Rise

Under the Rise theme, we will sharply define the university’s value, market position and distinction nationally and internationally by:

  • Expanding Elon’s admissions footprint
  • Significantly increasing need- and merit-based scholarships
  • Increasing graduation and retention rates
  • Adding academic programs and securing Elon’s position as the global leader in engaged learning.

Philanthropy in Action

  • Kaso House in Elon’s EcoVillage Named to Honor Graduate. Kaso House, the first student-built home in Elon’s EcoVillage, was named in honor of Gloria Kaso ’25, an environmental engineering and computer science major, during a special Commencement week dedication. The home was made possible by a $100,000 gift from Trustee John Replogle P’18 and his wife Kristin Replogle P’18, to honor Kaso, a student from Albania whose family years ago had generously hosted the Replogles’ daughter Tate Replogle ’18 during her Peace Corps service teaching English in the village of Bilisht. Kaso House was a labor of love for 114 student “apprentices” who for two years worked alongside Associate Professor of Environmental Studies, Robert Charest, to design and build the home. The EcoVillage is a dynamic living-learning community, where students learn and practice sustainable living principles.Gloria Kaso ’25, Tate Replogle ’18 and Kristin and John Replogle P’18 in the EcoVillage at Loy Farm.
  • Robert and Christi Bryden, friends of Elon University President Emeritus Leo M. Lambert, gifted dozens of pieces of antique Chinese porcelain to the Elon University Art Collections through a student-curated display. Téa Jones ’26 and Lizzie Ostling ’26, student workers with the Art Collections, spent nearly six months curating pieces using Robert Bryden’s art history book collection.

Lizzie Ostling '26, a student worker with the Arts Collection, holding a piece of porcelain art

Elon Day giving supports College students and programs

Alumni, families, students, and College faculty and staff joined together for a successful Elon Day on March 6. Their gifts will support new and existing initiatives, will purchase equipment to enhance learning, and will assist the College in meeting student needs for successful outcomes.

Total dollars raised: $108,258.13

Total gifts: 705

The new program will offer three options: a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Science with a specialization in exercise neuroscience.

New Neuroscience Major Will Offer Three Options

Building off the success of Elon’s neuroscience minor and aligning with the Boldly Elon strategic plan commitment to STEM education, a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in neuroscience are set to launch in Fall 2025. The program embraces the field’s diversity, combines hands-on lab and lecture experiences to develop core knowledge and technical expertise. and emphasizes professional skills to prepare students for successful careers and leadership in the sciences.

Matt Wittstein, coordinator of the neuroscience minor and associate professor of exercise science, emphasizes that neuroscience is a truly interdisciplinary field that requires collaboration and cross-disciplinary thinking — preparing students for careers in areas such as medical sales, scientific writing and regulatory affairs.

New Cybersecurity Minor in the Department of Computer Science

Cybersecurity is a rapidly evolving field that addresses the need to protect digital assets in an increasingly data-driven world. Cybersecurity, a new minor launched in Fall 2025 by faculty in the Department of Computer Science, offers a comprehensive exploration of fundamental concepts such as ethical hacking, data protection, and network security, preparing students to tackle real-world challenges. The minor integrates practical skills with theoretical knowledge and addresses the growing demand for professionals that can manage and mitigate cyberthreats effectively. The minor is coordinated by Professor Duke Hutchings of the Department of Computer Science.

Three students in a performing arts performance

Growing A National Reputation in Performing Arts

For the third consecutive year, Playbill ranked the Music Theatre Program among the top 10 most represented colleges on Broadway. Elon is No. 8 on Playbill’s Big 10 list, recognizing colleges and universities with the most alumni performing on Broadway. Twenty-three alumni performed in 16 Broadway shows in 2024-25.