The History and Memory Committee aims to find stories that are not currently reflected in the archives.
For the first time, the Committee on Elon History and Memory hosted the Voices of Elon Oral History Booths as part of the 2025 Homecoming & Reunion Weekend on Oct. 17-18.
The booths provided an opportunity for alumni to share their Elon stories on camera in 10-15 minute interviews, which are to be preserved in the University Archives. In total, 23 interviews were recorded across three locations: the Black Community Room in Moseley, the Elon Black Alumni Network Tailgate and at Belk Library.
The History and Memory Committee aims to find stories that are not currently reflected in the archives. While the committee was created in 2020 with Black history in mind, Kelly Policelli, committee co-chair and coordinator of University Archives & Special Collections, says they want begin branching out to other areas, including the LGBTQ community and other minority groups that have been historically underrepresented on campus.
“It’s also just fun,” Policelli said. “I think it’s important for our committee especially, because we are working on some very hard histories, to sometimes stop and just celebrate some of the students, the stories, and the experiences that Elon students have had.”
While the committee often researches and tells stories about the more challenging aspects of Elon’s history, they believe it is equally important to highlight achievement.