The annual winter tradition brought the Elon community together with more than 50,000 luminaries lighting campus, showing how the power of light can inspire and unite.
While the December weather brought frigid temperatures and dark skies on Dec. 3, the Elon University campus was aglow with light and warmth as more than 50,000 luminaries created an opportunity for the community to shine brighter together at the Festival of Lights and Luminaries on Dec. 3.
“Elon’s Festival of Lights and Luminaries this year illuminated more than just our campus; it brought our community together in a radiant celebration of unity, hope, and the diverse traditions that guide us through the season,” said Rev. Kirstin Boswell, university chaplain and dean of multifaith engagement.
The Festival of Lights and Luminaries is an annual tradition at Elon, offering a time for the campus community to come together and learn about different religious, spiritual, ethical and cultural traditions. This year’s event featured the largest number of interactive stations in the event’s history, with stations for cultural clubs, crafts and entertainment. The Asian and Pacific Islander Community offered people the opportunity to write their wishes, hopes and messages on floating lanterns, a tradition in many Asian cultures and festivals, and place them in Fonville Fountain. Holden Baris ’27 was enjoying the lights at Scott Plaza, including the floating lanterns, a first for the festival.
“The Festival of Lights and Luminaries is a great time for the gathering of the community, and one of the reasons I chose Elon was because of how close-knit the community is and how it really just felt like home,” said Baris. “Elon is a multifaith campus so there’s more to it than just one religion. It’s truly a place where you’re able to learn a lot about different backgrounds. Being able to see that on the campus is a beautiful thing.”
The 2024 theme, “We Shine Brighter Together,” highlights the connections people build through shared traditions, conversations and creative expressions.
“It’s not every day that the entire campus is all in one place,” said Murph Lennemann ‘27. “I walked around and I’ve seen a million people. Just in the time I’ve been standing here, I’ve seen five people that I know. One of the nice things about being on a somewhat smaller campus is that you get to know so many people.”
Originally a Christmas celebration, the event has evolved over the years to celebrate a multitude of faiths and identities – something Hillary Zaken, director of multifaith programming and engagement, says is reflective of the university.
“The Festival of Lights and Luminaries is a great opportunity to bring everyone on campus together around what matters to them. People are here sharing what matters to them, and I think people carry those stories and that knowledge away with them,” said Zaken. “There are students who, before they came to Elon, never knew anyone who is Hindu or Muslim or Jewish, or from other cultures from their own, and this is a way to see it in a fun way. It’s a low bar to developing religious literacy.”
For the 10th year, and with the festival coinciding with Giving Tuesday, the luminaries featured the names of university donors spread throughout the Historic Neighborhood, the Lambert Academic Village and Under the Oaks. As a first-year student, Lilly Cyprow ’28 was taking in the festival with fresh eyes and even got to see her name on a luminary Under the Oaks, thanks to a gift from her mother.
“When I saw that my mom put my name on a luminary, I was really happy,” said Cyprow. “You get to feel included as part of the community in a bigger sense.”
Aubrey Kocsis ’27 was released early from cheerleading practice to attend the festival, taking photos with friends in front of Fonville Fountain.
“I think it’s so special to see all these cultures in one place and learn about the world around us a little bit more,” said Kosis. “I love how beautiful it is too. I love the holiday spirit and all of the lights being up. It’s just exciting and beautiful.”
The festival’s success is a collaborative effort, with contributions from the Truitt Center, the Department of World Languages and Cultures, Facilities Management, Technology Services, Catering, Student Involvement, University Advancement, University Communications and the Office of the Vice President for Student Life.
