Phoenix Five: Nov. 10

Vice President for Student Life Jon Dooley offers this weekly message to help students stay informed and prepare for the week ahead.

Dear students,

Each week I make it a point to share events and activities to attend so you can take full advantage of everything that Elon has to offer – I hope the weekly “Phoenix Five” is a helpful resource as you plan your week.

Just two weeks until the Thanksgiving Break – hang in there, you’ve got this! In the meantime, here are your Phoenix Five for the week ahead:

Promotional graphic for the Phoenix Five weekly email, dated November 10, 2024, from Elon University. The design features a large yellow number "5" over a sepia-toned campus scene with a student walking near a fountain and historic building. The text "PHOENIX 5" is centered prominently, with a blue arrow symbol pointing to the right, suggesting navigation or progression.November is Native American Heritage Month

In 1990, President George H. W. Bush approved a joint resolution designating November as “National American Indian Heritage Month.” Similar proclamations, under variants on the name, including “Native American Heritage Month” and “National American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month,” have been issued each year since 1994. Please join the CREDE staff in celebrating and learning more about the experiences, histories, and heritage of Native and Indigenous communities. Check out Native American Heritage Month events happening on campus on the Native American Heritage Month website.

Post-Election events this week

This week there are several events designed to help individuals and the university community navigate the pathway forward after a contentious election season:

After the Vote Panel Discussion

Tuesday, Nov. 12, 4:30 p.m., East Neighborhood Commons, Forum (102)

Faculty panel sponsored by the Department of Political Science and Phoenix Policy Institute. Learn about the ins and outs of the 2024 elections – from voting trends to controversial calls – with Elon experts. You’ll be able to ask questions about what the local, state and national results mean for you, your friends and family, and our country.

Finding Unity Across Difference: A Democratic Dialogue

Thursday, Nov. 14, 4:30-6 p.m., Lakeside Meeting Rooms

This post-election conversation is designed for our campus community to find connection and understanding across party lines. Whether you are thrilled or troubled by the outcome, this is an opportunity to practice how active citizenship and engaged learning can help us bridge divides. Sponsored by the Council on Civic Engagement and Democracy Dialogue Collaborative.

CAALM Election Decompression Group

Wednesdays until Inauguration Day, 12 p.m., Ward Octagon Room, Moseley Center 105A

Cultivating Awareness and Aptitude to Live Mindfully (CAALM) is a decompression group geared towards stresses that can be exacerbated during a presidential election. The goal of the drop-in structured group is to provide participants with tangible skills to improve mindfulness, well-being and resilience as you navigate life. Sponsored by Counseling Services.

Fall Performing Arts events this week

Elon Orchestra Fall Concert

Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, 7:30 p.m., Whitley Auditorium

The Elon Orchestra will perform a concert for strings featuring selections by Black composers. Works include Leila Adu’s “If the Stars Align,” George Walker’s “Lyric for Strings,” and Florence Price’s “Andante moderato.” Featured piece will be “4 Novelletten for Strings, Symphony No. 21” by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor. This event is free and sponsored by the Department of Music.

UnBoxed: The Fall Dance Concert

Friday, Nov. 15, 7 p.m., Roberts StudioTheatre, Scott Studios

Saturday, Nov. 16, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Roberts StudioTheatre, Scott Studios 

Sunday, Nov. 17, 2 p.m., Roberts StudioTheatre, Scott Studios

This curated showcase invites audiences to explore the theme of unboxing and its impact on personal and collective growth. Choreographers push theatrical boundaries, unveiling fresh perspectives through movement. Faculty members Renay Aumiller and Jiwon Ha, guest artists Alyah Baker and alumna Julie Crothers, along with BFA dance majors, present a diverse, vibrant lineup celebrating contemporary dance. Admission is free with an Elon ID. Reserve your ticket online.

Elon Jazz Ensembles Fall Concert

Saturday, Nov. 16, 7:30 p.m., McCrary Theatre, Center for the Arts

Elon’s Jazz Studies program presents an exciting selection of traditional and contemporary jazz music performed by the Elon University Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combos. Sponsored by the Department of Music.

Diwali: The Hindu Festival of Lights

Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, 5:30 p.m., McKinnon Hall

The Hindu festival of lights commemorates the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Experience Elon’s holiday celebration through traditional food, dance, songs and stories from students, faculty, staff and community members. RSVP to the event online.

Cheer on the Phoenix this weekend!

Visit the Elon Phoenix Athletics Calendar to stay up-to-date on your next opportunities to cheer on your classmates on the field and on the court. Next Saturday, Nov. 16, there will be two home contests you won’t want to miss:

  • After an exciting road win against #20 William & Mary in the closing seconds of the game, Football will host their last home contest of the 2024-2025 season against Maine at 2 p.m. at Rhode Stadium.
  • Women’s Basketball will host Kent State at 8 p.m. in the Schar Center.

Have a great week!

Jon Dooley, Ph.D.

Vice President for Student Life