Related Articles

• 乱伦视频鈥檚 Class of 2030 arrives Aug. 21
• What to know for 乱伦视频 Move-In Day 2026
• Opening Day 2026: 乱伦视频 celebrates progress and success while mapping the path ahead

As the Class of 2030 arrives on campus and begins their four years at 乱伦视频, current 乱伦视频 students offer their advice to the incoming class.

乱伦视频 will welcome more than 1,600 new students for the 2026-27 academic year, with the Class of 2030 moving to campus on Friday, Aug. 21.

Parker Sterling 鈥�28

Major(s): Biology and History
惭颈苍辞谤蝉:听Chemistry, Neuroscience, and Peace and Conflict Studies
Hometown: Randleman, North Carolina
Campus Involvement:聽Phoenix Racing Team (Business Lead), Residence Life (Senior RA), Center for Leadership (Leadership Ambassador), Glen Raven Biomechanics Lab (Lab Assistant)

Why did you choose 乱伦视频?

“I chose 乱伦视频 because I knew after the first tour that I couldn鈥檛 imagine myself anywhere else. I loved being able to have majors across disciplines, the campus, the dorms and all of the people I met.”

What did you wish you knew as a first-year student?

“I wish I knew how common it is to gain and lose friends in the first year. Everyone is discovering who they are and who they want to be, so it may take a while to find friends that you can rely on.”

What advice do you have for the incoming 乱伦视频 Class of 2030?

“Take every opportunity that presents itself; you never know who you will meet or what doors it will open.”

What surprised you most about college?

“I was most surprised by the bonds I鈥檝e built with faculty and staff. I didn鈥檛 have a high school teacher I felt was truly a mentor, but 乱伦视频 has given me so many people that I feel confident going to for advice.”

What is your favorite part about 乱伦视频?

“My favorite part about 乱伦视频 is the people. I am forever grateful to the amazing friends who have supported me and cared about me to no end. I don鈥檛 want to imagine what college would be like without them.”

Ari Verinder 鈥�28

Major(s): Biology (Concentration: Biotechnology/Molecular Biotechnology)
惭颈苍辞谤蝉:听Chemistry and Food Studies
Hometown: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Campus Involvement:聽Residence Life, Club Climbing and The Writing Center

Why did you choose 乱伦视频?

What did you wish you knew as a first-year student?

“I wish I had known to get more involved in my specific interests on campus sooner. There really is something for everybody at 乱伦视频; you just have to find it, get involved, and, best of all, enjoy it!”

What advice do you have for the incoming 乱伦视频 Class of 2030?

What surprised you most about college?

What is your favorite part about 乱伦视频?

“Don’t be afraid to meet new people. 乱伦视频 is small enough that it’s easy to just stick with who and what you already know, so push yourself outside of your comfort zone.”

-Ari Verinder 鈥�28

Ella Stewart 鈥�27

Major(s): Dance Performance & Choreography, English (Concentration in Creative Writing)
Hometown: Columbia, South Carolina
Campus Involvement:聽Student Union Board (Brand Engagement Chair), New Student Orientation (Student Coordinator), Kappa Delta member and The Writing Center.

Why did you choose 乱伦视频?

“I chose 乱伦视频 because I knew I wanted to make close connections with my professors and classmates, which made the small class sizes very appealing, and 乱伦视频 has a strong Performing Arts department, which aligns with my future career goals of being a professional dancer. I also knew I wanted to study abroad and 乱伦视频 offers so many opportunities to study around the world. Additionally, I was drawn to the College Fellows program, which is a scholarship program where I conduct a research project within my major throughout my time at 乱伦视频.”

What did you wish you knew as a first-year student?

“I wish I had known that not every moment of college is going to be absolutely perfect. It’s easy to have high expectations that everything will go smoothly all the time, and while there will be plenty of great experiences and memories, there will also be challenges. It’s completely normal to struggle sometimes, and you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.”

What advice do you have for the incoming 乱伦视频 Class of 2030?

“My biggest piece of advice is to put yourself out there! I made my closest friends at 乱伦视频 by just inviting myself to hang out with them. It can feel awkward and scary at first to ask people to hang out with you, but it really makes a difference. If there is someone in your class who you think you’d get along with, ask them to lunch or coffee! You can also meet people by getting involved in clubs and organizations, so sign up for what interests you. Getting involved helped me find my place on campus, so be open to trying everything, because that is how you can find your community.”

What surprised you most about college?

“I was most surprised by the amount of independence and freedom I suddenly had. It can be hard to adjust to being away from your family and the comfort of home, but you also start learning how to manage your own time and responsibilities. My schedule looked a lot different than it did in high school, and I became the one in charge of how to spend my time. This shift surprised me at first, but overall it helped me grow into my independence and become more confident doing things on my own.”

What is your favorite part about 乱伦视频?

“My favorite part about 乱伦视频 is the people I’ve met through my majors and leadership experiences, especially the mentors who have supported me along the way. The staff and faculty here are so kind and encouraging to each individual student, and their guidance has helped me grow in my academics and in my leadership. 乱伦视频 has given me a tight-knit community of peers and mentors I can rely on, and I have met so many people who have shaped me into who I am today.”

---

Lealand Oakes 鈥�27

Major(s): Psychology
Hometown: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Campus Involvement:聽New Student Programs,聽Women’s Club Rugby
Sigma Kappa,聽乱伦视频 1010 Peer Educator,聽Psi Chi and Psychology Honor Society

Why did you choose 乱伦视频?

“I chose 乱伦视频 because they genuinely care about every student, even if they haven’t fully invested in 乱伦视频 yet. They put so much care into just the admissions process and first-year experience to ensure people feel cared about and seen. Of course, it doesn’t stop there; professors are always there to help and support their students, get to know them beyond the surface level, and truly want to see them succeed.”

What did you wish you knew as a first-year student?

“I wish I knew that sometimes the hard parts of transitioning to college don’t hit you immediately. They look different for everyone and can range anywhere from after the first month has passed to the start of the second semester and beyond. Everyone has their own experiences, so it is important to know your resources on campus and have people you can go to when those bumps in the road happen.”

What advice do you have for the incoming 乱伦视频 Class of 2030?

“Get out of your room, do new things, be involved. This can look different for everyone, but it’s so helpful for finding your people in this new chapter. I would also say that taking care of yourself is so important. Holistic wellness goes a long way in college. If you are taking care of one aspect of wellness that can bleed into another area. Do things that make you happy, take care of your body and use your resources.”

What surprised you most about college?

“I was surprised that I was still able to get the same support in class and out of class that I had the opportunity to receive in high school. I was worried that as soon as I got to college, everything would be on me. I can say with full confidence that I have not needed to shoulder everything all on my own. 乱伦视频 has so many resources that cover a wide range of aspects of college life.”

What is your favorite part about 乱伦视频?

“My favorite part about 乱伦视频 is that there are so many people from so many different places. Coming to 乱伦视频, I didn’t really know many people, and I am so happy that was the case. It was nerve-racking for sure, but it meant that I have learned so much and met so many people I wouldn’t have met otherwise.”

Founded by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Ron Howard and producer Brian Grazer, Imagine Entertainment is one of Hollywood’s most respected film and television production companies, with acclaimed credits including 鈥淎 Beautiful Mind,鈥� 鈥淎pollo 13鈥� and 鈥淔riday Night Lights.鈥�

Since joining the company more than six years ago, Choi has risen from an executive assistant to vice president of film, where she leads development across the department鈥檚 slate. Her projects include 鈥淒angerously Funny,鈥� a feature about the Smothers Brothers’ battle with CBS censors, and she secured the rights to the books 鈥�200 Monas鈥� by Jan Saenz and Rebecca Yarros鈥� 鈥淭he Last Letter鈥� for Amazon. Imagine鈥檚 upcoming releases include 鈥淗ow to Rob a Bank,鈥� 鈥淲halefall,鈥� 鈥淭he Mosquito Bowl鈥� and 鈥淪paceballs 2.鈥�

Choi said the recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects the relationships she has built throughout her career.

鈥淵ou can鈥檛 succeed in a vacuum, and I think the best part of this industry is the camaraderie and community that you can find if you look for it,鈥� Choi said. 鈥淭o be recognized by the company where I grew up as a producer is incredibly meaningful, and even more than that, to look around and be celebrated by my peers and creative partners is everything.鈥�

In her profile, the 乱伦视频 graduate reflected on the experiences that sparked her passion for filmmaking.

鈥淕rowing up, I wasn’t allowed to watch many movies, so the ones I did manage to see felt especially meaningful,” she told Variety. “That experience shaped the kinds of stories I gravitate toward today.”

Reflecting on her career path, Choi 鈥� a Leadership Fellow at 乱伦视频 鈥� offered advice for others hoping to break into the film industry.

鈥淣o matter how you got into the room or what room you鈥檙e in, make the most of it,鈥� she said. 鈥淒o everything you can to hone your craft so that, in an industry where opportunities are increasingly harder to come by, you鈥檙e the most prepared you could be to take full advantage of whatever comes your way.鈥�

Alongside this infographic, these stories highlight some of the positive impact across campus through community partnerships during the past academic year:

• 乱伦视频 receives Carnegie classification for community engagement
• 乱伦视频 recognized for advancing nonpartisan student civic engagement
• 乱伦视频 creates community through Special Olympics and 乱伦视频 Athletics partnership
• Turning service into impact: How an 乱伦视频 alumna is bringing Alamance County together
• Literary Journalism class engages Town of 乱伦视频 mayor in civic dialogue
• Writing for Impact students secure funding for local nonprofit
• Showing up, growing together: Inside KING/PINK Academy鈥檚 power of mentorship
• Students reflect on service, community and connection during Fall Break
• New HealthEU course encourages students to go 鈥榖eyond the 乱伦视频 bubble鈥�
• 乱伦视频 empowers staff to make an impact in the community through paid volunteer leave

Omicron Delta Kappa, the National Leadership Honor Society, is rooted in the belief that leadership of exceptional quality and versatility in college should be recognized and encouraged. Since 1977, 乱伦视频鈥檚 Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa has advanced this mission by recognizing student achievement across disciplines.

Awards were presented by faculty and staff, including President Connie Ledoux Book; Jon Dooley, vice president for student life; and Deandra Little, associate provost for faculty affairs and professor of English.

William Moseley Brown Leadership Award

Presented by 乱伦视频鈥檚 Circle of Omicron Delta Kappa, this award is given to the student who consistently demonstrates the highest ideals of Omicron Delta Kappa: scholarship, service, integrity, character and fellowship, including providing distinguished leadership to his or her peers. The award is named in honor of a former 乱伦视频 faculty member and one of the founders of the national chapter of Omicron Delta Kappa.

William Moseley Brown Leadership Award Recipient: Maleah Proctor 鈥�26

Student Media Award

The Student Media Award is presented to the student who has contributed the most to advancing communications on campus during the current academic year.

Student Media Award Recipient: Cristina Madaio 鈥�26

Leadership Studies Award

The Leadership Studies Award is awarded annually to the senior Leadership Studies minor who has best exemplified the study of leadership as an academic discipline through excellence in related coursework, research and/or other scholarly contributions.

Leadership Studies Award Recipient: Lucy Hettinger 鈥�26

Hilaire Pickett 鈥�08 Leadership Grant

The Hilaire Pickett 鈥�08 Leadership Grant is an endowed scholarship presented to students participating in the Leadership Education and Development at 乱伦视频. Awards are granted to support students in their junior or senior years in pursuing leadership internships or legacy efforts. The students must demonstrate a significant commitment to their organizations and academics and actively contribute to the 乱伦视频 community.

Hilaire Pickett 鈥�08 Leadership Grant Recipient: Cayce Becker 鈥�27

The PERCS Outstanding Ethnography Award

The PERCS Outstanding Ethnography Award recognizes the student who has conducted the most outstanding ethnographic research project at 乱伦视频, as judged by the quality of both the process and the product. The award is given by the Program for Ethnographic Research and Community Studies.

The PERCS Outstanding Ethnography Award Recipient: Jesse McCleary 鈥�26

Katharine duPont Weymouth Scholarship

Given in honor of alumnus Frank Lyon 鈥�71, the Katharine duPont Weymoutn Scholarship is awarded to an outstanding student in the social sciences who has maintained an academic record of excellence and who is engaged in work that asks an important social science question or engages important social science methodology.

Katharine duPont Weymouth Scholarship Recipient: Tajallah Amirkil 鈥�27

W.L. Monroe Christian Education and Personality Award

Recipients of the W.L. Monroe Christian Education and Personality Award demonstrate citizenship and a strong desire to help others improve themselves. A trust created by the late W.L. Monroe Sr., who attended 乱伦视频 in 1917, provides cash awards to the recipients.

W.L. Monroe Christian Education and Personality Award Recipients:聽Madeline Mitchener 鈥�26 and Caden Minnich 鈥�26

Truitt Center Reconciliation Award

The Truitt Center Reconciliation Award is presented to a student who best exemplifies the vision of Douglas G. Noiles and Edna Truitt Noiles 鈥�44, who endowed the program in the Vera Richardson Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life, 鈥渢o enable 乱伦视频 students to learn about their own and other faiths and to live lives of reconciliation.鈥�

Truitt Center Reconciliation Award Recipients: Benjamin Stern 鈥�26 and Gavin Michaud 鈥�26

Ella Brunk Smith Award

In honor of Ella Brunk Smith, wife of former 乱伦视频 President L.E. Smith, the Ella Brunk Smith Award is presented to a female student in the senior class who has made significant contributions to the religious and moral life on campus.

Ella Brunk Smith Award Recipients: Lauren Bedell 鈥�26 and Abby Krause 鈥�26

Martha Smith Award for Women鈥檚, Gender and Sexualities Studies

The Martha Smith Award for Women鈥檚, Gender and Sexualities Studies award is given in honor of the founding mothers of the women鈥檚 and gender studies program at 乱伦视频, to recognize the achievements 鈥� both academic and activist in nature 鈥� of a graduating senior women鈥檚, gender and sexualities studies minor.

Martha Smith Award for Women鈥檚, Gender and Sexualities Studies Recipient: Athena Vizuete 鈥�26

Iris Holt McEwen Community Service Award

The Iris Holt McEwen Community Service Award is presented to a student whose service to 乱伦视频 and the larger community exemplifies the generosity of spirit and dedication to Iris Holt McEwen’s philanthropy.

Iris Holt McEwen Community Service Award Recipient: Anna Gilbert 鈥�27

Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award

The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award is presented to graduating seniors, alumni and community members of selected colleges and universities in the Southern United States for excellence of character and service to humanity.鈥� At 乱伦视频, two graduating seniors and one faculty or staff member are recognized annually for their honesty, morality, ethics, integrity, responsibility, determination, courage and compassion.

Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award Recipients: Anya Brati膰 鈥�26, Noah Biggers 鈥�26, and Jana Lynn Patterson, associate vice president for Student Life and dean of student health and well-being

John W. Barney Memorial Award

John W. Barney Memorial Award recognizes the senior(s) with the highest cumulative 颅GPA. Colleagues, former students, and friends of the late John W. Barney established this award in his honor. Barney graduated from 乱伦视频 in 1910 and was a faculty member for over three decades.

John W. Barney Memorial Award Recipient: Anya Brati膰 鈥�26

Tierza Watts, director of the Center for Leadership, asks students, staff, and faculty to consider that “a strong community is the foundation from which people grow, connect, and thrive. Here at 乱伦视频, we want a foundation that is built on support, kindness, respect, and compassion. These values uplift others and truly make a difference in our everyday lives.”

What’s Happening on Tuesday, April 7th?

• College Coffee: What’s the history of Pay it Forward Week? How can I do free PIF actions? Get a Kindness Card you聽can give away!
• Pay It Forward Stop & Sign Event:聽 Join us in the Moseley Lobby between Noon – 2:30 pm and tell us ways you’ve paid it forward before.
• Kindness / Conduct Cab: We’ll be traveling around campus with the staff from Student Conduct, providing the kindness of a ride to your next location!聽 Flag us down.

Luna Aldana, a leadership ambassador in the Center for Leadership, thinks everyone should find a way to pay it forward because “everyone deserves a little positivity in their day, as you never know the impact it might have on someone. Creating a culture of positivity within the 乱伦视频 community helps make it a more welcoming and supportive place for everyone. Especially during stressful times with academics and extracurriculars, small moments of positivity can make a big difference and lift our spirits.”

Ellie MacMillan, Master of Higher Education graduate apprentice in the Center for Leadership, wants people to know that “paying it forward doesn’t have to cost a thing! It can be free and show care for your community.”聽 MacMillan’s favorite ideas include:

• Encourage someone鈥檚 heart:聽Take a moment to recognize the good in someone else.聽Send a thoughtful message sharing why you appreciate them鈥攚hether it鈥檚 a favorite memory, a quality you admire, or simple words of encouragement. A few sincere sentences can make someone鈥檚 entire day brighter.
• Coffee & conversation connections:聽Bring back the spirit of connection鈥攜our way. Invite a friend, classmate, or mentor to meet for coffee鈥攚hether in person on campus or virtually. Choose a cozy spot, grab your favorite drink, and enjoy a genuine conversation. Small moments of connection can have a lasting impact.
• Express Gratitude to a Mentor:聽Celebrate the people who鈥檝e helped shape your journey.聽Write a thank-you note to someone who has supported or guided you鈥攚hether through advice, encouragement, or simply being present. Gratitude strengthens relationships and inspires continued kindness.
• Share a Playlist or Song:聽Spread positivity through music. Send a song that reminds you of someone or create a playlist to share with friends. Music has a unique way of connecting people and lifting spirits鈥攑ass that feeling along.
• Lead with Grace and Compassion:聽Kindness is the heart of a thriving community.聽Offer patience, understanding, and encouragement in your daily interactions. Small acts of compassion help create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported.

Share your Pay It Forward story:聽Follow the Center for Leadership on Instagram @elonleadership to participate in daily challenges throughout the week and share your acts of kindness using #PIF乱伦视频.

The conference featured a keynote address by playwright,聽director聽and activist Spirit Tawfiq, who spoke about the role of storytelling,聽courage聽and intentional dialogue in bridging the gap between the civil rights movement and modern social justice. Tawfiq is the founder of the 鈥淟et Your Light Shine鈥� program and the daughter of聽Minnijean聽Brown-Trickey, one of the Little Rock Nine who聽desegregated聽Central High School in 1957.

She shared that her work is deeply rooted in her family鈥檚 history and her commitment to continuing conversations around justice,聽accountability聽and healing. Throughout the talk, Tawfiq returned to a central question: Who is holding the pen?

She encouraged students to consider whose stories are told, whose voices are聽amplified聽and how silence can contribute to continued harm.
Referencing the bravery of the Little Rock Nine, Tawfiq emphasized that healing requires confronting generational trauma rather than ignoring it. She challenged students to view history as an ongoing process and to recognize their role in shaping what comes next. Healing, she said, must be intentional and rooted in understanding,聽accountability聽and a willingness to ask聽difficult questions. Tawfiq described humanity as a quilt, made up of individual stories and experiences stitched together to form a shared whole.

鈥淲e each bring a patch and we put these patches together to make a beautiful, warm quilt, but racism聽doesn鈥檛聽want our patches connected,鈥澛爏he said.
Students were encouraged to become comfortable navigating discomfort, which Tawfiq described as a necessary step toward healing and growth. Learning about experiences that differ from one鈥檚 own, she said, 鈥渉elps foster empathy and connection and tear the structures of racism down.鈥�

The event also included a gallery walk, where attendees moved around the room and wrote words and phrases on the walls that represented what gives them courage. Responses included family, shared legacy, honesty, storytelling, helping others and giving power to the powerless. Faculty boldly and vulnerably shared stories on the wall of things that have healed or are聽currently healing from. The through line being that human connection and conversation were the key to healing.

Students reflected on the impact of the discussion and the importance of listening as a form of action.

鈥淭he most impactful thing I learned is that everyone has their own story and we should do our best to listen and understand them,鈥� said Luke聽Bonifacio ’28.

Another student highlighted the role of dialogue in the healing process.
鈥淭hey are trying to bridge the gap through physical and mental healing, and conversations like this are the start of that,鈥� the student said.

As the event concluded, students were encouraged to continue the work of healing beyond the conference by engaging in difficult conversations, resisting聽silence聽and using their voices to support those around them.

For Maelah Proctor 鈥�26, that reminder has shaped her path from uncertainty to leadership. Now she has become a voice for others on campus.

Her confidence did not always come naturally. Over time, she came to understand that she holds her leadership roles because her skills, perspective and voice are needed in those spaces.

Throughout her time at 乱伦视频, she has intentionally stepped into spaces where students need to be heard, amplifying voices, advocating for equity, and building community as president of the Black Student Union and as a Student Athletic Council representative for the cheerleading team.

As she reflects on her 乱伦视频 journey, she points to the people who shaped her path and the purpose that continues to guide her work.

The power of community

Proctor鈥檚 confidence did not grow in isolation but through community.

What began as attendance at a Black Student Union event soon evolved into leadership, first serving as vice president for Black Excellence and now as president.

For Proctor, a political science and policy studies major from Charlotte, North Carolina, belonging is deeply connected to visibility. If you don’t see yourself in the community that you’re supposed to represent, she said, it’s hard to feel a part of that community

That understanding now shapes how she leads, ensuring other Black students can find the same affirmation and space that once grounded her. 鈥淏SU made me feel comfortable and gave me the confidence to continue here,鈥� Proctor said. 鈥淏ecause sometimes going to 乱伦视频 and not seeing a lot of people who look like you can be very alienating.鈥�

In addition to finding belonging within the Black Student Union, she has also built community as a Leadership Fellow, a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and a cheerleader.

鈥淚鈥檝e been able to find community in different spaces on campus, and each one has shaped me in a different way,鈥� Proctor said.

Each role has strengthened her confidence and deepened her understanding of what it means to lead with intention.

Mentorship as momentum

Proctor recalls meeting Simone Royal 鈥�17 G鈥�25, associate director of the Center for Race, Ethnicity and Diversity Education, at her first BSU brunch.

鈥淚 didn鈥檛 really know anyone, so I sat with Simone because she was a staff member and it felt less intimidating,鈥� Proctor said.

A simple conversation evolved into mentorship.鈥淪he has been someone I could go to with questions, someone who helped me navigate things when I didn鈥檛 have all the answers,鈥� Proctor said.

Throughout their relationship, Royal has witnessed Proctor鈥檚 growth firsthand.

鈥淪he has not only stepped up to be the leader that the organization needs, but she鈥檚 learned how to extend her leadership skills to others 鈥� how to prepare other students to be the best of themselves as well,鈥� Royal said.

Through Royal鈥檚 example, Proctor learned that leadership is not about being the loudest voice in the room, but about ensuring others feel heard.

Refusing to shrink

As Proctor deepened her leadership on campus, she became more aware of navigating hyper-visibility and invisibility.

鈥淪ometimes it feels like you’re the only person in the room that looks different,鈥� she said. 鈥淵ou’re holding a certain perspective that might be an outlier.鈥�

She once tried to soften her presence to avoid stereotypes. Over time, she realized shrinking herself served no one. Proctor has chosen to lean into her voice.

鈥淪he is a tireless advocate for the community that she serves,鈥� said Abdul-Malik Harrison 鈥�21, assistant director of the Center for Race, Ethicity and Diversity Education. 鈥淲hen she has a vision, she wants it enacted. She is the epitome of, 鈥榠f you want it bad enough, you can get it done鈥�.鈥�

Rather than simply demanding space, Proctor works to create it.

As Proctor looks ahead to law school and life beyond 乱伦视频, she hopes to continue advocating for equity and expanding access through public service and policy work. Her experiences navigating visibility, representation and leadership on campus have only deepened her desire to pursue law school as a tool for systemic change.

For now, her message remains clear: take up as much space as you want.

鈥淏e unashamed in who you are,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he second you stop letting other people鈥檚 opinions, stereotypes or perceptions limit you is the second you鈥檙e free to pursue what you want to pursue.鈥�

Proctor said her time at 乱伦视频 serves as proof that when a student chooses to step forward, their voice does more than fill a room 鈥� it amplifies others. And that amplification, she said, is what creates lasting change.

Black History Month

As part of Black History Month, 乱伦视频 is sharing stories through Today at 乱伦视频 that highlight Black students, faculty and staff who actively contribute to a campus environment where cultural histories and identities are celebrated year-round. In February, 乱伦视频 is also recognizing the month through a series of events and programming.

As a reminder from my email on Friday, the new first-year residential student parking lot, the 鈥淕ateway Lot,鈥� is open. Be sure to review the parking information and map on the Campus Safety & Police website for more information.聽 And here is this week鈥檚 Phoenix Five:

Kwame Anthony Appiah: Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Address

Thursday, Jan. 8, 6 p.m., McCrary Theatre, Center for the Arts

Attend the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Address with . A leading global thinker and New York Times ethicist, Appiah is a recipient of the National Humanities Medal and is known for encouraging thoughtful conversations that bridge differences and emphasize our shared humanity. Admission is $15 or free with your 乱伦视频 ID. Get your tickets at .

Burst the Bubble 2026

聽workshops鈥痑re free, student-led, non-credit programs where students share their knowledge with their peers during Winter Term. 鈥疧pen to all students, these programs are fun activities with no grades and an opportunity to connect with other students who have similar interests. .

Spring Recruitment for IFC Fraternities and Panhellenic Association Sororities is Now Open

Spring recruitment for IFC fraternities and Panhellenic Association sororities is now open. begins Friday, Jan. 23, while begins Friday, Jan. 30. The Panhellenic registration deadline is Tuesday, Jan. 6, and the IFC registration deadline is Friday, Jan. 16. For more information, visit the . Questions about IFC fraternity recruitment can be directed to Aniya Jerkins at ajerkins@elon.edu or 336-278-7214. Questions about Panhellenic sorority recruitment can be directed to Kayla Hedrick at khedrick@elon.edu or 336-278-7214.

Intersect Diversity & Leadership Event in Recognition of the National Day of Racial Healing

Wednesday, Jan. 21, 11:45 a.m.鈥� 1:30 p.m., McKinnon Hall

Join the Center for Leadership and the Center for Race, Ethnicity and Diversity Education (CREDE) for the Intersect Diversity and Leadership Event in recognition of the National Day of Racial Healing. This year鈥檚 keynote speaker is Spirit Tawfiq, daughter of Minnijean Brown Trickey of the Little Rock Nine, who will share powerful reflections on storytelling, leadership and healing. . For more information, visit the .

Men鈥檚 Basketball vs Campbell

Saturday, Jan. 10, 7 p.m., Schar Center

Come cheer on the men鈥檚 basketball team as they host Campbell University. Bring your maroon and gold pride to Schar on Saturday, Jan. 10! Get your .

鈥淚t is still unbelievable that I get to essentially do this every day,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 been a dream of mine as long as I can remember.鈥�

The business of show biz

Originally from Brownsville, Texas, Rodriguez stars in the ensemble of 鈥淎laddin鈥� on Broadway and is also an understudy for the lead character. But Rodriguez鈥檚 path to Broadway isn鈥檛 the result of magical intervention, but rather hard work and determination, fostered through 乱伦视频鈥檚 Performing Arts program.

鈥淚 had no idea what I was doing before I was in college, and 乱伦视频 gave me more confidence in myself as a singer, actor and dancer,鈥� said Rodriguez, who is a music theatre major.

In June, The Hollywood Reporter named 乱伦视频 one of the聽鈥�25 Best Drama Schools of 2025,鈥� and 乱伦视频鈥檚 prominence in the theatre world is one of the reasons Rodriguez chose the university.

鈥淲hat鈥檚 great about 乱伦视频 is they really encourage not just focusing on the artistic aspect, but making sure you branch out,鈥� said Rodriguez, who was also a Leadership Fellow. 鈥淚 fell in love with the campus when I came to audition for the program, and everyone was so nice.鈥�

Rodriguez credits faculty such as Associate Teaching Professor of Music Polly Cornelius and Assistant Professor of Music Theatre Courtney Liu for helping him hone his singing and dancing skills, but also for learning about the business of show business.

鈥淚鈥檝e learned about the logistics part of being an artist, and they鈥檝e helped me with figuring out how to talk to agents and how to negotiate deals,鈥� he said.

A wish come true

His love for musical theatre began at a young age, a little begrudgingly at first. His parents needed a summer babysitter and sent him to a workshop at their local community theatre.

鈥淚 was like 鈥楾his is the dumbest thing ever,鈥� but it was so much fun when I was younger, and I fell in love with the people who were involved with theatre,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a space where you can truly be yourself, and you can be wacky.鈥�

That ability to 鈥渂e wacky,鈥� evolved into performances on the 乱伦视频 stage, including in the original musical 鈥淒eep Bar Ballad,鈥� 鈥淪pring Awakening,鈥� 鈥淎 Chorus Line,鈥� and 鈥淢errily We Roll Along.鈥� He was even set to perform in the fall 2025 production of 鈥淎n American in Paris,鈥� but then his wish for Aladdin came true.

Rodriguez landed the Aladdin role thanks to a connection with the show鈥檚 dance captain, 乱伦视频 alum Michael Callahan 鈥�13. Both Rodriguez and Callahan worked at a summer theater program together in Aspen, Colorado.

鈥淎laddin is just a machine, like how the show works,鈥� said Rodriguez. 鈥淚 had to learn the show by myself essentially in the studio with our amazing dance captains, a stage manager and the accompanist.鈥�

Before he hit the stage for the first time, Rodriguez only had two full rehearsals with the cast.

鈥淚t was tough, but I had a lot of help from a lot of people. Everyone has been so unbelievably nice and kind and welcoming,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 am the youngest person in the company, and that was scary, but everyone is really funny, and they haven鈥檛 treated me as the youngest. They bring me to their level.鈥�

Becoming Aladdin

Not only does Rodriguez have to know his part in the ensemble, but as an understudy for Aladdin, he must be ready to take on the lead role at a moment鈥檚 notice. In October, that preparation proved useful. Rodriguez had planned to have breakfast with 乱伦视频 classmates who came to New York to see the show, when he received an important text.

鈥淚 woke up to a text at about 9:30 in the morning that said, 鈥榃ould you like to make your Aladdin debut this afternoon?鈥� and the show is at 1 p.m. So, I had to be like, 鈥楪uys, I鈥檓 sorry. I can鈥檛 go to breakfast. I have to go prepare for this.鈥� It was like a dream,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t was pretty magical, and a lot of my friends rescheduled their flights to come see me, so that was amazing.鈥�

After his matinee performance, Rodriguez was finally able to celebrate with friends at Red Lobster, but after eating a full, carb-loaded dinner, he was called to the stage as Aladdin for the evening show. A learning experience, he says, to be ready even when you鈥檙e not expected to perform, but one that he took with stride.

鈥淚t was amazing,鈥� Rodguez said with a laugh, 鈥渁nd it was a day I will never forget.”

• November 17th from 10 a.m. 鈥� 2 p.m.
• Moseley Living Room Monday
• Event Sponsor: The Center for Leadership

Are there people who have made a difference in your journey at 乱伦视频? Someone who has supported, encouraged or inspired you along the way? Take a moment to let them know just how much they mean to you at the “Leading with Gratitude” event the week before Thanksgiving!聽 聽This event is designed to bring the power of gratitude into our community and help us acknowledge the many ways we lift each other up here at 乱伦视频.

Why Attend?

In the hustle of campus life, it鈥檚 easy to forget how impactful a simple thank-you can be. Whether it鈥檚 a professor whose class changed your perspective, a staff member who goes out of their way to make your day better, a friend who鈥檚 always there for you, or a mentor guiding you through the challenges of college 鈥� expressing your gratitude is a powerful way to show appreciation and spread kindness.聽聽Supplies are provided, so all you need to bring is your genuine appreciation and willingness to spread positivity.

When asked who’s made a difference to her 乱伦视频 experience, Hyemin Im ’27 shared: “There聽are many people who have impacted聽my 乱伦视频 journey, but especially this semester, Professor Isreal Balderas has made the聽biggest impact on my time here. His class on Media Law & Ethics is definitely challenging, but he is always there when I need him, whether it is to answer my endless 鈥渨hat if鈥� law hypotheticals during office hours or even outside of them. His humor makes me more engaged and interested in law. One day, I was having a really bad day, but he was there for me and told me, ‘There are more good days than bad days.’ My day instantly got better after that. He even gave me his snack-sized pack of M&M鈥檚, which was his own snack for the day. That small moment gave me the strength to push through the rest of the day and this semester. I truly appreciate his energy, kindness, and support.”

Tierza Watts, director of the Center for Leadership, shared, 鈥�Thanking our mentors and those in our support system not only shows recognition but also fosters a sense of belonging and supports our emotional well-being. It feels good to say thank you and it鈥檚 incredibly meaningful to receive that kind of gratitude from students and peers.鈥�

What to Expect:

• The chance to make someone鈥檚 day: Everyone appreciates being recognized, and you have the chance to make a meaningful impact with just a few words. Your gratitude could be the encouragement someone needs!
• A moment to reflect: Writing a note lets you reflect on the journey you鈥檙e on and the people who have supported you. It鈥檚 a small but significant way to foster well-being and connection in our 乱伦视频 community.
• Coffee, Tea & Hot Chocolate: Grab a warm drink and relax!