Awards & Recognitions

Alexander Roberts ’27 is the recipient of the prestigious 2026 Undergraduate Research Award from North Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities.

Elon University celebrated the Class of 2026 on May 22 as students officially became alumni during the university’s 136th Commencement Ceremonies in Schar Center, where they were encouraged to embrace failure, pursue growth and remain hopeful about the future.

Smiles. Tears. Hugs. Laughter. For graduates in the Class of 2026 who recognize African cultures and histories, an annual program on the eve of Commencement was marked by powerful expressions of community, love and family.

Retirees were honored during a faculty/staff luncheon on May 12 in Alumni Gym.

The annual ¡Celebremos!: Graduates Take Flight celebration highlighted the families, mentors and communities that supported students who celebrate Latinx and Hispanic cultures, traditions and experiences throughout their Elon journeys.

For the tenth year, Elon international students planted oak saplings in a grove on South Campus on May 21 - a symbol of their growth during their time at Elon.

The Class of 2026 marks the second cohort to graduate from the university’s four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program. On May 20, the graduates were honored in a pinning ceremony in McCrary Theatre.

Helena Padial ’26 was awarded Broadway’s Next Triple Threat award at the Chita Rivera Awards on May 18.

Elon University recognized 70 first-generation students – the institution’s largest group to date – during its May 20 stole ceremony, highlighting the strength, support and achievement of the first-gen community.

Colleagues honored the dean emeritus and professor of law with a portrait unveiling to recognize the 2.5-year J.D. curriculum and Residency-in-Practice Program he pioneered at Elon Law, creating a new model for legal education.