First-Phoenix LLC sweeps Residence Life Awards in its inaugural year

By Maximus Garganta, student

May 15, 2025

A group of students and a faculty member pose together outside on a tree-lined path, smiling as they prepare for an outing or activity.
Paula DiBiasio waiting with the First Phoenix LLC to get into the NC State Fair

At this year’s Residence Life Awards, First-Phoenix LLC emerged as a leading force of excellence, sweeping several top honors.

In just its first year, the First-Phoenix Living and Learning Community (LLC) has taken flight—soaring past expectations and earning campus-wide recognition for its impact on first-generation college students at Elon University. Launched in Fall 2024, the community has already proven its strength through leadership, connection, and celebration.

Two women wearing matching Greek life jackets hold awards and smile in front of an Elon University Residence Life step-and-repeat banner.
Violette Valadez and Odalys Zelaya Figueroa pose with their awards

At this year’s Residence Life Awards, First-Phoenix LLC emerged as a leading force of excellence, sweeping several top honors:

  • Maximus Garganta, senior resident assistant, received the Student Leadership and Community Development Award
  • Violette Valadez was named LLC Ambassador of the Year
  • Odalys Zelaya Figueroa earned LLC Community Student of the Year
  • Paula DiBiasio, associate professor of physical therapy education and Kenneth Brown, assistant director of first-generation initiatives were jointly recognized as LLC Advisors of the Year

These awards reflect a remarkable year of collaboration, student empowerment and identity-driven support. Designed to serve first-generation college students, First-Phoenix LLC fosters belonging through peer mentorship and culturally meaningful programming, offering an “instant community” that understands the unique challenges and successes of being first in the family to attend college.

A group of students and a faculty or staff member smile for a selfie while gathered around a long dining table with plates of food in a brightly lit room.
Kenneth Brown meets the First Phoenix crew at the first LLC dinner event

Throughout the academic year, First-Phoenix brought its mission to life through vibrant events and hands-on experiences. Highlights included:

  • A fully funded trip to the North Carolina State Fair, made possible by securing a competitive RCAC grant
  • A community cooking night, where students taught and shared personal recipes like penne alla vodka, strawberry tres leches, and dal makhani
  • Social events like Caramel Apple Study Breaks, Slime Making and an LLC bowling night
  • Flan Night, hosted in collaboration with El Centro, which featured a live cooking demonstration of Panamanian flan along with a brief history of Panama City, Panama
  • A farm tour at Ran-Lew Dairy, organized in partnership with the Milk Club, which introduced students to local North Carolina agriculture
  • Academic support programs like the Advising Assistance Night, helping students with course registration and planning
Four friends smile in front of a colorful fair stand selling funnel cakes, elephant ears, and deep-fried Oreos at a crowded outdoor event.
The First Phoenix LLC enjoys funnel cakes and fried Oreos at the North Carolina State Fair.

As First-Phoenix looks ahead, the energy is only growing. Plans for next year include expanding the mentorship program with more structure and frequency and increasing the LLC’s visibility and outreach across campus.

From its very first semester, First-Phoenix LLC has demonstrated the power of intentional community-building and peer support. The awards may mark the close of a successful academic year, but for First-Phoenix, this is only the beginning.

Posted in: Awards & Recognitions Events Faculty & Staff Student Experience

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