The Month in Photos: May

Elon University is featuring a variety of photos every month to highlight the exceptional learning, work and activities of students, faculty and staff.

May brought the end of the spring 2025 semester and a farewell to the Class of 2025 as they embark on a new journey as alumni.

View some of the most impactful moments of the past month through the eyes of staff in the Office of University Communications.

Strawberry Festival

The Garden Studio course hosts its annual Spring Strawberry Festival in the beginning of May. Strawberry-themed baked goods are provided, along with student musical entertainment, face painting, a photo booth and dancing.

A young woman with pearl earrings and a necklace smiles slightly as another person paints a pink flower on her face at a face-painting event. — The Garden Studio course hosts its annual Spring Strawberry Festival in the beginning of May.

Faculty Excellence

Elon University recognized the excellence of faculty and staff in their service to the university and the community at its annual awards luncheon on May 13. Honored with awards from the university this year were Professor of Chemistry Kathy Matera, Professor of Biology Brant W. Touchette, Professor of Public Health Studies, Human Service Studies and Watts/Thompson Professor Cynthia Fair and Professor of Communication Design Phillip Motley.

A woman sits smiling at a banquet table, surrounded by colleagues, as another person places a supportive hand on her arm during an awards ceremony. — Cynthia Fair, professor of public health studies, human service studies discovers she is the recipient of the Steven and Patricia House Excellence in Mentoring Award during the Faculty and Staff Awards Luncheon in Alumni Gym on May 13, 2025.

Virtual Reality

A student lifts a VR headset from his eyes while working at a computer in a dimly lit classroom, surrounded by classmates engaged in virtual reality programming. — A student uses a virtual reality headset at Elon University.

The Law Life

While Elon School of Law students studied hard for their May finals, Elon School of Law alumni saw the product of their hard work, taking the oath to become licensed attorneys.

A student wearing wireless earbuds studies at a table with a laptop and printed documents, highlighting text while smiling in a warmly lit indoor space. — An Elon University School of Law student studies at the end of the spring 2025 semester.

Elon Law graduates of the Class of 2024 take oaths to become licensed attorneys. From left, Julia Rene Tobolski L’24, Nicolas Quiroga L’24, Gabriella Parisi L’24, Marcus Maldonado, Brendan Ikner L’24 and Lauryn C. Hyatt L’24.

CAA Champs

Both the Elon University softball team and women’s track and field team became CAA champions in May. The softball win was Elon’s (33-19) first-ever CAA tournament title and the program’s second overall in its Division I history.

The Elon University softball team celebrates on the field with raised arms and joyful expressions after winning the 2025 CAA Championship. — The Elon University softball team celebrates after winning their first-ever CAA Tournament title on May 10, 2025.

Goodbye and Welcome

The Elon community said “goodbye” to the Class of 2025 as students and ‘”welcome” to the Class of 2025 as alumni, including with the annual Numen Lumen Senior Baachlaurette, Senior Celebration and the university’s 135th Commencement Exercises.