Hosted by the Center for Race, Ethnicity and Diversity Education, the annual celebration honored Asian and Pacific Islander students’ achievements, presented graduating seniors with stoles and highlighted unity and cultural pride.
“For many of us, especially those who grew up being told to dim yourselves down, to blend in with the crowd, to not make too much noise, just know that this space gave you the permission to shine. Brightly. Loudly. Authentically,” said Ivan Nguyen ‘25, during a heartfelt charge to fellow students during Elon University’s “Light the Way” celebration on Thursday, May 8.
Held in McKinnion Hall, the event honored Asian and Pacific Islander (API) students, celebrating their achievements, resilience and community. Formerly known as the API End-of-Year celebration, the newly named “Light the Way” was selected by the Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month planning committee to align with the committee’s goals for the heritage month festivities and holds cultural significance.
“In many Asian cultures, the significance of lanterns often symbolizes a [transitional] period and a wish for good fortune in the future,” George Dou, assistant director of the Center for Race, Ethnicity and Diversity Education (CREDE), said during the event’s welcome. “Likewise, the purpose of ‘Light the Way’ is our way of sending off the year in a way that honors, uplifts and affirms the diverse identities and cultural heritages within Asian and Pacific Islander communities.”
During the celebration, students were presented with various awards and student superlatives. Awards included the Beacon Award, Asian Studies Awards, Academic Excellence Awards, Illumination Award, Radiance Award and Outstanding Senior Award. Superlatives illustrated the camaraderie of the community with titles such as “Most Likely To Be In The API Room,” “Most Likely To Brighten Your Day,” “Most Likely To Be On A Reality TV Show” and “Busiest Bee.”
Following the award presentation, the event transitioned into a stole ceremony honoring graduating seniors. CREDE staff members presented stoles to 10 students to be worn during commencement as a symbol of each student’s connection between their heritage and identity.
Co-designed by Tiffany Huang ‘23 and Alana Evora ‘24, the stole incorporated flowers that tie into the overarching theme of Elon University’s 2025 Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebration: bouquets. This theme was inspired by two key principles:
- No single symbol or idea could fully represent the diverse API community.
- Unity and togetherness strengthen the community.
The stole’s floral motifs were designed to empower soon-to-be graduates to continue to “bloom” beyond their time at the university. Reflecting on the “bouquet” theme, each table was decorated with various flowers significant to the API culture, reinforcing the richness of the community’s shared heritage.
“The flowers represented individuality and the uniqueness of each community,” Dou said. “The act of you all, sitting here with us today, is the bouquet–communities coming together to support each other.”
Along with their stoles, seniors received a small booklet containing cards from individuals who have “lit” their path throughout their collegiate experience.
As the celebration neared the conclusion, Nguyen delivered an inspiring charge to students, addressing both graduating seniors and students continuing their Elon journey.
“To my fellow graduating seniors, you are our trailblazers,” Nguyen said. “You’ve helped build something lasting, and you’ve shown us what leadership looks like: intentional, kind, and sometimes running purely on iced coffee and vibes. We’re going to miss you, but we know your light is going to shine far beyond this campus.”
To returning students, he reminded them that the “torch” was now being passed to them. Acknowledging that this responsibility may be intimidating, he encouraged them to keep lighting the path for those who would follow after them, inspiring them to be bold, compassionate and to make space for new voices and ideas.
“Never underestimate the power of one small individual flame that’s in each of you, because a spark can start a fire, and a fire can fuel a movement,”
-Ivan Nguyen ‘25
Nguyen concluded his address by thanking individuals who have supported him throughout his time at the university. He also encouraged students to continue shining no matter where the path may lead them.
“As we celebrate tonight, let’s carry that light with us, into our homes, our classrooms, our futures, our new journeys,” said Nguyen. “Because when we shine together, there’s no limit to how far we can go.”
The evening closed with a performance by Sitare Sadeghi ‘25, Tara Venkataraman ‘25 and Sabetha Hersini ‘27.
2025 Award Recipients
Beacon Awards
Adam Kim, assistant professor of psychology, and George Dou
The Beacon Awards are given to two faculty or staff members who have gone above and beyond to be a beacon of support to the API community at Elon University.
Asian Studies Awards
Language Track: Ivan Nguyen and Nicholas Rugbart ‘25
Non-Language Track: Bo Dalrmyple ‘25
The Asian Studies Award recognizes students who demonstrate excellence in research and service related to Asia.
Academic Excellence Awards
The Academic Excellence awards recognize students who have attained the highest GPA in their respective class years:
- Class of 2028: Jaya Iyer and Sophia Sta Rosa
- Class of 2027: Julia Chan
- Class of 2026: Hashini Amarasinghe
- Class of 2025: Sol Addison
Illumination Award
Tara Venkataraman ‘25
The Illumination Award recognizes a student whose scholarship has shed light on the understanding of API identities, cultures, history or heritage.
Radiance Award
Emma Hash ‘26
The Radiance Award recognizes a sophomore or junior who has shown great dedication, passion or awareness around API identities or topics at Elon University.
Outstanding Senior Award
Ivan Nguyen
The Outstanding Senior Award recognizes the leadership, involvement, and mentorship exhibited by a senior throughout their four years at Elon University.