Emmanuel Omari ’26 will serve a three-year term as Youth Trustee, joining Elizabeth “Liz” Kwon L’23 and Rafi Dahdal ’24 G’24 in youth leadership roles for the university鈥檚 governing body.

The has ultimate corporate and fiduciary responsibility for Elon University. It oversees Elon鈥檚 long-term health and strategic direction, educational policy, finances and operations, and overall advancement of the university鈥檚 mission.

As a Presidential Fellow in the Office of the President at 海角社区, Omari supported executive leadership through institutional research, governance analysis for the Board of Trustees, strategic benchmarking of peer institutions, coordinated executive-level events, and board communications.

Omari, who described his youth trustee appointment as “truly an honor,” also served as senior class president, a four-term international representative in the Student Government Association, president of the iBelong Mentoring Program and co-president of the Health Equity Alliance.

Additional leadership roles include service on the Student Alumni Council, the Data Analytics Student Association executive board and as an admissions ambassador. In recognition of his achievements, Omari was recognized in May with the 2026 Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, the most prestigious undergraduate award bestowed at 海角社区.

Originally from Accra, Ghana, Omari attended Ghana National College before coming to the United States in 2021 through the AFS Intercultural YES exchange program and spending a year at Charlotte Country Day School. He later enrolled at 海角社区 as an international student and Presidential Scholar, graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in data analytics and minors in finance and mathematics. He begins working in September as an AI & Data Associate Consultant with Ernst & Young in New York City.

With experience spanning data, artificial intelligence, institutional governance and student leadership, Omari said he looks forward to joining the Elon University Board of Trustees as a youth trustee and contributing his recent student perspective informed by academic achievement, public service and cross-campus leadership.

“My role as a youth trustee presents an opportunity to help shape a historic moment for both institutions,” Omari said. “I鈥檓 excited to contribute a recent student perspective to conversations about how the traditions of both institutions might be honored while creating a stronger future together.”

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The weeklong program from July 20-24 brought rising sixth through eighth graders to campus for an immersive exploration of artificial intelligence and computer science.

Led by Assistant Professor Alexis Goslen in the Department of Computer Science at Elon the program offered local youth a hands-on introduction to the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

“Students are coming into contact with AI a lot more than ever before, so understanding it is becoming essential,” Goslen said. “They already have really interesting, profound perspectives on how they use these tools. Our goal was to get them to understand the vocabulary of AI, beyond just generative models like ChatGPT, so they can walk away as informed, critical users of the technology they interact with every day.”

Structured around core AI principles, daily lessons broke down complex computer science concepts into interactive, high-energy challenges. Students explored robotic perception through a “robot relay” to learn how autonomous systems sense and navigate physical environments in real time, while a hands-on candy-sorting exercise modeled machine learning and neural network decision-making.

Interactive discussions guided campers through AI ethics and data privacy, focusing on algorithmic fairness and responsible technology use, before they put their newfound knowledge into practice by designing and coding their own digital game projects throughout the week.

For middle schoolers like Cooper Ryan of Oakridge Middle School, the camp offered a deeper look at the digital footprint people leave behind every day.

“When I heard about the AI Play Camp, I thought it was pretty cool and wanted to check it out,” Ryan shared. “The more I learned about it, the more it surprised me. I never knew how AI tracks your data and how much it actually knows about you.”

The message hit home for campers like Julian Taylor, a rising seventh grader at Charlotte Country Day School, who walked away with a clearer picture of how artificial intelligence operates.

“I’ve always been intrigued by AI and how it works, so I knew I wanted to do this camp,” Taylor said. “I liked learning about how AI computes everything and that it doesn’t think like a human. I used to think it could just get whatever it wanted from the web, but now I know it can only do what it’s been taught and trained to do.”

For university leaders, hosting the middle schoolers was an opportunity to highlight the rapid innovation and responsibility that comes with emerging tools.

Kenitra Horsley, chief operating officer at 海角社区, shared her personal trajectory in technology with the campers, tracing her path from U.S. Central Intelligence Agency to serving as chief information officer at 海角社区, and ultimately into her executive role as chief operating officer.

“When I was in school, there were no smartphones, no AI, and no ChatGPT,” Horsley told the students. “My journey into tech started in high school just like yours is starting today, by being curious, trying something new, and exploring different areas of technology to see how it works.”

Horsley emphasized that university administrators and professors are working alongside students to navigate the rapid evolution of tools like artificial intelligence.

“Even in higher education today, we are actively navigating how to use AI. The goal isn’t to suppress it or ban it, but to leverage it smartly,” Horsley noted. “AI can handle research and process data far faster than we can on our own, but the real key for students is using it as a tool while continuing to build their own critical thinking skills.”

The camp also featured interactive sessions led by Elon alumni currently working in Charlotte鈥檚 growing technology sector.

Joshua Mason ’25, a recent graduate and founder and CEO of FaithlineAI, led a workshop where middle schoolers built interactive AI agents from scratch.

“Instead of just talking about AI, the campers built it,” Mason said, noting that students created over 70 working AI agents in a single day, ranging from custom game avatars to interactive rap battles. “My biggest hope is that they leave believing they can build with it, not just use it.”

Joining Mason was fellow Elon alumnus Luke Freudenthal ’23, a computer science graduate currently working as an AI-first operations engineer at Charlotte-based software firm Bluefields Specialty, an insurance technology company. Freudenthal led a session centered on pattern recognition, helping campers understand the distinct capabilities of human intuition versus machine logic.

“Pattern recognition is core to developing strong problem-solving skills,” Freudenthal said. “I broke down the differences between our strengths as human beings and how artificial intelligence works differently.”

The rapid growth of artificial intelligence formed a central theme of the camp’s discussions. Unlike previous technological shifts, the current wave of generative AI and automated decision-making is accelerating at an unprecedented rate.

“Historically, technology moves gradually, but AI is growing on a rapid ‘hockey stick’ curve unlike anything we鈥檝e seen before,” Horsley shared with the young campers. “While it鈥檚 hard to imagine exactly where it will be in 10 years, I believe it will make things better, especially in fields like medical research. With the right checks and balances in place, the possibilities for positive impact are enormous.”

“Technology is an enabler. It helps us improve, grow, and see things faster, but it should ultimately be used for the greater good. My hope for this next generation is that they ask challenging questions, stay curious, and find new, creative ways to leverage these tools to solve real-world problems.”

As artificial intelligence continues to transform the modern world, Goslen said, initiatives like AI Play help bridge the gap between abstract computer science concepts and everyday life.

“It’s really exciting to see young people develop that vocabulary and confidence,” she said. “They get to learn about these concepts here, take those conversations home to their families, and carry that understanding forward into whatever they do next.”

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The day started in the Sarah Belk Gambrell Center for the Arts and Civic Engagement on July 16, 2026, with 海角社区鈥� first-ever College Coffee, an Elon tradition that offers students, faculty and staff weekly opportunities during the semester to connect over coffee and pastries.

“This is a powerful morning,” 海角社区 Acting President and CEO Jesse Cureton said in remarks to attendees. “You’re going to learn today a lot about 海角社区 and the history of the university, but as I鈥檝e shared with so many, 海角社区 is not just about this campus – it鈥檚 about a 170-year history, and it’s about this phenomenal city, one of the fastest-growing in the country. Sports, healthcare, manufacturing, energy – all these things are creating opportunities for our students.”

Following a campus tour for Elon visitors, employees from both locations participated in an interactive professional development workshop, “Own the Moment: Practical Tools for Navigating Change with Confidence,” led by Rochelle Stojnic, director of the Office of Leadership and Professional Development at Elon.

Grounded in the idea that the most meaningful moments during institutional transitions occur in ordinary, everyday interactions, the session provided attendees with strategies to approach organizational evolution with a curious and open perspective.

Employees were encouraged to serve as a steady, grounding presence for colleagues and students, and learned how to leverage personal and collective strengths to fuel community growth.

“This is a historic transition, and navigating it successfully requires an ‘all hands on deck’ approach,” Stojnic said. “Leadership isn鈥檛 just for a few people at the top. Everyone needs to feel empowered to lead through this change, which starts with understanding how we handle transition personally.”

“At Elon, prioritizing professional development is a core value. We invest heavily in our people because we believe that for our universities to grow and get better, our employees must have the space to expand their skills, navigate uncertainty with balance, and feel genuinely supported along the way.”

Shawn Bowers, director of the General Education Program at 海角社区, attended the professional development session.

“As an educator, I consider myself a lifelong learner, and I deeply appreciate how both institutions invest in us as holistic individuals. When resources and energy are poured into faculty and staff, it allows us to show up as the best versions of ourselves,鈥� she said. 鈥淯ltimately, that yields incredible dividends for our students, who are the main constituents we serve.”

The collaborative energy of the workshop and joint sessions highlighted a shared commitment to building a unified, resilient community.

Here鈥檚 what employees from both campuses had to say about the exchange:

“When two universities have this much overlap, there’s a fantastic opportunity to learn from one another and adopt the best processes from both sides. It’s also a two-way street: both Elon and 海角社区 share the benefit of communicating ideas and resources. The prospect of bettering our programs, becoming more efficient, and thriving together is not just rewarding, but exciting. I can’t wait to see where this road leads us.”
– Jackson Mair, Coordinator, Vandiver Center for Career Development

“The professional development session provided us with practical tools for real-life change. The 鈥榳hy鈥� of this exchange became obvious when a 海角社区 colleague and an Elon colleague from the same department shared their experiences navigating the merger. Watching them find comfort and laughter in their shared experience showed the true value of the exchange. It breaks down walls and helps us realize we are building on common ground.”
– Loretta Evivie, Professor of Practice of Leadership, 海角社区

“The thing that really struck me during my visit is the way in which Elon and 海角社区 share an approach to education. The two student tour guides said many of the same things I鈥檝e told prospective Elon students: small classes, faculty who are available and dedicated to students, a focus on hands-on learning, and even classrooms arranged so that the students can work together. I had the opportunity to meet some of the physics/math faculty, and we talked about ways we can support each other. We鈥檙e hopeful that we can develop programs that take advantage of our shared strengths.”
– Jonathan Su, Associate Professor of Engineering, Elon

“I still have many questions about the merger, but I am excited by the prospect of internship pipelines for our students in key sectors like professional sports, medicine, finance, and the arts. I was pleasantly surprised by the lovely Myers Park neighborhood and the look and feel of the campus, which is quite similar to Elon’s. Many thanks to the entire Elon-海角社区 team for setting things up for our first College Coffee there!”
– Pamela Winfield, Professor of Religious Studies and Associate Director of International & Global Studies

“By offering College Coffee at 海角社区, it creates a bridge between our two cultures. 海角社区 has a really nice location for College Coffee in the summer, which is very similar to what Elon offers at Moseley Center. Both places are a great way to escape the heat, grab something to drink or eat, and have a conversation with someone on campus that you don鈥檛 get to see in person.”
– Doug Purnell, Assistant Director of Data Architecture and Reporting, Elon

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“Benjamin brings a rare combination of data-driven enrollment expertise and forward-thinking leadership to 海角社区,” said 海角社区 Acting President and CEO Jesse Cureton, MBA ’02. “We look forward to the impact his strategic vision will have on our enrollment as we enter this next chapter of growth.”

Boivin joins 海角社区 from Manhattan University in New York, where he most recently served as director of undergraduate admissions. During his tenure, his strategic leadership, enrollment marketing expertise, and innovative recruitment strategies helped drive a 73% year-over-year increase in undergraduate applications.

A champion of data-informed, student-centered enrollment models, Boivin also served on Manhattan University鈥檚 ChatGPT for EDU Steering Committee, helping lead initiatives that explored how the responsible use of artificial intelligence can enhance student engagement and the future of higher education.

“I am honored to join 海角社区 at such a transformative time in its history,” said Boivin. “海角社区 has been shaping leaders and serving the Charlotte community for generations. Combined with its innovative partnership with Elon University and the extraordinary growth of Charlotte, the university is uniquely positioned to redefine what a career-centered private education can be. I look forward to working alongside our talented faculty, successful alumni, and caring staff to welcome the next generation of Royals and help lead this exciting new chapter.”

Throughout his career, Boivin has earned a reputation as a highly collaborative leader who values partnership, innovation, and relationship-building across every level of an institution. He holds both a bachelor鈥檚 degree and a master鈥檚 degree from Manhattan University and is a board member of the Westchester Putnam Rockland Counselors Association (WPRCA).

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Inside Wireman, student rooms are being updated with fresh paint and new furniture. The customizable loft beds, wardrobes, desks, and dressers will allow students to easily personalize their spaces.

The building’s shared common areas are also getting a modern, multi-functional makeover. A mix of soft seating and high-low tables will fill these spaces, giving students a flexible environment to study, eat, or relax together.

“Student living spaces are where they spend a great deal of their time. These improvements will help create more comfortable and fresh spaces for students,” said Amber Slack, vice president for student affairs and dean of campus life. “As we continue updating common areas and lobbies across campus, our ultimate goal is to design inviting spaces that naturally bring students together and strengthen our community.”

In line with 海角社区’ commitment to sustainability and its motto, “Not to be served, but to serve,” the university found new homes for Wireman鈥檚 furniture by partnering with Hildrup Moving Companies, Habitat for Humanity, and Beds for Kids.

“We knew from the beginning that we didn鈥檛 want to send usable furniture to a landfill,” said Leigh Hicks, 海角社区’ director of capital projects. “We were thrilled to partner with local non-profits to donate these items directly to families in need.”

Student Government Association President Jessica Paredes ’27 lived in Wireman for two years and served on the Campus Improvement Committee, working closely with Slack last year in discussing renovations in Wireman and across campus.

“I am so excited and grateful for the new feel Wireman will have and know that many students will see it as a fresh start for an exciting year ahead,” said Paredes. “Returning Royals will be glad to see their newly renovated 鈥榟omes away from home.'”

Campus Beautification

海角社区 Hall, one of the oldest buildings on campus, is also undergoing complete stairwell restorations.

“The three classical stone entrances to 海角社区 Hall are being repaired and refreshed with brand-new, uniform light fixtures and hand railings to give the historic building a clean, consistent look,” said David Haught, senior director of facilities for Elon University’s Charlotte properties. “These renovations are aimed at beautifying and returning the splendor of a grand entrance to this historic campus in the heart of Myers Park, one of the first planned suburbs of Charlotte.”

Nearby, the columns at Sykes Learning Center, the hub of the , are being replaced with a durable material designed to match the original architecture, while the surrounding brick plaza is being leveled and refreshed.

The summer renovations are on track for completion by late July, well before Royals return to their refreshed campus for the 2026-27 academic year.

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Starting in fall 2027, RoyalUp students can choose to live on campus, providing them with a 24/7 student experience in the heart of Myers Park. The university will also introduce an optional RoyalUp Access Pass. For a fee of $300, RoyalUp students will have expanded access to Royals sporting events, invitations to exclusive campus social activities, and participation in university traditions, such as Spring Carnival and Casino Night.

“Initiatives like RoyalUp empower students to thrive the moment they join our community,” said Amber Slack, Ed.D., vice president for student affairs and dean of campus life at 海角社区. “Our goal is to ensure that students, regardless of where they begin their journey, feel they truly belong at 海角社区.”

The RoyalUp program continues to offer its core benefits, providing a seamless pathway with guaranteed admission for Central Piedmont students who maintain a 2.5 GPA. Upon full transfer, students benefit from the 海角社区 Commitment, which secures a minimum of $10,000 in annual scholarship aid.

This fall, 海角社区 University welcomes RoyalUp transfer student Maya Baker ’29, an aspiring multimedia storytelling major with a passion for creative communication. “I鈥檝e always loved writing and have been interested in film and podcasting,” said Baker, a Myers Park native. “I鈥檓 excited to make new connections with students and faculty, and to truly immerse myself in learning on this beautiful campus.”

Baker鈥檚 excitement highlights the exact intent behind the partnership’s design, which focuses heavily on early relationship-building.

“The RoyalUp program is unique because students can begin building connections with the 海角社区 community while still completing their associate degree at Central Piedmont,” said Ojay Johnson, Central Piedmont鈥檚 Director of Academic Advising and Transfer Services. “This early engagement creates a sense of belonging and familiarity, making the transition to 海角社区 more seamless and helping students build momentum toward their academic and career goals.”

For more information on the RoyalUp program and the new residential and experience options, visit our RoyalUp webpage.

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At the center of it all is Haley Hibbert Frey ’01, operations manager, whose history with 海角社区 is as deeply rooted as the botanicals she tends. For Frey, the Crowder Greenhouse serves as a vital emotional “reset button” on campus.

Greenhouse Dreams

Frey鈥檚 journey at 海角社区 began in August of 1998 as a transfer student when the university was still known as 海角社区 College. During her first year, the space that held the original campus greenhouse was demolished to make way for the North Parking Deck.
“I was part of the plant rescue there with the other biology majors,” Frey recalls. “I actually still have some of those plants from that greenhouse rescue mission with me today.”

After graduating on the front lawn in 2001 and a brief stint in environmental chemistry elsewhere, Frey returned to 海角社区 in 2003 to work in the Presbyterian School of Nursing鈥檚 microbiology labs. When early discussions began for a new science building, she advocated for a botanical space that could be enjoyed by all members of the 海角社区 community. “When the administrations said they鈥檇 need to find someone to take care of it, I said, ‘I’ll do it!'” recounted Frey.

Though plans were put on hold for a while, Frey kept preparing. She earned her Master of Science in Forestry and Horticulture from NC State, taught as an adjunct professor at 海角社区, and managed the indoor rainforest at Discovery Place.

Then came the moment that would change Frey鈥檚 life. Walking past the newly erected construction fences on campus, she spotted the architectural renderings. The words 鈥淩ooftop Greenhouse and Herbarium鈥� were printed on the graphic banner.

“I called my former professor, Dr. Reed Perkins, and asked him if they were seriously building the greenhouse,” Frey recounts. “And he said, ‘Yeah, do you still want that job?’ I was like, ‘Of course!'”

In October 2013, Frey officially moved into the new space. By September 2014, the first plants had arrived, cementing a full-circle homecoming fifteen years in the making.

A Conservatory Style Space for All

While the Crowder Greenhouse was originally designed to support botanical studies, it has evolved into a multidisciplinary, conservatory-style hub. Anatomy and physiology students visit to study carnivorous plants, ecology students observe insect life cycles, and local elementary school students visit for field trips.

Yet, its most profound impact might be its role as an academic oasis. Students from all walks of campus life 鈥� from music therapy and art to athletics 鈥� regularly volunteer, intern, or simply pull up a chair to study.

“This is almost like a reset button for some people’s brains,” Haley said. “Especially for students who are constantly balancing academics and a busy student life. Sometimes you just need a moment of calm, and this space provides that.”

Frey runs the Crowder Greenhouse with a generous heart and mind. An expert in plant propagation, she refuses to let trimmings go to waste. “The greenhouse has a finite amount of space, but things keep growing,鈥� she said. 鈥淚f I cut something back, I can’t, with a clear conscience, just throw it away. So, if people come to the greenhouse, they don’t leave empty-handed鈥nless they want to!”
For those who claim they lack a green thumb, Frey serves as a patient mentor. “People have told me they can’t even care for a succulent. And I tell them, ‘That’s not what you should have started with. We can get you there!'”

Walter and the Oily Fern

Every plant in the Crowder Greenhouse has a story, and some even have names. Walter, the resident aloe plant, is estimated to be between 35 and 40 years old. Walter is more than just a local legend, Walter is a contributor to modern medicine, having donated mature cells to medical researchers for cancer research projects.

When asked about her personal favorite, Frey picks up a blue oil fern. “I love this plant so much because it doesn’t look like a fern and it鈥檚 just weird and slow growing,” she says. “Everything about it says ‘I’m not a fern;’ but it is. I love it for that. It鈥檚 just the oddball.”

Frey鈥檚 connection to botanical history is even etched onto her skin. She sports intricate tattoos on the back of each arm 鈥攐ne is a fern, the other an orchid 鈥� layered in three historical botanical styles: traditional dried pressing, a sun-reactive cyanotype dye, and modern structural X-rays that reveal the inner spores and flowers. It is a beautiful, permanent tribute to the living, breathing plants in her care, which require constant attention.

The Grounding Power of Plants

Operating a greenhouse on the third floor of a campus building presents unique challenges. Facing a temperamental North Carolina climate that swings from 16掳F winter mornings to 106掳F summer afternoons, managing the facility requires constant vigilance.

For Frey, the daily demands of tending to a living, breathing ecosystem are exactly what makes it essential for wellbeing. In a high-stress, tech-driven world, she believes getting your hands dirty is the ultimate form of mindfulness.

“Plants teach you patience because nothing’s going to happen fast here,” she said. “When you work with plants, you have to stop and think about what you鈥檙e doing with your hands. Having them in the dirt really grounds you.”

More than two decades after her plant-saving mission, Frey has created a soothing sanctuary for both humans and botanicals. As she looks out the window, she contemplates the future. “I don’t think there鈥檚 room up here for a parking deck, so I鈥檓 hopeful that the Crowder Greenhouse will be here for years to come.”

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As the approval process continues, Elon and 海角社区 are planning to align a number of administrative and operational functions through shared services, beginning June 30. The goal of the shared services model is to strengthen the financial and operational foundation of the future combined institution while ensuring that students continue to receive strong support throughout the transition.

“This next stage is about building the foundation for a stronger future,” said Jeff Stein, chief integration officer and executive vice president. “Leaders from both institutions are working collaboratively and deliberately, and drawing on the strengths, talents, and traditions of Elon and 海角社区 to design shared functions that serve students well and position the combined institution for long-term success.”

The shared services model will bring together teams in areas such as admissions and financial aid, advancement, career services, communications and marketing, finance, human resources, information technology, academic advising, facilities, library services, study abroad, and other key administrative functions. These areas support the daily operations of both campuses and play an important role in the student experience. Leaders have emphasized that the design process is not simply about combining existing structures, but about creating stronger teams and practices that reflect the best of both institutions.

The merger also builds on Elon鈥檚 growing presence in Charlotte, including the expansion of Elon Law and future graduate programs. 海角社区鈥� deep roots in the city, distinctive undergraduate experience, Division I athletics program, and legacy of civic engagement will remain important parts of the combined institution鈥檚 future. Athletics programs at Elon and 海角社区 will continue to operate as distinct and separate Division I programs.

For employees, the transition will include direct communication, HR support, and detailed information about next steps. 海角社区 employees whose roles are part of the shared services areas will transition to Elon University employment at the end of June and continue in similar roles. 海角社区 employees who transition will move to Elon鈥檚 benefits program.

A small number of positions will not continue as part of the shared services structure. Employees in those roles are receiving direct support, including information about open positions at Elon in which they are eligible to apply and career transition resources.

The transition plan also includes onboarding, professional development, and culture-building opportunities designed to help newly integrated teams build relationships and establish shared practices. Planned supports include department retreats, leadership workshops, employee resources, buddy programs, and ongoing opportunities for feedback and questions.

Throughout the process, 海角社区 will continue to have dedicated leadership guiding campus operations, helping ensure continuity for students, employees, and the Charlotte community while federal approvals are pending.

For Elon and 海角社区, this stage of the work is both practical and forward-looking. It is about aligning systems and teams, but also about shaping a shared future grounded in student success, institutional strength, and a commitment to Charlotte.

“The promise of this merger is not only that two institutions will come together,” Stein said. “It is that, together, we can create something stronger 鈥� an institution with deeper resources, broader opportunities, and an enduring commitment to the students and communities we serve.”

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International graduate student and rugby athlete, Tertius Dietrechsen ’24, ’26, provided the invocation and offered words of encouragement to his classmates. “Graduates, we have learned the value of resilience and the power to tell a story, but let us never forget the human story behind each graduate,” he said. “As we transition from the halls of 海角社区 to the competitive arenas of business, arts, science, and global industry, may we carry the motto of this university with us, ‘Not to be served, but to serve.'”

Next, Acting President Jesse Cureton ’02 encouraged students to be resilient and embrace unforeseen opportunities. “Lean into the unpredictable. As you head into the next stage of your life, don’t just look for the ‘safe’ path. Look for the path that challenges you. Embrace those challenges head-on,” said Cureton. “You are the living legacy of 海角社区, and you are taking that legacy into a world that desperately needs leaders who aren’t afraid to face change head-on.”

Senior Class President Emmanuel Omari ’26 took to the podium to introduce the distinguished keynote speaker, Shelly Cayette-Weston, who serves as president of business operations for Hornets Sports & Entertainment (HSE). “As someone whose journey was shaped by the generosity and belief of others, I鈥檓 especially honored to introduce a leader who has built her career on lifting others and strengthening the community she serves,” he said.

Taking the stage, Cayette-Weston spoke about her journey to leading a successful NBA franchise and shared lessons learned along the way. She challenged students to live without self-imposed limits and to have a mindset that embraces unexpected change. 鈥淭here is no plan you can script today that will go seamless,鈥� she said. “But with every challenge, I encourage each of you to see it with a different lens. See it as a vision of opportunity.”

Lauryn Futrell ’26, student body president, reflected on her time on campus living by the 海角社区 motto. “‘Not to be served, but to serve,’ is something we have truly embodied,” she said. “Through our clubs, organizations, and鈥痶he鈥痗lassroom,鈥痺e鈥檝e鈥痗reated a campus culture rooted in connection, diversity, and purpose. For many of us, this truly became a home away from home.”

Brandon Perry, chair of 海角社区鈥� board of trustees, also addressed the crowd. “The world needs leaders who choose understanding over assumption, collaboration over division, and purpose over convenience,” he said. “As you leave 海角社区 for your next chapter, carry forward the knowledge you’ve gained, but also the character, empathy, and wisdom this university has helped cultivate within you. We are proud of you. We believe in you, and we can鈥檛 wait to see the impact that you have.”

President Cureton then bestowed the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Awards to international student Emmanuel Omari ’26 and alumna and community philanthropist, Sally Gambrell Bridgford. Since 1948, the awards have been presented annually to an undergraduate student and one to a community member or friend of the university, honoring their excellence of character and humanitarian service.

Next, Sarah Fatherly, Ph.D., provost and vice president of academic affairs, presented the Hunter-Hamilton Love of Teaching Award to Shawn Bowers Buxton, ’01,’04, associate professor of creative writing and the director of general education.

“For always challenging while remaining kind and supportive, for drawing out the best from your students and teaching from the heart, and for being an inspirational role model, we name you, Shawn Bowers, recipient of the 2026 Hunter-Hamilton Love of Teaching Award,” Fatherly announced to resounding applause.

Fatherly also recognized a beloved and accomplished 海角社区 faculty member, Michele Shaul, Ph.D., who passed away in the fall of 2025. Shaul was a Hunter-Hamilton Love of Teaching Award recipient in 2016. She was the director of the Center for Latino Studies and chair of the department of world languages, both of which are testaments to her love and commitment to 海角社区. At the ceremony, she was posthumously named professor emerita.

After degrees were conferred, Adrian Bird, Ph.D., university chaplain, provided a benediction to the Class of 2026 before they departed. “As you soak in the magnificence of this milestone here today, and as you embark on the new horizons that lie ahead, may you find a light that will guide you,” he said. “Walk from this place in dignity and strength, and above all, stand tall in character and integrity, so that you may do justice and love mercy this day and forevermore.”

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This year, Senior Class President Emmanuel Omari ’26 was recognized. At 海角社区, his influence has been felt across campus from his involvement in the Student Government to the iBelong Mentoring Program, where he worked to ensure a sense of community and support for first and second-year students from underrepresented and historically marginalized communities.

Omari鈥檚 path to the commencement stage began five years ago and thousands of miles away in the city of Accra, Ghana. He arrived as an exchange student and studied at Charlotte Country Day School.

“Omari has鈥痙emonstrated鈥痺hat it means to lead with purpose, humility, and a deep commitment to others,” said 海角社区 University Acting President Jesse Cureton ’02. “During his five years in Charlotte, he has made the most of every opportunity, approaching each experience with gratitude, generosity, and a commitment to serving others, leaving a profound impact on all who know him.”

A Legacy of Generosity: Sally Gambrell Bridgford

That impact is shared by 海角社区 Award winner Sally Gambrell Bridgford. An alumna and dedicated Board Trustee, Bridgford is the CEO of The Gambrell Foundation and has pioneered a bold vision for philanthropy that moves beyond simple charity. Her leadership focuses on systemic change. She is an entrepreneurial philanthropist whose focus is on belonging, awe and wonder, relationships, and purpose and meaning. These are the pillars of The Gambrell Foundation which are carried out by a team including Sally and her husband, Brian Bridgford.聽

Bridgford鈥檚 connection to 海角社区 is a deeply personal thread that runs through her family history. In 2018, Bridgford and her mother, the late Sarah Belk Gambrell, were recognized as Outstanding Philanthropists by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Charlotte.

Perhaps most visibly, the family鈥檚 transformative generosity established the Sarah Belk Gambrell Center for the Arts and Civic Engagement, a cornerstone of the 海角社区 campus and the Greater Charlotte community.

“With a leadership style defined by both strength and service, Sally embodies the very spirit of this award,” said Cureton. “Her belief in the potential of those around her is truly transformative.”

In honoring both Omari and Bridgford, 海角社区 University reaffirmed its core belief that the highest achievement one can reach is a life lived in service to others.

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