Tuesday, August 26 – Thursday, October 2

Lamar Whidbee, Amygdala

Monday, September 8 | Artist talk and opening reception | 5 p.m.
Gallery 406 at Arts West | Gallery hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Lamar Whidbee’s creative journey has been informed by his identities as a Black male interdisciplinary artist raised in rural North Carolina and a licensed clinical counselor. He draws deeply from his professional insights to craft pieces that resonate with themes of mental health and parenting. Using a rich tapestry of mediums, Whidbee’s canvases are portals that delve into the intricate complexities of the human psyche. He aims to break down the stigma surrounding mental health, inviting viewers into a shared space of understanding and empathy. The visual narratives speak of the struggles and triumphs, the shadows and the light that shape our existential landscapes. Exhibition continues through October 2.

Thursday, August 28 and Thursdays throughout Fall 2025 semester

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

Hosted by the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life

Numen Lumen is a beloved Elon tradition set aside for inspiration, community and fellowship. Each week, speakers and musicians are selected to share their thoughts, reflections and stories based on a common theme.

Thursday, August 28

Strange Music for a Strange Time:
The Theatre Music of Chris Rayis

Whitley Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

New and reimagined selections from the work of Elon Music Theatre faculty composer-lyricist Chris Rayis (“Deep Water Ballad,” “Jenny and the Paper Pirates,” “Transcriber of Dreams”), featuring Elon student performers and local musicians. Sponsored by the Departments of Music and Performing Arts

Thursday, September 4

The Last Ecstatic Days, film screening and panel discussion

McCrary Theatre, Center for the Arts | 5 p.m.

Sponsored by the School of Health Sciences and the Anatomical Gift Program of Elon University

Ethan Sisser, a young man with terminal brain cancer, sits alone in his hospital room. When he starts livestreaming his death journey on social media, thousands of people around the world join to celebrate his courage. Still, Ethan envisions more – to teach the world how to die without fear. To do that, he needs to film his death. Honoring Ethan’s wish, his doctor, Aditi Sethi, transports him to an idyllic house in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Asheville, North Carolina. What unfolds next is a story rarely glimpsed: how a community of strangers helps a young man die with grace. A sensory immersion into leaving the body, “The Last Ecstatic Days” reveals a man who will not let us forget him, even after he has taken his final breath. Admission is free, but a ticket is required. Tickets will be available beginning August 14 at ElonTickets.com.

Friday, September 5
New Date: Monday, October 6, 7:30 p.m.

An Evening with Babar and Friends
A Faculty Recital of French and American Music

Whitley Auditorium | 6 p.m. 7:30 p.m.

Sponsored by the Department of Music

Hallie Hogan, mezzo-soprano and Charles Hogan, piano, will present music from the French romantic and modern eras alongside works by American composers who studied with French musicians. The program concludes with Francis Poulenc’s musical setting of The Story of Babar, the Little Elephant, scored for piano and narrator.

Sunday, September 7

Mass of the Holy Spirit

Elon Community Church, 5 p.m.

Catholic Campus Ministry kicks off the academic year with a special blessing at the annual Mass of the Holy Spirit wutg soecuak gyest oresider Bishop Luis Rafael Zarama of the Diocese of Raleigh. All are invited to attend this Catholic worship service, especially all students, faculty and staff. A Sunday supper event will follow.

Monday, September 8

Lamar Whidbee, “Amygdala”

Artist talk and opening reception | 5 p.m.
Gallery 406 at Arts West | Gallery Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Lamar Whidbee’s creative journey has been informed by his identities as a Black male interdisciplinary artist raised in rural North Carolina and a licensed clinical counselor. He draws deeply from his professional insights to craft pieces that resonate with themes of mental health and parenting. Using a rich tapestry of mediums, Whidbee’s canvases are portals that delve into the intricate complexities of the human psyche. He aims to break down the stigma surrounding mental health, inviting viewers into a shared space of understanding and empathy. The visual narratives speak of the struggles and triumphs, the shadows and the light that shape our existential landscapes. Exhibition continues through October 2.

Tuesday, September 9

Tectonic Plates: Alamance County’s Science Café with Brian Kennedy: Deep Sea ecosystems and the impacts of deep-sea mining

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 September, Tectonic Plates welcomes Brian Kennedy of Ocean Discovery League (Rhode Island). The series runs from September through May, and the presentations are free and open to the public.

Wednesday-Friday, September 10-12

Green Tara Sand Mandala

Sacred Space, Numen Lumen Pavilion
Opening Ceremony | Wednesday at 9 a.m.
Closing Ceremony | Friday at 3 p.m.
Ongoing viewing | 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday & Thursday; 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday

Tibetan Buddhist monk Geshe Palden Sangpo will construct a Green Tara sand mandala for healing and peace during a period of three days. Viewers are encouraged to frequently stop by and see its progress. An opening ceremony will begin the process at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, and a closing ceremony will begin at 3 p.m. on Friday in which the mandala is deconstructed and the sand is shared with the community and the earth. RSVP on Phoenix Connect.

Thursday, September 11

Jarabe Mexicano

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

Elon University Lyceum Series in support of Hispanic Heritage Month

Jarabe Mexicano captures the nostalgic spirit of their border roots with their brand of “Bordeño-Soul,” which honors the musical tastes and cultural influences of its members. Jarabe, which translates to “concoction,” highlights the eclectic mix of genres they perform ranging from Mexican folk, rock and roll and Norteño/Tex-Mex to Latin Rock, Trio Romántico and popular Cumbia. Their traditional Mariachi string instrument instruments and Norteño-inspired drums complement dramatic vocals in English, Spanish and Spanglish, and show how this multi-generational ensemble embraces change while still honoring the past. Admission: $15 or Elon ID. Tickets will be available beginning August 26 at ElonTickets.com.

Wednesday, September 17

“In the age of ever-improving artificial intelligence systems, what are humans good for”

Conference | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

3040 East Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709

Co-hosted by Elon’s Imagining the Digital Future Center
with Research Triangle international (Durham, NC)

Keynote speakers will address the conference issue; regional universities will showcase their AI initiatives; and breakout sessions will be organized to develop a research agenda on AI issues moving into the future. Registration and conference schedule will be distributed shortly through department communication and the conference website.

Thursday, September 18

Elon Common Reading Lecture with Alejandra Campoverdi

Alumni Gym, Koury Athletic Center | 7 p.m.

Alejandra Campoverdi is a nationally recognized advocate for educational opportunity and women’s health, a bestselling author, founder and former White House aide to President Barack Obama. Her book, “FIRST GEN” won the Dolores Huerta Award from  the International Latino Book Awards, which also named Campoverdi its 2024 Rising Star in Nonfiction. In 2024, Campoverdi founded the First Gen Fund, a nonprofit that provides hardship grants to first-gen students. She produced the groundbreaking PBS health documentary “Inheritance” and founded the LATINOS & BRCA awareness initiative in partnership with Penn Medicine’s Basser Center for BRCA. Previously, Campoverdi served in the Obama White House as deputy director of Hispanic media. Admission: $15 or Elon ID. Tickets will be available beginning August 26 at ElonTickets.com and the lecture is eligible for the Elon University Speaker Series package.

Friday, September 19

Hispanic Heritage Month Kick-Off Festival

Medallion Plaza, Lakeside area | 5:30 p.m.

Sponsored by CREDE and El Centro

Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated annually from September 15 to October 15, is a time to recognize and honor the rich histories, cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities in the United States.

This celebration highlights the diverse cultural traditions, achievements and lasting impact of Hispanic and Latinx individuals across various fields, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of their vital role in shaping American society. We will have food, vendors and performances!

Monday-Wednesday, September 22-24

Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year)

Various times and locations listed below

Rosh Hashanah is the holiday marking the Jewish New Year. Rosh Hashanah is a time for new beginnings, spiritual renewal and community. Holiday traditions include gathering for prayer services to hear the blowing of the shofar, or ram’s horn, dipping apples into honey to symbolize hopes for a sweet new year and gathering for communal meals.

Rosh Hashanah Dinner
Monday, September 22 | 6 p.m.
McBride Gathering Space, Numen Lumen Pavilion
RSVP here

Day 1 Services
Tuesday, September 23 | 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Sacred Space, Numen Lumen Pavilion

Luncheon
Tuesday, September 23 | 12:15 p.m.
Sklut Hillel Center Pavilion
RSVP here

Tashlich
Tuesday, September 23 | 1:30 p.m.
Lake Mary Nell (meet at Sklut Hillel Center)

Tuesday, September 23

Joseph Robertson, “The Indigenous Perspective Praxis: Holistic Data Science Workflow Designs for Building Community Partnerships, Education and Citizen Engagement”

LaRose Student Commons | 4:30 p.m.

Sponsored by Data Nexus

The Indigenous Perspective Praxis is Mato Ohitika Analytics LLC’s most recent work in bringing theory to practice using data science workflows to solve community challenges. This interdisciplinary concept connects to Dr. Robertson’s doctoral work in using the Data Sovereignty Initiative framework to educate communities on the ethical examination of how to bridge science and culture. Dr. Robertson will present key topics on data sovereignty, tribal governance, data and artificial intelligence ethics and will demonstrate how to design and build ethical systems using data science.

Biography: Dr. Joseph Robertson is an enrolled member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate of the Lake Traverse Reservation and is the founder and Chief Data Scientist of Mato Ohitika Analytics LLC (MOA). Dr. Robertson’s commitment to speak with students, faculty community members and grass roots organizations about his work is part of Mato Ohitika Analytics LLC’s broader educational and citizen science initiatives to bring the Indigenous Perspective Praxis’s holistic data science workflow designs to underrepresented communities and to provide equitable access through building academic, cultural and community partnerships. Dr. Robertson holds a Ph.D. in Computational Science and Statistics and a Master of Science in Statistics from South Dakota State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Colorada State University.

Friday, September 26

Katie Ledecky, “I’ve Got Your Back: Relationships Fuel Success”

Schar Center | 3:30 p.m.

Elon University Fall Convocation

With 14 Olympic medals and 21 World Championship titles – Katie Ledecky has shattered records and set new standards of excellence. Ledecky’s journey began at the 2012 London Olympics, where at just 15 years old she became the youngest U.S. Olympian and won her first gold medal (800-meter freestyle), signaling the start of a historic career. Although swimming is considered an individual sport where athletes control their own destiny, Ledecky says she wouldn’t have made it to the Games in London, Rio, Tokyo or Paris without the unrelenting support of her friends, family, teammates and coaches who had her back and fueled her medal-winning, record-breaking performances. Open and honest with her audience, she draws from experiences pushing past adversity on her journey to becoming an Olympic champion. Admission: $15 or Elon ID. Tickets will be available beginning August 26 at ElonTickets.com and the lecture is eligible for the University Speaker series package.

Friday, September 26

Elon Wind Ensemble Concert, “The Natural World”

McCrary Theatre, Center for the Arts | 5:30 p.m.

Dr. Jonathan Poquette, conductor

Sponsored by the Department of Music in partnership with Elon Outdoor Leadership and Education

Through powerful and evocative works, “The Natural World” explores the beauty of wild places, wild things and the urgent need to protect them. Featuring compositions by Rossano Galante, Viet Cuong, Stephen Lias and Gala Flagello, this concert highlights the resilience and fragility of nature through music. This inspiring performance encourages reflection on our planet’s future.

Friday, September 26 & Saturday, September 27

Dancing in the Landscape: “Boundaries & Breakthroughs”
Lambert Academic Village | Sept. 26 at 5:30 p.m., September 27 at 12 p.m.

Co-directed by Jen Guy Metcalf and Elijah Motley

Sponsored by the Department of Performing Arts

“Boundaries & Breakthroughs” is the 2025 performance of Dancing in the Landscape, a site-specific dance concert that features original choreography by Elon faculty, students and guest artists. All works are performed by Elon students.

Friday, September 26

Family Weekend Shabbat

Sklut Hillel Center Pavilion | 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Friday, September 26

Collage: An Elon Music Theatre Revue

Yeager Recital Hall, Center for the Arts | 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. (same show)

Faculty Advisors: Courtney Liu and Jacob Brent

Sponsored by the Department of Performing Arts

Experience the best of Elon Music Theatre, a top-ranked national program. Expect show-stopping performances, original student choreography, fresh arrangements of your favorite Broadway songs, and heartfelt tributes from the stars of tomorrow. Admission: $15 or Elon ID. Reservations will be offered beginning on Friday, September 19 at www.elonperformingarts.com.

Friday, September 26

Department of Music Faculty Concert

Whitley Auditorium | 7:30 p.m.

Sponsored by the Department of Music

Faculty artists invite Elon families and friends to a mixed program for voice, piano, percussion, wind, strings, brass and more. This program remains a much-anticipated event since 1999.

Saturday, September 27

Instant Laughter

Yeager Recital Hall, Center for the Arts | 7 p.m.

Directed by Frederick J. Rubeck

Sponsored by the Department of Performing Arts

Elon’s comic improv troupe, Instant Laughter, takes the stage performing scenes and sketches based on audience suggestions. Admission: $15 at the door. Seating is limited. All proceeds benefit Elon’s Theatre Arts program.

Sunday, September 28

Family Weekend Protestant Worship and Brunch

Holt Chapel | 10 a.m.

Protestant worship for families and students during Family Weekend, followed by a light brunch.

Sunday, September 28

Family Weekend Catholic Mass and Brunch

Alumni Gym | 10 a.m.

Catholic Mass for families and students during Family Weekend. Brunch to follow on the Koury West Lawn outside of Alumni Gym.

Sunday, September 28

Family Weekend Bagel Brunch

McKinnon Hall, Moseley Center | 11 a.m.

Hosted by Hillel

Monday, September 29

Active Citizen Series: Deliberative Dialogue – Technology and Relationships

Lakeside 212 | 4:30 p.m.

Advance Registration Required Here

Sponsored by the Kernodle Center for Civic Life

While technology can be used to maintain relationships, keep up with breaking news, and navigate our cities, some experts have suggested that technology is like an addiction. North Carolina has joined half the nation in proposing legislation to ban or restrict the use of cell phones in K-12 schools. In a rare showing of bipartisan support, these pieces of legislation are intended to increase learning and benefit students’ mental health. Last year, the U.S. Surgeon General called on Congress to require warning statements on social media platforms as is the practice on cigarette packaging. What is the way forward?

A Deliberative Dialogue is an opportunity for students 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.

Tuesday, September 30

Fiachra Garvey, piano

Whitley Auditorium | 7:30 p.m.

Elon University Lyceum Series

Renowned Irish pianist Fiachra Garvey returns to Elon with a program featuring the intimate lyricism of Beethoven’s late Sonata Opus 109; Gershwin’s iconic musical portrait of New York, “Rhapsody in Blue,” an Irish jewel (“Gaelic Fantasy”) by Rhoda Coghill, Ravel’s heartbreakingly poignant “Pavane,” and finishing with the tour de force that is Rachmaninov’s rarely heard 1st Sonata Opus 28. Admission: $15 or Elon ID. Tickets available beginning September 9 at ElonTickets.com.