Tuesday, August 27

David Hamlow

Gallery 406, Arts West, 406 W. Haggard Ave.

Gallery Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday-Friday
Opening reception and artist talk, Monday September 9, 5:30 p.m.
Exhibition continues through September 27

David Hamlow’s recent work focuses on the theme of Utopia: its amorphous, shifting and subjective meaning, and specifically the history of the many Utopian communities – often short-lived, truncated or overtly failed – that have existed across our nation and throughout its history. The site-specific installation of modular sculptures and suspended collages will all be created using recycled materials primarily derived from the artist’s daily consumer activity.

Thursday, August 29 and Thursdays throughout Fall 2024 semester

Numen Lumen

Sacred Space, Numen Lumen Pavilion, 9:50 a.m.

Elon’s beloved tradition, Numen Lumen, is held each Thursday morning throughout the academic year. Numen Lumen is a time set aside for inspiration, community and fellowship. Hear from speakers and musicians who share thoughts, reflections and stories based on a common theme. Hosted by the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life

Thursday, August 29

An Evening of American Art Songs

Whitley Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

A program performed and premiered by Music and Performing Arts faculty and students. Polly Butler Cornelius, soprano, Chris Rayis, piano and composer, Carey Harwood, guitar, and Chris Miller ’99, composer and Elon distinguished alum, will collaborate to perform and produce an evening of new, obscure and beautiful music for the community. Sponsored by the Departments of Music and Performing Arts

Sunday, September 1

Mass of the Holy Spirit

Elon Community Church, 5 p.m.

Catholic Campus Ministry kicks off the academic year with a special blessing at the annual Mass of the Holy Spirit. All are invited to attend this Catholic worship service, especially all students, faculty and staff. A Sunday supper event will follow. Hosted by Catholic Campus Ministry and the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life

Wednesday, September 4

Joshua Lozoff, “Life is Magic”

McCrary Theatre, Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m.
Elon University Lyceum Series

Joshua Lozoff is an entertainer/magician/mentalist and former TV and film actor. His performances combine his love for the art of magic, his fascination with psychology and the powers of observation and influence. In one moment, he makes a drawing come to life just by pointing; in the next, he predicts an audience member’s choices even before she knows them herself. An eloquent and professional performer, Joshua is a truly great showman who wows the crowd. Admission: $15 or Elon ID. Tickets will be available in August at www.elon.edu/boxoffice.

Thursday, September 5

Caroline Ketcham, “Research as the Highest Form of Academic Play”

LaRose Student Commons, 4:30 p.m. (reception); 5 p.m. (lecture)
The Elon University Distinguished Scholar Lecture

In her Distinguished Scholar Lecture, Dr. Ketcham will connect dots of her major contributions to science in her disciplinary foci of motor neuroscience, concussions, and positive mental well-being advocacy. Additionally, she will loop in work she has led on inclusion and access to high-impact practices for intercollegiate athletes and neurodivergent student populations. None of this work was done alone, as Caroline has mentored and co-mentored more than 100 undergraduate research students and collaborates regularly with colleagues within the department, across campus, and with national and international partners. Caroline will share what she considers pure academic play – her scholarly career.

Caroline J. Ketcham, Ph.D. is Professor of Exercise Science. Caroline’s expertise is in movement neuroscience, understanding the control and coordination in the execution of movements foundational to development and functional participation. In addition, she is co-director of Elon BrainCARE Research Institute, which has concussion advocacy and positive mental wellness as the primary goals. Caroline is also engaged in high-impact practice research including co-mentoring undergraduate research for student and faculty development, student-athlete access and engagement, access and inclusion to engage learning for neurodivergent students and capstone experiences. Caroline has 2 co-edited books, more than 70 peer-reviewed publications, and more than 150 scholarly presentations. Caroline has been recognized for her high-quality teaching, scholarship and mentoring with college and university awards across two institutions.

Friday, September 6

High Summer Holds the Earth, faculty recital

Julie Celona VanGorden, soprano and Christy Wisuthseriwong, piano
Whitley Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

An evening of music reflecting on the long, languid days of Summer. Featuring Samuel Barber’s “Knoxville: Summer of 1915” with text by James Agee as well as other art song, musical theater and solo piano pieces. Sponsored by the Department of Music

Monday, September 9

David Hamlow, artist talk and opening exhibition

Gallery 406, Arts West, 406 W. Haggard Avenue, 5:30 p.m.
(see August 27 description for exhibition details)

Monday, September 9

Dr. Tao Sanders, “Shifting the Innovation Landscape: Building Biotech Ecosystems Beyond Boston and The Bay Area”

McCrary Theatre, Center for the Arts, 7 p.m.

Experts estimate that 72% of early-stage investments in industrial and biotechnology companies happen in only three states. However, these same three states receive only 37% of the $30 billion invested by the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation to advance scientific research. This disparity highlights a significant gap in the distribution of resources and opportunities for innovation in the biotech sector. Dr. Tayo Sanders II is a scientist, investor and founder with a passion for realizing value in emerging ecosystems. He was previously the Director of the Venture Studio at Southern Research, where he led the spinout of companies spanning various therapeutic areas, including oncology, pain, addiction, and neurodegenerative disease. He is now co-founder of Arrowpoint Labs, a pioneering venture creation and advisory firm dedicated to supporting the growth of regional innovation hubs across the United States. Dr. Sanders has extensive investment experience across the biotech sector, having previously worked as an Investor at Anzu Partners, a deep tech venture capital firm. While at Anzu, he led due diligence over 15 companies, totaling more than $130M in deployed capital. Dr. Sanders holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Science from the University of Oxford, where he was a Rhodes Scholar. He also holds a B.S. in Materials Science from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.

Tuesday, September 10

Carter Center Trusted Election Tour

East Commons 102, 519 East Haggard Avenue, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, September 10

Tita Ramirez, faculty fiction reading

McBride Gathering Space, Numen Lumen Pavilion, 7 p.m.

Come celebrate the arrival of Tita Ramirez’s debut novel, Tell It To Me Singing, an inventive work of fiction filled with passion, love, love lost and questions of identity. Tita Ramirez, a professor in the English department at Elon, grew up in Miami and the novel focuses on a Cuban American family in Miami whose personal and cultural obsessions are dizzyingly alive. Sponsored by The English Department

Tuesday, September 10

Tectonic Plates: Alamance County’s Science Café – Fall Forensics with NCDOJ Crime Lab

Burlington Beer Works, Burlington, NC, 7 p.m.

Each month on second Tuesdays from 7 to 8 p.m., a different scientist will present an engaging topic at Burlington Beer Works in downtown Burlington. In September, Melanie Thornhill will discuss trace evidence.

All Tectonic Plates events are free and open to the public. Expect a lively event in a relaxed atmosphere without all the technical jargon. Tectonic Plates runs from September through May. For more information about Tectonic Plates, contact Dave Gammon, professor of biology at Elon.

Tuesday, September 10

Benjamin Warsaw, piano

Whitley Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

Dr. Benjamin Warsaw is a classical pianist, composer, teacher and accompanist, and performs solo and ensemble concerts throughout North America. A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Dr. Warsaw is currently Associate Professor of Music at Georgia Southern University, Armstrong Campus, Savannah, GA. There, he teaches piano and other music-related courses and is founder and Artistic Director of the concert series, Piano in the Arts. During the summers, Dr. Warsaw has been on faculty at Boston University Tanglewood Institute, Blue Lake Fine Arts, Chautauqua Institution and the Rebecca Penneys Piano Festival. In 2015, Dr. Warsaw released his debut album, Warsaw plays Warsaw, featuring a set of 24 Preludes or original music for piano. He was honored to have been selected as Georgia Music Teacher’s Association’s 2017 composer of the year for which he wrote Microcosms, a collection of short piano pieces for the developing pianist. Dr. Warsaw holds degrees from the Eastman School of Music and Boston University and is an ASCAP composer. Sponsored by the Department of Music

Wednesday, September 11

Green Tara Sand Mandala

Sacred Space, Numen Lumen Pavilion, ongoing viewing 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day

Tibetan Buddhist monk Geshe Palden Sangpo will construct a Green Tara sand mandala for healing and peace during a period of three days. Viewers are encouraged to frequently stop by and see its progress. An opening ceremony will begin the process at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, and a closing ceremony will begin at 3 p.m. on Friday in which the mandala is deconstructed and the sand is shared with the community and the earth. Hosted by the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life

Monday-Friday, September 16-20

The Many Faces of Elon: on Campus and Beyond

In honor of International Education Week (IEW), a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education, Elon University is proud to celebrate the university’s long and deep commitment to cultivating an environment in which students gain exposure to a broader, interconnected world. In 2024, Elon will observe IEW around a theme designed to showcase and highlight the diverse communities that exist on campus, in the surrounding area and further afield, including those that have been historically minoritized or less visible. This focus expands our concept of global education, recognizing that learning is a continual process that transcends borders and occurs in our everyday interactions, including with our local community. It also stems from Elon’s commitment to fostering openness and willingness to learn with and from others, essential elements of a comprehensive global education. Sponsored by the Isabella Cannon Global Education Center

Wednesday, September 18

Christopher Bail, “Bridging Political Divides with Artificial Intelligence”

McKinnon Hall F, Moseley Center, 7 p.m.
Active Citizen Series

In an era of increasing social isolation, platforms like Facebook and Twitter are among the most important tools we have to understand each other. While social media acts as a mirror to decipher our place in society, it also functions like a prism that distorts our identities, empowers status-seeking extremists and renders moderates all but invisible. Wherever you stand on the spectrum of user behavior and political opinion, Dr. Christopher Bail offers fresh solutions to counter political tribalism from the bottom up and the top down. Dr. Bail is Professor of Sociology, Political Science and Public Policy at Duke University and the Founding Director of the Duke Polarization Lab. He is a Guggenheim Fellow and a Carnegie Fellow and is the author of Breaking the Social Media Prism: How to Make Our Platforms Less Polarizing. Sponsored by the Council on Civic Engagement, Kernodle Center for Civic Life and the Center for Writing Excellence

Wednesday, September 18

Jarabe Mexicano

McCrary Theatre, Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m.
Elon Lyceum Series in support of Hispanic Heritage Month

Jarabe Mexicano captures the nostalgic spirit of their border roots with their brand of “Bordeño-Soul,” which honors the musical tastes and cultural influences of its members. Jarabe, which translates to “concoction,” highlights the eclectic mix of genres they perform ranging from Mexican folk, Rock & Roll, and Norteño/Tex-Mex to Latin Rock, Trio Romantic and popular Cumbia. Their traditional Mariachi string instruments and Norteño-inspired drums complement dramatic vocals in English, Spanish and Spanglish, and shows how this multi-generational ensemble embraces change while still honoring the past. Admission: $15 or Elon ID. Tickets will be available in August at www.elon.edu/boxoffice.

Thursday, September 19

The Elon Common Reading Lecture with Leah Thomas

Alumni Gym, Koury Center, 7 p.m.

Leah Thomas is a celebrated environmentalist who uses her passion for writing and creativity to explore and advocate for the critical yet often overlooked relationship between social justice and environmentalism. Her platform aims to provide educational resources surrounding intersectional environmentalism and promote inclusivity and accessibility within environmental education and movements. Admission: $15 or Elon ID. Tickets will be available in August at www.elon.edu/boxoffice.

For first-year students, the Common Reading marks the beginning of the Elon Core Curriculum, the shared courses and experiences that put knowledge into practice and enable the integration of learning across the disciplines. Consistent with the Elon University mission of nurturing a rich intellectual community, the Elon Common Reading Program challenges students, faculty and staff to examine themselves and the local and global worlds they inhabit through reading. The readings and related discussions aim not only to encourage critical reflection about important issues but also to invite consideration of how our individual actions affect these issues.

Sunday, September 22

Victoria Fischer Faw and Domonique Launey, pianists

Whitley Auditorium, 4 p.m.

Elon Music Professor Emerita Victoria Fischer Faw and duo partner Domonique Launey return to the Whitley stage with a program of delightful piano solo and duo music, including Mozart, Chopin, Fauré and more. Sponsored by the Department of Music

Monday, September 23

Active Citizen Series: Deliberative Dialogue – Anxiety and Elections

Lakeside 212, Moseley Center, 4:30 p.m.

With the 2024 election on the horizon, do you find your inner peace shaken by the stress of America’s election season? How do we set boundaries for our own mental health, as well as have meaningful conversations with others, when so much weight and importance is placed on the upcoming election? How do we create the kind of atmosphere that will help ourselves, our communities and our nation? A Deliberative Dialogue is an opportunity for students to gather and exchange diverse views and experiences to seek a shared understanding of a challenge facing our society and to search for common ground for action. Sponsored by the Kernodle Center for Civic Life

Friday, September 27

Elon University Fall Convocation with Arthur Brooks

Alumni Gym, 3:30 p.m.

Arthur C. Brooks is the Parker Gilbert Montgomery Professor of the Practice of Public and Nonprofit Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School, and Professor of Management Practice at the Harvard Business School, where he teaches courses on leadership and happiness. He is also a columnist at The Atlantic, where he writes the popular “How to Build a Life” column. Brooks is the author of 13 books, including the 2023 #1 New York Times bestseller Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier with co-author Oprah Winfrey, and the 2022 #1 New York Times bestseller From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness, and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life. He speaks to audiences all around the world about human happiness and works to raise well-being within private companies, universities, public agencies and community organizations. Admission: $15 or Elon ID. Tickets will be available in August at www.elon.edu/boxoffice.

Friday, September 27

Elon Wind Ensemble, “Through a Child’s Eye”

McCrary Theatre, Center for the Arts, 5:30 p.m.
Jonathan Poquette, director

The Elon Wind Ensemble’s first concert of the 2024-25 academic year features a wide variety of music written for the modern wind band. This concert is designed to be reminiscent of your youth, and we are certain there will be something for everyone on this program. We hope you will join us for this Family Weekend performance. Sponsored by the Department of Music

Friday-Saturday, September 27 & 28

Department of Performing Arts presents Dancing in the Landscape

Center for the Arts
Sept. 27 at 5:30 p.m.; Sept. 28 at 12 p.m.
Keshia Wall, director

Dancing in the Landscape features original choreography by Elon faculty and guest artists. Works are performed by Elon students.

Friday, September 27

Elon Music Theatre’s Collage

Yeager Recital Hall, Center for the Arts, 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. (same show)
Courtney Liu & Chris Rayis, Co-Faculty Directors

The students of Elon Music Theatre showcase the best of the program with group production numbers, original choreography, new arrangements and personal tributes to the Elon Music Theatre community. Admission: $15 or Elon ID. Reservations are highly recommended and will be offered beginning on Friday, September 20 at www.elonperformingarts.com.

Friday, September 27

Department of Music Faculty Concert

Whitley Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.

Faculty artists invite Elon families and friends to a mixed program for voice, piano, percussion, wind, strings, brass and more. This program has remained a much-anticipated event since it began in 1999. Sponsored by the Department of Music

Saturday, September 28

Instant Laughter

Yeager Recital Hall, Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m.
Fredrick J. Rubeck, director

Elon’s comic improv team, Instant Laughter, takes the stage performing scenes and sketches based on audience suggestions. Need a laugh? Join us for an evening of improv comedy! Admission: $15 at the door. All proceeds benefit Elon’s theatre arts program. Sponsored by the Department of Performing Arts

Sunday, September 29

Family Weekend Catholic Mass and Brunch

Numen Lumen Pavilion, 10 a.m.

Catholic Mass for families and students during Family Weekend. Brunch to follow on the lawn of the Lambert Academic Village. Hosted by Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life and Catholic Campus Ministry

Monday, September 30

Jim Arendt: Threadbare, opening reception and artist talk

Gallery 406, Arts West, 406 W. Haggard Ave., 5:30 p.m.
Exhibition continues through October 31
Gallery Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Jim Arendt is an artist exploring the relationship between shifting economies and people’s lives. A proximity to the manufacturing and agrarian landscapes of America during his youth, Jim was a witness to the dramatic changes in those sectors of the economy. Those memories mixed with stories of working people “making do” with persistence in difficult times, led him to use denim as a primary material. The universal fabric was born of the dust of the cotton field, made supple by the sweat of garment workers and embedded with a fading of second shift evenings. Although separated by distance and time, Jim’s family and the neighbors he knew reemerge in the studio to remind him of our shared struggles and resilience.