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

“Before Elon, I didn’t really have any attachment to my heritage,” Wible said. “I’ve learned so much about myself since being here.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wible’s exploration of her identity has also taken shape in an unexpected place — her home.

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

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

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

Finding community through connection

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

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

“We aim to promote an inclusive sisterhood while giving back to the community and celebrating culture, especially in a space where there aren’t many of us,” Wible said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Reagan doesn’t just support Elon KPL members, but supports our (members) all over the country,” said Bella Pelini ’27, a member of the Associate Chapter of Kappa Phi Lambda Sorority, Incorporated, who considers Wible a mentor. “She is always the first to ask Elon (memberS) if we want to join her at other North Carolina school cultural events or reveals. She has helped us strengthen our sisterhood throughout all of North Carolina and beyond.”

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

She hopes to leave a lasting impact on the community she has built at Elon by encouraging others to pursue new opportunities. “Don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone,” Wible said. “It might be scary, but it can change your life in a really positive way.”

Elon honors Asian Pacific Island Heritage Month

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

Now a junior journalism major, Pfabe has been elected the executive director of Elon News Network for the 2026-27 academic year. Her path to the top leadership spot was a fast one, starting with a variety of roles in broadcast, web, and print. By the spring of her first year, she was already helping others get started as a new member coordinator.

“I helped new students get acclimated to ENN, responded to emails, and acted like I knew what I was doing,” Pfabe said.

Her passion for the craft actually goes back to her childhood. While she briefly considered psychology because she loved learning why people act the way they do, she realized journalism was a better way to learn others’ stories. She did morning announcements in elementary school and even acted as a reporter for Junior Achievement BizTown, which combines in-class learning with a day-long visit to a simulated town.

“I think local news is one of the pillars of local community and society,” Pfabe said. “People trust their local news more than they trust their national news. There is such a value in having people that are constantly around and making those connections to tell stories, especially ones that don’t get told often.”

Pfabe finds inspiration in local reporters she grew up watching in Baltimore, like investigative reporter David Collins. She recalled being starstruck when she finally met him during an internship. She also looks up to Elon alumni who started exactly where she is now, such as Gary Grumbach ’16, a legal affairs reporter for NBC News, and Maya Eaglin ’19, an on-air reporter for MSNOW.

“They started where we’re starting, and their Elon education helped them get there,” Pfabe said. “That is so phenomenal.”

As she looks toward her new role, Pfabe wants to shift the focus toward community-facing initiatives. She plans to lead ENN in more outreach and volunteer events throughout Burlington and Graham to build relationships that are not just transactional.

“You’re going, and you’re volunteering in your community. You’re doing good, and you’re not getting a story out of it,” Pfabe said. “You’re just doing something for the community.”

Transparency is another major goal for the upcoming year. Pfabe said she wants to break down the mystery of how news is made and show the campus that the staff is juggling many responsibilities at once.

“There is this idea that we are journalists first and students second, but we’re journalists and students at the same time,” Pfabe said. “We are still learning, and we’re still doing schoolwork at the same time as we’re doing our stories. We have classes with the same people we’re interviewing.”

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.

Gabriela Alvarez ’28 built her Elon experience around connection,?opportunity?and identity. As a first-generation college student, she has embraced campus communities that strengthen her character while also discovering her passion for strategic communications.

In her junior year of high school in Westchester, New York, Alvarez signed up for?the Immersion experience through the Emerging Journalists Program at 久久热,?where she was flown to Elon for a week to gain experience in her passion for news and broadcasting. Before the program, Elon had not been on Alvarez’s radar.

“The program changed my view of Elon. I had a really?good time?and connected with the professors and the cohort I was in.?So,?I decided to?come see?Elon as a result,” said Alvarez, who notes communications faculty?Colin Donohue, Kelly Furnas and Israel Balderas were influential in her experience.

Her?campus?tour was on?Homecoming?& Reunion?weekend, where she spoke?up?about her interest in journalism, which resulted in the tour guide encouraging her to explore the newsroom. There, she was able to chat with?alumni from the?School?of Communications, who shared their positive experiences?from?their time at Elon.

After?touring?the?communications?facilities and connecting?with?these?alumni,?she knew?Elon was the place for her.

Her first year here, Alvarez was a?journalism?major, and joining Live Oak Communications Agency became a turning point in her communications career. After contributing to the agency, Alvarez realized her passions aligned?more?with the strategic communications major.

“I fell in love with agency life. I liked strategic communications better because there was more creative freedom for me. I enjoy helping businesses that are someone’s life’s work, blossom even further,” she said.

As a part of the Communications Fellows cohort, Alvarez was able to attend?a Winter Term Florida?trip in her first year. She notes that this?trip gave her the opportunity to explore different fields within communications, which reinforced her passion for strategic communications.

“I think the Fellows?is an amazing program.?It’s?given me some of my best friends, and it opened doors for me to connect with professors,”?said Alvarez.?“I’m?so glad I met Professor (Vanessa) Bravo through a Communications Fellows networking event because, like me, she is Hispanic, and?that’s?very important?to my identity. I connected with her, and I joined the Unity in Communications club that helped me connect with other people who are interested in diversity in the communications world.”

Alvarez is also a proud first-generation college student.?As the?secretary for?Elon’s First-Generation Society,?she?is consistently making the most out of the opportunities offered to her.

“I really love being first-generation,” she said. “It’s?a?big part of my identity. I try to do as much as I can to make my parents proud and make their sacrifices worth it.”

In addition, she is also a?Bill and Sue Smith Odyssey?Scholar. Through attending workshops on financial literacy, discussions on how to stay motivated, and even mental health checks.

“Odyssey has pushed me to be a better person and a better leader who is not afraid to ask for help or try new things.?I’ve?become more aware of how to succeed in the future, and I feel prepared for post-graduate,” she said.

Through the many communities and cohorts Alvarez is committed to, she has found belonging and purpose on Elon’s campus.

“I think being a part of these communities, like Odyssey, First Phoenix and Unity in Communications, is a way for me to stay true to myself,” she?explained. “I grew up in a?Hispanic-centered community, so coming to a?predominantly white?institution was a bit intimidating, but joining these communities helped me connect to others who have similar backgrounds and qualities as me.?It’s?important to stay true to the characteristics that are important to you and what makes you, you.”

Her scholarships have been?a “weight off her shoulders” throughout her experience at Elon, allowing her the opportunity to see her dreams realized.

“Being able to tell my family they?don’t?have to worry so much about me and that?I’ve?worked hard in school and will continue to work hard is?very rewarding.?I’m?very proud?of myself.?I’m?proud to make my parents happy,”?she said.?“I’m willing to fight for dreams and fight for what I’m passionate about, and my scholarships have made that possible for me.”

“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 久久热 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 .

“I chose Elon because I didn’t want an environment where I was just a number,” Wright recalled.

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

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

Building Community

Wright also conducts 久久热 research in public health.

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

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

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

“There was a space for me that I could explore being Asian in a safer way,” Wright said.

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

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

Between Two Worlds

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

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

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

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

Mentorship

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Elon honors Asian Pacific Island Heritage Month

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

Inspired by real-world stories about the high-stakes race for valedictorian, student filmmakers and spent the past several years bringing to life “Valediction,” a feature-length film set to premiere on Wednesday, April 8, in .

A twisted coming-of-age comedy, this first-ever feature film by Elon 久久热s explores the dangers of apathy and obsession. The screening, scheduled from 7 to 9 p.m., will be followed by an informal reception.

“I think people should be excited for the screening because it’s the culmination of so many Elon students and faculty’s hard work over these past two and a half years,” said Martin, a strategic communications and cinema and television arts double major. “No matter your major, you will almost certainly see a familiar face or two onscreen or in the credits.”

What began as a concept rooted in academic pressure quickly expanded into a genre-bending, feature-length production – an uncommon scope for 久久热 filmmakers. Sherouse, a cinema and television arts BFA major, and Martin collaborated to develop an intricate story and cast of characters, ultimately committing to a longer format to fully realize their vision.

At the center of their story is Sam, played by , an isolated overachiever who fights her classmates tooth and nail for the title of valedictorian. The film draws inspiration from the competition surrounding academic achievement, a dynamic explored in Margaret Talbot’s 2005 New Yorker article that examines how the pursuit of valedictorian status can push students to extremes. Sherouse said he read the article years ago, and the subject stayed with him long after.

“To include everything we wanted in the story, it became clear to us that ‘Valediction’ had to be feature-length, rather than a short film like most Elon productions,” Sherouse said. “We knew it would be a long and arduous process, but worth it to bring this story to life.”

That extended scope also shaped how the story is told. A balance of satire and suspense drives the film’s tone, blending humor with unexpected twists.

“‘Valediction’ is simply a movie that’s meant to be seen by a large audience,” Sherouse said. “There are laughs, scares and shocking turns – a whole emotional rollercoaster that’s best experienced with friends. I guarantee there are some twists you won’t see coming.”

As the premiere approaches, the scale of that effort is giving way to reflection.

Martin expressed pride in what the team accomplished and excitement to share the finished film, while Sherouse acknowledged the mix of anticipation and nerves that comes with completing a nearly three-year creative process.

Produced through , “Valediction” drew on support from faculty across campus.

Assistant Professor of Cinema and Television Arts Kai Swanson served as the project’s primary faculty sponsor, while Director of Technology, Operations and Multimedia Projects Bryan Baker and Assistant Professor of Cinema and Television Arts Youssef Osman provided mentorship and feedback throughout development and production. Baker also assisted with securing equipment for principal photography.

Faculty also stepped into the story itself. Several faculty members appear in the film, including Assistant Professor of Journalism Israel Balderas, Assistant Professor of Classical Languages Tedd Wimperis, Associate Professor of English Scott Proudfit and former journalism professor Susan Ladd – many trying their hand at acting for the first time.

Several mentors praised the students’ ambition and execution in bringing a feature-length film to the screen.

“I had the chance to see a rough cut and was very impressed with their ability, passion and perseverance in completing an entire feature film on their own,” Osman said. “The film is a fun, highly stylized and engaging dark comedy.”

Swanson noted that the project originated as a student pitch and has grown into ESTV’s first made-for-TV movie.

“The students have put an incredible amount of work into this project, from development through production and post,” Swanson said. “It’s a great example of the kind of ambitious, long-form work students are starting to pursue.”

Credits

Roof Rat Productions (creative team)

• Talula Martin – co-director, co-writer, producer, actress
• Hammond Sherouse – co-director, co-writer
• Althea Muldrew – producer
• Katharyn MacDonald – lead actress, associate producer

Crew

• JJ Duckworth – production sound mixer, actor
• Karter Evans – makeup artist
• Lauren Nesbit – costume designer
• Gabi Emerson & B Underhill-Reed – composers

Cast

• Katharyn MacDonald – Sam
• Hope Hynes Love – Eliza (Sam’s mother)
• Jeff Alguire – Dr. Whistler (Sam’s father)
• Grace Minton – Deidre (Sam’s friend)
• JJ Duckworth – Ben (politician)
• Monty Lewis – Henry (student reporter)
• Amelia Brinson – Abe (theater kid)
• Graham Boggess – Nate (jock)
• Ryan Voisard – Charlie (stranger)
• Susan Ladd – Mrs. Garden (psychology teacher)
• Hank Heimlich – Seth (theater kid)
• Talula Martin – Jeremy (theater kid)
• J. Israel Balderas – Mr. Haruspex (principal)
• Jackson Bennett – Patrick (student reporter)
• Maverick Powell – Nora (student reporter)
• Rose Fyffe – Sarah (theater kid)
• Tedd Wimperis – Dr. Franklin (scientist)
• Wrigley Koch – Ms. Burnesse (guidance counselor)
• Scott Proudfit – Dr. Miles (scientist)

The celebration offers an opportunity for reflection, education and connection, deepening understanding of API communities’ lasting impact, with the Center for Race, Ethnicity, and Diversity Education (CREDE) leading a variety of programs throughout the month.

Recognizing the diversity within Asian & Pacific Islander communities, this year’s theme, “Distinctly in Bloom: Growing Together”, focuses on highlighting the uniqueness of different Asian, Pacific Islander and South Asian cultures and identities across the diaspora.

“Our hope for the theme is that the campus community will understand and get to learn about the full spectrum of APISA cultures and identities,” George Dou, assistant director of the CREDE, said. “That means also learning about each culture or people individually as well, which is something we’re hoping to highlight throughout the course of the month.”

Throughout April, with events continuing into May, the CREDE will host a variety of events to honor and highlight these communities. Highlights of this year’s events include the annual kickoff celebration, the Asian Film Series and the Kaju & Lina Piano Duo (Voyage of Dance).

For additional questions, please contact Dou at gdou@elon.edu.

Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month Events at Elon

Communi-Tea Time

Every Tuesday in April

12:30-1:30 p.m. | CREDE (Moseley 221)

APIHM?Kickoff

Wednesday, April 1

5:30-7 p.m. | Medallion Plaza

The Elon community is invited to celebrate the rich and diverse cultures of Asian and Pacific Islander (API) communities at our API Heritage Month Kickoff Event! This celebration will feature different foods, cultural performances, local businesses and engaging activities that highlight the contributions and traditions of API communities.

Kaju & Lina Piano Duo (Voyage of Dance)

Wednesday, April 1

7:30 p.m. | Whitley Auditorium

A duet piano recital featuring classical and Korean folk music. Kaju Lee and Lina Yoo Min Lee met while 久久热 in Wisconsin and have performed together at various institutions and venues, often showcasing both well-known classical pieces and works by contemporary and Korean composers. Their performances frequently feature both solo and duo (4-hands) repertoire. Sponsored by the Department of Music.

Matcha & Sushi Pops

Tuesday, April 7

2-3 p.m. | Outside Lakeside

Spring into History w/ Chinese Club & Arabic Club

Wednesday, April 8

6-8 p.m. | El Centro Kitchen (Carlton 114)

K-DNS: Open Dance Session

Friday, April 10

6-7 p.m. | Koury Dance Studio 5

Holi

Friday, April 10 (Rain dates: April 17 and April 24)

4 p.m. | Phi Beta Kappa Lawn

A Hindu spring festival of color and sharing love, Holi marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring. The Elon community gathers at Speaker’s Corner to throw colored powder at one another, celebrating the earth returning to color and life and good triumphing over evil. If you plan to throw color, please wear old clothing that can get dirtied by paint. There will also be crafts, food, and other ways to celebrate the holiday. Sponsored by the Truitt Center for Religious & Spiritual Life.

APISA Community Dinner

Monday, April 13

5:30-7 p.m. | CREDE (Moseley 221)

Rainbow Boba?

Friday, April 17

5:30-6:30 p.m. | CREDE (Moseley 221)

Asian Film Series: The Globalization Tapes

Tuesday, April 21

7 p.m. | Global Media Room 103

A documentary exploring how a community in West Java navigates the forces of globalization, tourism and cultural identity.

Food For Thought: Korea

Wednesday, April 22

6 p.m. | CREDE (Moseley 221)

Donghua Night

Friday, April 24

8-10 p.m. | Alamance 315

A collaboration between the Chinese Club and the Anime & Japanese Studies Club where we will be watching donghuas (动画), which is the Chinese term for anime.

Exploring Asian America: Workshop

Wednesday, April 29

5:30-7 p.m. | CREDE (Moseley 221)

An interactive workshop where participants will get to learn more about the spectrum of voices and experiences in Asian America.

Asian Film Series: Perfect Days

Tuesday, May 5

7 p.m. | Global Media Room 103

A Tokyo toilet cleaner finds quiet beauty and contentment in his daily routine and unexpected human connections.

Tai Chi with Chinese Club

Wednesday, May 6

5-6 p.m. | Colonnades Quad

LTW: EOY Celebration

Thursday, May 7

6-7:30 p.m. | McKinnon (Moseley 128)

Explore the full schedule of API Heritage Month events on the CREDE website.

While university administrators and faculty report that the word “multifaith” is often associated solely with belief in transcendent beings, they emphasize that, at Elon, it encompasses a broader invitation for the community to explore questions of meaning, value and purpose across religious, spiritual, ethical and secular worldviews.

The Multifaith Strategic Plan, developed in 2023, aligns with the Boldly Elon Strategic Plan and outlines four guiding goals:

• Increase religious diversity
• Foster a more equitable and inclusive campus community
• Support meaningful multifaith learning and engagement opportunities
• Articulate the educational value of multifaith diversity, equity and inclusion for all.

Together, they say, these goals build upon Elon’s longstanding traditions while expanding how the university honors and supports worldview diversity. The strategic plan affirms that graduates should be equipped to navigate a world shaped by differences in religion, belief systems, values and ways of life and that such preparation begins on campus.

Spirit of shared meaning

One of the most visible expressions of this commitment is Numen Lumen: Senior Baccalaureate Reflection, held Under the Oaks during Commencement Week. Reimagined in 2022, the ceremony reflects the Elon motto “numen lumen,” meaning “spiritual light” and “intellectual light.”

Rather than a traditional sermon, the gathering centers on shared reflection, celebration and inspiration, featuring student voices alongside readings and blessings drawn from a wide range of religious and cultural traditions.

“This will be a place for seniors to be able to come together with their friends and reflect together on their Elon journey,” said Rev. Kirstin Boswell, university chaplain and dean of multifaith engagement, when the redesign was introduced. “Baccalaureate is being reimagined as a space of pure celebration of the diversity within our graduating class.”

That same spirit of shared meaning is visible each December during the Festival of Lights and Luminaries, one of Elon’s most cherished traditions. The event brings the campus community together to learn about and honor a variety of religious, spiritual, ethical and cultural traditions, reinforcing the idea that multifaith engagement is not limited to formal spaces but woven into the rhythm of campus life.

This reflection is more than just once a year; it’s weekly. Every Thursday from 9:50 to 10:20 a.m., the Elon community is invited to Numen Lumen: A Thursday Inspiration, where they can hear?members of the community share pieces of their stories, enjoy live music and artistic expression, and share in coffee and refreshments.

“罢丑别蝉别 events are an invitation for every community member, regardless of religious, spiritual, or ethical tradition and worldview, to encounter perspectives and practices beyond our own,” said Hillary Zaken, director of multifaith programming and engagement. “They are unique spaces that are genuine and authentic celebrations of these important holidays, and at the same time make space for our community to practice skills of respectful engagement, learn about and honor diverse identities, and lift up the Truitt Center’s work to show that spiritual and intellectual growth belong together.”

Learning spaces

Through facilitated dialogue, educational programming and student leadership opportunities, Elon encourages exploration of worldview diversity as an essential component of a liberal arts education.

For example: the Ripple Interfaith Conference, a student-led initiative advised by Zaken that has grown steadily since its founding 10 years ago by an intern in the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life. Designed to empower and inspire interfaith student leaders, Ripple convenes participants from diverse religious, spiritual and ethical identities for dialogue and community-building.

The 2026 theme, “A Recipe for Interfaith,” invited participants in February to explore how connection is built through shared practices, particularly food. By examining meals, recipes and storytelling, the conference highlighted how everyday experiences can foster understanding across differences

“Interfaith engagement, like cooking, requires curiosity, patience and a readiness to experiment,” said Lauren Bedell ’26, co-director of the 2026 conference. “Ripple is designed to serve everyone, and its cook time is lifelong.”

Food and faith

Food also plays a role in Elon’s multifaith commitments. Harvest Table, the university’s dining partner, works closely with campus stakeholders to accommodate religious observances and dietary needs.

Passover meals are available in Lakeside Dining Hall during the Jewish holiday, to-go bags support students observing Ramadan and Lenten fish is served on Fridays for those abstaining from meat. The Phoenix Flavors Vending Machine in the Truitt Center includes Kosher, Halal and pareve options, while the allgood station in Lakeside offers Halal chicken daily.

Elon’s commitment to multifaith engagement also shows in the religious and spiritual organizations that contribute to campus community and belonging. Through the Truitt Center, students can connect with recognized student groups representing diverse traditions and practices. These include communities such as Catholic 久久热 Ministry (CCM), which offers weekly Mass, retreats and service opportunities; Elon Hillel and Chabad, which provide social, cultural and spiritual support for Jewish students; and the Elon Muslim Society, where students celebrate Islamic traditions and engage in interfaith dialogue.

There are also Christian ministries like 久久热 Outreach, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and Fellowship of Christian Athletes, as well as contemplative and wellness groups like Iron Tree Blooming (meditation) and the Yoga Club—all open and welcoming spaces for students across different identities.

Buddhist Life offers opportunities for understanding and awareness of the Buddhadharma, including the Sand Mandala event each fall where a Buddhist monk visits Elon for three days and used colored sand to create a sand mandala, a Tibetan Buddhist symbol that fosters both healing and peace for those who view it. Elon enables Hindu students to engage with the religious tradition through events, services and forums, including the annual tradition of Diwali. A small, vibrant and diverse Pagan community is also supported at Elon.

Efforts reflect how Elon continues to honor its traditions while expanding multifaith engagement in intentional and meaningful ways. Through ceremony, dialogue, learning spaces and everyday practices, Elon affirms its commitment to preparing graduates who can engage thoughtfully and respectfully in a diverse and interconnected world.

“Elon’s Multifaith Strategic Plan is a promise to our students, faculty, staff, and the wider community that we will take them seriously as whole, complex people,” said Brian Pennington, director of the Center for the Study of Religion, Culture, and Society. “It is also a commitment to our students that an Elon education will prepare them to lead in a world where interreligious understanding is crucial to a sound global community.”

This story is the first in a series of stories focusing on 久久热’s Multifaith Strategic Plan.?

The Carnegie Community Engagement Classification, awarded to a select group of U.S. colleges and universities, affirms 久久热’s integration of community-based experiences into 久久热, 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 久久热 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.”