Elon students donated their mural competition winnings to support the Global Neighborhood Service Project and a refugee family in Greensboro, North Carolina.
The Residence Life Mural Competition is an annual event in which students living on campus can paint a mural on their floor/within their community, and each mural is designed, painted and implemented solely by Elon students as a representation of their hall and the greater Elon community.
Over 31 murals were recently judged by faculty and staff for the 2015 Residence Life Mural Competition. This year, with current events that have challenged the country and the world, murals were asked to contain themes of inclusivity— including but not limited to: race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, social class, physical ability or attributes, religion, national origin, and political beliefs.
Mural Coordinator and Zambezi resident Karly Shaubach said the following about her floor’s winning design: “Not only is the mural inclusive of our floor, but its design is meant to also include the global community. The rainbow flames are used to represent pride; no matter your sexual orientation or identification, you are welcome here at Elon. The body of the Phoenix E is composed of flags from all around the world, and when choosing flags, we tried to pick ones that people do not commonly think of as the world’s forerunners. After all, one country should not have more value over another. To remember our roots, we trimmed the symbol with traditional Elon maroon and gold; and this is to represent Elon as an inclusive entity and a connection to the outside world. We also made the conscious decision to display only part of the American flag and we have had many people ask why it was not in a focal point. This was our answer: we know we live in the United States and we are proud of that, but do we need that reminder when another country could be celebrated instead? We are here to expand our knowledge of the world.”
Shaubach and her fellow residents won over $300 for their first-place finish in the mural competition. In past years, students have chosen to spend this on a community event or retreat, or purchase an item to improve their community such as a refrigerator. The 3rd-floor Zambezi residents chose to donate all winnings to a refugee family in Greensboro whom the Global Neighborhood has closely supported for the past two years.
Upon Shaubach and her fellow students’ request, the family will be provided a Visa gift card to spend the money to best suit their needs. To see the winning mural design, please click on the link below:
http://www.elon.edu/docs/e-web/students/residence_life/Global%20D%20Fl%203_1.jpg
