Thursday, May 2

Huaping Lu-Adler, “Kantian Geschichte and the Trap of a Single “History of Philosophy”: Or a Reflection on Power and Structural Change

LaRose Digital Theatre, Koury Business Center, 7 p.m.
The Reynolds Lecture

What is called “the history of philosophy” in the academe typically refers only to a history of Western philosophy that is periodized in a Western-centric way. I examine some manifestations of this equation in academic practices from sites of power. I then explain how Kant laid the theoretical foundation for it by (1) introducing a concept of history (Geschichte) that would impose strict a priori constraints on how to construct a historiography of philosophy and by (2) articulating a racist-cum-orientalist worldview that would disqualify anyone who is not a white Westerner from the claim to true philosophy. I end by arguing that historians of (Western) philosophy today need to go beyond the superficial Western-centric project of canon fixing and to initiate more radical structural changes in the academe, so as to engender a more equitable and inclusive treatment of Western and non-Western philosophical traditions alike.

Friday, May 3

BA/BFA Thesis Exhibition, opening reception

Gallery 406, Arts West, 5:30 p.m.

These exhibitions are part of the graduating Elon art majors’ capstone experience, representing the culmination of their art making endeavors. During the opening reception, each exhibiting artist will present brief statements offering context to their thesis. Exhibition continues through May 24.

Friday, May 3

Of Music & Paradise

McCrary Theatre, Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m.

Directed by Stephen Futrell

Camerata, Chorale and Orchestra combine to perform Ralph Vaughan Williams’ “Serenade to Music,” and Gabriel Fauré’s “Requiem.” Elon choral alumni are invited to join the mass choir for the Fauré. Sponsored by the Department of Music

RESCHEDULED: SUNDAY, MAY 5

A Polak Composition Compendium

Whitley Auditorium, 7 p.m.

A program of both world premiere and older works written by Adjunct Accompanist Faculty Suzanne Polak. Featuring a slew of amazing performers including fellow faculty members Gretchen Bruesehoff and Isaac Pyatt and a student volunteer choir, this promises to be a night of new music not to be missed! Sponsored by the Department of Music

Note: This program was originally scheduled for Monday, March 4. 

Monday May 6

Yom HaShoah: The Reading of the Names

Steps of the Moseley Center, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

We will gather in the steps of the Moseley Center to read aloud the names of persons who perished in the Holocaust, helping ensure that their memories are never forgotten. This annual tradition emphasizes the depth of loss and will be occurring in communities around the world on this day. We encourage members of the Elon community to participate in this collective act of remembrance by signing up for a 10-minute time slot of reading from books of names of the Shoah victims. Hosted by Hillel, Jewish Life, and the Truitt Center for Religious & Spiritual Life

Wednesday, May 8

Elon University Bands Spring Concert

McCrary Theatre, Center for the Arts, 7:30 p.m.

Directed by Herb Payung and Jonathan Poquette

The Elon Wind Ensemble and Elon Concert Band feature an eclectic program of music to close the 2023-24 academic year. Through works by Frank Ticheli, Ola Gjeilo and others, the program aims to highlight the concurrence of good and evil. Sponsored by the Department of Music

Thursday, May 9

Yom HaShoah: Ceremony of Remembrance

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

Join us to mark Yom HaShoah or “Day of Remembrance of the Holocaust and Heroism.” Every year we gather as a community to commemorate the victims of the Holocaust and to remind us of all the terrible deeds that can be carried out when bigotry, hatred and indifference are regarded as normal. Elon students, faculty and staff will share quotes and stories to remember the lives of those who died because of the racial purity measures in German-controlled Europe during World War II, to honor those who survived, and remind us of their experiences during this dark time. Hosted by Hillel, Jewish Life, Jewish Studies, and The Truitt Center for Religious & Spiritual Life

Tuesday, May 14

Tectonic Plates: Alamance County’s Science Café: “ChatGPT: What’s all the fuss?”

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 May, the invited expert is Shannon Duvall, Professor of Computer Science at Elon University. 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.