The Employee Volunteer Program was created to allow Elon staff to receive paid leave to volunteer with community organizations, a benefit now formalized through Human Resources. Today, full-time staff working 30 or more hours per week can take up to 16 hours of paid leave annually to support causes that positively impact the quality of life within communities. Beyond the policy itself, the program reflects something deeper.

“Allowing Elon employees to have paid volunteer leave is symbolic of �þ���’s commitment to supporting local communities,” said Bob Frigo, director of the Kernodle Center for Civic Life and assistant dean of campus life.

He emphasizes that engagement is not just a student responsibility, but “it is important for staff and faculty to model the way in terms of being active citizens in our communities.”

For many employees, these hours open doors to experiences that might otherwise be difficult to access during a busy workweek. Kelly Harer, associate director of sustainability for education and outreach, used her volunteer time to work the polls during a local primary election.

“Volunteering is something I’ve been doing my entire life, and I’m so thankful that Elon gives us the opportunity to volunteer during work hours,” she said. Her role involved guiding voters through the process, but the experience became more personal than procedural.

“I volunteered in my own voting precinct; it was lovely to chat with folks that live near me that I might not otherwise get to know,” said Harer.

Nicole Bergen, program assistant for the Kernodle Center for Civic Life, also participated in an experience that highlights the variety and flexibility the program offers. From reading with first graders to participating in Haw River cleanups, she has used her hours to connect with the Alamance County community in multiple ways.

“I am always amazed at what a group of working volunteers can accomplish in such a short time,” she reflected. Whether collecting bags of trash or seeing “a student partner smiling at you the second you appear in the doorway,” Bergen has found both purpose and connection.

For Bergen, who does not live in the county, the program has been especially meaningful.

“It has felt like a lovely adventure to discover the area outside work,” she said, adding that it has reshaped her understanding of her role in the community.

“The mission of the Open Door Clinic is to promote good health and wellbeing by supporting patients through comprehensive and equitable health care,” said Volunteer Coordinator Makenna Grozis ’27. “For many patients, this care is essential, and without it, small health concerns can escalate into costly emergencies. This clinic aims to help the uninsured stay healthy and reduce potential emergency medical costs and other burdens on families through preventative care.”

The Open Door Clinic relies heavily on grants and operates with minimal paid staff, making volunteers the backbone of patient care.

“Volunteers play a huge role, acting as the primary liaison between the patients and the medical staff,” Grozis noted.

From the moment a patient walks in, student volunteers are there to greet them, check them in, answer questions and ensure the clinic runs smoothly. Beyond medical services, the clinic addresses broader disparities tied to financial and social barriers. Patients have access to free or low-cost medications, labs, vaccines, and even specialty care. The clinic also houses the “Closet of Hope,” providing clothing and toiletries at no cost. Together, these resources create what Grozis describes as “an equitable space where vulnerable populations can have an opportunity to achieve better health outcomes.”

For Elon students, the experience is both practical and deeply personal. Most begin in clerk roles, but even these positions carry meaningful responsibility.

“They are the first faces our patients see when they walk through the door,” Grozis said.

Over time, these repeated weekly shifts foster a special connection and much-needed consistency.

“Unlike many volunteer positions where students may go once a semester, volunteers at the clinic get to know the patients, staff, providers, and other volunteers,” Grozis said.

Grozis’s own experience reflects this sense of growth and initiative. Recognizing a language barrier among many Spanish-speaking patients, she enrolled in a medical Spanish course at Elon. That decision led her to help create a collaboration between the class and the clinic.

“The student volunteers as interpreters where they facilitate communication between the providers and the patient,” she explained.

This effort not only improved patient care but also expanded opportunities for students to engage more directly in the clinical setting. After nearly three years at the clinic, Grozis has witnessed both patient progress and volunteer dedication firsthand.

“I have seen numerous volunteers go out of their way to make sure patients feel heard and informed,” she said.

For her, and for many others, the Open Door Clinic is more than a place of service; it is a community. Even when language barriers exist, connection persists.

“Many of the staff members know almost every single patient by name,” Grozis shared. “A smile can carry a great deal of compassion and understanding.”

Community Well-Being: How has sustainability helped you feel more connected to a community—either on campus or beyond?

Finn Hughes ’28:  On campus, it’s helped me connect with people who share the same values and passions, whether that’s for the environment, animals or sustainability in general. It’s helped me build friendships, but it’s also shaped my moral compass and pushed me to get more involved beyond campus. I’ve had opportunities I didn’t even know were possible, like trips where we can go to the beach, do cleanups and take part in volunteer work.

Sophie Frank ’29: On campus, Eco Reps and the Office of Sustainability host a lot of events, and since many of my friends are involved in organizing them, I’m able to show up and participate. It feels like we’re all contributing to sustainability on campus as a community, and that’s something that really brings us together. There’s always something going on.

Grace Smith ’27: I’ve been really involved with the Sustainability LLC, especially last year as an RA. I got to see the community we built with the first-year students on my floor. It gave us a way to connect around something bigger than ourselves while still making a real impact in small ways. That shared commitment really shaped a strong sense of community on campus.

Lulu Welch ’28: Between my classes, especially the more environmentally focused ones, and this trip, it’s nice to be around people who care about the environment as much as I do. It can be hard to find people who also care about sustainability, even though it is such an important issue right now.

Emotional Well-Being: In what ways does practicing sustainability support your emotional well-being or sense of purpose?

Hughes:  It definitely hurts my emotional well-being to see the things that are happening to our planet. But practicing sustainability also helps me with my emotional and social well-being. Practicing activities, like cleanups and seeing the positive impact that I can have on the planet, helps me to feel rejuvenated.

Frank: The Earth is very valuable, and honestly, it feels good to be able to take care of it and do what I’m supposed to do. When you make sustainable choices, you influence and engage others. It is rewarding.

Smith: It makes me feel like I’m part of something larger than myself. We all have to be a part of promoting sustainability, educating ourselves and others and living a sustainable lifestyle. All those little things add up, especially when a large group of people is doing them. It feels good to support the well-being of others and the world around me.

Welch: Sustainability is important because it’s how we preserve our environment. It’s something I practice every day. If I didn’t, I’d feel like I wasn’t practicing what I preach and I would be a hypocrite.

Seeing people not care about the environment can be upsetting, because this is our Earth and we need to take care of it. But at the same time, seeing people who do care gives me hope for the future. It makes me emotional because it reminds me that there are people who are paying attention and trying to make a difference.

Physical: Well-Being: What are some sustainable choices you make in your daily routine that also support your physical health?

Hughes: I try to use less plastic, which is good, because it limits the microplastics in your body. I’m also vegan and eat homegrown and fresh produce. I also try to avoid processed foods.

I also try to limit my emissions by walking or biking instead of driving whenever I can.

Frank: I am big on spending time outdoors, walking outside and not using single-use plastic. I am also a vegetarian, which is something that affects my day-to-day lifestyle and overall helps the environment.

Smith: I’ve really been into spending more time outdoors and supporting my national and state parks. When I am outside, I try to pick up any trash and keep the environment clean.

Welch: I always pick up trash when I see it on the ground, and I try to avoid unnecessary plastics by using reusable items. I also try to shop for organic food.

I do a lot of gardening, mostly flowers. I grew up helping take care of my yard, and my mom loves growing flowers, so that’s something I’ve always enjoyed. I’ve tried growing vegetables too, but being from Massachusetts, that didn’t always go very well. I also avoid using pesticides or anything that could be harmful to the environment.

Social Well-Being: How have conversations or shared experiences around sustainability influenced your relationships with others?

Hughes: I’m able to relate to others, whether through protests or shared involvement in sustainability, which helps me feel like I’m not alone. It can be overwhelming at times. It’s easy to feel like one person can’t make a difference. But when you’re surrounded by others who care, it reminds you that your actions matter and together you can get more done, take action and create more opportunities to make an impact.

Frank: Through my major, I’ve been able to connect with a lot of people and build close relationships. I’ve also done volunteer work in western North Carolina, where I met new people. Experiences like this trip and the work we’re doing right now, are already helping me to build new connections.

Smith: Even with this trip, I’ve built a lot of friendships. Coming together in support of a common cause, like sustainability, has helped me build relationships with others who are working toward that same goal.

I came into this trip not knowing anyone, and I’m leaving with friends, all because we shared the same purpose: promoting sustainability.

Welch: I think a lot of people don’t fully understand the importance of sustainability, and that’s the first step. It includes having conversations and educating others so they can better understand the impact of sustainability.

There are plenty of people who don’t really believe in sustainability, which I find funny, because there’s so much science and research that shows why it matters. It’s how we keep our environment clean, healthy and moving forward.

Financial Well-Being: How has sustainability shaped the way you think about spending, saving or using resources?

Hughes:  Even when I go to the store, I’ll pick something up and then stop and think, ‘Wait, is this good for the environment?’ It’s made me more aware of where things come from and what happens after I use them. I think documentaries and experiences like seeing trash on the beach really put that into perspective. It makes you realize how your everyday choices add up and what they actually mean.

Frank: I try not to use single-use plastic. That’s one of the things I try to do the most. When I go to the store, I try to avoid plastic bags and water bottles as much as I can. If I do use them, I make sure to recycle whenever possible.

Smith: I’ve really tried to buy less plastic and throw away less. I avoid things like individually wrapped snacks, like Goldfish. It’s the little things that add up.

That’s really how it has impacted me. I think more about what I’m using and what happens to it after. Where is the garbage I produce going? Is it being recycled properly? Is it actually being turned into something else?

I refuse to use single-use plastics, like one-use water bottles. I’m not a fan. I’ve also been trying to bring my own bags every time I grocery shop. All of those small choices are ways I’m trying to stop contributing to overconsumption and the mass production of plastic, and really downsize my impact.

Welch: I only use reusable products and try to avoid food that is overly processed or full of hormones by shopping for organic foods.  Overall, I try to live my life as sustainably as possible.

Purpose Well-Being: How has your understanding of sustainability influenced your sense of purpose or the impact you want to make after Elon?

Hughes: Sustainability has shaped a lot of my purpose because I’m really passionate about it. It’s changed me to focus more on action rather than being passive, telling people what needs to be done. Getting hands-on has made me more confident and more passionate about getting involved, whether that’s through school boards, larger organizations or even speaking opportunities.

It’s also helped me realize that I have a purpose that’s bigger than myself. I am able to talk about sustainability in ways that feel more accessible. Sometimes it can seem distant or overwhelming, but bringing it back to everyday actions makes it feel more real and something people can actually connect to.

Frank: With my major, I want to go into corporate sustainability, more on the business side. My goal is to work with larger companies to find ways for them to become more sustainable, while also helping engage businesses and the public in making choices that better support our environment.

Smith: I want to live a sustainable life. As a nursing major. I see there’s so much single-use plastic, things being thrown away in the healthcare industry. I would love to someday make an impact in the healthcare system and make it more sustainable. I want my own life to be sustainable, but there’s more work to be done toward a bigger cause here. Many of our industries aren’t promoting sustainability, and I want to make an impact there.

Welch: For me, sustainability has given me a great sense of purpose. I grew up in a town that was big on recycling. You could even get fined if you didn’t do it. Because of that, my dad has always been a big recycler and it became something that was important to me, too.

I’ve also always been interested in science and biology, so over time those interests started to align with my goals. Now, I want to go into research focused on sustainability or ecological conservation.

Through this shared experience, students reflected on how sustainability isn’t just a single action. It’s a mindset shaped by everyday choices that support the environment and strengthen their own well-being across the six dimensions of well-being.

“We are honored to receive this national recognition for our nonpartisan work in civic engagement,” said Bob Frigo, assistant dean of campus life and director of the Kernodle Center for Civic Life. “With each passing year, we become a more politically engaged university where our students are prepared to become the next generation of informed leaders who will help strengthen communities and shape our democracy.”

The ALL IN �þ��� Democracy Challenge empowers colleges and universities to achieve excellence in nonpartisan student democratic engagement.

“This recognition is a testament to Elon’s emphasis on nonpartisan democratic engagement. This work is truly a team effort and speaks to our incredible partners both on and off campus,” Andrew Moffa, assistant director of Kernodle Center for Civic Life said.  “We look forward to continuing our focus on developing strong civic leaders and active citizens.”

The recognition highlights institutions that are taking intentional, nonpartisan steps to strengthen democratic engagement through civic learning, political engagement and student voter participation. Elon’s action plan, co-authored by Frigo and Moffa, outlines key goals, such as hosting local elected officials on campus and expanding voter registration drives to reach the entire campus community.

Elon also received recognition in 2024 and is among .

�þ��� Kitchen is an on-campus service opportunity through the Kernodle Center for Civic Life that collects fresh produce from Loy Farm and, through partnership with Elon Dining Services, engages students, faculty and staff as volunteers who prepare and deliver the meals to those in need in the Burlington community. In addition, volunteers serve with food drives, and at community events.

Huff first became involved with the organization after attending a �þ��� Kitchen farm shift. At the time, he didn’t know much about the program, but learning that the produce harvested would be used directly in cooking shifts sparked his interest.

“I have always loved cooking, I work with Elon Dining, and I am a big foodie, so it immediately clicked,” he said.

After attending one cooking shift, Huff found himself returning every week for the rest of the semester. This semester led him to apply for the coordinator position, which led to the start of his leadership journey with EV!

Huff expressed how this roles with EV! Has reshaped his understanding of community engagement. Through �þ��� Kitchen, he saw firsthand how food can serve as a powerful tool for dignity and care.

“Something as simple as preparing a meal can directly impact dignity and well-being,” he explained, particularly for the local shelters served each week.

One moment that stands out to him reflects both creativity and impact. While experimenting with new recipes, the team decided to try making enchiladas and after delivering the meal, they received enthusiastic feedback from their community partner.

“Hearing that (feedback) made the extra planning worth it. It reminded me that taking chances in the kitchen can make a real difference for,” Huff said, reinforcing how thoughtful changes can elevate the experience for those they serve.

As a student leader, Huff has also redefined what leadership means to him. He emphasizes the importance of building systems that allow others to succeed and using personal connections to strengthen collective impact. Within his role with Elon Dining, he helped bridge communication gaps and improve efficiency, demonstrating how collaboration can elevate service efforts. Throughout his time with �þ��� Kitchen, Huff has served as both a cooking shift coordinator and the Elon Dining liaison. In these roles, he led weekly shifts, guided volunteers through meal preparation, and helped design recipes that maximized available ingredients. His work extended beyond the kitchen, strengthening partnerships between �þ��� Kitchen and Elon Dining to improve food recovery efforts.

For students looking to get involved, Huff encourages starting with personal passion. Whether it’s food insecurity or another cause, aligning service with individual values creates a more meaningful and lasting experience. His journey reflects the broader mission of Elon Volunteers, which embodies empowering students to not only serve, but to lead, innovate and create lasting change within their communities.

The Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, awarded to a select group of U.S. colleges and universities, affirms �þ���’s integration of community-based experiences into �þ���, research and campus life.

The classification recognizes the university’s deep commitment to community and civic engagement, and it follows a recent U.S. News & World Report ranking naming Elon second in the nation for service-learning.

In her remarks at an afternoon reception in the Koury Athletic Center, Elon President Connie Book said the Carnegie designation reflects extensive and coordinated effort across disciplines and divisions. She noted that Elon has expanded community-engaged courses by more than 30% in the past decade, with faculty participation rising nearly 50%, and she highlighted partnerships ranging from local schools and health clinics to nonprofit and civic organizations.

Book described community engagement as “a brave space,” where outcomes are not always predictable, but where collaboration creates meaningful opportunities for students and partners alike.

As the university looks ahead, Book said, the designation sets a new benchmark for impact. “We want to improve the quality of life for all people in our community,” she added.

In welcoming remarks, Vice President for Student Life Jon Dooley labeled the recognition “a reflection of our strong collaboration between Student Life, Academic Affairs and community partners,” and Associate Provost Jen Platania said the honor was one that acknowledges the intentional integration of community engagement into �þ��� and campus life.

“It reflects the work of faculty who designed meaningful community-based learning experiences,
the staff who support sustaining those efforts, and community partners who collaborate with us in ways that enrich our students and strengthen our shared work,” Platania said. “This recognition belongs to all of you. It affirms the culture of engagement that defines Elon, where our students connect knowledge and purpose, and develop as thoughtful and engaged citizens.”

Peacehaven focuses on building relationships and opportunities that allow individuals of all abilities to thrive together. Located in Whitsett, North Carolina, Peacehaven centers its mission on belonging and dignity. Rather than focusing on diagnoses or limitations, the organization emphasizes the unique strengths and identities of the individuals it serves.

“Peacehaven Farm’s mission is grounded in the belief that every person, regardless of ability, has inherent value, purpose, and the right to belong,” said Carlyn McMahan ’26, Elon Volunteers! LINCS (Leaders in Collaborative Service) coordinator.

The organization designs spaces that bring people together, demonstrating that authentic community grows through shared experiences and relationships. This work is particularly meaningful in Alamance County, where adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities often face limited employment opportunities and social isolation. Peacehaven aims to bridge that gap by offering inclusive programming, meaningful work experiences, and welcoming spaces where individuals can engage with others.

“In Alamance County, Peacehaven responds to a significant lack of inclusive spaces, meaningful employment opportunities, and long-term community support for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” says McMahan.

By focusing on connection and participation, Peacehaven helps create a community where individuals are not only supported but also recognized as vital contributors.

A key part of Peacehaven’s success lies in the everyday experiences on the farm. Every day is different; the environment encourages natural interaction and relationship building. Members of the community participate in programs like RISE, where activities range from crafts and book clubs to conversations about self-advocacy and personal interests. These interactions extend beyond staff and participants to include volunteers, families, students and visitors. The result is a vibrant community where relationships grow organically and individuals are seen for who they are rather than the challenges they may face.

For Elon students, Peacehaven also provides meaningful opportunities to engage through service. Through the Elon Volunteers! LINCS program, students can volunteer with initiatives like the Fiber Arts program or participate in Garden Workdays. These experiences help students build relationships with community members while learning about inclusive practices and advocacy. The impact of Peacehaven is felt not only by those directly involved but also by the broader community that interacts with the farm. Families gain reassurance knowing their loved ones are supported, while volunteers and students gain a deeper understanding of inclusion in action.

“It is difficult to fully capture the depth of impact that Peacehaven Farm creates for individuals and families, but it begins with the way each person is seen and valued,” McMahon said.

As Peacehaven continues to expand its campus and programming, its mission remains clear, to build a community where every individual is valued, every relationship matters and everyone has a place to belong.

Community-based learning (CBL) gives students opportunities to address real-world challenges by partnering with local community organizations. Through their experience leading a community-engaged unit in environmental studies, Merricks and Bitting recognized that little research directly examines how CBL affects students from historically underrepresented STEM backgrounds (e.g., women, students of color, and first-generation college students).

Working with Akman, an expert in systematic reviews, the team analyzed existing research on whether CBL experiences influence students’ pursuit of STEM majors or minors, their career intentions, and their sense of belonging in STEM fields. From more than 500 publications published between 1999 and 2024, the authors identified nine studies that met the criteria for inclusion.

Their analysis revealed a major gap in the literature. Few studies systematically examined the impact of CBL pedagogies in STEM. Most did not compare CBL with other �þ��� approaches, making it difficult to draw strong conclusions about its effectiveness. In addition, only a small number of studies analyzed outcomes across demographic groups such as race/ethnicity, first-generation status, or gender. The authors conclude that more rigorous research is needed, including studies that compare CBL with other pedagogies and systematically examine outcomes across different student populations.

For Ashanti Horton ’26, service has always been more than just volunteering, but it’s a value rooted in personal experience and a commitment to giving back. Her journey with the Kernodle Center for Civic Life and Elon Volunteers! began during her first year at Elon when she joined the Service Living Learning Community (LLC).

Having once benefited from the generosity and support of others, Horton knew service would be an important part of her college experience. Before coming to Elon, she had already spent time volunteering in food pantries and helping distribute meals to those in need. When she arrived on campus, the Service LLC provided the perfect environment to continue that passion while connecting with others who shared the same commitment to community engagement.

“I was drawn to the LLC and the work Kernodle does because service has always played a large role in my life,” Horton said.

Horton has taken on several leadership roles within Elon Volunteers! that have allowed her to deepen her impact. She first served as a coordinator for a Fall Alternative Break program in Charlotte, where students learned about and addressed issues surrounding homelessness. This year, she is serving as a coordinator for a Spring Alternative Break program in Nashville focused on housing and hunger. In addition to Alternative Breaks, she also participated in Kernodle’s HealthEU class, Beyond the Bubble, which encourages students to explore and engage with communities beyond Elon’s campus.

One of the most rewarding parts of her involvement has been leading an Alternative Break program. While the service itself is meaningful, the relationships built throughout the experience made the opportunity especially impactful.

“Connecting with the learning partners, participants, my co-coordinator, and the community partners made the experience unforgettable,” she said.

One moment that stands out came during her Fall Alternative Break in Charlotte while volunteering with Beds for Kids, a nonprofit organization that provides furniture to families who have secured housing but cannot afford essential items like beds. Horton and her team had the opportunity to help deliver and assemble furniture in families’ homes. Unlike many service experiences where the results may not be immediately visible, this opportunity allowed the group to witness the impact of their work firsthand.

“Seeing the happiness and feeling the joy from the families as they watched furniture being delivered was so meaningful,” Horton said. “Service work doesn’t always allow you to witness the impact you’re making, so being able to see and feel that impact is something I’ll never forget.”

Through Elon Volunteers!, Horton has developed a deeper understanding of community engagement and civic responsibility. She believes meaningful service requires not only action, but also listening and learning from the communities being served.

“A large part of service is playing your role in community development and listening to the stories of the people who make the community,” she explained.

Her leadership experiences with Elon Volunteers! have also shaped the way she approaches service beyond campus. During her Semester at Sea experience, Horton volunteered at an orphanage in Kenya and worked with Global Mamas, a nonprofit in Ghana that supports women entrepreneurs. She also traveled alongside Nyani Tutu-Burris, granddaughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, where she learned about apartheid and heard stories from individuals living in South African townships. These experiences helped her see service on a global scale and reinforced the importance of sustainable community engagement.

For students considering getting involved with Elon Volunteers! Horton advises to “Take that leap, you never know what you’ll be drawn to until you try.” She credits service-learning experiences with helping her grow personally and develop confidence while making a meaningful impact.

Gabriel Almario ’28, a strategic communications major with a minor in leadership studies, chose to complete the service Elon Experience, part of the Experiential Learning Requirement (ELR), that closely reflects both his personal values and long-term goals.

All Elon students are required to complete the ELR by finishing two of the Elon Experiences: internships, study abroad/away, research, service or mentorship.

“The Experiential Learning Requirement is a unique component of an Elon education that allows students to extend their learning beyond the classroom,” said Bob Frigo, assistant dean of campus life and director of the Kernodle Center for Civic Life. “�þ��� who complete the Service ELR work with nonprofit organizations, government agencies and locally owned businesses to gain the skills to become informed leaders motivated by concern for the common good.”

Almario spent his summer at Camp Durant, a summer camp for Scouting America, where he served as the trailblazer director. In this leadership role, he oversaw the entire first-year camper program, �þ��� foundational scouting skills such as knot tying, first aid, orienteering and nature studies to 11 and 12 year-old scouts. As trailblazer director, Almario’s responsibilities extended well beyond instruction. He led and trained a staff team, ensuring they were prepared to deliver a meaningful and high-quality experience for every camper.

“I worked to lead my staff and train them so that our whole team could effectively put on a quality program,” Almario shared.

His role required organization, communication and mentorship, cultivated through years of involvement as an Eagle Scout, Leadership Fellow and student leader. The ELR gave Almario the opportunity to actively apply what he has learned in and out of the classroom. But the experience was not without challenges. Those moments of growth strengthened his desire to pursue leadership in his future career.

“I experienced success, shortcomings and hardships, but ultimately came out a better person,” he said. “I hope to hold a leadership position in whatever line of work I end up doing. I want to use what I learned in my ELR to make a positive impact and effective change.”

Choosing to focus on service felt natural for Almario.

“My life revolves around serving others,” he explained. “My life purpose is to always seek to serve others, so far as I am able.”

While the leadership experience was transformative, it was the community that left the greatest impact.

“I spent the summer with some of my best friends,” he said. “It was the best summer of my life.”

For students considering their own ELR journey, Almario offers thoughtful advice: “Look for an organization that reflects who you want to be. Find one that does work that you enjoy. If you go into it with an open mindset, you will grow tremendously.”

Through his work at Camp Durant, Gabriel Almario’s ELR became more than a graduation requirement, but it defined leadership in an experience rooted in service, growth and purpose.