈥攕omeone whose deep institutional knowledge and collaborative spirit have shaped the university鈥檚 operations in profound ways.

Known for thriving under pressure and never settling for 鈥済ood enough,鈥� McIntyre approaches his work with a calm, thoughtful energy. He is often the first to respond to urgent system issues鈥攕ometimes before the rest of campus has even started the day.

“His sense of responsibility and care for the university鈥檚 operations never turns off,” one nominator noted.

Claudia Sparks, associate director of enterprise solutions, accepted the award on McIntyre鈥檚 behalf. She added a brief praise of her colleague, mentioning that he is dedicated, always figuring things out and generally a good person to work with.

Staff Member of the Year 鈥� Facilities Management

Dee Fuller won the 2025 Facilities Management Staff Member of the Year award. She serves as a custodian for Elon and is responsible for the care of Alamance Building.

Fuller was recognized for being accommodating for people in the building and for creating a welcoming atmosphere that uplifts students, faculty and staff who interact with her. She was praised for routinely going above and beyond the scope of her job description and ensuring every detail is attended to with the utmost care and precision.

鈥淚 was not expecting this, but I am truly honored, and I thank everyone who who’s involved in this , and I’m just grateful and thankful,” said Fuller after receiving the award.

Gratitude Expressed Towards the Service of Elon Retirees

Rebecca Kohn, provost and vice president for academic affairs, honored staff members who are retiring this year:

• Ann Flaherty, director of leadership & development
• Betty Garrison, business research librarian
• Marietta Herbin, custodian
• Annie Hester, program assistant for The Oaks
• Rene Sellers, student account specialist
• Cindy Sweeney, senior associate director of career services for the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business
• Rex Terrell, carpenter
• Karen Walter, senior associate director of financial aid and liaison to athletics

As of this spring, the newest saplings stand no more than three feet tall with green tape holding them to a bamboo stake and a mat of coconut grass surrounding the base. You can count on both hands their number of leaves.

What does every tree have in common in that emerging grove next to the university鈥檚 golf driving range? Each was carefully placed by an international student on the eve of graduation to signify their growth from 鈥渁corns鈥� to 鈥渙aks.鈥�

Established eight years ago, the university鈥檚 annual International Tree Planting celebrates the achievements of graduating international students, many of whom are prohibited from transporting plants across borders when they return home at the end of their collegiate studies.

That includes the university鈥檚 traditional gift of an oak sapling given to every graduate during Commencement week.

Fifteen students from around the globe were joined on the breezy morning of May 22, 2025, by family and friends when planting their saplings under a mostly cloudy sky. In attendance were landscaping crews and Hanna Smith, the university鈥檚 botanical garden coordinator, who instructed students on best practices for planting their saplings.

Opening remarks before the plantings described the grove’s history and the symbolism of the oak tree at 久久热.

鈥淎s we come together to celebrate this milestone, you are marking more than the end of an academic journey,鈥� said Denise Teeters, director of international student services in the Isabella Cannon Global Education Center at 久久热. 鈥淵ou plant the beginnings of something lasting and you’re leaving your legacy on campus. Each tree stands on its own, yet it thrives because of the support and connection it shares with those around it. It’s a beautiful symbol of community.

鈥淥ur international community is much like a grove. Our community has brought together individuals from across the world, each unique yet growing side by side.鈥�

Our international community is much like a grove. Our community has brought together individuals from across the world, each unique yet growing side by side.

– Denise Teeters, 久久热’s director of international student services

久久热 President Connie Ledoux Book also reflected on the purpose of the tree planting and the legacy international students leave on campus.

鈥淚 hope you have a sense of how much we have enjoyed and valued your decision to study here at Elon and how much you brought to us,鈥� Book said. 鈥淚 also hope that in your future you tell stories about your time at Elon, that you return to campus, and that your future families and friends hear about the experiences you had.鈥�

As students walked toward the grove from a nearby parking lot, saplings in hand, they faced a question: Where should we plant our saplings?

Some headed for the back of the grove, while others veered toward open space. A few selected spots in coordination with friends. Such was the case for Ichan Matsumoto 鈥�25, a dual-degree international student from Kansai Gaidi University in Japan, who planted her sapling three meters from where Rinka Nakamura 鈥�25 had dug already a hole in the soil for hers.

鈥淚t鈥檚 nice to leave something at Elon as we鈥檙e about to leave the country for home,鈥� she said.

Francesco Valente 鈥�25 of Italy and his roommate from Germany, Eric Steiner 鈥�25, also planted their saplings just meters apart as families captured their smiles on video. Valente described a desire to easily locate his specific tree years from now. 鈥淪ince we鈥檙e international students we don鈥檛 know if we鈥檒l be back soon,鈥� he said. 鈥淧lanting our roots – literally! – is crazy!鈥�

Diego Coello de Portugal Magallon 鈥�25 of Spain summarized the mood for many of his fellow students: 鈥淎fter all my classes I get to plant a tree here, which makes me feel accomplished,鈥� he said. 鈥淢aybe in a few years I鈥檒l be able to get back and find it!鈥�

The last day of class is today 鈥� we鈥檙e entering the final stretch of the semester. Between final exams, moving out, and graduation celebrations, the next two weeks will be busy.

Here are five quick tips for exam prep:

1. Make a Plan 鈥� Create a study schedule that breaks material down into a manageable strategy 鈥� spread out your review sessions instead of cramming the night before (or the day of!).
2. Prioritize Your Exam Prep 鈥� Focus additional attention on the exams that are worth the most for your final grades and those you feel least prepared for.
3. Use Active Study Techniques 鈥� Don鈥檛 just reread notes 鈥� quiz yourself, teach the material to someone else, or use flashcards and practice problems to reinforce your learning.
4. Take Breaks and Get Sleep 鈥� Consider using a 50/10 rule: study for 50 minutes, then take a 10-minute break; avoid all-nighters 鈥� your brain works better with proper rest.
5. Use Your Resources Now 鈥� Exams start in just a few days, so reach out now if you鈥檙e still unsure about anything; make the most of faculty office hours and Reading Day, and don鈥檛 wait until the last minute.

And the rest of this week鈥檚 Phoenix Five includes a few pre-finals stress-relievers and information to help you plan ahead for moving out at the end of the year.

Free Ice Cream & Swag with SPDC

Monday, May 12, 1-4 p.m., Student Professional Development Center, Moseley Center

Join the SPDC for free ice cream and swag while learning about the professional development resources that can help with securing internships, jobs and more. Visit for more information.

Paws and Relax

Monday, May 12, 3-5 p.m., Belk Library聽

Take a break from your books and unwind and destress with therapy dogs at the Belk Library! Whether you need a break or just puppy cuddles, Paws & Relax is a cozy way to pause before finals. Stop by Belk 113 for puppy love. Follow on Instagram for more information.

Cram Jam

Tuesday, May 13, 8 p.m., Moseley First Floor & Lakeside Dining Hall

Take a break from Reading Day studying and join SUB for Cram Jam while we celebrate all the emotions of INSIDE OUT! There will be food, games, giveaways, crafts, and live band karaoke. Visit for more information.

Housing Move-Out Reminders

Make your move-out process stress-free by checking the steps for check-out information. Visit the for a full guide and checklist. Here are some key reminders:

• Residence halls close Tuesday, May 20, at 10 a.m.
• University-owned apartments and houses close Saturday, May 31, at 10 a.m.
  Ask your RA, apartment manager, or house manager for further checkout instructions.

Don鈥檛 Trash It!

Don鈥檛 Trash It! is 久久热鈥檚 end-of-year move-out program that encourages students, faculty and staff to donate items at various donation stations throughout campus, rather than putting reusable items in the trash. For a list of what can be collected and drop-off locations on and off campus, visit on Instagram. to help volunteer at the collection stations.

Have a great week and good luck on your final exams. Later this afternoon, Jon Dooley, vice president for Student Life, will be on Young Commons (or Moseley first floor, if it鈥檚 raining) for a 鈥淟ast Day of Class鈥� pop-up with Elon Dining 鈥� stop by if you get a chance!