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THE PENDULUM
Wednesday, September 1 2021 Elon, North Carolina Volume 51, Edition 3
& G N I L L O R EN : S N O I T P M EXE
CCINE MANDATE A V E TH H IT W G COMPLYIN
NYAH PHENGSITTHY | MANAGING EDITOR
In the more than two months since Elon University mandated students to receive a COVID-19 vaccine to return to campus, all students have either documented proof of immunization or filed an approved exemption form.
Elon University touts a 96% vaccination rate among undergraduate students and reports no student disenrollments due to the mandate Nyah Phengsitthy | Managing Editor | @nyahphengsitthy
V
ACCINE EXEMPTION FORMS ROLLED into Dean of Students Jana Lynn Patterson’s email when the university declared a COVID-19 vaccine mandate for all students. While the university reached 96% of its undergraduate students fully vaccinated, 307 vaccine exemptions were approved. There’s an additional number that Elon has reached zero
student disenrollments after the vaccine requirement. Unlike University of Virginia’s disenrollment of over 200 students who didn’t meet the school’s vaccine mandate, Elon students complied with mandatory vaccinations by either getting immunized or filling out an exemption form. Students who would not comply would have been disenrolled prior to
the start of the school year, according to Patterson. “I talked through this with lots of parents this summer, and they said, ‘We want to see how we can make this work,’” Patterson said.
See ENROLLMENT | pg. 7
Class of 2020 to return for in-person commencement The university will host 2020 graduates and their families Under the Oaks on Sept. 5 Madison Powers Elon News Network
Like other universities across the country, Elon University’s class of 2020 was unable to hold an in-person commencement ceremony because of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, after a year and a half of planning, the class of 2020 will return to campus for the long-awaited event on Sept. 5 Under the Oaks.
“I’m really looking forward to seeing those people that I was supposed to graduate with, but more importantly, I’m looking forward to seeing the professors that I never got to say goodbye to,” Katie Heit ’20 said. Heit, along with class of 2020 president Noor Irshaidat, will be part of the commencement ceremony and bring the class together after almost two years of waiting to walk across the stage. “It was so easy to remember those moments that I shared with people, all the people who left a mark on my life,” Irshaidat said.
See COMMENCEMENT | pg. 4
KYRA O’CONNOR | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
After having their first commencement online, the class of 2020 will finally have their commencement in person Under the Oaks on Sunday, Sept. 5.
NEWS • PAGE 6
LIFESTYLE • PAGE 11
SPORTS • PAGE 15
SPDC sees increase in class of 2021 employment numbers
Paramount Theater opens its doors to community again
Rhodes Stadium celebrates its 20th anniversary
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extras
Wednesday September 1, 2021
THE PENDULUM KYRA O’CONNOR A PUBLICATION OF
Established 1974 Volume 51, Edition 3 Elon News Network is a daily news organization that includes a newspaper, website, broadcasts and podcasts. Letters to the editor are welcome and should be typed, signed and emailed to enn@elon.edu as Word documents. ENN reserves the right to edit obscene and potentially libelous material. Lengthy letters may be trimmed to fit. All submissions become the property of ENN and will not be returned.
Executive Director of Elon News Network
NYAH PHENGSITTHY
Managing Editor of The Pendulum
ELLIS CHANDLER
News Director of Elon Local News
SOPHIE ROSENTHAL
Chief Copy Editor
MAEVE ASHBROOK
New Member Coordinator
EMMA FARRELL
Design Chief
DELANEY DANIELS
Photo Editor
GRAYSEN SHIRLEY
Politics Editor
MIRANDA FERRANTE
Lifestyle Editor
BEN MUSE
Analytics Coordinator
JACOB KISAMORE
Sports Director
CLARE GRANT
Video Production Manager
EDITORIAL POLICY: ENN seeks to inspire, entertain and inform the Elon community by providing a voice for students and faculty, as well as serve as a forum for the meaningful exchange of ideas.
WHEN WE PUBLISH: The Pendulum publishes weekly on Wednesdays
Elon Local News broadcasts Mondays at 6 p.m.
ELN Morning broadcasts Thursdays at 10 a.m.
ENN Radio Podcast CORRECTIONS POLICY:
publishes Friday at 8 a.m.
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA: ENN is committed to accurate coverage. When factual errors are made, we correct them promptly and in full, both online and in print. Online corrections state the error and the change at the top of the article. Corrections from the previous week’s print edition appear on this page.
Nyah Phengsitthy and Ted Thomas contributed to the design of this edition. Nyah Phengsitthy, Olivia Romano, Samantha Sussman, Abigail Hobbs, Madalyn Howard, Alexa Ferraiuolo and Abby Shamblin contributed to the copy editing of this edition.
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Contact corrections@elonnewsnetwork.com to report a correction or a concern.
games
corrections There are no corrections from the last edition of The Pendulum.
How to Play: Guess the missing word in the five clues, then find them in the word search below. Words can be found backwards, diagonal, etc. 1. Elon University’s graduating class of 2020 was unable to hold an in-person _____ ceremony due to the COVID-19 pandemic. See Page 1 for answer. 2. Buffie Longmire-Avital is the director of the Black _____ Project and associate professor of psychology. See Page 10 for answer. 3. Burlington’s performing arts and multipurpose center the _____ Theater has officially reopened. See Page 11 for answer. 4. Nancy _____ is the assistant director of career services for student employment. See Page 12 for answer. 5. _____ Stadium opened in 2001 and has now been open for 20 years. See Page 15 for answer.
comic
SCAN FOR MORE COVERAGE FROM ELON NEWS NETWORK OR VISIT ELONNEWSNETWORK.COM
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extras
|photos of the week |
Wednesday september 1, 2021
3
eSports president John Spitznagel utilizes the new eSports lounge located in Global Commons.
JACOB KISAMORE| SPORTS DIRECTOR
LUCAS CASEL | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Elon University freshman midfielder Scott Vatne earned a free kick from just outside the penalty area against Merrimack on Aug. 28.
Elon nursing program students (left to right) Sabrina Palmieri, Joseph Tynan and Emily Hill work in the clinical skills lab.
Construction workers continue work on the Innovation Quad on Aug. 31.
JOSEPH NAVIN | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER NYAH PHENGSITTY | MANAGING EDITOR
Freshman Maddie Candress gets a cup of coffee at the second College Coffee of the semester on Aug. 31.
JOSEPH NAVIN | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
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NEWS
Wednesday september 1, 2021
KYRA O’CONNOR | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The commencement was planned by the class of 2020 President, Academic Affairs, Student Life and University Advancement
Class of 2020 commencement moved to Under the Oaks COMMENCEMENT | from cover As the class of 2020 president, Irshaidat played a major role in planning the commencement. She and other members of the SGA were able to organize the event by “keeping in touch with each other, knowing what the expectations are and what [they] really can do to meet those expectations.” The commencement weekend also includes a cumulative effort of many offices, including that of the President, Academic Affairs, Student Life and University Advancement. According to Vice President for Academic Affairs Provost Aswani Volety, the university always intended to have a formal ceremony to celebrate the accomplishments of the students, it was just a matter of finding an appropriate time. Volety said graduation ceremonies are important for both students and parents in the
“
I THINK IT’S GOING TO BE HONESTLY VERY EMOTIONAL, BUT GIVE US THE CLOSURE THAT I AND MY CLASSMATES REALLY NEED. KATIE HEIT CLASS OF 2020
Elon community. “Students work really hard to get to that stage,” Volety said. “Education is one of the most expensive efforts that the parents have invested in you and for you.” The virtual commencement ceremony in 2020 was held via Zoom, but most of the graduate programs were able to gather in person because of small class sizes. Heit, who will be singing the National Anthem at commencement this weekend, said she looks
Class of 2020’s ceremony will be held Under the Oaks and available online at elon.edu/live.
forward to being back on campus and seeing old and new faces. “I think it’s going to be a really big full circle moment,” Heit said. “I think it’s going to be honestly very emotional, but give us the closure that I and my classmates really need.” While it took monthly meetings and hours of planning, Irshaidat says that she and the class of 2020 are thrilled to return to campus and celebrate their achievements. “Seeing the people is what I’m looking forward to the most,” Irshaidat said. Volety said he, along with the faculty of Elon University, firmly believe the importance of celebrating the graduates’ achievements, even if it takes having a virtual ceremony first and months of planning thereafter. Irshaidat said some graduates are not returning because of health concerns and conflicting schedules. Though not all students will be in attendance, Irshaidat said that these absent classmates will be in the class of 2020’s thoughts. “The school has done a great job at making sure they’re accommodating those differences in opinion and how comfortable people are coming back,” Irshaidat said. “Those who aren’t [coming] are definitely in our hearts and minds.”
KYRA O’CONNOR | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
SCAN FOR COMMENCEMENT SCHEDULE AND CEREMONY OR VISIT ELON.EDU/U/ACADEMICS/ COMMENCEMENT/
1. Open your phone camera 2. Focus on the QR code 3. Click the pop-up link
NEWS
Wednesday SEPTEMBER 1, 2021
CLASS OF 2020 COMMENCEMENT SCHEDULE
FRIDAY SEPT. 3
Alumni Hospitality and Information Center Martin Alumni Center 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Elon is offering refreshments for graduates and parents while they pick up their class of 2020 t-shirts and commencement tickets. Additional caps and gowns are available if needed.
Department Open Houses All Over Campus 1 - 5 p.m.
SATURDAY SEPT. 4
Alumni Hospitality and Information Center Martin Alumni Center 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Elon is offering refreshments for graduates and parents while they pick up their class of 2020 t-shirts and commencement tickets. Additional caps and gowns are available if needed.
Lavender Graduation Ceremony
All campus departments will be open for graduates to visit and mingle with professors and classmates. Graduates can visit their favorite organizations and show their families where they spent their time on campus.
Deans’ Receptions See Below 5 - 6:30 p.m.
Graduates can travel to various locations across campus to commemorate their time at Elon with Elon’s faculty, staff and classmates. Each location is specific to the graduates department of study. • • • •
Elon College, the College of Arts and Sciences: Phi Beta Kappa Plaza Love School of Business: Chandler Fountain School of Communications: Snow Family Grand Atrium Watts Williams School of Education: Fonville Fountain, Scott Plaza
McKinnon Hall / Moseley Center 9 a.m.
This ceremony honors the various achievements of LGBTQIA+ graduates.
SUNDAY
Donning of the Kente Ceremony
SEPT. 5
Lakeside Meeting Rooms / Moseley Center 10 a.m.
A ceremony celebrating and honoring the various achievements of students who recognize their African roots.
Class of 2020 Family Tailgate Village Lake Mary Nell 11 a.m.
Friends, family and graduates can travel to Lake Mary Nell in the Global Neighborhood to tailgate before the Elon vs. Wofford football game.
Elon vs. Wofford Football Game Rhodes Stadium 2 p.m.
The Phoenix play against the Terriers at Rhodes Stadium. Tickets are available on the athletics website. Graduates can get a discount using the code GRAD2020 in the Pre-Sale Code box.
Class of 2020 Celebration Lambert Academic Village 7 - 10 p.m.
In Lambert Academic Village, graduates and their families can listen to live music, eat free food and enjoy a beer garden.
Class of 2020 Commencement Under the Oaks 9:30 a.m.
The formal ceremony will be held Under the Oaks with a speech from Class President Noor Irshaidat ‘20, the commencement address from writer and producer Leonard Dick and President Book’s charge to graduates. Graduates should arrive at Alumni Gym by 8 a.m.
Commencement Brunch Lake Mary Nell 11:30 a.m.
University leaders and graduates all join to celebrate over brunch at Global Neighborhood’s Lake Mary Nell.
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NEWS
Wednesday september 1, 2021
SPDC sees employment rates rise for class of 2021
Junior Radhika Tawade explores the SPDC’s website available to students. The SPDC is located on the first floor of the Moseley Center.
The SPDC saw an increase in job placements as many regroup and adjust to life in a pandemic Samantha Sussman Elon News Network
The Student Professional Development Center reported an increased engagement and job placement among 2021 graduates compared to the class of 2020, whose career opportunities were severely limited because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The SPDC has spread its presence through multiple career centers on campus, helping students explore majors, create resumes, look for jobs and internships and apply for graduate school. Brooke Buffington, director of the SPDC, wrote in an email to Elon News Network that a large number of students utilized SPDC resources, and the numbers increased in 2021. “Student and alumni engagement in the office ON-CAMPUS this year increased, which means that we were able to JOBS assist more Elon students The SPDC and alumni with their has reported professional development there are about 150 job needs,” Buffington wrote. opportunities “Over 90% of our students for students participate with our office on campus in some fashion by the right now. time that they graduate.” The 2020 outcome report from the SPDC says that 90% of graduates accepted a position related to their career goals. The SPDC is unable to provide the outcome report for the class of 2021 at this time because of data collection. Destin Flloyd ‘21 worked with the SPDC during 2020 and 2021 and found that after a year to adjust and regroup from the economic fluctuations caused by the pandemic, companies began hiring again. “During my junior year, it was definitely harder to find an internship [and] job because it was the height of COVID-19 and a lot of companies weren’t hiring at all,” Flloyd wrote in an email to Elon News Network. “But during this past year
NYAH PHENGSITTHY | MANAGING EDITOR
BY THE NUMBERS
90%
of students will visit the SPDC before they graduate, that is around 6,405 students utilizing this on-campus facility.
“
STUDENT AND ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT IN THE OFFICE THIS YEAR INCREASED, WHICH MEANS THAT WE WERE ABLE TO ASSIST MORE ELON STUDENTS AND ALUMNI WITH THEIR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT NEEDS BROOKE BUFFINGTON DIRECTOR OF THE SPDC
For tips on writing your resume from the SPDC visit page 6.
I believe recruiting returned to a bit of normalcy and was sometimes easier as companies were more willing to do remote interviews as well as remote positions.” Post pandemic surge, most jobs in the United States are now available in 2021. The SPDC has been able to help many students get jobs post graduation as unemployment rates drop. “The class of 2021 saw an improvement in the job market this spring, as companies increased their entry level hiring opportunities, and the economy began to open back up nationwide,” Buffington wrote. “We are continuing to see recent graduates landing jobs this summer, and organizations are telling us that are seeking entry-level talent to fill open positions.” Flloyd utilized the Elon Job Network, a job and internship database that provides connections and opportunities for students, to find his job. He now serves as a financial analyst after being on the search for two months. “The SPDC was definitely fundamental,” Flloyd wrote. “From the resume building, to the interview prep, and the job search, the SPDC has been there to help.”
EMMA FARRELL | DESIGN CHIEF
SCAN TO LEARN ABOUT SPDC SERVICES OR VISIT ELON.EDU/U/SPDC/
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7 Medical conditions, religious beliefs exempt students from mandate NEWS
Wednesday september 1, 2021
ENROLLMENT | from cover The university’s announcement on Facebook about the mandate in June sparked a reaction for some users, ranging from professors agreeing through comments to other users questioning the university’s new requirement. Some Facebook users opposed the mandate, commenting questions about vaccine liability and why the mandate does not include faculty and staff. In addition to zero disenrollments, Rodney Parks, university registrar, said that Elon has not seen any withdrawals from the university due to the vaccine mandate this year. Parks said he could not identify Elon’s finalized enrollment numbers for the 2021-22 academic year until the registrar report is released in early September. Though the university has returned to fully in-person learning on campus, Parks also said the university has accommodated at least a dozen students who did not return to campus for a medical or pandemic leave of absence. “There are students out there that are not ready to come back to on-campus classes,” Parks said.
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CLARE GRANT | VIDEO PRODUCTION MANAGER
While some students are exempt from the vaccine, Patterson said it’s possible the university will revisit enforcing the mandate now that Pfizer vaccine is FDA approved.
I HAD ONE STUDENT SEND ME 18 PAGES. THERE ARE LEGITIMATE REASONS FOR SOME FOLKS WHY THIS IS NOT THE TIME TO TAKE THIS [VACCINE], WHETHER IT’S A RELIGIOUS BELIEF OR A MEDICAL CONDITION.
Tabernacle, Church of the First Born, Christian Science and more. Elon University includes a wide range of religious affiliations, with 1,623 students identifying as Catholic, 489 as Christian and 537 as Jewish, according to the 2020-21 University Factbook. 93 students identified with other religious affiliations, and Elon recorded 2,086 unknown religions. “One of the things that we pride ourselves on is having a strong commitment to diversity in all of its forms,” Boswell said. “Religious diversity is one of those things that we are very interested in supporting. If that is indeed something that we want to support, then one of the things that we have to do is be accommodating of people’s religious needs.”
JANA LYNN PATTERSON DEAN OF STUDENTS
Required for some, not for all
Exempt from the vaccine
According to Patterson, COVID-19 vaccine exemption forms were approved prior to the start of the academic year –– 80 were due to medical conditions and 227 were for religious reasons. Patterson said she could not provide a finalized number of rejected exemption forms. For enrolled students who didn’t get the vaccine, the university received different reasons on a case-by-case basis. Medical exemption forms must have included a written statement explaining the student’s medical concerns along with approval from their physician. Religious exemptions also required a written statement, but of the student’s bona fide religious beliefs and opposition to the immunization. Patterson went through each exemption form this summer, analyzing medical and religious conflicts. “I had one student send me 18 pages,” Patterson said. “There are legitimate reasons for some folks why this is not the time to take this [vaccine], whether it’s a religious belief or a medical condition.” Medical exemptions for some students include known allergic reactions to vaccines, students undergoing treatment, delays due to emergency surgeries and more. As for religious reasons, every religion has different interpretations of vaccine objections, according to University Chaplain and Dean of Multifaith Engagement Kirstin Boswell. Although she was not part of the religious exemption form process, Boswell said those with a religious background could understand why faith can intertwine with objections to immunizations. “One of the reasons why institutions don’t ask people to provide proof or documentation is because you can’t,” Boswell said. “It’s up to that person’s conscience and how they are interpreting their religious doctrine as it pertains to things like vaccines.” According to Vanderbilt University Medical Center, religions with a theological objection to vaccines include dutch reformed congregations and faith healing denominations such as Faith
Though Elon has reached 88% of fulltime employees fully vaccinated, the vaccine mandate does not pertain to them. Patterson said the requirement for students, and not faculty and staff, is due to the congregate living habits in residence halls and offcampus housing, along with student social circles. Students, faculty and staff that are not vaccinated are required to wear masks indoors on campus at all times, even if, or after, Elon’s
BY THE NUMBERS
80
medical exemptions forms were approved prior to the academic year
227
religious exemptions forms were approved prior to the academic year
mask mandate is lifted. “This does not penalize them. This is because we know they’re the most vulnerable and we need to protect our community,” Patterson said. Senior Alexandra Stoll, a public health major, said learning about the spread of diseases and viruses all started during Elon’s mumps outbreak in 2019. Since then, understanding the importance of a population getting vaccinated is one of the prime ways to stop the spread of COVID-19. “There’s definitely people who shouldn’t get the vaccine if they have medical conditions, but in order to protect the whole population, stopping the spread does require people to get the vaccine if they can,” Stoll said.
Possible changes in COVID-19 protocols
Patterson said it’s possible that the university will revisit the idea of requiring faculty and staff to get vaccinated now that the FDA has RELIGIONS WITH THEOLOGICAL VACCINE OBJECTION 1. Dutch Reformed Congregations 2. Faith Tabernacle 3. Church of the First Born 4. Faith Assembly 5. End Time Ministries 6. Church of Christ, Scientist
MEDICAL CONSTRAINTS FOR VACCINE EXEMPTIONS 1. Allergic reactions 2. Consuming other treatments 3. Emergency surgeries 4. Immune disorders
given full approval to the Pfizer vaccine. Down the road from Elon, Duke University recently required all employees to receive the vaccine or else face termination. The university will also reach out to students who are currently exempt from the vaccine to reconsider receiving it. “We know that the vaccine works in decreasing the spread of the virus, but also decreasing the severity of symptoms in what could be a pretty vulnerable population,” Patterson said. “We have faculty, staff and students that fit some of the high-risk categories. I’d like to think that our students are kind and sensitive enough that they would never want to put someone at risk.” Joann Gruber, assistant professor of public health studies, said she believes the mandate should be extended to faculty and staff, especially as Delta cases are increasing around the county. Before the academic year, Gruber also wrote a piece to her students on the importance of wearing a mask indoors is still important, regardless of vaccination status. “I think we need to be strict about exemptions, but I don’t control that, personally,” Gruber said. “We’re all fighting this virus. We’re in a war against
this virus. We really have to come together to do what we can. We’re all tired, we’re all sick of it, but none of us want to be in this position. We have to think about how it’s not going to get better unless we can stop the spread.” According to the latest weekly Healthy Elon update, 14 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed among Elon students and employees during the week of Aug. 23. Patterson said the first few cases of the year were from prior move-in testing and students facing symptoms during their first few days of campus. As COVID-19 cases increase in Alamance County and around the country, Patterson suggests that those who are not vaccinated consider those around them and the importance of keeping others safe. As for those who are vaccinated, now is the time to understand why the vaccine isn’t an option for everyone. “This is not a time to exclude folks,” Patterson said. “This is a time to engage them in conversation about what we are going to work out here from a safety standpoint.”
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NEWS
Wednesday september 1, 2021
Benevolence Farm launches tiny house, social justice initiative in Graham
Elon University Life Trustee Wallace L. Chandler dies at 94
Wallace L. Chandler
PHOTO COURTESY OF ELON UNIVERSITY
Miranda Ferrante
Lifestyle Editor | @ferrantemiranda
COURTESY OF KRISTEN POWERS
Benevolence Farm in Graham, a transitional employment and living program for formerly incarcerated women in North Carolina, is launching an initiative to accommodate a growing number of residents on the farm.
The farm is partnering with Haven Ventures to accommodate growing number of residents Graysen Shirley Elon News Network
In efforts to support formerly incarcerated women and advocate for social justice issues in Alamance County, Kristen Powers joined Benevolence Farm as interim executive director. Now, nearly four years later, she hopes to give back to the residents of Benevolence Farm through launching a tiny house initiative — just one more way to get residents back on their feet. “I think we, as best we can, try to support the vision and dreams of our residents while they’re with us on the farm and even to a degree after they’ve transitioned off the farm,” Powers said.
Finding housing
Benevolence Farm in Graham, a transitional employment and living program for formerly incarcerated women in North Carolina, is launching an initiative to accommodate a growing number of residents on the farm. Powers said there is a shortage of housing options for residents due to the farm’s capacity growth and large waitlist. Residents currently reside in communal living areas, but wanted the initiative with the hope of gaining more independence and selfsufficiency, according to Powers. “They would like to see something like these tiny home communities where it allows us to double our capacity and as well as have a space where residents can stay longer and safely transition into a little bit more of an independent living situation,” Powers said. Benevolence Farm is partnering with Haven Ventures — a certified B-corp social enterprise that develops housing solutions for underserved communities — to design and construct the tiny houses. Powers said the new tiny house community at Benevolence Farm will consist of six total tiny homes. Zach Sunderland, an executive director of Haven Ventures, said the organization became involved in the tiny house initiative after visiting Benevolence Farm and hearing about their mission of assisting formerly incarcerated women. Sunderland said he and his team began communicating with Powers about the initiative
last year and worked with Powers to formulate a design for the tiny house community that was inclusive to all residents and staff on the farm. His team is working with Powers and residents on a one-on-one basis to customize and design the tiny houses. “It was really their push and their motivation to see this happen,” Powers said.
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THEY WOULD LIKE TO SEE SOMETHING LIKE THESE TINY HOME COMMUNITIES WHERE IT ALLOWS US TO DOUBLE OUR CAPACITY AND AS WELL AS HAVE A SPACE WHERE RESIDENTS CAN STAY LONGER AND SAFELY TRANSITION INTO A LITTLE BIT MORE OF AN INDEPENDENT LIVING SITUATION. KRISTEN POWERS INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
BY THE NUMBERS
$300,000
is the goal for building the tiny homes at Benevolence Farm’s.
Ventures are awaiting approval from Alamance County before they can begin building the tiny homes. Sunderland referred to this process as getting entitlements and explained it could take six months to one year to get approval from the county. Powers said she expects building on the tiny homes to begin at the end of 2021. Powers and Sunderland both hope the tiny house initiative will provide housing options for underserved communities, such as Benevolence Farm, and give residents on the farm a sense of independence as they transition into a new lifestyle. “It is critically important to get housing and employment so that they can be able to take full advantage of their second chance,” Powers said.
SCAN TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BENEVOLENCE FARM OR VISIT BENEVOLENCEFARM.ORG
Making housing tiny
Powers said the tiny homes will look different from a traditional tiny home many may be used to. The design of the tiny homes will resemble a studio apartment and will include one bedroom for each of the residents, according to Powers. Benevolence Farm has received contributions from individual donors to fund the building of the tiny home. According to Powers, as of June, the donors have helped raise 10% of Benevolence Farm’s $300,000 goal for building the tiny homes and she hopes to receive more donations as well as grants from entities within the state or nationally. Additionally, Benevolence Farm and Haven
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Chandler, the former board chair and adviser to three Elon presidents, died Aug. 25 Wallace L. Chandler, who served three years as chair of the Board of Trustees and adviser to Elon presidents died Aug. 25 at the age of 94. Born on Oct. 18, 1926, Chandler grew up on a tobacco farm near South Boston, Virginia and first enrolled in Elon in 1943. After enlisting in the Army and taking some time off from school, he later re-enrolled at Elon and graduated in 1949. During his senior year of college, Chandler worked to establish a new student government with a new constitution, giving students more of a voice that was representative of his lifetime of service. In 1967, Chandler was elected to the board of trustees and was elected a life trustee in 2008. Chandler was awarded the Distinguished Alumni Service Award in 1978, an Elon honorary doctorate in 1983 and the Elon Medallion in 2007. In 2005, the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education recognized Chandler with the Ernest T. Steward Award for Alumni Volunteer Involvement, a national award for service to one’s alma mater. His service to the university spanned more than four decades, and many facilities and scholarships are named after him including Chandler Fountain and Plaza, Wallace L. Chandler Residence Hall, the Chandler Lounge at Rhodes Stadium and the Wallace L. Chandler Scholarship Fund. He was also a member of the Numen Lumen Society which recognizes donors with lifetime giving of $1 million or more. He helped develop the Elon Vision strategic plan from 1994 to 1999 that transformed Elon from a regional college to a national institution. He also advocated for Elon to achieve university status in 2001 and to establish a school of law in 2006.
NEWS
Wednesday september 1, 2021
ELON UNIVERSITY PHYSICIAN DISCUSSES DELTA VARIANT, MASKING
Q&A WITH DR. GINETTE ARCHINAL Dr. Ginette Archinal spoke with Elon News Network about COVID-19 on campus and within the community Kyra O’Connor | Executive Director | @ko_reports
T
HE DELTA VARIANT, THE efficacy of the vaccine and masking — as the pandemic continues, there are still questions as to what the future holds. Elon University Physician Ginette Archinal said while there is still uncertainty, the
Q: Can you tell me a little bit about the Delta variant? And what makes this Delta variant so much different from other variants? “Great question. Delta is the variant we didn’t want. We have had multiple variants before Delta, and there are variants after Delta. The difference about Delta is it is considerably more contagious. And there are some issues around its contagion. But the real bottom line is, it’s much more contagious, so more people are going to get sick, die, end up in hospital, if exposed unvaccinated, than they are to any of the other variants.
Q: Could you talk a little bit about why wearing a mask and even if you are vaccinated is an important precautionary measure that municipalities and universities are taking? Absolutely. If we talk about protecting a community from an outbreak, a major outbreak of disease, which is really what we’re talking about, we have certain strategies we can do to reduce the spread of that disease. If we have a good vaccine, that’s definitely number one, and we are lucky enough to have that. We also have to be realistic and appreciate that no vaccine is 100% perfect, and there’s almost no scenario in which every person is going to be vaccinated. When you have control of your environment, for example, in a normal situation, with just people going to class where we know that we have students vaccinated in the above 90%, faculty and staff in the high 80s at this point, both these numbers are actually improving — that’s a different situation from when a lot of people are coming to campus who may or may not be vaccinated, because those people may have lots and lots of virus to transmit. Assessing from a normal situation, like in a classroom where practically everybody’s vaccinated, even if somebody in there has [the] virus, it’s not going to go very far. So, given that we can’t control other people’s vaccinations, when they’re visiting campus, we go to the next best thing, which is masks. Masks are, you know, obviously annoying when it’s hot. But honestly, they’re such an easy thing — you put
nature of this virus requires flexibility, and is what will keep the campus and community safe. “If you don’t change frequently, if you’re not flexible, then you’re missing something,” Archinal said. “You’re either being too restrictive,
or too cavalier with people’s health.” Archinal spoke with Elon News Network about the Delta variant, why masking is still an important mitigation strategy and what COVID-19 can look like on campus going forward.
it on when you’re inside when you’re around people, you’re outdoors, in an empty field, you take it off. It’s actually much easier than getting a vaccine or looking for hand sanitizer. So, while it’s annoying to have to do it, if you’re vaccinated, it’s such a simple procedure. And if it protects one person from death, it’s worth it.
Q: What are some things that students could look out for that could indicate a possible surge or conditions that could create a possible surge? Well, you probably remember last year, on the Ready and Resilient site that we had the numbers, who were tested positive on our surveillance testing, or symptomatic positives. If those numbers start going up again, we’ve been tracking them over the summer, but they will be on the dashboard, again, so that’s number one. Read the Healthy Elon site, the answers to a lot of everybody’s questions are actually on there. It’s a lot more informative than people expect it to be. But those numbers will be tracked. So, number one, look at that. Number two, think about what’s going on, on campus and in the community. For example, currently in the community, in the Cone Health system, 14% of people with symptoms who are tested, are positive for COVID. 14%. That’s huge. If the number on campus started looking like that, I mean, if the number on campus is 5%, that’s a worry. But if the number in the community is only 1% or 2%, then campus doesn’t need to be concerned about the community, because it’s very low transmission. So be aware, not just the bubble, that the community we all live in. And that data is all freely available. Listen to the news. Listen to a podcast. Look at the North Carolina HSS website, look at the Alamance County website. All that information is there. The other thing [to] be aware of, as I said earlier, what’s going on on campus in terms of if it’s moving, if it’s family weekend, if it’s homecoming. That’s something people should look out for. Because that could also cause a cluster outbreak on campus. So, be aware of things outside your own little bubble. I think we all live in our bubbles,
ENN FILE PHOTO
Ginette Archinal, university physician discusses coronavirus on campus and within the community.
and I think COVID made us live in our bubbles. There was a lot of fear. Last year particularly and we all very much stayed in our own little cohorts, we all needed our pandemic bubble. And that was the right thing to do at that time. We didn’t have vaccines, and because we were still learning about the virus, we know so much more now that we individually have a lot more control over whether we are exposed, whether we expose other people, what environments may be more of an issue than others. I wear a mask when I go to grocery stores. Not because it’s mandated. But because I’m in a grocery store, in a community where the vaccination rate is not terribly high. That’s a choice I make. It’s some control I can have.
Q: Do you think there’s more planning and more looking ahead we can do this year? I will tell you even last year, there was a lot of looking ahead in planning. The problem is, when you’re responding to something that you have no control over, like a virus or pandemic, you have to change day by day. If you don’t change frequently, if you’re not flexible, then you’re missing something. You’re either being too restrictive, or too cavalier with people’s health. So, I would tell people to expect
changes, I doubt that there will be as much as frequently as last year, again, just because we know so much more than we did a year ago. But anybody who thinks that everything’s going to be exactly the same every week, this semester, next semester, they’re fooling themselves. Because the virus will do what the virus does. And we have no control over that. This interview has been edited for clarity
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NEWS
Wednesday September 1, 2021
Black Lumen Project addresses racial equity on campus Buffie Longmire-Avital, director of the Black Lumen Project, is furthering dialogue about Elon University’s history Graysen Shirley Elon News Network
Buffie Longmire-Avital, director of the Black Lumen Project, conducts research about the experiences of Black students, faculty and higher education. Her studies about encounters Black students and faculty face daily with discrimination, microaggressions and racism sparked her interest in diving deeper into conversations about racial equity on college campuses such as Elon. The Black Lumen Project aims to provide programming, procedures and policy changes related to racial equity at the university, including an annual report which helps to present transparency about the university’s past history. The equity initiative will impact all members of the Elon community, but its main focus will center around the experiences of Black students, faculty, staff and alumni, according to Longmire-Avital. “We are focused on and creating structure that is sustainable, that really centers on the Black experience on campus in ways that it’s intersected with the larger community as a whole,” Longmire-Avital said. President of the Black Student Union Christina Carr said she is hopeful that the Black Lumen Project will allow the
university administration to be more transparent, build a stronger relationships with student organizations and bring more awareness to the experiences Black students face at Elon. “It’s important because everyone’s voice matters. I think that the experience, like I said before, the experience of Black students is going to look a lot different from the white students that go here,” Carr said. “I think that being transparent and honest about what that looks like for students, I think it allows Elon to kind of like open their eyes to who they are, who they’ve been and how to correct those things from the past.” Longmire-Avital was appointed as director of the Black Lumen Project by Randy Williams, vice president and associate provost for inclusive excellence. Williams said his role within the Black Lumen Project is to support LongmireAvital’s work on the initiative and that she was “a clear front-runner for the position.” Prior to serving as director of the Black Lumen Project, Longmire-Avital was the coordinator of the African and African American Studies interdisciplinary minor and a member of the Boldly Elon planning committee. Longmire-Avital said her former position allowed her to explore how to bring more awareness and conversations surrounding the university’s history. “Through that position, I was witness to so much wonderful work really from the ground up being done,” LongmireAvital said. “When we saw an opportunity to really think about our histories, our institution’s history, it just seemed natural
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IT’S IMPORTANT BECAUSE EVERYONE’S VOICE MATTERS. I THINK THAT BEING TRANSPARENT AND HONEST ABOUT WHAT THAT LOOKS LIKE FOR STUDENTS, I THINK IT ALLOWS ELON TO KIND OF LIKE OPEN THEIR EYES TO WHO THEY ARE, WHO THEY’VE BEEN AND HOW TO CORRECT THOSE THINGS FROM THE PAST. CHRISTINA CARR PRESIDENT OF THE BLACK STUDENT UNION
that we start there.” The Black Lumen Project originated as a subcommittee of Elon’s participation in Universities Studying Slavery, an international consortium of colleges and universities that seek to address both historical and contemporary issues related to race and inequality in higher education. Longmire-Avital said confronting the university’s past will help to uncover stories that bring to light racial inequality and push forward toward equity. “It is again that focus on redrawing those lines that have been erased, finding those stories and creating a mechanism to house those stories and then a way to disseminate,” Longmire-Avital said. Priorities of the Black Lumen Project include building relationships, establishing connections, uncovering untold stories, continuing initiatives in phase one and establishing cross-institutional engagement among the university and regionally. The development of relationships will be a critical component of the equity initiative, according to Williams. Longmire-Avital said she is hopeful these priorities represent a commitment of sustainability toward racial equity within the university and that the efforts will be community-driven. “This involves deep commitment. That action is not just one glorious kind of firework display of engagement and that’s it,” Longmire-Avital said. “This is really about creating a light and sustaining that light, and so that is what is most important to me.”
PROGRESS OF ELON UNIVERSITY’S DEI ACTION ITEMS Implemented:
In Planning:
In Progress:
• Establish a senior-level position to lead DEI efforts • Provide anti-racism education for all new students • Implement harassment and discrimination prevention and antibias training for all employees • Enhance recruitment efforts for underrepresented students • Expand the Black life advisory council
• Require DEI education for students of all majors • Develop and implement a new procedure for naming and renaming campus spaces • Infuse anti-racist content and pedagogy throughout the curriculum • Engage in a sustained partnership with a racial equity organization • Re-establish the preand post-doctoral program aligned with university needs
• Redesign Elon’s bias response and reporting systems • Further promote DEI professional development for faculty and staff • Revamp and promote the diversity course database • Develop equity-minded hiring protocols for all university divisions • Expand aid for Black students to attend and experience Elon
Wednesday, september 1, 2021 | page 11
LIFESTYLE
LIVE SHOWS RETURN WITH THE REOPENING OF T
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After 18 months of being closed to the public, the Paramunt Theater will officially open it’s season with the Gallery Players production of “Cinderella,” running from Sept. 17 through Sept. 26.
The Gallery Players will kick off the 2021-22 theatrical season with Cinderella. Claire Schoenfeld Elon News Network
For Ashley Phipps, director of the Gallery Players production of “Cinderella,” the experience of watching actors come together, creating bonds and being a part of a creative process has been the most exciting aspect of returning to live theater. “I think we’ve taken it for granted,” Phipps said. “For these community theater folks, this is their happy place. This is where they go to decompress, have fun and create something that’s meaningful to them and can give back to their community.” After nearly 18 months of being closed to the public, Burlington’s performing arts and multipurpose center the Paramount Theater has officially reopened. The Gallery Players, a community theater group based in Burlington, will kick off the Paramount Theater’s upcoming theatrical season with the musical adaptation of “Cinderella,” running Sept. 17 through Sept. 26. The show, which was originally set to debut in 2020, will be the first live theater experience for some members of the cast and crew after previous COVID-19 restrictions. “The actors are just happy to be back in it,” Phipps said. “But it’s a little overwhelming. It’s been a year and half since we’ve tackled something of this magnitude. We’ve forgotten how many moving parts go into a production, especially this one.”
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THE ACTORS ARE JUST HAPPY TO BE BACK IN IT…IT’S BEEN A YEAR AND HALF SINCE WE’VE TACKLED SOMETHING OF THIS MAGNITUDE ASHLEY PHIPPS DIRECTOR OF THE GALLERY PLAYERS PRODUCTION OF “CINDERELLA”
The show will include lots of “theater magic” according to Phipps, including large scale set pieces, elaborate costumes and lively musical numbers. David Wright, managing director of the Paramount Theater, said the theater’s 2021-22 season is set to go as planned with performances by community groups and organizations including the Paramount Acting Company, Alamance Children’s Theatre and The Gallery Players. “It’s gonna be a pretty darn good season,” Wright said. “We are bringing back our most popular musical ‘Always... Patsy Cline’ and during the pandemic I’ve written four new plays that will be original world premier plays.” In addition to the excitement from creatives working on and off the stage, both Phipps and Wright attest to the joy audiences have to see live theater making a return. “It’s gratifying to see the concern folks have,” Wright said. “I can’t go anywhere without people asking ‘how is the theater doing, when are you going to open, when can we see shows again?’” Wright said he is thankful for the city of Burlington’s support through guidance from their COVID-19 committee ensuring both “the interest of the theater balanced with the interest and safety of the community. All attending the performance, regardless of vaccination status, are required to wear a mask except for performers actively talking, singing or dancing on stage. Additional social distancing protocols and capacity levels for the theater are still being decided by the City of Burlington COVID-19 committee. In addition to routine cleanings, the entire facility is sanitized before each performance.
DELANEY DANIELS | PHOTO EDITOR
IF YOU GO Paramount Theater Where: 128 Front St Burlington, NC 27215
SCAN TO VISIT PARAMOUNT THEATER OR VISIT BURLINGTONNC.GOV/ PARAMOUNT
1. Open your phone camera 2. Focus on the QR code 3. Click the pop-up link
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Wednesday september 1, 2021
HOW TO SUCCEED IN AN ON-CAMPUS JOB Information session shares what it means to have federal work-study, tips for the job search process
the position and the company.
Looking ahead
Job postings can be found on the Elon Job Network where students can look through descriptions and apply. “On-campus employment, it’s not only just about the work,” Carpenter said. “It’s about becoming a part of the department. A lot of people will say we create student jobs. These are real part-time jobs with real tasks and responsibilities. We’re hiring students to do that work and you’re part of the department and part of the staff.”
Miranda Ferrante
Lifestyle Editor | @ferrantemiranda
On-campus jobs give students the opportunity to not only gain skills but undergo real world experiences. Nancy Carpenter, assistant director of career services for student employment, said the Student Professional Development Center hopes to help students make these firststep connections for Elon students. During the Aug. 25 Federal Work-Study Information Session, Carpenter said she believes now is the time for students to begin looking for jobs, but it’s up to them to decide if they are ready to start working. “There are more jobs than there have been posted in the last four years,” Carpenter said. “There’s more postings and there are more openings, so this is a great year to be looking for a job.” Carpenter said there are about 150 job opportunities for students on campus right now. Federal work-study awards are given each year to eligible students based on the determined financial need and level of federal and institutional funding available. Students awarded federal work-study status are not guaranteed a job and earnings are not paid in advance.
Tips and tricks
Carpenter recommends students avoid resumé templates and stick to a one page document. The resumé should also focus on consistency and readability. “Employers want to know you have looked at the job description,” Carpenter
EMMA FARRELL | DESIGN CHIEF
In a Federal Work-Study Information Session, Nancy Carpenter, assistant director of career services, said now is the time for students to apply for a job. Students can learn more on Elon Job Network.
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THERE’S MORE POSTINGS AND THERE ARE MORE OPENINGS, SO THIS IS A GREAT YEAR TO BE LOOKING FOR A JOB NANCY CARPENTER ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF CAREER SERVICES
said. When creating a resume, Carpenter also urges students to evaluate the specific job they are applying for to ensure the skills they include are directly related to that position. “Quantify and qualify what you’ve done, show the value that you brought,” Carpenter said. The cover letter is a student’s “sales pitch,” according to Carpenter. This document should be limited to one page and the content should vary depending on
SCAN TO VISIT THE ELON JOB NETWORK OR VISIT ELON.EDU/U/SPDC/
1. Open your phone camera 2. Focus on the QR code 3. Click the pop-up link
THE ELON BITE IS A COLUMN THAT REVIEWS RESTAURANTS AND FOOD VENDORS IN THE LOCAL AREA
THE ELON BITE
The Root’s Chicken Caesar Wrap is not a meal to miss out on
Eddie Keefe
Freshman
IF YOU GO The Root Where: 110 W Lebanon
Ave, Elon, NC 27244 When: Monday: 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday: 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Sunday: Closed
The Root is a downtown staple for many Elon students and I only thought it would be right to give it a try. For this dining experience, I took my friends Claire, Julia, Grace and Margo to see what the hype was about. Although we visited during the packed dinner rush, the food and service wait was not long. Grace ordered the Root Burger. Sadly, the restaurant did not have gluten-free buns, so she ordered her burger without one. The burger had fresh tomatoes and was filled with juicy flavors. It came with a garlic aioli sauce on the side, which stood out to Grace. Her side of choice was brussels sprouts which she enjoyed. I ordered the chicken caesar wrap with a side of fries. The grilled chicken was cooked perfectly and the sauce tasted like no other caesar dressing I’ve had before. The fries were thin, crunchy and flavorful and because the portioning was great, I finished my meal feeling full and not overstuffed. The chicken caesar wrap ended up being the best I’ve ever had and I would recommend it to anyone that goes to The Root. Claire ordered the Fried Green Tomato Caprese with a side of french fries. This was Claire’s first time trying fried tomatoes and she loved the crunch and flavor of the tomatoes. The brioche bun was perfectly toasted and the melted mozzarella added flavor to the sandwich. The fries lived up to the hype and helped pull the dish together with the basil aioli. As a picky eater, Margo ordered a
plain burger with a side of brussels sprouts. The burger and bun were prepared well, but none of the flavors caught her attention. Julia ordered the Root Burger with a side of fries. The overpowering garlic flavor in the burger was prevalent as was the cheese that made it into every bite. Julia found the fries and mushrooms to be really tasty, especially with truffle aioli that came on the side. Our collective rating of The Root is an 8.2/10 because of its welcoming outdoor seating, short waiting time and helpful staff. Though the food was a bit on the expensive side, the undeniable flavors in each meal made up for it. All of the sides that came with our food completed each meal. If I were to return to The Root, I would order the same entree. My friends also enjoyed their meals so I wouldn’t be surprised if they ordered the same thing for the second round. If you have any questions or a review idea, please reach out to me at ekeefe5@elon.edu.
EDDIE’S SCORE
8.2 of 10
Every week the restaurant reviewed is given a score out of 10.
EDDIE KEEFE | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
For this week’s food column, Keefe ordered the chicken cesar wrap with fries from The Root.
lifestyle
Wednesday September 1, 2021
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GIBSONVILLE WELCOMES NEW SHOPS IN COMMUNITY Three new businesses are in their early stages, all hoping to appeal to the larger Elon community.
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Abby Goretsky | Elon News Network
EAROLOGY, AN ECO-FRIENDLY BOUTIQUE, is the most recent of the three to open. Owner Brittany Pate, former public school teacher in Guilford and Alamance Counties, welcomed a change to the community while recovering from a car accident. “Over recovery and healing, [I thought] I need[ed] a change,” Pate said. “Physically, emotionally, mentally.” After she stopped teaching, Pate experienced “teacher guilt” after leaving her students and school. She wanted to give back to the community through her store, so she chose to donate $1 from every purchase toward a classroom in need. “Public education is close to my heart,” Pate said. “I know what it feels like to have to buy stuff for your own classroom.” The boutique is marketed toward a younger audience with the goals of promoting sustainable and ethical fashion. Pate said she has always been fascinated by fashion and follows
trends, but she never knew the backstory of where the clothes actually came from. When she opened her own boutique, she wanted to know who made the clothes she sold. Pate said if she had more knowledge of fashion and the environment when she was younger, she would have made more viable choices surrounding the clothes she purchased. Wearology carries a rotating selection of products and Pate hopes this strategy will keep new customers coming in. Because of this, she is consistently looking for new stock. There is an application for local vendors, especially women and women of color, to promote and sell their products in the boutique. IF YOU GO Wearology Where: 108 W. Main St. Gibsonville When: Tuesday-Friday 12-6, Saturday, 11-5
THE GILD ED
Brittany Pate opened Wearology with the hope of promoting sustainable and ethical fashion.
BEAN
KYRA O’CONNOR | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Gilded Bean coffee is available at the Gibsonville loacation and several shops downtown.
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ET TO OPEN IN early 2022, All She Wrote Notes is a calligraphy and hand lettering studio run by Maghon Taylor. The new brickand-mortar location will allow the studio to continue sales and hold classes and events. Taylor started the business in 2013 and has been online since then. “We’ve kind of outgrown my bonus room, which has operated the business for the past eight years,” Taylor said. Along with her online business, Taylor has a Youtube account where she advertises her products and crafts. She and her business have also been advertised on a variety of programs such as WFAA Channel 8 in Dallas and Today in Nashville. Before starting her business,
Taylor worked in event planning for seven years for various North Carolina universities. She said she enjoyed her work but missed being creative. Taylor hopes to connect with Elon University parents, so they have a small business to shop from for their students. Since Taylor is local, she could even deliver the gifts herself. “If they’re celebrating a birthday or they’ve gone through a breakup or they need some extra happy in their life, that’s our brand,” Taylor said. “That’s what we do.” When the location opens, it will not have traditional retail hours since it is not a full-on storefront. Instead, Taylor will reserve the first Saturday of each month for shopping, while the other days are for classes.
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HEN TERRY MILLER ARRIVED in Gibsonville, he noticed there wasn’t a downtown coffee shop yet and knew he could fill the gap. The Gilded Bean Coffee Bar opened in downtown Gibsonville on March 20. Miller, the store manager, moved to Gibsonville from Winston-Salem, where he previously owned a coffee shop before it closed at the start of the pandemic. The Gilded Bean prides itself in one of its many specialties: roasting its own coffee. Miller wanted to offer an air-roasted bean with a unique taste. This allows the shop to serve the freshest coffee and espresso. “Our coffee does not sit in containers for months waiting to be brewed,” Miller wrote in an email to Elon News Network. “After the coffee has been roasted, the coffee sits for two days to degas — think of it like a fine wine that is stored in a cellar.” Gilded Bean coffee is not only available in the shop but also around several businesses in
Taylor felt opening her doors for shoppers on Saturday would align with events that are already scheduled. “I just want somebody if they come to have my full attention, my full enthusiasm to give them the right experience,” Taylor said. “I’m afraid if we were just open all the time and I was on a podcast interview or I was recording a video, I couldn’t run to the door.”
VISIT ONLINE allshewrotenotes.com
town and at the Trinity Church in Burlington. “There’s some great coffee shops out there, especially some larger box stores,” Miller said. “But there’s something about the small businesses that are really putting their heart and soul in it.” The proximity to Elon University is also important to Miller since one of his goals is to make the location accommodating to students. “Whether that’s adding a discount for the students, maybe having an after hours study group once we close,” Miller said, “there’s so many great places on campus that are there for the students, but sometimes it’s good to get away.” Part of the outreach to the community begins with the coffee shop’s name. The Gilded Bean is a nod to some of Gibsonville’s earliest residents, who came to the area looking for gold in the 1800s. “We’re all kind of searching for something, that shiny object, and chasing it,” Miller said. “Really what we need to look for is just the bare minimum of what’s going to make us happy, and a good cup of
COURTESY OF WEAROLOGY
coffee is just [that.]” Elon junior Jacob Van Buren began working at the Gilded Bean over the summer, but he already feels comfortable and settled in. Van Buren said his parents first discovered Gibsonville by accident when they drove through the town. They brought him to the town for dinner, and now, Gibsonville is where he lives and works. Van Buren said working at the Gilded Bean is fun and one of his favorite parts is that it is a small, local business. “I see the owner Chuck [Beard], and I see Terry every day,” Van Buren said. “They’re both really nice guys. All either of them really wants to do is give someone what they want and hopefully make their day better.”
IF YOU GO The Gilded Bean Where: 111 E. Main St.
Gibsonville When: Monday-Saturday 7-5
OTES WROTE N E H S L L A
COURTESY OF ALL SHE WROTE NOTES
When the location opens, All She Wrote Notes will not have traditional retail hours.
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lifestyle
Wednesday september 1, 2021
Take a book, SHARE A BOOK The Town of Elon will add a fourth Little Free Library allowing access to free books Cailey Cetani Elon News Network
After an article in the News & Record about the non-profit organization Little Free Library caught her attention, Town of Elon Downtown Development Administrator Kathleen Patterson thought Elon’s community could use one itself. There are currently two Little Free Libraries located in Elon’s parks, one on campus outside Mooney Building and the other placed next to Pandora’s Pies. According to Patterson, the Little Free Library organization was created with the intent to build community, inspire readers and expand book access for everyone. Collections include a diverse range of books, from children’s literacy to history textbooks. The choice of what to take from the library is up to the reader. Sophomore Lauren Mendenhall said the Little Free Library eliminates barriers of certain books from being accessible to the community through the education system. “I would trade books like Strega Nona because I feel that books like Strega Nona have a big impact,” Mendenhall said. “Right now, Strega Nona is a banned book. And it shouldn’t be. And a library like this doesn’t necessarily have banned books, so it’s a
good way for kids to trade and learn more.” Books can be added to the collection in two ways: through book drives or personal donations. Patterson believes people contributing their own books to the collection creates a closer community bond. “I go down about once a week just to check in to make sure. I have not had to restock it for the last three weeks, because other people are filling it,” Patterson said. “And they’re filling it with not only kids books, but you’re all seeing books for teens or books for college students, there’s a couple of textbooks in there.” Little Free Libraries function by an honor code, where anyone may take or share a book. If someone takes a book, they should try to replace it with another one, either in the same library or one nearby. “There’s nothing stopping anybody that wants to create a Little Free Library and park it somewhere on their property,‘’ Patterson said. Repurposed birdhouses and newsstands have been positioned across the country in parks and community centers to encourage people to read. As long as a structure can hold a book or two, it can be turned into a Little Free Library, according to Patterson. Though not everyone has access to a structure that could be repurposed, one can be purchased online. A portion of the sales are donated to the Amish communities who help craft the structures, while the other profits go to supporting the organization’s efforts of
Little Free Libraries across the county are available for everyone to expand literary access.
expanding their community reach. Mendenhall said she believes the borrowing and giving system of the Little Free Library is beneficial to all communities by having better access to a wide range of books. “You get to see all the books that are in it,” Mendenhall said. “You get to trade whatever books you want. It’s in places where there’s a high population of people so they can just quickly skim through it and
see if there’s anything they’d like.”
IF YOU GO: 1. Beth Schmidt Park 2. Lawrence Slade Park 3. Outside Mooney Building 4. W College Avenue and N Williamson Avenue (Next to Pandora’s Pies)
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DELANEY DANIELS | PHOTO EDITOR
Wednesday, september 1, 2021 | page 15
20 YEARS
SPORTS
AT RHODES STADIUM Host of Elon University’s football team, Rhodes Stadium will celebrate its 20th anniversary this season. The Phoenix have played football at three separate venues throughout the program’s history.
The Phoenix will celebrate the anniversary of the stadium’s opening Sept. 4 in a game against Wofford Jacob Kisamore
Sports Director | @jacob_kisamore
For the first 92 years of Elon University football, the program did not have a stadium on campus to call home. That all changed in 2001 when Rhodes Stadium opened up, with the opening of an on-campus venue built specifically to host Elon football. As Elon football begins its 20th season at Rhodes Stadium, there is much to reflect on and celebrate. Brian Dudiak, who serves as Elon’s assistant athletic director for facilities and event management, said the stadium matches up perfectly with Elon’s identity and has made a big impact on both the football program and the university. “It has drastically changed things, it’s a really good venue,” Dudiak said. “It’s in a nice spot. It fits in with Elon. We have such a beautiful campus, and they extended that into the facility.”
Finding an on-campus home
Prior to 1949, Elon’s football team played its home games at Comer Field, located on Williamson Avenue across from what is now the town of Elon’s fire station. The team moved to Walter M. Williams High School’s Burlington City Schools Stadium when it opened in 1949 and played there through 2000. While Burlington City Schools Stadium can accommodate 10,000 spectators, it is approximately 10 minutes from Elon University’s campus, meaning Elon students and fans had to commute to Burlington to attend games. Clay Hassard, an offensive lineman for Elon’s football team from 1982 to 1984, said the atmosphere at Burlington City Schools Stadium was always good, but the distance from Elon’s campus made it difficult for the team, students and fans. “In its heyday, it was a really great facility, and it still is,” Hassard said. “It just
wasn’t on campus, and the effort to go into Burlington versus the effort to walk across campus are two different things.” Wanting to bring its football team on campus, Elon University broke ground on its new football stadium on March 14, 2000. The project cost $13 million at the time, equivalent to over $20 million today. Rhodes Stadium, named for Elon trustee Warren “Dusty” Rhodes and his family, opened a year later and hosted its first game on Sept. 22, 2001, with Elon losing to North Carolina A&T 23-7.
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IT EXCITES ME TO KNOW THAT WE HAVE COME SO FAR. WHO KNOWS WHERE WE’LL BE IN ANOTHER 20 YEARS BUT IT’S FUN TO WATCH AND IT’S FUN TO BE AROUND. CLAY HASSARD OFFENSIVE LINEMAN, 1982-1984
Hassard, who now serves as Elon’s senior associate director of athletics, compliance and campus relations, is in his 34th year working for Elon Athletics. He worked with the school as they transitioned from Burlington’s stadium to Rhodes Stadium and said he is proud to see how far the university has come with the addition of the venue. “It excites me to know that we have come so far,” Hassard said. “Who knows where we’ll be in another 20 years, but it’s fun to watch, and it’s fun to be around.”
Boosting recruiting and fan experience
One of the most important benefits of having an on-campus stadium for Elon
University is showcasing the venue to prospective recruits. Dudiak said showing recruits an oncampus venue rather than an off-campus one makes a huge difference in the process, not only for the football program, but also for Elon’s other varsity athletic teams that host high school athletes at Rhodes Stadium. “To bring a recruit to an on-campus venue and a bigger venue is definitely a lot more impactful,” Dudiak said. “It really got us up to par with the schools we’re recruiting against.” Another area that has improved with the addition of Rhodes Stadium is fan engagement. Before each Elon home game, tailgaters gather outside the venue to connect and have fun with family and friends. Dudiak said he believes that kind of environment is only possible at an oncampus site. “The buzz of a gameday is just something you can’t replicate off-campus,” Dudiak said. “To have those five or six Saturdays every year truly be a campus-wide celebration and have everyone enjoying it, it was a huge thing for the campus to get.” Dudiak said that having an on-campus football stadium has helped validate the football program, with the increased fan engagement building the team’s brand. “It really changed things and made it a lot more legitimate to have a stadium of your own right on campus, it’s much easier to come support with it being right in the heart of Elon,” Dudiak said.
DELANEY DANIELS | PHOTO EDITOR
to behold,” Hassard said. “It was a lot of fun that we had a lot of support from the students and staff.” Dudiak said his favorite game at Rhodes Stadium was the 2019 match-up between Elon and William & Mary, which went into five overtimes. Dudiak said he does not get much of a chance to watch games at Rhodes Stadium due to his game day responsibilities, but at the end of regulation against William & Mary, he moved down to the field to help the teams make it back to the locker room. Because he was where he needed to be for when the game ended, he was able to watch the overtime sessions from field level. “It’s rare that you’re able to actually truly enjoy a great game while you’re working it,” Dudiak said. “It was fun being in that environment.”
BY THE NUMBERS
14,000
is the capacity for Rhodes Stadium
14,167
was the largest crowd Rhodes stadium experienced during their game against Appalachian State on Nov. 14, 2019.
Best moments at Rhodes
In its 19 years of operation, Rhodes Stadium has hosted many incredible moments in Elon football history. Hassard said his favorite memory at the stadium is the 2009 Elon vs. Appalachian State football game, which drew the largest crowd in the facility’s history with 14,167 fans in attendance — the largest crowd in the facility’s history. Though the Phoenix lost 27-10 that day, Hassard said he will never forget the atmosphere and energy in the stadium. “Fans were shoulder to shoulder all the way to the grass banks, and it was a sight
After only allowing a limited number of fans last season, Elon Athletics will welcome full capacity crowds again at Rhodes Stadium this fall, much to the delight of Dudiak. “We had worked for years to build the environment and fan experience at Rhodes Stadium, and we had to go backwards last spring,” Dudiak said. “We’re not out of the pandemic yet, but it’s nice to see at least some of the things we shook up starting to take form back like it used to.”
16
sports
Wednesday september 1, 2021
Newly installed eSports lounge secures future of club eSports The eSports lounge provides Club eSports with a much needed space of their own and state of the art equipment Hope Valenti Elon News Network
From a few students gaming from their dorms to now inducting over 300 members, Elon University’s eSports Club’s rapid growth inspired the development of a new meeting spot — the eSports Lounge. Located in Global Commons, the space consists of 12 personal computers and two televisions. Players will have a variety of games and consoles at their disposal, such as Overwatch and Rainbow Six Siege. As the campus’ interest in eSports increased, so did the demand for effective communication. Internet connectivity problems threatened interaction and community among teammates. Originally, the club advocated for technical support from the university. Aware of the shortcomings of the school’s primary network, acquiring Ethernet was vital to improving the experience of members. The upgraded server allows multiple computer systems to bridge together via cables for smoother data transmittance. Recognizing that individual environments restrained team collaboration, the club looked to find a new gathering space. Alternating between various locations on campus, eSports never came across a space that fulfilled their needs as an organization until this year. Faculty advisor Brandon Essary acknowledged that the space has been a long time coming. “Soccer needs a field, basketball needs an arena, eSports needed a place where they can compete, but also get together and be a club,” Essary said. Despite challenging circumstances, eSports has experienced triumph in past competitions, with some teams earning high rankings. The club’s Rainbow Siege Six team is among the most notable, at one point placing top 20 in the United States. The lounge will serve as a hub for not only practice and competition, but recreational gameplay as well. With events such as Fight Nights, club President John Spitznagel is hopeful that the lounge will contribute to the influx of players. Though selective members will have access via Phoenix Card, the space will also be available to prospective students. “We’re working on a schedule right now for open hours,” Spitznagel said. “But, we usually leave the door open and whenever the door’s open. Anybody that has any interest at all can come play a game.” Spitznagel said that the presence of the lounge has already piqued the interest of many students. “Just sitting here for the past three days we’ve had easily 20 people come in and express interest,” Spitznagel said. “It’s looking like this club is about to blow up.” The lounge will provide players and teams the capacity to connect and practice in ways previously unfeasible. According to Spitznagel, the process of obtaining the lounge was not easy. Club eSports was fighting for more support from the university, when Vice President for Student Life John Dooley approached them with an opportunity. Dooley presented them with the space in Global Commons and asked what they needed in order to sustain the
JACOB KISAMORE | SPORTS DIRECTOR
Members of the eSports club meet on Monday, Aug. 30 on their own time.
club and its successes. The club’s lounge objective is to promote inclusivity and authenticity in a supportive space. The opening of the lounge has increased excitement of returning and incoming members alike. Teams can now convene to view reels of past games opponents to prepare for competition, formulating gameplans and promoting unity. Freshman Grace Mills joined the club’s Discord server before stepping foot on campus this fall. Eager to join the accomplished Overwatch team, she hopes to broaden her skillset. “It’s going to be just incredible to play competitively against other colleges and even other people in the room, I’ve never experienced that before,” Mills said. Essary credits students with acquiring support and funding from the Campus Center for Recreation and Wellness. Members were fortunate to have significant input in the equipment featured in the lounge, offering insight throughout the process. Spitznagel said he believes the level of involvement has helped boost the club’s anticipation and excitement. “We, as [the] eSports club, came up with a bunch of things that we need,” Spitznagel said. “We designed the specs for the PC, picked out the keyboards, mice, monitors, headsets, and they got it all for us.” Aligning with the club’s mission statement, the resources provided within the space will allow students to build not only their skill set, but their sense of community, as well. “Honestly, it’s amazing to me,” Essary said. “They can not only play, but play in an organized way, and make that a part of their college experience.” While Discord allows players to assemble remotely, the opportunity to congregate and observe one another has proved beneficial. The transition to inperson meetings has successfully led to a greater sense of connectivity among members. “I feel so much better when I see people,” Mills said. “I’m finally understanding how they’re actually reacting.” Prospective gamers can join Discord
JACOB KISAMORE | SPORTS DIRECTOR
Located in the Global Commons, the eSports Lounge opened this year. President John Spitznagel said he hopes the lounge will contribute to the influx of players. The space will be available to prospective students.
“
SOCCER NEEDS A FIELD, BASKETBALL NEEDS AN ARENA, ESPORTS NEEDED A PLACE WHERE THEY CAN COMPETE, BUT ALSO GET TOGETHER AND BE A CLUB. BRANDON ESSARY FACULTY ADVISOR
and eSports through PhoenixConnect and are encouraged to take advantage of the open door policy. “If you want to play, we’ll fit you in,” Spitznagel said. “You’ll always find somebody that you can play with.”
BY THE NUMBERS
300
plus students have joined Elon University’s eSports Club, gaming from their dorm or in the new eSports Lounge located in Global Commons.