Diversity and Global Engagement

The MBA Student Alumni Association hosted a golf tournament that raised $1,000 in support of the Elon Academy Dream Fund, a special budget created by the association three years ago to assist Elon Academy with college visits, involve students in school and community projects, and help students and families when unexpected life situations arise.

A collection of menorahs and mezuzah cases will be on display at Belk Library until December 13.

A renowned expert on education psychology and diversity in higher education visited Elon University on Nov. 22 and led a lunchtime discussion with dozens of faculty and staff members on the impact of interactions between professors and students, notably among various demographic groups.

International Education Week returns to Elon University this month with a series of events that run from Nov. 15-19, 2010, and include concerts, a special College Coffee and a panel discussion on NAFTA. The annual national program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education this year focuses on Mexico, its people and its influence on American culture, politics and economy.

When the North American Free Trade Agreement went into effect on Jan. 1, 1994, its goal was to increase trade between Canada, Mexico and the United States by eliminating tariffs and encouraging investment. Seventeen years later, as part of International Education Week 2010 at Elon University, representatives from the three nations met to offer thoughts on the future of the agreement.

Parents, students, community leaders and Elon University administrators gathered Tuesday for a half-day conversation on the future of Jewish culture on campus as the number of Jewish students continues to grow and as the university embarks on a commitment to global engagement and diversity in its newest strategic plan.

At a time of economic uncertainty with constant demographic shifts in the United States, more Americans identify themselves not by who they are, but by who they are not – and increasingly that’s “not being Muslim.” International scholar Reza Aslan explored that trend in a Wednesday lecture where he cautioned his McCrary Theatre audience that rising anti-Muslim rhetoric is, in fact, putting America at risk.

Elon University senior Teri Horn has received the North Carolina Campus Compact’s fifth annual Community Impact Student Award for making significant, innovative contributions to her campus’ efforts to address local community needs. Horn was one of 34 college students across the state to receive the honor.

Truitt Center intern and active Hillel member Zach Jordan wants more interfaith conversations and campus and he is making them happen. Check out this Washington Post blog post about his efforts.

The Elon Black Alumni Network honored five past and present Elon University employees Saturday night in a Homecoming banquet to celebrate influential people who contributed to the success of black students on Elon's campus and to the newly endowed Black Alumni Scholarship.