Alumni, family and friends experience the City of Lights through Elon’s faculty-led travel program.
This October, 16 Elon University alumni, family members and friends traveled to Paris, returning home with cherished memories, new friendships and an even stronger connection to their alma mater.
Over the course of seven days, participants immersed themselves in the history, culture and character of the City of Lights. The itinerary combined iconic landmarks and meaningful learning opportunities with the camaraderie and spontaneity that make group travel so memorable.
For Christi Floyd ’97, the relationships formed along the way were a highlight of the experience.
“Paris was more amazing than I imagined, but what really made the trip was the people I got to experience it with,” Floyd said. “Traveling with Elon alumni was so much fun, especially since we were able to connect several times via Zoom prior to the trip. We instantly had that Elon connection! We laughed, explored, ate and drank, sang the Elon Fight Song in the airport, and made lots of memories. I came home with a love for Paris and a whole new group of Elon friends!”
A global classroom
Led by retired Professor L.D. Russell, the Paris excursion marked the second trip in a growing alumni travel program that extends Elon’s tradition of experiential learning beyond campus. The program creates opportunities for graduates from different generations and backgrounds to continue learning together while exploring destinations around the world.
“This experience demonstrated that the power of lifelong learning and connection can happen anywhere,” said Kendra Haskins, senior director of Alumni Engagement. “Our Elon community is full of curiosity and an explorer spirit. What a perfect mix for travel!”
A journey through Paris’s history and culture
With guidance from Russell and an experienced local tour leader, travelers experienced many of Paris’s most celebrated landmarks. Highlights included dinner at the Eiffel Tower, an exploration of the Louvre’s priceless treasures, and a visit to Versailles, where the group learned about its history, architecture and gardens.
The experience also allowed participants to balance structured learning with independent exploration. Unlike students studying abroad, travelers had the flexibility to design portions of their own itinerary and discover the city according to their individual interests.
“It was my first time in Paris, and I feel like this was the perfect way to experience it,” said Rachel Renfrow ’24. “I had plenty of time to explore what was important to me while also participating in the group activities.”
Renfrow also appreciated the opportunity to meet alumni and others from across the university community.
“It was special because I got to interact with people from so many different parts of Elon,” she said. “I had insightful conversations with L.D. and enjoyed seeing Elon through the eyes of an alum who now works there and someone who attended the law school. It was fun getting to know everyone and sharing our Elon experiences.”
A new chapter in alumni engagement
This Parisian adventure was the second in an announced series of educational travel experiences for alumni, family and friends. Upcoming journeys include:
Canadian Rockies & Glacier National Park
July 6-12, 2027
Women of Elon WEekend in NYC
Sept. 16-20, 2027
Christmas on the Danube
Dec. 4-12, 2027
Be a traveler, not a tourist with Elon! Read more about upcoming travel with Elon Alumni on their website: https://www.elon.edu/u/alumni/travel