When Nikki Guevara ’29 saw a student in need of medical attention, she sprang into action, performing life-saving CPR. During Elon University’s Staff Update on Jan. 30, 2026, Guevara was recognized for her efforts with an award from Campus Safety and Police.
A first-year Elon University student is being recognized for her quick thinking and decisive actions that saved another student’s life.
In September 2025, Nikki Guevara ’29 had just returned to campus from a coffee run with friends when she saw people in the Colonnades Quad waving for help with someone else on the ground. Guevara sprang into action, telling others to call 911 and retrieve an AED (Automated External Defibrillator), while she began CPR on fellow Elon student Lucy Sharp ‘29. Guevara did CPR for several minutes before emergency personnel arrived, saving Sharps’ life.
During Elon’s Staff Update in Alumni Gym on Friday, Jan. 30, Guevara and Sharp were joined by their families as Guevara received a Lifesaving Award from Elon Campus Safety and Police. Chief of Campus Safety and Police Joe LeMire acknowledged the importance of Guevara not only performing CPR but also helping direct others to help.
“That was really remarkable to see,” said LeMire, who was able to watch the incident via cameras after it occurred. “Your actions made a difference that has forever changed the life of another.”
Elon President Connie Ledoux Book acknowledged that the incident is a reminder of why community matters and exemplifies Elon’s values.
“Her observation of her classmate, her presence and courage under pressure, her willingness to step forward when it mattered most, these are the qualities that make us so proud of her, her actions, and contribute to making Elon such a special community,” said Book.
Guevara, a public health major from Burlington, North Carolina, got her CPR certification in high school and is studying to become a Physician Assistant. During Staff Update, Guevara encouraged the audience to get CPR certified in case they find themselves in a similar situation.
“I’ve received a lot of support from, not only from Lucy and her family, but the Odyssey Program and various faculty and staff at Elon and feel I’ve truly found a home, and I’m appreciative of that,” said Guevara. “I want today to be more of a reminder about why CPR education is so important. If I did not know how to do CPR, this outcome could have been completely different.”
The two students didn’t know each other well before the incident, but it has changed their relationship and, specifically, Sharp’s life.
“Her name in my phone is ‘Nikki Guevara saved my life,’” said Sharp.