Friday – Sunday, January 30 – February 1

Roberts Studio Theatre, Scott Studios at Arts West
Jan. 30 and 31 at 7:30 p.m. | Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 at 2 p.m.

Book by Caryl Churchill; Directed by Kirby Wahl

With a format that mimics scrolling through social media or channel-hopping on TV, this British play contains a series of short scenes that examine the challenges that people encounter in forming and maintaining strong relationships. In an age of information overload, do we have the information we really need about the people in our lives? Admission: $15 or Elon ID. Reservations are highly recommended and will be offered beginning January 9 at elonperformingarts.com.

Numen Lumen

Thursdays in Spring 2026

Sacred Space, Numen Lumen Pavilion | 9:50 a.m.

We are living in a time unlike any other. One way to be fully present is to reflect on what makes this very moment meaningful. Please mark your calendars and make it a practice to join us every week for Numen Lumen: A Thursday Inspiration, our weekly Elon tradition, which takes place in the Sacred Space of the Numen Lumen Pavilion every Thursday from 9:50-10:20 a.m.

The challenges we face expand our perspectives. The moments that leave us speechless have the power to change lives. The stories we tell help us to make sense of these challenges, moments and everything in between. Grounding ourselves in this moment is how we shop up in our unexpected and ever-changing world. Come to be inspired. Come to listen. Come to consider your own moment and how and why it matters. Sponsored by the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life

Lunar New Year

Friday, February 6

McBride Gathering Space and Sacred Space, Numen Lumen Pavilion | 6 p.m.

Lunar New Year is one of the most important celebrations across East and Southeast Asian cultures, marking the start of a new year on the lunar calendar. In 2026, we host the 10th anniversary of our campus Lunar New Year celebration and welcome the Year of the Horse together with a festive meal, performances and educational, fun, interactive stations. Sponsored by APSA, CREDE, and Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life

Erik Waterkotte, “Ghosts over Vestiges,
Recent Works of Apocalyptic Glamour”
artist talk and opening reception

Monday, February 9

Gallery 406, Arts West | 5 p.m.
Exhibition continues until February 27

Whether religious, mythological, philosophical or theoretical, Erik Waterkotte’s art is inspired by the narratives human beings have created throughout history to explain existence and consciousness. The work in this exhibition attempts to dismantle such anthropocentric narratives by integrating the archetypal with the ecological in a memento mori of handmade paper, print and mixed media. Based on his religious upbringing and life-long fascination with the occult, these artworks are populated with an amalgamation of glyphs, icons and archetypes that confront and question viewers’ ideologies.

Erik Waterkotte is an Associate Professor of Print Media in the Department of Art & Art History at the University of North Carolina Charlotte. Waterkotte received his MFA from the University of Alberta and his BFA from Illinois State University. He is co-founder of Theurgical Studies Press, a modest publisher of weird and occult zines and novelties. He has exhibited his artwork both nationally and internationally including at Sztuka na Miejscu in Wroclaw, Poland, the University of Alberta in Canada, the University of Dallas in Texas, and Saltgrass Printmakers in Salt Lake City, Utah. His artwork is part of several collections including the Weisman Art Museum at the University of Minnesota, the Zuckerman Museum of Art at Kennesaw State University in Georgia and the Purdue University Galleries in Indiana.

Tectonic Plates: Alamance County’s Science Café with Gene Grimley: Serendipity in science: the cisplatin story

Tuesday, February 10

Burlington Beer Works, 103 E. Front Street, Burlington | 7 p.m.

Each month on 2nd Tuesdays, a different scientist will present an engaging topic at Burlington Beer Works in downtown Burlington, North Carolina. Expect a lively event in a relaxed atmosphere without all the technical jargon. In February, Tectonic Places welcomes Elon Professor Emeritus Gene Grimley. The series runs from September to May, and the presentations are free and open to the public.

Elon Distinguished Scholar Presentation
with Brant Touchette

Thursday, February 12

LaRose Student Commons | 6 p.m.

Acknowledging the “scope, impact and continuity” of his scholarship, Dr. Touchette’s research focuses on nutritional and stress physiology of native and agriculturally relevant plants, with a focus on how plants survive in areas that are typically hostile to most species. During his 24 years at Elon University, he has authored or coauthored 33 peer-reviewed scientific journal publications, 10 book chapters and proceedings, 20 technical reports, along with more than 75 professional presentations, seminars and guest lectures. Of these presentations, 23 included published abstracts at regional, national and international conferences.

Dr. Touchette is the 26th recipient of the Distinguished Scholar Award, Elon’s top faculty research award which recognizes a faculty member whose research has earned peer commendation and respect and who has made significant contributions to his or her field of study.

2026 Ripple Interfaith Conference: A Recipe for Interfaith
(10th Anniversary)

Friday – Sunday, February 13-15

Numen Luman Pavilion, various other locations | specific schedule available at rippleconference.org

Join the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life for the Ripple Conference, Elon’s own student-led interfaith conference, which is the largest conference of its kind in the country. Ripple is all about connection, curiosity and understanding. It’s a celebration of how individuals with diverse religious, spiritual and ethical identities come together in pursuit of kindness, learning and community. This year, participants will be invited to explore the impact of connection and understanding through meaningful dialogue, shared experiences and hands-on breakout sessions. Reach out to Hillary Zaken (hzaken@elon.edu) with questions. Sponsored by the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life

Friday – Sunday, February 13-15

McCrary Theatre, Center for the Arts
Feb. 13, 14 at 7:30 p.m. | Feb. 14, 15 at 2 p.m.

Book, music & lyrics by Jonathan Larson; Directed by Jacob Brent; Choreographed by Courtney Liu; Music direction by Chris Rayis

Set in the East Village of New York City, “RENT” follows a year in the life of a group of impoverished young artists and musicians struggling to survive and create in New York’s Lower East Side. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, “RENT” has become a pop cultural phenomenon with songs that rock and a story that resonates with audiences. Admission: $15 or Elon ID. Reservations are highly recommended and will be offered beginning January 23 at elonperformingarts.com.

Ash Wednesday

Wednesday, February 18

Sacred Space, Numen Lumen Pavilion | 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Elon Community Church | 12:15 p.m. and 8 p.m.

We invite you to receive ashes during a worship service beginning the Christian season of Lent. The 12:15 p.m. worship is ecumenical (Protestant and Catholic) and the 8 p.m. service is a Catholic Mass. Shorter services with the distribution of ashes are also available in the Sacred Space, Numen Lumen Pavilion at 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Sponsored by Catholic Campus Ministry, LEAF (Lutherans, Episcopalians, and Friends) and the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life

Lessons from Leaders Series
with Tom O’Leary, CEO of JetZero

Thursday, February 19

LaRose Digital Theatre, Koury Business Center | 4:30 p.m.

Tom O’Leary, has built his career at the intersection of innovation and mobility, with leadership roles spanning automotive, technology and aerospace. He has held posts at Autoweb.com, Ford Dealer Connection, eBay Motors and Tesla before moving into aerospace in 2015. He later joined BETA Technologies as COO, where he recruited Mark Page to design the company’s all-electric aircraft. In 2020, O’Leary and Page founded JetZero to focus on developing a blended-wing-body jetliner. O’Leary earned a B.A. in political science from Furman University with a focus on environmental policy.

Tuba Skinny: In Concert

Thursday, February 19

McCrary Theatre, Center for the Arts | 7:30 p.m.
Elon University Lyceum Series

Known for their musicianship and broad catalogue, this New Orleans-based band offers a true take on Americana, drawing from the full lineage of popular American music with an early 20th-century lens. In 2022, Tuba Skinny fulfilled a long-time dream with the release of “Magnolia Stroll,” their first album of all original tunes. Admission: $15 or Elon ID. Tickets available January 29 at ElonTickets.com.

Elon Jazz Festival

Friday, February 20

McCrary Theatre, Center for the Arts | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Directed by Alex Heitlinger

The annual Elon Jazz Festival presents performances by local high school and middle school jazz ensembles throughout the day. This year’s featured guest artist is Roderick Paulin, one of New Orleans’ most soulful and versatile saxophonists. Please visit the Jazz Festival website for the updated schedule of events. Sponsored by the Department of Music

Elon University Jazz Festival Concert
with Roderick “Rev” Paulin

Saturday, February 21

McCrary Theatre, Center for the Arts | 7:30 p.m.

Directed by Alex Heitlinger

The Elon Jazz Festival culminates in a special performance by the Elon Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combos featuring Roderick Paulin, one of New Orleans’ most soulful and versatile saxophonists. Sponsored by the Department of Music

Active Citizen Series: Deliberative Dialogue – America’s Next 250: What’s Next, America?

Monday, February 23

Lakeside 212 | 4:30 p.m.

2026 marks our nation’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This dialogue is one of many that will take place across the country this year and is designed to bring people together to reflect on the past and discuss what kind of future we want to create for generations to come. Many Americans believe that the time is right for conversations that connect people who might not usually interact, conversations that will encourage fresh, innovative thinking and actions to emerge. Join this dialogue to help script the next 250 years of the United States. A Deliberative Dialogue is an opportunity for participants to gather and exchange diverse views and experiences to seek a shared understanding of a challenge facing our society and to search for common ground for action. Sponsored by the Kernodle Center for Civic Life and Political Engagement Work Group

Habiba Sarabi, “Education Rights of Afghan Women”

Tuesday, February 24

Alumni Convocation Center | Koury Athletic Center | 4:30 p.m.

Join a conversation with Dr. Habiba Sarabi on the global impact of Afghanistan’s ban on women’s education and the fight for educational rights and gender equality. Dr. Sarabi, an Afghan politician, women’s rights activist, and medical doctor made history as the first woman to be appointed a provincial governor in Afghanistan, leading Bamyan Province. She previously served as Minister of Women’s Affairs and Minister of Culture and Education, where she focused on expanding education, protecting the environment and advancing the rights of women. Sarabi also played a key role in the Afghan High Peace Council and peace negotiations. Her leadership and advocacy have earned her major international recognition, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award, the N-PEACE Award, and France’s Simone Veil Prize for promoting women’s rights and gender equality.

Cynthia Miller-Idriss, “Man Up:
Understanding Misogyny to Prevent Extremism”

Thursday, February 26

McBride Gathering Space, Numen Lumen Pavilion | 4:30 p.m.

Lauren Dunne Astley Memorial Lecture

A leading expert on extremism, Cynthia Miller-Idriss addresses how an epidemic of misogyny – both online and off – and a patriarchal backlash contribute to an exponential rise in mass and far-right violence. She also offers essential prevention strategies to fight the rising tide of violence, beginning with recognizing and interrupting the misogyny that pervades our everyday lives.

The Lauren Dunne Astley Memorial Lecture is co-sponsored by the Lauren Dunne Astley Memorial Fund. Lauren Dunne Astley attended Elon’s spring 2011 orientation and planned to be a member of Elon’s Class of 2015. In July 2011, Lauren was murdered by her former boyfriend. The goal of the Lauren Dunne Astley Memorial Fund is to educate the Elon community about mutually effective relationships and the role we all can have in creating communities free from violence.

A Conversation with Brittany Barnett

Thursday, February 26

Whitley Auditorium | 7:30 p.m.

Liberal Arts Forum Lecture
Moderated by Sandra Reid, Associate Teaching Professor of Human Service Studies

An award-winning attorney and entrepreneur, Brittany Barnett advocates for transforming the criminal justice system. She is responsible for securing freedom for clients who were at one point serving life sentences for federal drug offenses, including seven clients who received executive clemency from President Barack Obama. Inspired by her experience as a daughter of a formerly incarcerated mother, Barnett founded two nonprofits: the Buried Alive Project, which attempts to dismantle life without parole sentences, and Girls Embracing Mothers, an organization that empowers girls with mothers behind bars.