Elon University will celebrate students earning graduate degrees with affinity celebrations on Thursday, Dec. 12 and commencement ceremonies on Friday, Dec. 13.
The Graduate Program Commencement ceremonies will take place in Alumni Gym, Koury Athletic Center, Friday, Dec. 13 at 10 a.m.
The School of Law candidates for Juris Doctor will receive their diplomas at 10 a.m., and the School of Health Sciences candidates for bachelor of science in nursing, master of science in physician assistant studies and doctor of physical therapy will receive their diplomas at 2 p.m. in ceremonies that will take place in Alumni Gym.
Retired Lt. Col. Carrie F. Ricci, general counsel of the United States Army, will join 134 graduates and their families for the School of Law ceremony. Following confirmation by the U.S. Senate, Ricci was sworn in as the 23rd General Counsel of the United States Army on January 3, 2022. Ricci is the military branch’s chief lawyer ultimately responsible for determining the U.S. Army’s position on any legal question.
Father and son alumni Jeff Shoup G’00 G’05 and Durand Shoup G’22 will deliver the commencement address to the School of Health Sciences candidates. Jeff was a member of the inaugural cohort of Elon’s master of physical therapy program in 2000 and returned to earn his doctorate once the university transitioned to a doctoral program in 2005. Seventeen years later, his son Durand became the first Elon doctor of physical therapy legacy student.
In 2009, Jeff founded Natural Bridges Rehabilitation, a physical therapy clinic in Elon where he continues to practice. Shop remains actively involved in the Elon community, serving as a clinical instructor for DPT students and contributing to Elon’s H.O.P.E Clinic and the CityGate Dream Center. After earning his DPT, Durand established a physical therapy department within The Endurance Collective in Durham, North Carolina, where he serves a diverse athletic community. He is also the founder of Field Performance, an online coaching platform that offers personalized performing coaching for clients with complex medical histories.
Visit Elon’s Commencement website for more information about the Winter commencement ceremonies.
Elon will also host a variety of affinity celebration on Thursday, Dec. 12.
Lavender Graduation
Thursday, Dec. 12 | Lakeside Meeting Rooms | 9:30 a.m.
A special recognition ceremony for graduating LGBTQIA students. For more information, visit the GLC website. Participants must complete the registration form by Friday, Nov. 15.
Presented by the Gender & LGBTQIA Center
¡Celebremos!: Graduate Take Flight
Thursday, Dec. 12 | Lakeside Meeting Rooms | 11 a.m.
A stole ceremony dedicated to celebrating the efforts and successes of the Latinx/Hispanic graduates. For more information, contact Sylvia Muñoz at munozs@elon.edu. Participants must complete the registration form by Friday, Nov. 15.
Presented by the Center for Race, Ethnicity & Diversity Education
Donning of the Kente Ceremony
Thursday, Dec. 12 | Lakeside Meeting Rooms | 2 p.m.
A rich cultural ceremony involving Kente cloth stoles imported from West Africa and celebrating the achievements of students who recognize their African roots. For more information, contact La’ Tonya “LT” Wiley at lwiley2@elon.edu. Participants must complete the registration form by Friday, Nov. 15.
Presented by the Office of Alumni Engagement