Connect

Under the Connect theme, we will invest in connections near and far by

  • Engaging in lifelong partnerships with our talented alumni
  • Partnering with communities to transform the future

Alumni Auston Henderson leading a masterclass with other performing arts students

Alumni Share Wisdom, Connect with Students

When talented alumni bring their wisdom into the College’s programs, their knowledge and experiences enrich learning, strengthen outcomes and guide students as they begin their careers. Throughout the year, alumni returned to College programs for classes, guest lectures and panel discussions, offering insights and connecting students to opportunities.

  • Auston Henderson ’17 led a masterclass for music and performing arts students during the “Hamilton” tour. With two classmates, he taught a dance combination and shared insights as a performer, urging students to network beyond their majors and maximize Elon’s resources.
  • Phylicia Pearl Mpasi ’15 — who had her breakout role in the 2023 Warner Bros. adaptation of “The Color Purple” — attended a screening of the film and met with students for a Q&A discussion. Mpasi shared her experiences in the entertainment industry, offered advice forundergraduates.
  • Allie Boyd ’12 and Ben Kaiser ’16 visited Elon for the Spring Meeting of the North Carolina Section of the American Association of Physics Teachers conference, where they shared their professional experiences and offered advice to students.
  • Mary Carroll Robertson ’81 met with students in the Departments of Human Service Studies and English and the African and African-American Studies program. Robertson discussed the racism she experienced as Elon’s first Black homecoming queen in 1979, as well ashow Elon prepared her for a successful career in human services.
  • Numerous departments hosted alumni panels during Homecoming Weekend, including the Department of Biology, the Department of Chemistry and the Department of Music. Students connected with these accomplished former students to investigate career paths and prepare for success after graduation.

    Three engineering seniors presenting the results of their design work to organization.

    Collaboration with Communities on Innovative Solutions

    Eighteen engineering seniors presented results of their design work in the Senior Projects in Elon Engineering Design, a yearlong partnership between Elon students and businesses and organizations including The Animal Park at the Conservators Center, of Burlington, North Carolina; Christmount Retreat Camp and Conference Center, of Black Mountain, North Carolina; Driver Rehabilitation Services, of McLeansville, North Carolina; and the American Society of Naval Engineers, of Alexandria, Virginia.

    Their projects ranged from a design for a lion gate and an emergency close solution for a tiger gate, a window switch panel assembly for a vehicle to retrofit for a client who has physical challenges and participation in a design competition to promote electric-powered boats that would go fast, for multiple miles, quietly. Throughout the year, students engaged in meeting with stakeholders to discuss progress toward project goals. The combination of hands-on practice and structured learning prepares students for the job duties in an engineering career. This collaboration not only enhances the students’ technical abilities but also strengthens their teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills.

    Partnerships Transform Students and Community

    Community-based learning is central to many College programs, giving students real-world experience by working with organizations and stakeholders. These collaborations enrich courses, hone students’ skills and introduce them to networks they can engage with beyond Elon.

    • The Elon Explorers summer program brought 24 middle schoolers in the Alamance-Burlington School system to campus to delve into the natural sciences. Associate Professor of Biology Jen Hamel and Associate Professor of Education Mark Enfield led students on hunts for insects and invertebrates on campus and at surrounding parks to engage young minds in STEM fields.
    • The Departments of Exercise Science and Performing Arts and the School of Health Sciences’ Physical Therapy Program brought National Biomechanics Day to students in the Alamance-Burlington School System’s Career and Technical Education Center. Elon students and faculty led hands-on activities for high school students interested in health sciences that included measurements of vertical jumping, balance and strength.
    • The Department of Physics and Astronomy is leading how the next generation experiences STEM education. In March, it hosted the N.C. Section of the American Association of Physics Teachers’ spring meeting. Faculty and top-tier high school physics teachers demonstrated engaged learning strategies for secondary school teachers across the state.
    • Seniors in the Department of Public Health completed practicums at 17 local, state and national agencies over Winter Term. Students partnered with organizations to advance health communication and education, further agencies’ missions, and develop professional skills.
    • The Department of Music hosted the first Joseph Bologne International Piano Competition. Thirteen high school students from across the U.S. and Canada played recitals featuring the underappreciated 18th century Black composer’s works.