Elon will host several events in the fall semester to close out the yearlong "Rising from the Ashes: A Century of Innovation" commemoration.
This year, Elon University has commemorated the resilience and rebuilding of the institution following the 1923 fire that destroyed the Main Administration building on campus and threatened the young college’s future.
Through the theme of “Rising from the Ashes: A Century of Innovation,” Elon has already hosted several 1923-themed events from panel discussions on the university’s rise to established Elon traditions centering around the commemoration.
Continuing this fall semester, the Elon community will be able to honor the resilience of Elon and celebrate the spirit of 1923 with various events and gatherings.
1923 Centennial Observances during fall semester
Phoenix 4th Friday
Friday, Sept. 22, 5:30 – 9 p.m. – Downtown Burlington
Join the community for a celebration at the Historic Depot in downtown Burlington as Elon takes over a 4th Friday event. There will be plenty of fun for the family, including games, food trucks, live music, giveaways and hang with the Elon Phoenix. Parking will be available in designated spaces in downtown Burlington. The Elon Express will provide transportation every 15 minutes from the Inman Admissions Welcome Center roundabout on campus along North O’Kelly Avenue.
Premiere performance of “The Phoenix Rising” musical work
Sunday, Oct. 8, 3 p.m. — Whitley Auditorium
Associate Professor of Music Todd Coleman will present his composition “The Phoenix Rising” in Whitley Auditorium on Sunday, Oct. 8 at 3 p.m. Coleman composed the new musical work to commemorate the 1923 fire as well as the near-century anniversary of Whitley Auditorium.
A demo of the piece can be found on YouTube. The event is open to all in the Elon community.
Phoenix Fun Run
Saturday, Oct. 28, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Medallion Plaza, Elon University
On your mark… get set… get ready for the Phoenix Fun Run! Come run or walk 2.8 miles around Elon’s beautiful campus and enjoy fall activities with the community. The first 200 registrants will receive a free gift! All participants must complete a waiver at the event; children under 18 years old are welcome to participate with a parent or guardian present.
Please bring either canned or dry food items (minimum of four items) as a donation to our United Way partners. Deadline to complete the registration form is Friday, Oct. 13. Register here.
Rising from the Ashes: A Century of Progress and Innovation
Friday, Nov. 3, 4 – 6 p.m. – The Great Hall, Elon University
Save the date for the final event of Elon’s year of commemoration as we celebrate the moments that have directed Elon University’s trajectory over the last century. A separate invitation to all faculty and staff will follow at a later date.
We invite you to fully explore the 1923 Commemoration website — www.elon.edu/1923 — to learn more about the fire, including a video overview of the fire and rebuilding. For any questions about the mentioned events, please email presidentevents@elon.edu. We offer many thanks to our campus partners for helping to make these events happen successfully.