The School of Health Sciences Student Diversity Committee hosted a Cultural Game Night, inviting students, faculty and staff to "play something new and meet someone new" while celebrating the unique diversity of the students, faculty, and staff in the School of Health Sciences at Elon.
On a Friday afternoon, the Gerald Francis Center was transformed from a quiet space of rigorous study into a lively hub of global play. The SHS Student Diversity Committee hosted its Cultural Game Night on May 22, inviting students, faculty, and staff to “play something new and meet someone new” while celebrating the unique diversity of the School of Health Sciences.
The event was well attended, drawing a diverse crowd that included students from three separate Physical Therapy and Physician Assistant Studies cohorts, the PT resident, and
multiple faculty and staff members.
As one student remarked, “It is nice to be in the (Francis Center) and get to do something other than study with other students that I only get to pass in the halls.”
The festivities were fueled by a generous donation of popcorn from Regal Cinema in Greensboro, secured by DPTE Program Assistant Angie Reid. Attendees snacked as they navigated a world of games, ranging from high-tech favorites like Japan’s Mario Kart to traditional staples like Africa’s Mancala. While a four-person Mancala board, Connect 4, and Uno saw constant action, the competitive spirit of the afternoon reached its peak during a custom Kahoot trivia challenge.
The Kahoot tested participants’ knowledge of cultural dress, traditions, and holiday celebrations from around the globe. Second year student Maci Yaeger claimed victory. Her winning edge? A quick-thinking identification of the Dirndl, a traditional female German outfit.
Beyond the competition, the event provided a space for meaningful reflection. Rousing games of Spades and Dominoes were preceded by a heartfelt discussion regarding the cultural lineage of these games. Participants shared stories of how these traditions were passed down through generations, often learned at grandparents’ kitchen tables, and kept alive within family circles. This “drop-in” afternoon bridged the gap between academic life and personal heritage, proving that the SHS community is defined by much more than just its curriculum.
As the school year continues, the SHS Student Diversity Committee remains committed to fostering this spirit of inclusion. In June 2026, the committee will celebrate Juneteenth and Pride Month.
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Angie Reid
Program Assistant - Physical Therapy Education
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Laké Laosebikan-Buggs
Director of Inclusive Excellence for Graduate and Professional Education
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Melissa Scales
Associate Professor of Physical Therapy Education
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Kim Stokes
Associate Professor of Physician Assistant Studies and Department Chair/Program Director for the Dept of Physician Assistant Studies