Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education | Today at Elon | �þ��

The Month in Photos: May 2026

Avery Craine Powell — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 15:59:50 +0000

As the 2025-26 academic year drew to a close, May was marked by celebration, reflection and new beginnings across �þ��. From Commencement festivities and awards ceremonies to end-of-year traditions, performances, and moments of community, the month showcased the accomplishments and experiences that defined another successful year on campus. These photos highlight some of the memorable scenes and milestones that made May a special month at Elon.

Engineering excellence

�þ�� in Elon’s Department of Engineering put their classroom learning into practice through six capstone projects showcased May 8 in Founders Hall as part of the Engineering Senior Design course.

SPEED demonstrations at Innovation Hall on May 8, 2026. (Photo by Grant Halverson/�þ��)

Coolin’ on the Commons

�þ��’s Black Student Union held Coolin’ on the Commons in May, which featured live music, games and fun.

Coolin’ on the Commons

‘Elon will never leave you.’

The Class of 2026 gathered Under the Oaks on May 19 for Numen Lumen: Senior Baccalaureate, a time for reflection on the light students will take into the world. During the event, Jana Lynn Patterson, associate vice-president for student life, dean of student health & well-being, and assistant professor, reminded graduates about the importance of the relationships they’ve built at Elon. Patterson will retire from the university this summer after 40 years.

The Class of 2026 celebrates the end of final exams and the launch of Commencement Week by gathering for a special Senior Baccalaureate ceremony featuring new and old traditions where many Elon journeys began, Under the Oaks, on May 19, 2026. (Photo by Grant Halverson/�þ��)

Think critically, lead empathetically

Candidates from graduate-level programs in the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education and Martha and Spencer Love School of Business received their diplomas during a joint Commencement ceremony on May 20 in Alumni Gym.

In her address, journalist and author Katherine Blunt ’15 acknowledged a challenging reality – that today’s graduates are leaving institutions of higher learning across the country and embarking on professional journeys in a world where artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how people work, learn and think.

But she reminded the graduates that while many people may be tempted by the path of least resistance, Elon cultivates leaders who are deeply rooted in collaboration, communication and, most importantly, the ability to think critically.

The Master of Arts in Higher Education, Master of Education in Innovation, Master of Science in Accounting, Master of Science in Business Analytics and Master of Business Administration Commencement took place in a joint ceremony in Alumni Gymnasium on May 20, 2026. (Photo by Grant Halverson/�þ��)

Celebrating community

Ahead of and during Commencement Week, Elon held a variety of affinity celebrations celebrating and engaging graduates who share common identities, passions and connections that exist throughout various affinities. Those include Lavender Celebration, , Celebremos: Graduates Take Flight and Donning of the Kente.

Celebremos: Graduates Take Flight celebration on May 21, 2026. (Photo by Grant Halverson/�þ��)

‘Be-possible-ists’

During the 136th Commencement Ceremonies in Schar Center on May 22, President Connie Ledoux Book asked the Class of 2026 to look back on their New Student Convocation in 2022, 1,371 days prior.

During their first year, the Class of 2026 all read the Common Reading book “Factfulness” by Hans Rosling. In his book, Rosling described the word “possible-ist:” someone who looks honestly at the world’s problems and still believes, based on evidence, that things can get better, and that they are getting better. Book asked the graduates to be “possible-ists” as they enter the world.

Elon celebrated graduates in two ceremonies — the morning event for the School of Communications and the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business, and the afternoon event for Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education and the School of Health Sciences.

�þ��’s 136th Undergraduate Commencement Ceremonies at Schar Center on May 22, 2026.

Elon graduates encouraged to be ‘possible-ists’ at 136th Commencement Ceremonies

Avery Craine Powell — Fri, 22 May 2026 21:00:25 +0000

Rain didn’t stop the light of more than 1,500 �þ�� students shining bright as the Class of 2026 became alumni during the university’s 136^th Commencement Ceremonies on May 22 in Schar Center.

Despite the wet weather, families, friends, faculty and staff gathered to celebrate graduates who were encouraged not only to pursue success, but also to embrace failure as an essential part of growth.

Jana Lynn Patterson, associate vice president for student life/dean of student health & well-being, helps dry off graduates from the rain ahead of �þ��’s 136th Undergraduate Commencement Ceremonies at Schar Center on May 22, 2026.

Patricia Walsh Chadwick P’16, an Elon trustee and accomplished Wall Street strategist, delivered the Commencement address, reminding graduates that quitting is the “only true definition of failure” and urging them not to let fear guide their decisions.

“Pundits have a way of forecasting disaster every spring just as college graduates step into the world. My advice is simple: ignore them,” she said. “Technology will not be the ruin of us all; it opens far more doors than it closes. You are the future of the workforce, and that should excite you.”

The paths to success

Patricia Walsh Chadwick ’16 delivers �þ��’s 136th Undergraduate Commencement address at Schar Center on May 22, 2026.

Chadwick reflected on her own unconventional path, emphasizing that there is no “magic potion” for success. She shared how she grew up in a religious sect, which she later described as a cult, and was forced out at 17 years old.

“Fearful of the world, and in my naïveté, I turned to a single phrase for guidance: ‘Failure is not an option,’” she said. “What I hadn’t realized is that no one is immune from mistakes or failures. Those two words, dreaded by so many, are part of the learning process.”

Technology will not be the ruin of us all; it opens far more doors than it closes. You are the future of the workforce, and that should excite you.

Patricia Walsh Chadwick P’16

She also spoke about her son, Elon alumnus Jim Chadwick ’16, who had planned to launch a gaming company after graduation. After spending a year pursuing that dream, he realized it was not the future he had envisioned and eventually transitioned into private finance.

“Remember to take something of value from every employment experience before moving on to the next one,” she said. “I like to think of a career path as a circular stairway, where each success leads to a new challenge winding slowly upward toward your dreams.”

�þ��’s 136th Undergraduate Commencement Ceremonies at Schar Center on May 22, 2026.

The Rev. Kirstin Boswell, �þ��’s chaplain and dean of mulfifaith engagement, opened each ceremony with the invocation.

“As these graduates step into what comes next, grant them wisdom beyond knowledge, courage beyond fear and compassion deep enough to serve a world that is in need,” Boswell said. “May they use their gifts not only for personal success, but for healing, for justice, for truth and for the flourishing of others.”

Corinne Wilson ’26 performed the Star-Spangled Banner, and led the singing of the alma mater, while Mindy Monroe ’26 and Malia Horst ’26 gave a special musical performance of “For Good,” from the musical “Wicked.”

�þ��’s 136th Undergraduate Commencement Ceremonies at Schar Center on May 22, 2026.

The Elon magic

Graduates reflected on the experiences that shaped their time at Elon, including the university’s commitment to �þ�� þ��. In 2025, for the fifth year in a row, Elon topped a “Best Undergraduate Teaching” list published by U.S. News & World Report.

“Professors can actually invest in you because of the class sizes being so small,” said Robbie Simpson ’26, an Elon native who earned a degree in exercise science. “I really appreciate that because professors get to take their time to understand you, get to know you and invest because they have a personal connection to you, so it makes them it more valuable to them.”

The strong relationships with faculty were an important part of Honors Fellow Diego Hernandez’s ’26 Elon experience.

“The time that the professors have taken out of their day and their lives to support us as students, that’s one of the best things I got from Elon,” said Hernandez, who earned a degree in engineering. “That’s something that I’m going to take with me.”

�þ��’s 136th Undergraduate Commencement Ceremonies at Schar Center on May 22, 2026.

The myriad of involvement opportunities was also essential for graduates.

Autumn Goyette ’26, who earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in accounting through the Love School of Business Accelerated 3+1 Dual Degree Program, says her time working for Residence Life and in the Love School of Business Dean’s Office has made an impact on her time at Elon. She will soon be moving to Virginia to work for Ernst & Young.

“I’m just so grateful for everything that Elon gave me and brought to me,” said Goyette, who is from Pittsburg, North Carolina. “This place is my home and has been my home for four years.”

�þ��’s 136th Undergraduate Commencement Ceremonies at Schar Center on May 22, 2026.

Decked out in various graduation cords, Ella Allen ’26, a Teaching Fellow who earned a mathematics degree with teacher licensure from Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences, was heavily involved on campus, including as an orientation leader and a member of Kappa Delta sorority. Next, Allen will be pursuing her Master’s of Higher Education at Elon. She noted that the people and support she received at Elon were invaluable.

Lilly Ikle ’26 of Baltimore, Maryland, earned a cinema & television arts degree from the School of Communications. She says the time has flown by and she feels like she was “dropped off yesterday.” Ikle initially came to Elon for its nationally recognized musical theatre program and for Elon’s ability to work with students with learning disabilities.

“My major really helped me get that creative outlet that I wanted in musical theater, but it also gave me the practical side of work I wanted to do in the future,” said Ikle, who plans to move to Nashville after graduation to pursue music. “My major gave me a creative outlet, let me get kind of that artsy side out of me, but also taught me things that I can bring into the real world.”

�þ��’s 136th Undergraduate Commencement Ceremonies at Schar Center on May 22, 2026.

The Class of 2026 includes many stand-out stories:

After a trip to Ecuador, Bernardo Vargas-Lopez ’26, who earned a degree in sport management, and Juan Daniel Chiriboga ’26, who earned a degree in entrepreneurship & innovation, built YAPA, a plant-based energy drink shaped by friendship, curiosity and mentorship.
Kaitlyn Lewis ’26, who earned a degree in elementary education, came to Elon through three of the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education’s primary scholarship programs: Alamance Scholars, NC Teaching Fellows and, post-graduation, Teach for Alamance.
Jonathan Weaver ’26 originally intended to go into finance, but through exploration and faculty mentorship, switched his major to biology, and is now going to dental school at The Ohio State University.
Being waitlisted for one program allowed Allie Schult ’26 to realize her true passion for nursing. She now has a post-graduate position at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
Rony Dahdal ’26, a Goldwater Scholar and Lumen Scholar, earned a degree in computer science, mathematics and philosophy and did three different �þ�� research projects while at Elon. The first was helping to create a mathematical model of complex equations that predict how the human immune system responds to COVID-19; another was developing an autonomous robotic arm to monitor and tend to crops by training the 3D machine-learning model to understand plant anatomy, and a third was developing a method to gather medical vital signs.

All of these students were helped by what student commencement speaker Ruby Radis ’26 of Chicago called the “Elon magic.” Radis, who earned a degree in human service studies, delivered the “Message of Appreciation” on Friday.

“From the moment I stepped onto this beautiful brick-covered campus, one truth became clear: there is magic here,” Radis said. “That Elon magic builds a community where students know their neighbors, teachers and coworkers. Rather
than a quick hello, connections are founded on respect.”

Radis emphasized that Elon helped “emphasize the value of human difference,” and her fellow graduates should take that forward with them.

“Using those lessons, we can work together to uplift each other, amplify voices often left unheard and sprinkle a little of our very own Elon magic on everyone we meet,” Radis said.

That Elon magic builds a community where students know their neighbors, teachers and coworkers. Rather than a quick hello, connections are founded on respect.

Ruby Radis ’26

Ruby Radis ’26 delivers the “Message of Appreciation” during �þ��’s 136th Undergraduate Commencement Ceremonies at Schar Center on May 22, 2026.

Be possible-ists

In her charge to the graduates, Elon President Connie Ledoux Book asked the Class of 2026 to look back on their New Student Convocation in 2022, 1,371 days prior.

“That morning, we placed an acorn in your hand, and I asked you to do something simple, and yet profound: To grow deep roots, and to reach high. Today, I look out at you, and I see what’s grown,” Book said.

Elon President Connie Ledoux Book holds up an oak sapling during her charge to the graduates at �þ��’s 136th Undergraduate Commencement Ceremonies at Schar Center on May 22, 2026.

“Class of 2026, through your Elon journey, you have grown into these possible-ists,” she said. “You have learned to hold complexity without losing hope, to see what’s broken without losing your willingness to build, to zoom out and recognize progress, and to keep moving forward. That is the Elon way, and the world needs more of it.”

View the full �þ�� commencement program online.

�þ��’s 136th Undergraduate Commencement Ceremonies at Schar Center on May 22, 2026.

Elon graduate students encouraged to think critically, lead empathetically

Alexa Milan — Thu, 21 May 2026 15:04:45 +0000

Journalist and author Katherine Blunt ’15 delivered the keynote address at Elon’s spring Graduate Program Commencement ceremony.

Journalist and author Katherine Blunt ’15 acknowledges a challenging reality – that today’s graduates are leaving institutions of higher learning across the country and embarking on professional journeys in a world where artificial intelligence is rapidly changing how people work, learn and think. But she left the students at �þ��’s Graduate Program Commencement ceremony on May 20 with reason to feel hopeful amid so much uncertainty.

While many people may be tempted by the path of least resistance, Elon cultivates leaders who are deeply rooted in collaboration, communication and, most importantly, the ability to think critically.

“As scholars, we have a responsibility to challenge AI’s assumptions in the same way we’ve learned to challenge our own,” Blunt said, “to treat it as a debate partner or research assistant, to find new ways to augment our thinking, not replace the process.”

Elon conferred graduate degrees on students from five master’s-level programs – Master of Science in Accounting, Master of Science in Business Analytics, Master of Business Administration, Master of Arts in Higher Education and Master of Education in Innovation – during a joint ceremony in Alumni Gym, where they were surrounded by the loved ones and faculty and staff mentors who championed their education.

Think about what it took to get here. The value in every paper you wrote or project you tackled came not just from the final product, but the mental strength and confidence you built in the process. You didn’t skip the struggle. You embraced the chance to grow.

Katherine Blunt ’15

In her introduction of Blunt, Dean of the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education Ann Bullock pointed out that Blunt’s work is highly relevant to every graduate from both the School of Education and the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business. Her in-depth reporting on artificial intelligence provides essential knowledge as teachers strive to prepare students to think critically about AI-generated content and digital information. And for those in business, Blunt’s coverage of corporate accountability, energy infrastructure and the explosive growth of AI-driven industries aids in understanding the forces reshaping markets, supply chains and organizational strategy.

Blunt reminded graduates in both fields that AI doesn’t think but rather repeats what has already been said and mimics opinions. Asking it to form opinions and conclusions on our behalf, she said, removes the friction that comes with processing information and generating ideas ourselves.

“That satisfaction is what I hope you feel today,” Blunt said. “Think about what it took to get here. The value in every paper you wrote or project you tackled came not just from the final product, but the mental strength and confidence you built in the process. You didn’t skip the struggle. You embraced the chance to grow.”

Yates May ’23 L’25 G’26, a triple Elon graduate from a family full of proud Elon alumni, delivered the Message of Appreciation at the Graduate Program Commencement ceremony.

Blunt was a Lumen Scholar and news editor of The Pendulum student newspaper at Elon before graduating in 2015 with a degree in journalism and history. She reported first for the San Antonio Express-News and then the Houston Chronicle prior to joining the Wall Street Journal in 2018, covering power, renewable energy and utilities. Her coverage with colleagues of Pacific Gas and Electric was a finalist for the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for National Reporting and earned top journalism honors including a Gerald Loeb Award.

Blunt is the author of “California Burning: The Fall of Pacific Gas and Electric — and What It Means for America’s Power Grid,” a national bestseller and the 2022 Golden Poppy Award winner for nonfiction. She is now based in San Francisco, reporting for the Journal on Google and how artificial intelligence is reshaping search, along with related stories such as the rapid data-center buildout and its implications for the power grid.

During her Commencement address, Blunt told graduates that their Elon degrees and the relationships they built with professors put them at a distinct advantage in their careers.

“If you are in business, you are prepared to be the strategist who understands the importance of relationships among colleagues, customers and competitors. If you are in education, you are prepared to be the mentor who understands that learning is as emotional as it is logical.

“Algorithms can sort, count and summarize. But only you have empathy, a strong moral compass and the ability to tell a great story. Go do what only humans can do: Act with care, take risks and trust the intuition that comes from living in an imperfect world. Our schools and businesses will be better for it.”

The master’s candidates also heard from Yates May ’23 L’25 G’26, a triple Elon graduate who delivered the Message of Appreciation. A Burlington native with a family full of proud Elon alumni, May began taking Elon classes while still in high school through a dual-enrollment program and went on to double major in strategic communications and journalism, earned her law degree in December and received her MBA during the May 20 ceremony.

She recently asked about 20 current students and alumni to share one word that encapsulates what Elon means to them, and many shared the same word she would choose herself – home. She wondered why Elon felt like home to so many people she spoke with across different fields and experiences.

“I think the answer starts with this – at Elon, we are not anonymous,” May said. “People know when you don’t show up. Professors, they check in. And friends, they notice. In a world that at times can feel so disconnected, this type of connection and care is rare.”

May reflected on how Elon not only teaches students to think critically, but to invest in one another. Elon constantly encourages its students to grow while still making them feel supported, she said, pushing them beyond their comfort zone and reminding them that they don’t have to face moments of uncertainty alone.

President Connie Ledoux Book charged graduates to be steadfast and resilient like the oak trees for which Elon is named.

“That support system is what allowed so many of us to become the people that we are today,” May said. “And that’s important because soon, each of us will scatter across different cities, different states, different countries, classrooms, courtrooms, newsrooms, businesses, communities all over the world. But when we leave behind Elon, Elon does not leave us. We carry it with us. We carry Elon in the way that we lead, in the way that we treat people, in the way that we show up for others.”

President Connie Ledoux Book closed the ceremony by charging the graduates to be resilient and steadfast like the oak trees for which Elon is named in their next endeavors. As she presented the students with a sapling in recognition of their growth throughout their Elon education, she reminded them that oaks symbolize the strength of Elon’s community – strength that now resides in each of them.

“My hope is that each time you see an acorn or an oak tree,” Book said, “you are reminded of the personal leadership you have developed during your studies at Elon – strengths and skills that I’m counting on you to use to make a positive difference in our world.”

View the complete list of graduates from the spring 2026 Graduate Program Commencement ceremony.

‘It Takes A Village’ Project launches CREATE to expand art education

Keely Platts — Wed, 20 May 2026 18:29:35 +0000

The Village Project has long served the Alamance-Burlington community with educational support, providing elementary students at Title I schools with free afterschool tutoring and enrichment opportunities. Now, the program is expanding access to arts education through its newest initiative, CREATE.

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

Briston Whitt ‘23 leading theatre arts instruction.

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

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

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

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

Kate Gunther providing an art demonstration for CREATE students.

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

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

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

A CREATE student rehearsing a dance step.

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

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

Natalie Dixon ’26 leading CREATE dance instruction for students.

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

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

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

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

Catherine Dierker ’27 featured in Burlington Times-News for research on civic engagement

Avery Craine Powell — Wed, 20 May 2026 17:25:52 +0000

Catherine Dierker ’27 was featured in a recent about her research exploring civic education and its role in strengthening democratic participation among young people. The story highlights Dierker’s research into how civic learning experiences influence political engagement, public awareness and community involvement.

A history major with teacher licensure from Marietta, Georgia, Dierker’s research project, “Improving Youth Voter Turnout: The Role of Civic Education in Modern Political Socialization”, examines how schools can better and further prepare students for active citizenship. Dierker presented the project at the Spring Undergraduate Research Forum in April.

“�þ�� are more likely to participate in civic life when they feel empowered and connected to political systems,” Dierker said. “Schools that encourage critical thinking, respectful discussion and participatory learning help prepare students to become engaged citizens.”

While young voters have historically had lower turnout rates than older age groups, Dierker believes younger generations are engaging politically in new ways, particularly through social media and digital activism.

“Social media allows Gen Z to interact with a wide range of political viewpoints and participate in conversations on a much larger scale,” she told the Times-News. “At the same time, it can intensify political polarization and shape how young people perceive society.”

�þ�� and faculty study the benefits of ‘sit spots’ on nature connectedness, mindfulness and wellness

Jill McSweeney — Tue, 19 May 2026 19:17:04 +0000

A new publication in examines the impact of a sit spot mindfulness practice studied through an interdisciplinary and cross-course collaboration at Elon between faculty and students. The project examined how brief, repeated outdoor mindfulness experiences influenced students’ mental well-being, mindfulness, and connectedness to nature.

�þ�� across two courses (ENS 1100: Humans and Nature (Spring 2025) and WHE 2850: Perspectives in Personal and Global Health (Spring 2025)) completed eight outdoor sit spots over the course of a month as part of a course assignment. �þ�� were asked to spend time in an outdoor space on campus, and quietly observe their surroundings, noting a range of sensory experiences, and reflect on the changes in that space over time. Using a pre- and post-test model, they found statistically significant improvements in mindfulness, positive affect, and nature connectedness in students across the two courses.

The newly published article, “,” is authored by Elon faculty, Kelsey Bitting and Jill McSweeney, Elon alum Elyssa Kaufman ’25 (Environmental Sciences), and graduating senior, Kira Campagna ’26, an elementary education major, with a minor in environmental education). The work builds on growing research connecting nature exposure and contemplative practices with improved student wellness and academic outcomes.

Elyssa Kaufman ’25 (left) and Kira Campagna ’26 (right) celebrate their hard work at the end of Fall 2025

Student researchers, Kaufman and Campagna, played a central role throughout the project and have at several �þ�� research and pedagogical conferences. Their project work specifically examined how outdoor mindfulness practices influenced mood, mindful awareness, and students’ relationship with nature. Their presentations highlighted significant increases in positive affect, nature connectedness and mindfulness among students who completed the sit spot assignment.

In collaboration with Evan Small, additional research this past academic year recruited over 80 students across four courses (i.e., ENS 1100: Humans and Nature (Fall 2025), WHE 1150: Stress and Wellness (Fall 2025), HEU 1719: Foraging and Wild Foods (Fall 2025), and COR 3555: Foraging Wild Food and Medicine (Spring ’26)). Using data from these four courses, graduating senior, Abigail Manning (Environmental Sciences) recently explored how sit spots affect students’ mindfulness and nature connectivity across different majors and disciplines. Her research found that students in nature-focused majors often experienced even stronger gains in mindfulness and nature connectedness through the sit spot practice.

Abigail presents her work at the 2026 SURF Day

The research team plans to continue building on these findings over the summer. Kiley Sherlock ’27, an environmental sciences major, will conduct qualitative analysis on student reflections for her Summer Undergraduate Research Experience, exploring how students define nature and further exploring how the sit spot practice impacts student stress across the semester. The team also plans on additional publications exploring the impact of student demographics, and focus on a practice-oriented piece on how to support colleagues to bring contemplative pedagogies which incorporate nature into their classrooms to support the wellbeing of students and themselves.

Together, the project reflects Elon’s commitment to engaged learning and �þ�� research, while also contributing meaningful scholarship to conversations around student wellness, mindfulness, and environmental connection.

�þ�� to host 136th Commencement Ceremonies on Friday, May 22

Avery Craine Powell — Mon, 18 May 2026 15:42:08 +0000

�þ�� will celebrate more than 1,500 graduates during two ceremonies on Friday, May 22, in Schar Center as part of the university’s 136th Commencement Exercises.

Patricia Walsh Chadwick P’16 will deliver the commencement address to the Class of 2026, drawing from her accomplished career in finance and a life marked by diverse personal and professional experiences.

“As an Elon parent, I have watched with admiration as first President Lambert, and now President Book, have propelled �þ�� to new heights in both scholastic excellence and expanded degree programs,” Chadwick said. “The Class of 2026 faced the challenge of spending part of high school under the duress of the COVID pandemic and remote learning, and their graduation from �þ�� exemplifies their commitment to excellence.”

Ruby Radis ’26, a human service studies major from Chicago, Illinois, has been selected to deliver the “Message of Appreciation.” Her address will center on the “magic” of the relationships students build at Elon: “I believe in the way that Elon fosters relationships unlike any other place I’ve been,” said Radis.

The 9 a.m. ceremony will honor graduates from the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business and the School of Communications. The 2:30 p.m. ceremony will recognize graduates from Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences; the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education; and the School of Health Sciences.

Candidates for the Master of Arts in Higher Education, Master of Education in Innovation, Master of Science in Accounting, Master of Science in Business Analytics, and Master of Business Administration will participate in a separate graduate ceremony on May 20 at 7 p.m. in Alumni Gym. Journalist and author Katie Blunt ’15 will deliver the address during the evening ceremony.

More information on Elon’s 136th Commencement is available online.

Elon dedicates bench in memory of Allison Keill

Avery Craine Powell — Mon, 11 May 2026 19:59:23 +0000

Allison Keill

Joined by family, friends and colleagues of Allison Keill, �þ�� dedicated a bench in memory of the late staff member on May 11.

Keill, 50, served as director of the Curriculum Resources Center and associate librarian in the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education before passing away March 25, 2026. The new bench sits outside the Mooney Building, home to the Watts Williams School of Education. Elon continues to honor the memory of staff and faculty members with benches throughout campus.

“Through her work, she guided and encouraged countless future educators, helping shape not only their studies, but also their confidence and sense of belonging,” said Shane Atikinson, associate director of Muslim Life, who led the dedication ceremony. “And those who knew Allison understand that her legacy is larger than any title. And that’s why her absence is felt so deeply.”

Jeffrey Carpenter, William S. Long professor and professor of education, shared his memories of working with Keill, describing her as “one of a kind.”

“Many of you entered Mooney in one mood, and then you saw her presence in her office, and her smile, and she invited you in for a conversation, and you left that room in a different mental and emotional state,” said Carpenter.

Family and friends of Keill have also joined together to endow a scholarship in her name that will provide students with life-changing global engagement opportunities.

“This bench becomes more than steel and wood. It becomes a place of memory. a place of gratitude, a place where Alison’s presence continues to echo in the life of this community,” said Atkinson. “May those who sit here find what Alison so freely gave to others peace, encouragement and kindness.”

The bench outside of Mooney dedicated in memory of Allison Keill

Commencement 2026: Kaitlyn Lewis ’26 advances through Alamance-Elon education pipeline

Avery Craine Powell — Thu, 07 May 2026 13:24:28 +0000

Kaitlyn Lewis ’26

North Carolina Teaching Fellow Kaitlyn Lewis ’26 used to “play school” as a young girl, setting up her bedroom as a classroom, �þ�� her stuffed animals. Now, Lewis is no longer pretending.

On May 22, she will graduate from �þ�� with a degree in elementary education and begin �þ�� full-time in the Alamance County community.

“I’ve always had such amazing teachers growing up. They’ve always had a positive impact on my life, and they’ve inspired me through my schooling,” said Lewis, who is from Alamance County. “They showed me what I want to be for my future students.”

Lewis’s path to and through Elon has included all three primary scholarship programs within the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education: Alamance Scholars, NC Teaching Fellows and post-graduation, Teach for Alamance. Lewis came to Elon through the Alamance Scholars Program, a partnership between Elon, the Alamance-Burlington School System and Alamance Community College. The program provides a pathway from high school to a college degree, preparing students to become teachers within their local community.

Designed to attract students with financial need from diverse backgrounds, the Alamance Scholars program supports those pursuing education degrees while helping address teacher shortages in Alamance County and beyond. Lewis spent two years at ACC before transferring to Elon as a junior, a transition she says the program made seamless.

“If I ever needed anything, I knew I could go straight to them and they would be right on it, and they would help me immediately,” Lewis said.

The program has had such a strong impact on Lewis that she now mentors future scholars.

“We’ll show them around the campus, and they’ve even been able to sit in on some of my classes, so they get the Elon experience before they are an actual Elon student, which is something that solidified my decision on going to Elon,” said Lewis.

For the past three semesters, Lewis has been student �þ�� at Garrett Elementary in Mebane, the same community where she attended grade school.

“I love it. The staff and all the cooperating teachers that I have worked with have been amazing. They have provided me with the resources to help me grow as an educator,” said Lewis.

Kaitlyn Lewis ’26 with her co-teacher, Elon alumna Meredith Barger ’18 at Garrett Elementary in Mebane, North Carolina.

And her co-teacher happens to be Elon alum: Meredith Barger ’18.

“Kaitlyn is an amazing student teacher to work with,” said Barger. “She brings a positive attitude, a caring heart and great work ethic into the classroom. She has been a joy to work with this year, we have been able to co-teach this semester to best support our students! It’s not often that you have a student teacher who can pick up and co-teach with you as Kaitlyn did.”

While Lewis says adjusting to a real classroom can be challenging, she credits Elon’s education program with preparing her for a wide range of situations.

“Elon has definitely equipped me knowledge-wise and showed me different strategies for �þ�� because not every student learns the same way,” said Lewis. “You need different strategies to teach different students. They got us into the classroom as soon as they could, which I think is one of the most beneficial things because that is where you do the most learning, is in the classroom.”

Faculty in the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education have also been key sources of support, including Portia Wade, assistant �þ�� professor of education; Lisa Thompson, adjunct instructor of education; and Katie Baker, associate professor of education, who taught Lewis in three courses, including a mathematics content course.

Kaitlyn Lewis ’26 �þ�� a phonics lesson at Garrett Elementary in Mebane, North Carolina

“Kaitlyn put extensive effort into all of her courses and was open to exploring new ways of learning mathematics for the sake of her future learners. She was so intrigued by various mathematics approaches that she found ways to immediately integrate the content in her field placement classroom, and additionally, her coursework was done at such an exemplary level, I now use her submissions as the models for future semesters,” Baker said.

After graduation, Lewis plans to remain at Elon. She has been accepted into the Teach for Alamance program, which provides full tuition remission and a small stipend to graduates of the School of Education who enroll in Elon’s Master of Education program. Participants commit to two years of �þ�� in the Alamance-Burlington School System and must be employed by the district throughout their graduate studies.

“One of my favorite things is when I am working with students and you can see when the content finally clicks in their heads. It is such a rewarding feeling,” she said. “My main goal is to be a welcoming adult for students.”

Ahead of �þ��’s 136th Commencement on May 22, 2026, Today at Elon is highlighting several graduating seniors who have made the most of their Elon experience.

Scholarship honors the memory of beloved Elon educator and mentor

Jaleh Hagigh — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:17:37 +0000

Allison Keill with husband Chad Esposito and her children (l-r) Danny Bryan, Mary Elizabeth Bryan and Eddie Bryan.

Those who knew Allison Keill remember her passion for education and mentoring and how she touched the lives of every student she encountered in the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education.

That legacy will live on in the Allison E. Keill Memorial Global Engagement Endowed Scholarship that has been established by Keill’s husband, Chad Esposito, of Burlington, North Carolina, along with gifts from dozens of friends and family members who have come together to honor her memory.

Keill, 50, served as director of the Curriculum Resources Center and associate librarian in the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education before passing away March 25, 2026.

“Allison brought light and love to all in the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education,” said Dean Ann Bullock. “Her genuine, welcoming spirit and boundless sense of adventure make this scholarship a fitting tribute to an educator who impacted lives far beyond the classroom.”

The scholarship will assist students with financial need in the Watts Williams School of Education who are pursuing study abroad or Study USA opportunities.

Esposito remembers his wife as a woman of extraordinary grace, strength and heart who loved her family deeply.

“Allison was selfless and giving in every sense of the word—always putting others before herself and offering love, comfort and kindness so freely to everyone fortunate enough to know her,” he said. “She had a way of making people feel seen, cared for and important, and her beautiful smile could light up even the darkest room. Allison will be remembered for her positivity, intelligence, resilience and unwavering spirit.”

Keill was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in September 2024 yet refused to let the disease define her, Esposito said.

“Even in the face of unimaginable hardship, Allison remained inspiring, strong, thoughtful and full of love,” he said. “She met life’s challenges with courage and dignity, and she taught those around her what it truly means to live with purpose, gratitude and grace. Her family was the center of her world, and she poured her heart into every moment spent with them. She also understood deeply that nothing in this life is guaranteed, and because of that, she embraced each moment with love, laughter and intention.”

Esposito hopes the scholarship will inspire students to embrace education and global exploration.

“Endowing this scholarship ensures that Allison’s legacy continues in a way that reflects who she was—a compassionate educator, an inspiring mentor and someone who saw the world as a classroom without borders,” he said. “Allison had a genuine love of learning, not only through books and �þ��, but through experiencing the world firsthand. She believed that understanding different cultures and perspectives made people better educators, better thinkers and better human beings.”

Born in Summit, New Jersey, Keill grew up in Westport, Connecticut, and Brunswick County, North Carolina. After graduating high school from the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, she earned her bachelor’s degree from UNC-Greensboro, and a master’s degree in library science from East Carolina University.

Make a Gift

Anyone interested in donating to the scholarship may contact Brian Baker, associate vice president of university advancement, at (336) 278-7453 or bbaker7@elon.edu.

Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education | Today at Elon | �þ���

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