The university will be hosting a wide variety of events throughout 2023 connected to its commemoration of the 1923 fire and the century of resilience and innovation that has followed. This list will be updated periodically as new events and new details are finalized.

Tuesday, January 31 – Commemorative College Coffee

A commemoration kick-off during the first College Coffee of the spring semester. Guests can enjoy some fun giveaways along with commemorative breakfast items. This event will be in McKinnon Hall at 9:40 a.m.

Friday, February 3 – Campus Conversation: Developing Individual and Community Resilience

This session uses the Elon fire and Rosewood Massacre — both occurred in January 1923 — to spark a conversation about building resilience on our campus and in our communities. Campus scholars will provide some context for Rosewood and share how they would connect this event to their teaching. Then participants will discuss what it takes to build a resilient community, the challenges that stifle resilience, and how we can overcome these challenges in the work we do inside and outside of the classroom. The conversation concludes with uplifting thoughts related to thriving in challenging times. All faculty and staff are welcome.

Featured in the session, which will be held in McKinnon Hall at 2 p.m.: Lorraine Ahearn, Heather Barker, Jessica Carew, Rod Clare, Naeemah Clark, Vanessa Drew-Branch and Randy Williams.

Thursday, February 16 — Student Government Association commemorates the 1923 fire

At its meeting on Thursday, Feb. 16, the Elon University Student Government Association adopted a resolution to commemorate the 1923 fire, committing to preserve the university’s rich history, to work toward achieving future accomplishments and to support the university’s efforts to commemorate the historic event.

Tuesday, February 28 – 1923-2023: A Century of Innovation – the discussion

Join the campus for an engaging panel discussion from Elon community members who have championed innovation at Elon University. Through admissions, sports, student life and other ways, our panelists were at the helm, leading the way for change. Panelists will include former employees and alumni who were present for major Elon milestones. The event will be in McKinnon Hall on Tuesday, Feb. 28, at 7 p.m.

Featured panelists include: Nan Perkins, who served as Vice President of Institutional Advancement; Richard McBride, Chaplain Emeritus; and Gerald Whittington, who served as Vice President of Business, Finance and Technology.

Tuesday, March 7 – Elon Day

In 1923, donors helped Elon rise from the ashes after a devastating campus fire. A century later, the Elon community carries on that generous spirit by supporting students on Elon Day.

On March 7, we will celebrate the 10th annual Elon Day. This day of giving inspires thousands of alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff and friends to make gifts of every size in support of Elon students. Donors can designate their gifts to any part of campus that matters most to them, including scholarships, academic schools and majors, student organizations, athletics programs, Elon Experiences and many more.

Friday, May 26 – Staff Appreciation Day

An annual employee event to celebrate the accomplishments of Elon staff members and celebrate new retirees. This year, the theme will be centered around Elon’s history, its present and its future. Details will be shared with staff members later this year. This event is for Elon University faculty and staff.

June 2023 – Community Gathering at Elon

The university will welcome the community to campus in June for a summer gathering featuring live events, food and family-friendly activities. This is event is free to the community. Additional details about the location and musical entertainment will be shared later this year.

Friday, Sept. 22 – Phoenix 4th Friday

A celebration for the Alamance County community in partnership with Downtown Burlington. More details to come.

Fall 2023 – Flight of the Phoenix Fun Run