For the past 12 years, the Faculty/Staff Health & Wellness Clinic has organized a challenge for Elon employees each fall to walk a set distance of miles to build community, have fun and win prizes. A spring challenge was recently added. Each challenge is themed and, in fall 2025, the theme was, “Let’s Go Racing Elon 200,” inspired by NASCAR.

The challenges are organized by Belinda Day, wellness coordinator for the Faculty/Staff Health & Wellness Clinic. She loves coming up with new themes for the challenges and being creative with the prizes.

“I do the Fall and Spring walking challenge because it keeps me moving, keeps me accountable and reminds me to take time for myself amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life,” she said.

Day added that the challenge provides employees an easy way to practice wellness, both mentally and physically. She coordinates with leadership to schedule the challenges and to ensure the events are aligned with overall wellness goals to foster a more active and engaged work environment while fostering team collaboration and reducing stress.

“I put on the spring and fall walking challenge to give our employees a simple, fun and accessible way to support their health, reduce stress and stay connected as a team.”

-Belinda Day, wellness coordinator for the Faculty/Staff Health & Wellness Clinic

In spring 2025, the walking challenge theme was “Grand Slam Tennis,” which saw a similar number of walkers participating in teams. This year, 118 teams out of the 151 who entered completed 180 cumulative miles. An additional 71 teams finished the challenge with each team reporting a minimum of 360 miles walked.

“It’s a fun and simple way for everyone to step away from their screens and connect with each other,” said Day. “Plus, I love seeing how these programs not only improve physical health but also build a sense of community in the workplace.”

A new walking challenge will be announced during the spring semester.

Four projects were announced in February and include a Puppy Yoga event, an arts and crafts service initiatives, establishing a peer support program for nursing students and renovating the philosophy suite in Spence Pavilion.

Inside Higher Ed spoke with Anu Räisänen, director of HealthEU Initiatives about selecting the projects.

“The goal is that students come and share their experience, like they would do with �þ��� research as well, and then we build that momentum,” Räisänen told Inside Higher Ed. “The best way to get a message to students is word of mouth; you just need to find the right students to spread the word.”’

More information about Elon’s HealthEU Initiatives and the new HealthEU Center can be found on HealthEU website.

Each proposal was reviewed by three members of the Student Wellness Innovation Grant Committee and was graded based on the rationale, significance, feasibility, innovation, potential impact and alignment with HealthEU and the university’s mission to positively impact student well-being and success.

The four funded proposals include a Puppy Yoga event, an arts and crafts service initiative, establishing a peer support program for nursing students and renovating the philosophy suite in Spence Pavilion.

“I am delighted to see that the four projects that received the highest scores cover a variety of topics and focus on different dimensions of well-being,” said Anu Räisänen, director of HealthEU Initiatives and the chair of the Student Wellness Innovation Grant Committee. “I am looking forward to this grant competition growing in the future. I believe that through the student wellness innovation grants we can identify great ideas that can be expanded into university wide initiatives future.”

“Serving on the Student Wellness Innovation Grant Committee was an exciting experience,” said Marna Winter, senior lecturer of education. “It was inspiring to see the innovative and thoughtful ideas students from diverse departments proposed to enhance wellness and support HealthEU initiatives on campus. Their creativity and commitment to fostering a healthier, more connected campus community were truly impressive.”

“I would like to thank the members of the Student Wellness Innovation Grant Committee for their work on setting up the grant competition and thoughtfully reviewing the grants,” said Räisänen. “I also want to acknowledge all the work that took place before this committee came together. We are grateful to Jana Lynn Patterson, Anita Hodnett and Charlotte Williams for their work with the Andrew G. Bennett endowment and establishing this committee.”

Spring 2025 Andrew G Bennett ’08 Student Wellness Innovation Grant Winners

Building Philosophical Community

Applicant: Morgan Seate and Phi Sigma Tau (Philosollamas)

The aim of this project is the renovation and redecoration of the philosophy suite in Spence Pavilion to transform this space into a vibrant, welcoming hub for philosophical inquiry and connection. The renovated philosophy suite will provide a space that enhances both student experience and well-being by fostering community, intellectual curiosity, and personal reflection.

Nursing Fellows Volunteer and Service Initiative

Applicant: Meredith Korwan and the Nursing Fellows

The Nursing Fellows program is committed to enriching nursing students’ clinical experience through meaningful volunteer and service-learning opportunities. This grant will support the Nursing Fellows arts and crafts program with the UNC Children’s Hospital to enhance the patient experience by creating moments of joy and normalcy as well as encourage emotional healing through hands-on, creative expression.

Nursing Student Critical Incident Stress Debrief

Applicant: Taylor Capello

The purpose of this project is to support nursing students’ mental well-being by fostering a supportive environment where students can safely express their emotions outside of an academic setting. The project comprises peer support training, regular meetings and evaluation.

Puppy Yoga

Applicant: Naomi Lockamy and the School of Health Sciences Diversity Committee

The event will combine calming yoga with mindfulness techniques to promote well-being, along with the joy of puppy therapy to boost mood and bring some lighthearted fun to a student’s day. Whether students are looking for a break from the stresses of school or seeking ways to connect with others, this event will offer a safe space for graduate and �þ��� students to unwind, practice self-care, and build meaningful connections with one another.

Student Wellness Innovation Grant Committee

Anu Räisänen, committee chair, director of HealthEU Initiatives and assistant professor
Emma Calhoun, graduate apprentice, Odyssey Program
Charles Evans, counselor, counseling services
Seth Lasher, graduate apprentice, Student Professional Development Center
Marna Winter, senior lecturer of education, Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education

The William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust has continued its generous support of �þ��� with a $500,000 grant to the university’s new HealthEU Center that will also create scholarships in the Nursing Fellows program.

Elon has set a $25 million fundraising goal to make the HealthEU Center a reality. To date, donors have contributed nearly $16 million to the project that will bring academic, wellness, campus recreation and fitness programs together under one roof to support student well-being and serve faculty and staff. Scheduled to open in summer 2026, the center will be located within Elon’s Innovation Quad, home to the university’s engineering and other STEM programs.

“We are honored to partner with President Connie Ledoux Book and university staff on this grant that will broaden the legacy of the grants in healthcare and nursing,” said Nancy J. Cable, executive director of the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust. “We see Elon as an innovative and visionary institution and one that focuses on academic excellence and student well-being.”

The HealthEU Center is a central component of the university’s broader HealthEU initiative that focuses on six dimensions of health and wellness: community, emotional, purpose, financial, physical and social. The three-story facility will feature new classrooms, student-faculty research and engagement spaces, multiple floors for wellness and fitness activities and the Mark and Kim Tyson Counseling Center, which will provide space for individual and group therapy, as well as workshops and outreach programs.

Through coursework, workshops and training programs focused on health and wellness, the HealthEU Center will impact all students as they learn essential skills and practices to thrive on campus and throughout each stage of their lives.

The grant will also establish William R. Kenan, Jr. Nursing Fellows scholarships in Elon’s School of Health Sciences. The Nursing Fellows program is a selective merit-based program for academically talented students who are committed to pursuing careers in nursing and healthcare. Fellows spend four years working closely with faculty mentors exploring the many opportunities in the field of nursing and identifying ways to address health disparities in local and global communities and promote quality healthcare for all.

“One of the highest priorities for our trustees is to make grants to support healthcare workforce development in all four of the states we support, including North Carolina, Virginia, New York and Florida,” Cable said. “To be able to do that at Elon so close to the Trust headquarters is a special honor.”

The Kenan Trust has been a committed donor to Elon. In 2002, a $1.2 million grant endowed the William R. Kenan, Jr. Honors Fellows Scholarship that provides a four-year, full-tuition grant for the top Honors Fellow enrolling each fall. Kenan Honors Fellows also receive extensive enrichment opportunities, including leadership development, service-learning experiences, study abroad, research stipends and internships. The grant also named the William R. Kenan, Jr. Honors Pavilion in the Lambert Academic Village.

In addition, a $300,000 grant in 2015 helped launch Elon’s Kenan Community Impact Fellows program to address essential needs in the community, including literacy readiness for preschoolers and their families. The program builds upon the success of Elon’s “It Takes a Village” literacy project that pairs Elon students and faculty with students in the Alamance-Burlington School System.

“We are sincerely grateful for the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust’s continued partnership and this significant investment in two of Elon’s top philanthropic priorities,” said Brian Feeley ’03, assistant vice president for university advancement. “Collaboration has always been at the heart of the Trust’s grantmaking, ensuring their generous support is both strategically aligned and effective.”

About the Trust

A North Carolina native, William R. Kenan, Jr. graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill with a degree in chemistry and was a chemist and industrialist with wide-ranging business interests. Upon his death in 1965, the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust was created to further his strong interest in education.

The mission of the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust, a New York perpetual trust based in Chapel Hill, is to empower human potential through education and whole community investment. The Trust’s grantmaking is generally centered in the four states of Florida, New York, North Carolina and Virginia. To learn more about the Kenan Trust, visit .

HealthEU: Make An Impact

Many naming opportunities are available in the HealthEU Center, beginning at $50,000. Gift commitments may be made in full or with a pledge over a period of five years. To find out how you can make an impact with your gift, contact Brian Baker, associate vice president for university advancement, at 336.278.7453 or bbaker7@elon.edu.

The (NCHA), is a nationally recognized research survey sponsored by the American College Health Association (ACHA). �þ��� is participating in the NCHA to assess student health behaviors in order to improve and enhance services and support for students. Student participation is essential to better understand and support the health and well-being of the campus community. The results will guide future initiatives and services related to student wellness at Elon.

Elon �þ���s aged 18 and older received an invitation to complete the National College Health Assessment (NCHA). Elon will receive aggregate data from our student participants, and all individual responses will remain confidential, with no identifying information shared. Participation is voluntary and confidential, and the survey takes 20 to 25 minutes to complete.

All students who submit a survey will be automatically entered in a random drawing for one of five $100 VISA gift cards.

The NCHA data provides a snapshot of the most prevalent college health issues such as:

• Alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use
• Sexual health
• Weight, nutrition, and physical activity
• ������������𲹱��ٳ�
• Mental health (stress, anxiety, depression)
• Vaccinations
• Injury prevention
• Personal safety and violence (including sexual violence)

Questions? Connect with Jana Lynn Patterson, dean of students and associate vice president for student life at patters@elon.edu or (336) 278-7200

The daylong workshop on Aug. 15, co-sponsored by the Isabella Cannon Global Education Center (GEC) and the Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning (CATL), was designed for faculty and staff who lead study away programs, though it was open to all interested in enhancing global learning.

Following welcome remarks from Dean of Global Education Nick Gozik and Provost and Executive Vice President Rebecca Kohn, the day began with a thought-provoking keynote by Anu Taranath, a renowned educator and author of “Beyond Guilt Trips: Mindful Travel in an Unequal World.”

Taranath’s address, titled “Mindful Travel in an Unequal World,” explored the challenges and opportunities of navigating cultural differences and inequities during study abroad experiences. She emphasized the importance of deepening awareness of global inequities and preparing students for authentic and empathetic interactions with diverse communities.

Following the keynote, the workshop featured four breakout sessions tackling various aspects of global education:

• In “Cultivating Empathy and Understanding in Undergraduate Sojourners,” Mathew Gendle, professor psychology, and Amanda Tapler, senior lecturer in public health studies, focused on methods for cultivating empathy in students before, during and after their study away experiences. They drew from Taranath’s book to develop strategies for students to connect across cultural differences and manage the inevitable discomfort that comes with navigating new environments.
• Brian Pennington, professor of religious studies and Megan Hernandez-Greene, program coordinator at the Global Education Center, addressed how to effectively integrate and respond to religious encounters in global learning contexts in “Encountering Religion in Global Learning.” This session provided insights on how study away leaders can turn unexpected religious interactions into valuable learning opportunities.
• Through “Exploring Identity Through Data in Global Contexts,” Crista Arangala, professor of mathematics, facilitated a session on using data to explore and understand identities within host communities, connecting global education to Elon’s Data Nexus initiative. Participants engaged with practical activities designed to enhance pre-departure and onsite courses, fostering deeper insights into personal and cultural identity.
• In “Exploring the Intersections between Sustainability and Study Away,” Elaine Durr, senior director of sustainability, Kelly Harer, associate director of sustainability for education and outreach and Evan Small, lecturer in wellness led a discussion on the environmental impact of study away programs. They shared strategies for incorporating sustainability into global education and provided a reflective space for participants to consider the carbon footprint of their programs.

“The Global Pedagogy Workshop serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of study away programs,” said Gozik. “By addressing the discomforts inherent in navigating diverse global contexts, educators can help students develop the resilience and empathy needed to tackle today’s complex challenges.”

Gozik added that this workshop situates ideally within Elon’s new global strategic plan, launched this past January, by “deepening global experiences for both students and program leaders.”

“Having read and discussed Dr. Taranath’s insightful book with colleagues and students over the past few years, I was eager to meet her in person and learn more about her pedagogy,” said Maureen Vandermaas-Peeler, professor of psychology and director of the Center for Research on Global Engagement.

Vandermaas-Peeler added that Taranath’s “positive, constructive approach to open dialogue with students about challenging issues in global contexts is inspiring and the workshop was a great opportunity to discuss case studies and learn from her experiences.”

Met by Danieley Faculty Director Evan Small and Associate Director of Sustainability for Education and Outreach Kelly Harer, attendees gathered at Daniel Common at 9 p.m., indulging in celestial-themed snacks and beverages before embarking on a journey of inner peace. Itumeleng Shadrek from Counseling Services led a serene meditation circle, preparing minds for the wonders of the night sky.

On the shores of Lake Verona, blankets were spread beneath the stars, accompanied by a melodic blend of tunes emanating from a portable speaker. Astrophysics and astronomy majors and astronomy minors, including Jonathan Berkson, Myka Thomas, Matthew Rieck, Sam Lindo, Jaylem Cheek and Isabelle English along with Physics Department Lecturer/Historic Faculty Director Claudine Moreau and Historic Faculty in Residence Kevin Otos manned three telescopes and gave breathtaking “Winter Circle” constellation green laser star tours. Colin Vernon, an Environmental Engineering major, treated attendees to real-time views of the Orion Nebula and several globular clusters through the Seestar S50 telescope.

Danieley and Historic neighborhood Faculty Directors ran raffles to give away prizes including telescopes, galaxy light projectors, and a nebula tapestry. With the resounding success of the event, the prospect of future stargazing gatherings seems pretty stellar, promising a tradition that may well become a cornerstone of campus life at Elon.

Nepocatych’s background in exercise physiology and nutrition brings a unique perspective to her role and serves as a solid foundation to wellness. From this foundation, she is able to build upon the concept of wellness and implement a holistic approach that acknowledges the interconnectedness of various facets of well-being, including emotional, financial and social, within the academic setting.

Continuing to build upon her strong foundation, Nepocatych works with wellness pedagogy, or evidence-based strategies, to be implemented in the classroom. Through these efforts, she hopes to contribute to the university’s goal of creating a culture of wellness, which is named in the “Thrive” theme of the university’s Boldly Elon 10-year strategic plan. To implement wellness pedagogy, Nepocatcyh collaborates with several departments and organizations across campus to execute and assess initiatives that infuse wellness pedagogy.

She also facilitates interdisciplinary dialogue and knowledge exchange by partnering with departments such as the Center for Engaged Teaching and Learning and the Center for Design Thinking. One major initiative that illustrates the interdisciplinary dialogue spearheaded by Nepocatych is the Faculty Scholars Program, aimed at equipping faculty members with tools to integrate wellness pedagogy into their �þ��� practices. The program included 10 faculty participants who set goals for how to add wellness pedagogy to their course curriculum. Participant goals can include evidence-based practices, such as supporting language to syllabi, inclusive assignments and course design. The program also includes pre-and-post assessments to gauge the impact.

Through initiatives such as the Faculty Scholar Program and other workshops and programs such as the ThriveWell health intervention program, book discussions and tailored programs, she empowers faculty and staff to cultivate supportive learning environments that prioritize well-being. However, before implementing wellness pedagogy in the classroom, Nepocatych believes that wellness practices and behaviors must first begin with faculty and staff. She highlights the importance of prioritizing faculty and staff wellness as a foundational component to creating a culture of well-being within the university community.

“Faculty wellness and well-being is essential not only for the students but for the whole community because burnout leads to disengagement. It could be stated that if we don’t feel organizational care, it is really hard to move forward,” Nepocatych said. So it’s imperative to acknowledge and identify ways to support faculty, staff, or students to contribute to that culture of wellness.”

She continued expressing how this mindset also contributes to becoming a role model for students in how to be stewards of their wellness journey.

“Because we live in a culture that thrives on busyness, we don’t always model healthy work-life balance to our students continuing to fuel the behavior. It’s important to empower and encourage students to engage in conversations and take action to resist these pressures,” Nepocatych said.

As Nepocatych looks toward the horizon, she hopes that she will continue to implement programming that strives to cultivate a wellness culture that supports faculty development and wellness. Additionally, she aspires to establish long-term initiatives such as a Wellness Pedagogy Institute that would offer immersive experiences to further embed wellness practices within academia.

Course clients this semester include Safer City Greensboro, Elon’s Student Government Association, First Generation Student Support Services, and representatives from the HealthEU Council on Wellness and Well-Being.

In just three weeks, students conduct research to support client goals and implement design thinking methods to move their projects forward. For instance, one student team is working with Safer City Greensboro to support its commitment to inclusive community engagement. Another team is supporting Elon’s Student Government Association by building its capacity to implement equity-centered design thinking practices into its outreach processes.

Each team has the guidance of a Design Thinking mentor, student “DT Catalysts,” who helps guide design thinking conversations and provide insight for their teams.

“It’s really fun to see the students develop their problem-solving skills and help our client address a real-world problem,” said team mentor Aaron Chan. “We got to work with the Center for Access and Success on designing ways to improve the first-generation student experience here at Elon. I love that our work is making lives better in very tangible ways.” �þ��� are learning how to support each other, collaborate and ask challenging questions.

Clients appreciate the time and effort student teams put into the development of these workshops. Travella Free, executive director of the Center for Access and Success, said “It was an amazing experience and much-needed opportunity to connect with our first-generation students here at Elon. First Generation Support Services is in a much better position now to break down the barriers and challenges they face as college students so we can build a better first-gen experience here at Elon.”

Graduate apprentice Darynha Gnep added that they “want students to feel celebrated, seen and heard, and this workshop was a great step toward achieving those goals. I loved the space that was created for us to connect, laugh and dream.”

Beyond client projects, students are also excited to use design thinking practices to support their personal projects. “Design Thinking has helped me increase my sense of play and my ability to stress less,” Abi Coburn ’26 said.

Coburn’s ultimate goal is to use design thinking to incorporate more play into her life. These projects can have a lasting impact.

Kendall Gilbert ’22 said the course, “Taught me how to incorporate design thinking into every aspect of my life. To this day, I am still using design thinking in order to develop actionable strategies for reaching my goals.”

�þ��� receive transcript credit and a LinkedIn badge with successful completion of this class.

To learn more about center offerings this winter and spring or request a consultation, check out the Center’s website.

“When I found out we got the grant, I cried because it felt like we were worth it. It felt like someone else had seen how important this is,” Danziger said, who serves as the program’s president.

The grant to �þ��� Recreation and Wellness will enhance existing services for Phoenix Free as it seeks to support, educate and provide resources for students along their recovery journey. Elon was one of nine institutions from across North Carolina to increase access to recovery services and support on campuses for students with substance use disorders.

Operating through Student Wellness Programs within �þ��� Recreation and Wellness, Phoenix Free offers peer-led support groups, substance-free social events and programs, and opportunities to network with other students in local and national collegiate recovery programs.

Charlotte Williams, associate director for student wellness, and Callie Kelly, assistant director for student wellness, are co-authors of the grant and will serve as co-principal investigators. Williams and Kelly credit the success of the grant application to strong institutional support. “From the onset, Vice President Jon Dooley encouraged us to apply and seek guidance from the Office of Sponsored Programs,” Kelly said.

Bonnie Bruno, director of sponsored programs, acknowledged the magnitude of this award. “The grant was a huge undertaking and marks the first time our office has received funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. This is a tremendous success for Elon,” Bruno said.

Phoenix Free has previously been funded by the Thomas D. Shaffner Charitable Foundation to specifically address substance use prevention and recovery support for students maintaining a recovery lifestyle or at risk for developing a substance use disorder.

Based on recommendations by the , the new funding will prioritize hiring a full-time coordinator and �þ��� interns. The coordinator position will be instrumental in providing dedicated leadership and developing Phoenix Free as a model Collegiate Recovery Program. Other key project objectives include:

• Identifying and establishing a physical space
• Strengthening faculty and staff engagement opportunities
• Increasing campus-wide substance-free social programs and events

Establishing campus and community partnerships will be essential to the program’s growth and long-term sustainability of Phoenix Free. “We also hope this grant inspires advocacy,” Kelly said. “Substance misuse threatens a student’s academic success and well-being. We need more visible faculty, staff, and student allies on campus to reshape norms and perceptions about mental health and substance use disorders.”

The team will work to expand and strengthen the university’s existing programming and resources. In addition to Phoenix Free, Elon offers a comprehensive mix of prevention programs and strategies to promote informed decision-making and healthier behaviors. Other resources for students include:

• Alcohol and substance-free housing for Elon students (ASHES) Learning and Learning Community
• Alcohol Discussion Workshop
• Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College �þ��� (BASICS)
• Kognito At-Risk Training

Williams believes this grant will ensure that students in recovery or experiencing substance use challenges are supported by a continuum of equitable programs and services during their time at Elon. “This is an amazing opportunity for us to continue to foster belonging for students with lived experience,” Williams said.

Phoenix Free impact

“Recovery often deviates from the norm,” said Mary, a junior at Elon who has been involved with Phoenix Free for more than a year. Mary, who asked for anonymity, said that her “multifaceted journey of recovery” began after battling an eating disorder when she was 16 years old and includes becoming sober in January 2022. Phoenix Free provided her with a safe place to be accountable and ensure she was doing what was ultimately best for her.

“I think accountability is a big thing. A lot of people suffer in silence and the ability to sit in front of a non-judgmental group of peers and laugh and cry and support one another without judgment is wonderful,” she said. “We encourage one another to sort of tell on ourselves, keep each other accountable, keep each other on the right path.”

Like members of Phoenix Free, John Shinn shares an equal passion for collegiate recovery. Shinn is a part-time collegiate recovery specialist and certified peer recovery specialist. He was an active member of the Spartan Recovery Program as an �þ��� at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and with that personal background serves as an ally for current students in recovery. Shinn is working to reframe the culture around sobriety on Elon’s campus. “�þ��� are just happy that there is more attention centered around recovery and a culture of helping other students,” Shinn added.

Danziger is especially grateful that the grant will fill a void by creating a dedicated space where students in recovery can engage openly. “We don’t have a setup, a safe place where you can go and eat snacks, do homework, watch a movie,” Danziger said. “Looking ahead … it’s especially important for students in recovery to have a home base they can come to.”

Kelly and Shinn echoed the importance of establishing a dedicated physical space for Phoenix Free. “It’s important for students in recovery to have ownership of a space – an identity space, a safe haven where they can connect,” Kelly said.

�þ��� partnerships

Tal Fish ‘09 is a referral coordinator within Counseling Services at Elon and has been a staff counselor since 2021. Through his counseling role, Fish has collaborated with Phoenix Free to facilitate recovery meetings, workshops, and ally training. Fish said what motivates him to do this type of work is to eliminate the shame, stigma and misunderstanding that is synonymous with substance use disorders. Fish battled an alcohol use disorder as a student at Elon and understands how isolating of an experience that can be.

Daily life on a college campus is a lonely existence for a student striving to maintain their recovery, as a recovery lifestyle is contrary to the dominant narrative of college drinking, Fish said. “If we were to have a more open conversation where we stopped normalizing harmful levels of use and started talking more openly and honestly about addiction, that would reduce some of the stigma, too,” Fish said.

The awarding of this grant to bolster the Phoenix Free program is cause for excitement that momentum is shifting in the right direction and can help eliminate that sense of isolation. But there is a lot of granular individual work that must be done to eradicate the stigma so those affected don’t feel as though they are alone in carrying this burden, those involved in the effort said. Many students fear that speaking up and expressing worry for themselves when it comes to substance misuse will only further isolate them.

“And that’s where having something like Phoenix Free on a college campus is amazing,” Fish said. “There is a space here for you. The university cares about this. There is effort and intention being put into making sure that you feel safe here.”

Kelly believes that collegiate recovery is ultimately about saving lives. Phoenix Free began with one student in fall 2020 and in such a short time has evolved into a small group of students creating groundbreaking change, she said. “Their commitment to recovery and building a community at Elon is inspiring,” Kelly said. “I’ve witnessed it. Recovery support can make all the difference in a young person’s life.”

The grant will operate through June 2024 with a possible extension through June 2026. Williams and Kelly will receive ongoing grant technical assistance provided by  and the director of Scholastic Recovery. �þ��� Recreation and Wellness anticipates that the job posting for the new coordinator will be published soon.