The Month in Photos: June 2026

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

While campus is quieter during the summer months, June still brought plenty of activity to Elon University. From the sounds of the annual community concert and picnic to the energy of summer camps and campus events, there was no shortage of memorable moments.

Take a look back at some of the month’s highlights through the eyes of the staff in University Communications.

Engineering success

A former president of the Milwaukee School of Engineering and longtime leader in engineering and technology education has been named the inaugural dean of Elon University’s new School of Engineering and Computing.

Dr. John Walz joins Elon after nearly a decade helming a private university recognized for its emphasis on experiential learning, strong industry partnerships and workforce preparation.

A man in a suit stands in front of a brick building in a portrait photo — Dr. John Walz in and around Founders Hall on June 03, 2026.

AI Play

Elon University hosted its inaugural AI Play summer camp in June for rising middle school students with an interest in the world of artificial intelligence. Thirteen students participated, learning about artificial intelligence while improving their AI literacy.

An instructor demonstrates a four-legged robotic dog to children attending a summer technology camp as participants watch and learn about robotics and artificial intelligence. — Assistant Professor of Engineering Blake Hament demonstrates Hugh the robot at Elon AI Play Summer camp at Lindner Hall on June 18, 2026.

Children and student mentors gather around a table as a participant programs a small educational robot to follow a hand-drawn path during a robotics activity. — Students experiment with concepts of robotic perception at Elon AI Play Summer camp at Lindner Hall on June 15, 2026.

Summer Concert & Picnic

Elon faculty, staff, students and friends came together at the Martin Alumni Center for the annual Summer Concert & Picnic on June 25.

People of all ages gather around picnic tables on the university campus during a community event, sharing a meal and conversation outdoors while children and families participate in activities nearby. — Elon’s annual Summer Concert and Picnic on June 25, 2026.

People sit around a long table during a community picnic. One woman in a hat and white shirt looks over her shoulder and smiles at the camera — Elon’s annual Summer Concert and Picnic on June 25, 2026.

Emancipation Celebration

This summer, Elon faculty and staff were invited to engage in meaningful dialogue, reflection and community-building through the Inclusive Excellence Summer Development Series “American Anniversaries: 250 Years, Over 160 Reasons to Heal.”

The series connected two significant milestones in American history — the nation’s 250th anniversary and the 161st anniversary of Juneteenth — through opportunities to explore the ongoing pursuit of freedom, equality and justice.

Together@Elon’s Emancipation Celebration invited community members to enjoy a Juneteenth exhibit, music, sweet treats and games while celebrating freedom, resilience and community.