The event will celebrate the unity of the Elon community through an afternoon of free food, music, activities and opportunities to connect with others. Students can also learn more about study abroad and Study USA programs, whether they have already participated in a GEC program or are just beginning to explore global engagement opportunities.

“CommUnity on the Lawn is an opportunity to bring students together and celebrate the many experiences, backgrounds and perspectives that make up the Elon community,” said Rose Danthon, program coordinator. “We want all students to feel welcome, connected and encouraged to explore how study abroad, Study USA and other global opportunities might fit into their interests and goals.”

CommUnity on the Lawn reflects the GEC’s ongoing commitment to making global education accessible, welcoming, and inclusive. This event supports the broad participation that has helped Elon earn top national ranking for study abroad according to the Institute for International Education’s Open Doors Report.

The event is free and open to all ����app�ٷ���վ�� students. Faculty and staff are also welcome to attend.

“A Changing Landscape: Immigration Law in the 21st Century” will bring attorneys and scholars to ����app�ٷ���վ�� School of Law in downtown Greensboro on Friday, Sept. 25, to examine the complexities of the nation’s laws and policies.

The symposium will explore how questions surrounding borders, power and the rule of law intersect with contemporary legal challenges. Speakers will address asylum, policy changes, family immigration law, as well as employment and humanitarian issues at the day-long event.

A Changing Landscape: Immigration Law in the 21st Century

Friday, Sept. 25, 2026

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

����app�ٷ���վ�� School of Law

201 N. Greene St.

Greensboro, NC 27401

The event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited. Please register early to reserve a spot.

Keynote Address

“The Complexities of Immigration Policy”

Hillary Walsh, founder of New Frontier Immigration and TEDx speaker

Panel Discussions

Seeking Asylum – Hands-On Immigration Law

• Dara Arroyo-Longoria L’22, attorney at McKinney Immigration Law
• Heather Scavone, assistant professor of law and former associate counsel at the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

American Immigration

• Jordin Dickerson, assistant professor of political science and public administration at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke
• Tolulope Folokun, assistant professor of law at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law
• Allen Orr Jr., founder and principal attorney of Orr Immigration Law Firm

The Family Immigration Landscape

• Kailey Houck, judicial law clerk for Justice Melissa Hart and Justice Susan Blanco of the Colorado Supreme Court
• Maria Rosales, executive director of FaithAction International

In addition to the keynote address and panel discussions, the symposium will feature remarks from Elon Law Dean Zak Kramer; Chief Symposium Editor Rose Peterson L’26; Co-Symposium Editors Abigail MacKnight L’26 and Lauren Collins L’26; and Elon Law Review Editor-in-Chief Rachel Claffee L’26.

����app�ٷ���վ�� Elon Law Review

The Elon Law Review is a student-edited legal journal that publishes scholarship examining emerging issues and developments in the law. Through its scholarship and annual symposium, the Law Review fosters legal dialogue among scholars, attorneys, judges and students while contributing to the study and practice of law.

����app�ٷ���վ�� Elon Law

Elon Law is the preeminent school for engaged and experiential learning in law. With a focus on learning by doing, it integrates traditional classroom instruction with a required, full-time Residency-in-Practice field placement for all full-time students during the winter or spring of their second year. The law school’s distinctive curriculum offers a logically sequenced program of professional preparation and is accomplished in 2.5 years, providing exceptional value by lowering tuition and permitting graduates early entry into their careers.

Elon Law has graduated more than 2,000 alumni since its establishment in downtown Greensboro in 2006. Its annual enrollment now tops 600 students, and the law school is regularly featured in the top tier of preLaw Magazine’s “Best Schools for Practical Training” rankings.

Elon Law offers full-time legal education in Greensboro and a part-time, in-person Flex Program in Charlotte. In 2026, the American Bar Association approved Elon Law to expand its signature 2.5-year J.D. program to Charlotte.

Beginning in Fall 2027, students in Charlotte’s full-time and Flex programs will attend classes on the Queens University of Charlotte campus in Myers Park. Elon Law will continue to offer its full-time 2.5-year J.D. program at its downtown Greensboro campus.

Formerly known as Summer in the Village, Summer Launch prepares students for their incoming grade-level curriculum while creating opportunities to build relationships and confidence before returning to the classroom.

Two Alamance-Burlington School System (ABSS) teachers led each classroom, all of whom had previously worked with the “It Takes a Village” Project, and volunteers supported them. This additional support allowed students to work in smaller groups and receive individualized attention throughout the program.

For one volunteer, Summer Launch offered the chance to return to a program that had been part of his own childhood. Diego Aguilar Hernandez grew up attending Big Village tutoring sessions. Now a rising senior in high school, he has returned to his roots, working alongside his former fourth-grade teacher, Ashley Cook, this summer.

“Summer Launch gave me the opportunity to build relationships with the students while helping them grow academically,” said Hernandez. “It was really rewarding seeing their progress and confidence grow throughout the two weeks, and I’m grateful I got to be part of their experience.”

Cook has long supported the “It Takes a Village” Project in the mission to uplift students, and is a testament to how ABSS teachers are key to the program’s success. Her commitment to the classroom proves why students such as Hernandez have become eager to give back.

“Being a part of the Village Project is an experience I hold near and dear to my heart. I’ve loved being the Andrews Elementary liaison, but teaching this diverse group of ABSS students was such a special treat,” said Cook. “The genuine love and appreciation shown by the students and their families was palpable — as teachers, we know when that is real! It’s a beautiful testament to the incredible, often unseen hard work that Laura and Keely put into fundraising and building partnerships so that our Title I students can have these amazing opportunities.”

Another source of dedication within the “It Takes a Village” Project is Annabelle Jones, who co-leads instruction for the Village’s STEM program, IGNITE, formerly known as Engineering in the Village.

“After having the opportunity to help lead with Engineering in the Village, when I saw the opportunity to be a part of the Elon Village Summer Launch, I knew I wanted to be a part of it,” said Jones. “Being connected with opportunities from ����app�ٷ���վ�� is so special to me. I received my K-12 AIG Certification through Elon and continued on with the Master’s Program. As a 2019 graduate from ����app�ٷ���վ��, with a Master’s in Education – Gifted Education, helping out with the Village feels like coming home. The joy it brings to support the whole child is incredible. Fostering the love of learning, building relationships and community is something that the Village provides a space and place for.”

Although Summer Launch differed from Jones’ usual STEM-focused curriculum, she embraced the opportunity to create a memorable experience for her students. Her classroom became “Camp Care-A-Lot,” complete with outdoor-themed activities, a campfire centerpiece and a campfire song for students each day.

“At the end of the summer camp, students shared how they weren’t ready for it to end and how they would miss me. The feeling is mutual for sure! Another student shared how when she grows up and has kids of her own, she wants to send them to the Village Summer Camp because she wants them to have the same experience. That really helps to explain how special and the uniqueness of the program,” Jones said. “Being a part of the Village is such a positive experience. I am full of passion for the program and I am honored to give back to the community in such a meaningful way. Thank you Elon!”

While teachers brought their creativity and expertise into the classroom, Newlin Elementary staff helped make Summer Launch possible by supporting the day-to-day operations of the program. During the school year, Natasha King serves as Newlin Elementary School’s teacher liaison, a leadership role that helps ensure the “It Takes a Village” Project’s programming runs smoothly. During Summer Launch, King remained at the forefront of check-in, welcoming students with a smiling face at the beginning and end of each day.

“Working in the Village program throughout the years and most recently this summer has provided me with the opportunity to experience how the program keeps evolving from its humble beginnings, as it continues to meet the needs of the dynamic community that we serve,” said King.

Alongside King, Principal Intern at Newlin Elementary Brittany Daye served as a site coordinator for Summer Launch. From preparing supplies in advance to coordinating logistics, Daye played an integral role in bringing the program together and helping create a welcoming environment for students and families.

“I genuinely enjoyed every moment of this journey. “’It Takes a Village’ is truly a magical program that not only enriches students academically but also builds relationships, inspires educators, and creates lasting memories,” said Daye. “It is an incredible asset to the Alamance County community, and I am honored to have been part of something that reminds us all that when a community comes together with a shared purpose, amazing things happen.”

Throughout its two-week duration, the program focused on helping students transition back to school in a fun and interactive way. The “It Takes a Village” Project supported teachers in bringing their big ideas to life by providing supplies for hands-on activities, such as designing pinecone bird feeders or creating a rainbow from cereal. During the second week, students participated in a summer-themed spirit week, coming to camp dressed in sunglasses, beach hats and other tropical attire.

For educators like King, Summer Launch is a glimpse into an exciting year of continued “It Takes a Village” Project programs for students.

“I love that even though ‘the Village,’ continues to grow and has added new programming, the premise of the program which is, ‘It Takes a Village,’ remains at the forefront of each and every program that is offered,” said King. “The Village continues to be intentional about including our families, educators, tutors, volunteers and students. We know that when children feel safe, supported and are nurtured by those around them, it makes it easier for them to learn new things, as they become more confident in themselves. I am so proud to be a part of such an awesome community!”

This fall, the “It Takes a Village” Project will continue working alongside ABSS staff, volunteers, families and students to build on that momentum and ensure every child has a successful and exciting school year.

The tentative closure dates, subject to change based on weather and work conditions, are Sept. 1-3, 2026. Grade crossings near the Elon campus include those on (from east to west):

• Gilliam Road
• York Road
• Oak Avenue
• Williamson Avenue
• Church Street

During the closures, no vehicle or foot traffic will be permitted at crossings. Drivers should use available detours, follow posted signs and allow extra travel time.

Anyone walking to or from South Campus must use the pedestrian tunnel underneath the railroad on East Trollinger and East Lebanon avenues. Students, employees, and other visitors to the Elon campus should give themselves extra travel time.

Though crossings will be closed, rail traffic will operate on adjusted schedules. Norfolk Southern is moving much of its freight service to night deliveries during this period and passenger service is also continuing in the evening and early-morning hours, which makes it more difficult to gauge distance and speed of oncoming trains. 

����app�ٷ���վ�� Campus Safety & Police will maintain a presence on both sides of the railroad tracks during the rail replacement project and partner with the Town of Elon Police to ensure adequate resources available to respond appropriately to any calls for service.

The Cook Road/University Drive overpass west of ����app�ٷ���վ�� is the nearest railroad overpass that will offer access to both sides of town. To the east, West Webb Avenue passes underneath the tracks and offers another vehicular route between both ends of campus.

The rail replacement project is part of a larger Carolinian and Piedmont Passenger and Freight Improvements project stretching from Greensboro to Raleigh. The rail lines that pass through the Town of Elon were last replaced in the 1970s.

September’s conversation, taking place on Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 6 p.m. in Moseley 217, will focus on generative artificial intelligence. Participants will think about the presence of artificial intelligence in their lives and how it impacts building genuine relationships with others.

On Tuesday, Oct. 6 at 6 p.m. in Moseley 217, members of the Elon community will come together to discuss the current state of collegiate athletics. Participants will discuss issues like Name, Image and Likeness (NIL), the transfer portal and the rise of gambling.

The last dialogue of the semester on Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 6 p.m. in Moseley 217 will be a chance for members of the Elon community to debrief the 2026 midterm elections and think about what comes next. Please visit this webpage for information about other dialogue events on campus.

All events are sponsored by the Kernodle Center for Civic Life

Together with AJ Smith ’29 and Sam McCusker Alvarez ’26, the team launched a uniquely creative approach to combining fun engagement with memorable safety info and prizes. The sponsoring staff member for Elon’s first time participating was the new Environmental Health and Safety Specialist for Academic Affairs, Melinda Box, who contributed funding and coordination.

The sponsoring association, CSHEMA, supports this nationwide event in February of each year by providing the theme, resources and professional community support. Participants include students and lab safety professionals on campuses of all sizes across the nation. Participants submit summaries of what they rolled out and are judged based on clarity, originality, creativity, quality, messaging, marketing, branding and impact. Elon competed against five other entrants in the small institution category and won first prize. Winners were announced on July 19 at the award ceremony that was part of the annual CSHEMA conference.

To win, the team of students at Elon went above and beyond the resources CSHEMA provided in their event organization. They put together a film festival, website, bingo night, tabling event with hands-on activities, scavenger hunt, and a lab mystery game night. They also created collectable prizes including hazard symbol dice, buttons, plaques, and parody-labeled Flubber. In addition, they contributed to International Coffee with safety-themed cookies and film festival discussion. For this major undertaking, they were also awarded a Residential Campus Advisory Committee Living & Learning Grant and received funding from Elon’s Belk Library.

“I’m so proud of all the phenomenally creative ideas this team generated and made happen,” said Box. “They poured their hearts and souls into something they value greatly, generating and sustaining a culture of safety in their community.”

“The magic of Elon College lies in the people who teach our students,” said Hilton Kelly, Dean of Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences. “Our new faculty members embody a commitment to the liberal arts. They are curious, inspiring and interdisciplinary thinkers. We are delighted to welcome them to our community.”

New Professors for 2026-27 in Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences

• Jackson Cooper, assistant professor of arts administration, earned an MFA from Seattle University. He will teach Arts Administration and Community, Legal Aspects of Art and Entertainment and COR 1100: The Global Experience.
• Joseph Frey, assistant teaching professor of human service studies, earned a PhD from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. He will teach Social Policy and Inequality and The Art and Science of Human Service Studies.
• Rachel Johnson, assistant professor of biochemistry, earned a PhD from the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. She will teach General Chemistry and Biochemistry. She will join in the Winter Term to teach General Chemistry and Biochemistry.
• Ariana Montoya-Lozano, assistant professor of political science and public policy and environmental studies, earned a PhD from Purdue University. She will teach Introduction to Environmental Science 1150 and Environmental Policy 3230.
• Aditi Vyas, assistant professor of biology, earned a PhD from Ohio University. She will teach Cell Biology and Genetics.
• Danny Frye, interim director of bands, earned a DMA from University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

����app�ٷ���վ�� Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences

Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences provides the foundation for the study of the liberal arts and sciences at ����app�ٷ���վ��. The college is comprised of 19 departments across three branches: the arts and humanities; natural, mathematical and computational sciences; and social and behavioral sciences. It hosts ����app�ٷ���վ�� chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest honor society celebrating excellence in the liberal arts and sciences.

Committed to the growth of students’ intellectual curiosity, intercultural competence and critical thinking, the college champions disciplinary knowledge and interdisciplinary applications to reflect upon, respond to and offer solutions to complex problems in an interconnected and changing world.

With more than 45 majors and 65 minors, the college is ����app�ٷ���վ��’s largest academic division. Two-thirds of the nearly 1,600 students who graduate from Elon annually do so with at least one major or minor in the college. Within a year, over 90% of college graduates report employment in their chosen field or enrollment in top post-graduate programs.

College faculty are prolific and preeminent scholars and creators in their fields, recognized for expertise at national and international levels. Each year, its more than 300 full-time faculty publish hundreds of articles, chapters, and books, and they present at scores of conferences and events. Their scholarship results in grants and fellowships from the National Science Foundation, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Institutes of Health and other prominent centers of research.

The emotions of that moment were felt in a deeply personal way on Aug. 21, 2026, as Bird and his family unloaded boxes and moved his daughter, Lydia, into her new home at ����app�ٷ���վ��.

As someone who guides campus life at Queens, Adrian knows firsthand how crucial that first day can be. Experiencing it as a parent offered a fresh perspective.

“I have always known the importance of receiving new students and their families with generous hospitality,” Adrian shared. “Often times staff and students show up to share the load of move-in. What struck me at Elon was the joy and energy that move-in helpers showed up with as they greeted new students and their families—including me! That energy, sincerity, and willingness to assist was so welcome, taking the pressure off what is already an emotionally charged move-in moment.”

For Lydia, stepping onto campus marks the beginning of a long-awaited independence balanced by a comforting closeness to home.

“I had a lot of dreams as a kid of going way up north or going back to Europe for college, but when I found Elon, it felt like such a perfect spot ” Lydia shared. “It was close enough to where if I wanted to pop down and see my family or my friends for a weekend, I could, but also where I felt far enough away that I could start my own journey and begin my own chapter.”

As the Elon and Queens merger progresses, Adrian noted an undeniable personal perk: built-in opportunities to visit. “The selfish reality that I might be going up to Elon for work meetings and can take Lydia out for lunch is a real treat,” he said with a smile.

Born in Scotland, Lydia brings a global perspective to campus. Early in her childhood, the Birds moved to Columbia, South Carolina. There, Lydia spent her weekends wandering around the South Carolina State Museum, sparking a lifelong fascination with history, reading and writing.

Lydia notes that while some humanities majors default to teaching or law, she has her heart set on curated history.

“I want to work in a museum. That’s always been something I’ve been really fascinated by,” Lydia said. ” I want to be in a place where people actively study history and make them come to life through exhibits.”

That career path came into focus during a campus tour when she learned about Elon’s museum studies and public history minor and an archaeology program that spent July conducting field research in Belize.

“That was actually one of those real anchor points of, ‘Wow, maybe this is more of a fit than I thought it would be,'” Adrian recalled.

For Adrian, whose career is built around serving students and fostering multi-faith communities, experiencing this transition as a father is both overwhelming and profoundly rewarding.

“Everybody told us that it would be the blink of an eye, and it certainly has been,” he said. “I love what higher education offers to young people. It’s that growth dimension that happens when students are curious and want to be empowered. I’m thrilled Lydia will get to experience that at Elon, and I will be close enough to see her thrive.”

“Earth Day Every Day programming provides an exciting opportunity for the Elon Community to learn about sustainability, take action and connect with others looking for change,” said Sophia Remisio ’27. “Planting for the Planet has a special place in my heart, as it was one of the first Office of Sustainability events I ever attended and it introduced me to a community of people on campus with a passion for sustainability!

Planting for the Planet | Friday, Sept. 4 from 3-5 p.m. at Elon Community Garden
Are you interested in getting involved with sustainability at Elon? Join us at the Elon Community Garden to connect with like-minded individuals and enjoy potting your own houseplant to take home.  We’ll provide plants, soil, and pots. , but drop-ins are always welcome!

Steeped in Sustainability | Monday, Sept. 7 from 1:30-2:30 pm on Medallion Plaza
Come to Medallion Plaza and leave with your very own sustainable iced drink kit! Sample refreshing sparkling “Scrappy Sodas” made with upcycled fruit syrups and sparkling water, then take home your own mason jar, reusable straw, recipe card and sustainably made syrup to recreate the drinks yourself. Decorate a reusable tote bag to carry it all home, and enjoy fresh flower bouquets from Loy Farm to celebrate the season. Join us for a fun and tasty time!

Sustainability Stewards Meeting |Wednesday, Sept. 9 from 7-8 p.m. in Moseley 215
Interested in getting involved in sustainability at Elon?  Join the Sustainability Stewards program to connect with like-minded individuals and promote sustainability throughout campus. , but drop-ins are always welcome.

Coffeehouse Coffee Scrub with SUB | Thursday, Sept. 10 from 10-11 p.m. in Irazu
Enjoy SUB’s Coffeehouse, then give those coffee grounds a second life! Join the Eco-Reps to create your own all-natural body scrub using spent coffee grounds and discover an easy way to turn waste into something useful.

Elon Farmer’s Market | Thursday, Sept. 17 from 3-6 p.m. at Elon Community Church
Join us to support local farmers, enjoy fresh seasonal produce and find unique handmade goods! Stop by the Office of Sustainability’s table to taste delicious “ugly” produce and learn how embracing imperfect fruits and veggies helps fight food waste.  The Elon Farmer’s Market runs every April- October 3-6 p.m. at the Elon Community Church.

Autumn Swap Shop | Friday, September 25 from 4-6 p.m. in downstairs Moseley
Fall into sustainable fashion!  Bring gently used clothing to swap for cozy sweaters, scarves, and more at our autumn-themed Pop-Up Swap Shop. Find something new-to-you and learn how swapping can save money and reduce waste.

Star Gazing for Mental Health | Thursday, Oct. 1 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. on the Daniel Commons Patio
Take a break, look up and reconnect with the night sky! Enjoy stargazing, cosmic-inspired snacks, and learn how time spent outdoors can help reduce stress and improve well-being. Attend for a chance to win a telescope to continue exploring the night sky!

Sponsored by the Astronomy Club, Counseling Services, the Dr. Jo Watts Williams School of Education and the Office of Sustainability.

Coffeehouse Coffee Scrub with SUB | Thursday, October 8 from 10-11 p.m. in Irazu
Enjoy SUB’s Coffeehouse, then give those coffee grounds a second life! Join the Eco-Reps to create your own all-natural body scrub using spent coffee grounds and discover an easy way to turn waste into something useful.

Tree Walk | Friday, October 9 from 12-1 p.m. at Fonville Fountain (in front of Alamance)
Join ����app�ٷ���վ�� Arborist Wendy Williams on a walk around ����app�ٷ���վ�� beautiful campus to learn about ����app�ٷ���վ�� trees, including the Tree Trail on campus, Wendy’s favorite trees, and insider information on the maintenance and sustainability of the Elon urban forest. .

Earth Day Every Day directly supports the Engagement Goal in ����app�ٷ���վ��’s Sustainability Master Plan 2025.  Learn more about the Sustainability Master Plan 2025.   

In 2019, she also joined Scouting America (formerly the Boy Scouts of America), as a pioneer in Troop 233, one of Charlotte’s largest all-female troops. There, she embraced the outdoors, learned important life skills, and took on the responsibility of serving as a mentor for younger girls.

Navigating the early days in her troop meant overcoming some challenges and prejudices within the broader scouting community. Horneman and her peers persevered and, by June 2025, she achieved the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout.

“Women have established themselves as important figures in the scouting community,” Horneman said. “We are now very much a foundational point in scouting.”

Today, her leadership spans multiple roles serving as vice chief of inductions for the Order of the Arrow, Scouting’s Honor Society, while holding leadership positions in two Venturing Crews. She recently completed her fourth year as a camp staff member at BSA Camp Grimes.

It was at a Scout meeting that Horneman learned of her acceptance to Queens University as a Presidential Scholar. “It was phenomenal and I really felt that it was an affirming moment that I was meant to be a Royal,” Horneman said.

Horneman’s commitment to serving the community also directly feeds her second great passion: creative writing. To her, crafting stories is more than an artistic outlet – it is a tool for human connection.

Horneman realized the power of storytelling during a 2025 mission trip to Spain, where she volunteered at an English language camp for Ukrainian refugees. Standing before a group of young people who had fled war and lost their homes, Horneman felt the daunting weight of trying to connect with them.

As she shared her personal testimony, the young audience listened intently.

“I have never seen a group of kids so engaged,” Horneman said. “The ability of words to connect people with such different backgrounds just absolutely astounded me. I knew then it was in my future to be a writer.”

At Queens, Horneman plans to double major in creative writing and business, with goals to launch new campus initiatives, like an Ultimate Frisbee club on the quad. She also wants to dive deeper into short story fiction inspired by classic authors such as Edgar Allan Poe.

“I very much believe there’s a reason that I’m going to Queens,” Horneman says. “I want to inspire people when I can and make their lives better in some way, shape, or form.”