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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Pinkley, who will compete on 海角社区’ cross country and track and field teams, has an impressive lineup of accolades, including being named a Texas Student Hero, an honor awarded by the Texas State Board of Education (SBOE) to just 15 students across the entire state in recognition of their outstanding volunteer service. Big Spring Independent School District Superintendent Jay McWilliams nominated Pinkley for her outstanding academic accomplishments, extraordinary leadership, and dedication to community service.

This year, 165 students across Texas were nominated for the award, with only one recipient chosen from each of the state’s 15 SBOE districts.

“Bergan stands out among her peers in every way. As class salutatorian and a four-year regional athlete in cross country and track, she is the true definition of a student-athlete,” McWilliams said. “She radiates positive energy, brings an incredible work ethic, and has the ability to connect with anyone. Bergan will be an exceptional teammate and a phenomenal asset to the 海角社区 community.”

Pinkley鈥檚 passion for service came to life during her junior year at Big Spring High School, when she launched an initiative creating personalized, handcrafted cards for local nursing home residents. Each card took up to 30 minutes to make, featuring unique artwork and encouraging messages. The program grew so successful that local volunteers plan to keep it running after Pinkley moves to Charlotte.

“I realized how lonely it can be for nursing home residents and how some of them don’t get many visitors,” Pinkley shared. “Each card was handcrafted with a personal note inside telling them that they still matter and haven’t been forgotten. Seeing their faces light up was an incredible award in itself.”

Her urge to make others feel seen stems from a deeply personal place. Before discovering her passion for running, Pinkley was inspired by her late brother-in-law, Eric Stinson. A passionate runner who battled Ewing sarcoma before passing away in 2019, Stinson left a lasting mark on both Pinkley鈥檚 family and her community.

“He was the embodiment of sunshine,” Pinkley said. “Watching him run showed me how hard something can be, but how much joy you can find in it. Joining cross country and track was my way of connecting with him. He’s been with me at all my hard practices and meets. And I know he鈥檒l be with me as I start this next chapter at 海角社区.”

As she prepares for the move to Charlotte from her hometown of Big Spring, Texas, Pinkley is eager to embrace campus life, explore new academic interests, and live out the university鈥檚 motto, “Not to be served, but to serve.”

“I鈥檓 excited to expand my horizons in a bigger city and find new ways to give back,” said Pinkley, who plans to study psychology. “Whether that’s volunteering at local soup kitchens, homeless shelters, or animal rescues, I鈥檓 just excited for all of it.”

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The most recent SURE symposium featured more than 50 students from both Elon University and 海角社区, marking the latest example of collaboration between two institutions in the process of merging into a united community.

“SURE continues to be one of the flagship events of Elon鈥檚 Undergraduate Research Program. This poster session is a celebration of their dedication and growth as budding young scholars,” said Justin Clar, director of undergraduate research and associate professor of chemistry. “I was especially pleased that we were joined by amazing students from 海角社区 who shared their work with the Elon community.”

At Elon, the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience has for years provided student researchers with a stipend to spend eight weeks working full-time on a project in collaboration with a faculty mentor with substantial and recognized expertise in the discipline.

The program concludes every July with a symposium that deepens students鈥� knowledge of the research experience while offering an opportunity to grow their public speaking and presentation skills.

“It was a great opportunity for the students to share their summer research in a low-stakes environment,” said Kira McEntire, director of undergraduate research and creative work and associate professor of biology at 海角社区. “It was also fun to see the Elon students sharing their summer projects and to learn about some of the interests of Elon colleagues.”

At 海角社区, the university holds its annual Day of Scholarship and Service in the spring, a campus-wide celebration of academic inquiry and community impact. The day starts with oral and poster presentations, followed by service activities in the afternoon.

Personal Connections

For many students at SURE, like Elon student Thomas Gress ’27, projects carried a deeply personal connection. Gress designed a four-week study comparing exercise approaches for people with chronic fatigue syndrome, inspired in part by his brother鈥檚 experience with the condition.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the condition is a serious and often long-lasting illness that keeps people from doing their usual activities. It makes physical and mental exertion difficult, and symptoms include difficulty thinking, severe tiredness, and other issues.

“Before I started this project, (my brother had) been suffering for four years, and there seemed to be no end in sight. So, this was something small that I could do to be of use,” said Gress, a biology major from Savannah, Georgia. “For all of these patients, there鈥檚 no other option. There are no drugs available, only a few supplements with very little efficacy. So, it seems the best option is experimenting with lifestyle. And if not this, then there is nothing.”

海角社区 student Isabella Sherman ’27 has a love for nature that inspired her to explore plant communities at the Carolina Wildlands Foundation with mentor E. Davis Carter, assistant professor of biology at 海角社区.

“It was an excellent experience,” said Sherman, a conservation biology major from Charlotte. “It鈥檚 really close to what I want to do with my career. I love research, I love forestry, and every time I went out there, I was like, ‘This is exactly what I want to do.’ This kind of information is what people take into consideration when they鈥檙e trying to develop land or provide an additional environment for fauna and flora.”

Mentoring Relationships

A common thread among many of the projects was the close relationship students developed with their faculty mentors.

Anna Grace Gilbert ’27, an Elon psychology major from Knoxville, Tennessee, says Associate Professor of Psychology Sabrina Perkins “completely changed” her undergraduate experience through their work studying infant motor development.

“I鈥檝e worked with (Professor Perkins) technically since the summer of my freshman year. I just reached out to her and was like, ‘I love babies. I鈥檇 love to work with you,” Gilbert said. “I鈥檓 very grateful. We鈥檝e really bonded over these almost three years.”

For Jack VanValkenburg ’27, a 海角社区 student majoring in data analytics, undergraduate research provided an opportunity to apply his technical skills. He worked with 海角社区 Assistant Professor of Biology Denni Einersson to develop a computerized system for organizing trash collected during community cleanup events.

“It was a great opportunity to work with people who know more than me. The coding that I鈥檝e done in the past is more analytical and this was more developmental,” said VanValkenburg, who is from Atlanta. “(Clean-up crews) would go out with field cards, like pencil and paper, and just mark things down, which was super timely and it鈥檚 very inconvenient, and then that just led to a lot of data that wasn鈥檛 being used.”

Pushing Through the Learning Process

Elon business analytics major Chase Hannibal ’28 examined the sense of belonging among Black business students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Predominantly White Institutions. It can sometimes feel isolating as a Black female business student, Hannibal said.

“I just wanted to see if other students felt that way, and if it was a pattern, what could be fixed,” Hannibal said. “(I wanted to) let other students know that you鈥檙e not alone.”

Hannibal says her mentor, Shanetta Pendleton, assistant professor of strategic communications, pushed her to be better, even when she was at her “stopping point.”

“Even when I felt at the worst of the worst, she supported me throughout everything,” Hannibal said. “She was great, and I鈥檓 very excited to work with her in the future.”

Amelia Weaver ’28 also explored the experiences of college students, particularly women. Her Elon Honors Fellows research examines the motivations of college-aged women who participate in sports betting after she noticed women were less vocal about the topic in class discussions.

“It made me think about why the women in the class weren鈥檛 as talkative or excited about their own experiences with sports betting,” said Weaver, a sport management and media analytics double major with a minor in business administration. “I wondered if this was because they didn鈥檛 participate, didn鈥檛 care, or they just didn鈥檛 want to say anything.”

Weaver said her mentor, Alex Traugutt, an assistant professor of sport management, has helped guide her through the process.

“He immediately said, ‘This is going to be a partnership. We鈥檙e going to take steps together. We鈥檙e going to figure this out together. I鈥檓 not just going to throw you into everything,'” said Weaver. “That鈥檚 been really helpful in the learning process.”

Story by: Avery Craine Powell, Elon University News Bureau

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When sudden shutdowns canceled their in-person sessions at , a Down syndrome achievement center, they quickly pivoted online, bringing interactive music therapy right into participants’ living rooms.

During their sessions, 海角社区 alumnae Yenchun Ko ’21, Gabrielle Frens ’22 and Molli Smith ’22 documented their findings, and this past June, their work was published in “.”

Funded by a grant through the James Rogers Summer Institute for Research and Creative Work and guided by Varvara Pasiali, Livingstone Professor of Music Therapy at 海角社区, the team highlighted the core philosophy behind their virtual sessions, a concept known as “musicking,” originally developed by musicologist Christopher Small.

“‘Musicking’ is taking music as a noun and turning it into a verb,” Pasiali said. “It captures the idea that music exists in the act of actually making it. Everyone participates in some way in a musical event; they aren’t just sitting passively receiving it.”

To turn that active concept into reality virtually, the student-therapists played live instruments, used structured musical cues, and designed interactive movement prompts that kept participants engaged across the screen. At the same time, parents joined in as active co-facilitators, rocking, swaying, and making music alongside their children to foster meaningful bonding directly in their living rooms.

GiGi鈥檚 Playhouse Charlotte Executive Director Lori Keller has seen firsthand how that philosophy impacted the lives of children and individuals living with developmental disabilities.

“Music brings us together as a community and engages parts of the brain in ways that no other therapy can,” Keller said. “It creates opportunities for cognitive and social growth, while also improving language and communication. I must admit that the most immediate benefit I’ve witnessed has been expressions of joy. And that is priceless.”

Seeing their hard work officially reach the broader clinical community through the peer-reviewed publication has been a deeply rewarding, full-circle moment for the former students.

“It was surreal to learn that this study would be published,” Smith said. “I felt very proud of younger me for stepping out of my comfort zone and trying something new.”

Frens echoed that pride. “To have something published in my name feels like a very big deal,” she said. “The whole publishing process takes a long time, but I am especially proud of the team for how we collaborated and maintained the integrity of what we did.”

Ko shared in that excitement when she learned the news. “When I was informed that it was going to be published, I was thrilled,” Ko said. “I learned a great deal from this opportunity, from session planning to collaborating with my classmates and composing therapeutic music.”

After graduating from 海角社区, the alumnae found that their undergraduate research directly shaped their clinical success.

“Participating in this study helped me prepare for a professional career in many ways,” Smith said. “Not only did I grow more confident in my writing skills and analytical thinking, it boosted my skills in observing and documenting client responses. As a professional, I currently treat an individual client virtually and I felt entirely equipped to deliver those telehealth services because of this project.”

Smith currently works as a board-certified music therapist at Piedmont Music Therapy, a local nonprofit in Charlotte, where her caseload spans from early childhood to older adults in memory care. Frens is completing her graduate degree online through Duquesne University while working as a board-certified music therapist at Atrium Health Mercy. Ko recently completed her master’s degree at Molloy University as she prepares for the next step in her clinical career.

“Having their work published by a peer-reviewed clinical journal builds their identity as scientists and their confidence in doing research,” Pasiali said, noting that the students also co-presented their findings at a regional music therapy conference and led a virtual continuing education seminar for music therapists in Cyprus.

For all three alumnae, the project was the ultimate reflection of the 海角社区 motto, “Not to be served, but to serve.”

“That attitude of how to serve and care for others well really aligns with music therapy,” Frens said “I feel that music therapy in general, and especially in the work that I do, is in a position to serve others and not expect service back to ourselves. “Smith agreed. “As a music therapist, I always aim to serve my clients in the best way I can鈥攎eeting them where they are, supporting their needs, and amplifying their individuality, creativity, and successes,” she said. “It brings me such joy to do so.”

For Ko, that spirit of service came to life in the quiet, musical moments shared between the children and their families.

“When I played my violin during one of the sessions, I saw participants swaying back and forth with their parents,” Ko recalled. “Seeing that precious bond and their response through the music made me realize just how meaningful and impactful our work really was.”

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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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“We are honored to welcome Mr. Trudeau to 海角社区 University,” said Jesse Cureton ’02, acting president of 海角社区. “His experience navigating high-stakes international diplomacy and domestic challenges provides our students and the broader Charlotte community with a rare, first-hand perspective on the resilience required to lead during a time of unprecedented global challenges and change.”

A global leader known for his commitment to delivering a progressive vision for Canada, Mr. Trudeau will engage with the Charlotte community for a thought-provoking lecture entitled “Navigating Change, Empowering Progress: A Roadmap for Leaders Committed to 海角社区 and Democracy.” Drawing from his transformational decade leading Canada, Mr. Trudeau will offer a roadmap for fostering inclusive and unified communities that thrive amidst crisis and technological disruption. He will also discuss navigating the challenges of AI while safeguarding democratic values and ensuring economic success.

After leading the Liberal Party to a historic majority in 2015, Mr. Trudeau oversaw significant milestones in Canada, including the appointment of its first gender-balanced cabinet, the creation of the Canada Child Benefit, and the implementation of robust climate action.

Throughout global shifts鈥攊ncluding the COVID-19 pandemic and the invasion of Ukraine鈥擬r. Trudeau remained committed to a progressive vision for Canada. Prior to his political career, he studied literature at McGill University, completed the University of British Columbia鈥檚 education program, and spent several years teaching in Vancouver. A lifelong advocate for youth and the environment, Mr. Trudeau is the recipient of numerous honors, including the Atlantic Council鈥檚 Global Citizen Award and National Geographic鈥檚 Planetary Leadership Award.

Mr. Trudeau鈥檚 visit is made possible by the Salvin Impact Fund for the Learning Society, recently established through a transformative gift from Bob and Susan Salvin. This strategic investment is designed to deepen student engagement with world-class thought leaders and amplify 海角社区 University鈥檚 visibility as a premier hub for intellectual discourse across the region. By bridging the gap between classroom learning and global leadership, the Salvin Impact Fund ensures that students have direct access to the figures shaping our modern world.

Tickets for this event will be available for purchase in August. For more information, visit the Learning Society website.

The post Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, former Canadian Prime Minister, Named as Next Learning Society Speaker first appeared on 海角社区.