Commencement Traditions: The Elon Mace
Katie Nash May 4, 2012 Commencement at Elon is full of long-standing traditions. Over the next few weeks, we’ll highlight a few of these traditions, starting with the Elon mace. Have you ever witnessed Dr. Earl Danieley carrying a large silver item at university events such as Convocation and Commencement? Indeed, Dr. Danieley along with numerous faculty members have shared the privilege of carrying the Elon mace during campus events.
Read MoreHomecoming 20 years ago
Katie Nash October 17, 2011 “Mardi Gras at Elon” was the Homecoming theme in 1991. Prior to Homecoming week, a few events were scheduled which included Skit Night in Whitley Auditorium, and the infamous Homecoming float competition that took place on Haggard Avenue. The Homecoming floats were created by a number of student organizations. The float competition preceded the Elon football game, in which the Fightin’ Christians played the Bulldogs of Gardner-Webb (and Elon lost). Other events that took place during Homecoming included a penny drive to benefit the United Way and a carnival.
Read MoreMay Day and Play Day at Elon
Miriam Pace – volunteer in Archives January 31, 2011 Elon College’s first May Day was celebrated in 1921. However, there was a problem. Dancing was frowned upon at Elon and when the spectators saw the girls “cavorting” on the lawn in front of West Dormitory, they were horrified! There were no more May Days at Elon until 1931! But from 1931 to 1942 the day and the dancing and the crowning of the Queen and King proceeded without a hitch. Then…
Read MoreCommon reading enters 19th year
Pam Richter – Class of 2011 September 15, 2010 On Tuesday, September 21, Rob Gifford will be speaking at Elon University for this year’s common reading lecture. Gifford is the author of China Road, which was selected as the common reading book for the campus this year. Each spring a committee consisting of faculty, staff, and students choose a book for the Elon community to read for the following year. Often times these books are integrated into the Global Experience or Elon 101 classes and often times the author of the book deliver a lecture on campus during the fall.
Read MoreFreshman move-in day throughout the years
Pam Richter – Class of 2011 August 26, 2010 Here is a glimpse of move-in day throughout the years at Elon. Freshman for the class of 2014 move-in at Elon on Friday, August 27. [slideshow]
Read MoreBells, sirens, chimes
Pam Richter – Class of 2011 August 13, 2010 Every day during the week sharply at 5 p.m. the chimes located in the cupola of Alamance building at Elon University ring and the campus echoes with these sounds. For many people today, the noise of the chimes drifts into the background and often goes unnoticed; however, the sounds previously were tied to different events on campus.
Read MoreElon ‘E’ uncovered
Pam Richter – Class of 2011 August 6, 2010 Commencement under the oaks, receiving an acorn at freshman convocation and ultimately receiving a sapling at graduation are just a few of the traditions Elon prides itself on. But there may be one long-standing tradition that ended at Elon that people aren’t as familiar with: the tradition of the Elon “E”.
Read MoreWading in Fonville Fountain
Pam Richter – Class of 2011 May 17, 2010 Today, Elon students are not allowed to splash or wade in Fonville Fountain after receiving their diplomas during commencement, but in the 1980s, this was a well-embraced Elon tradition on commencement.
Read MoreFounders Day at Elon
Pam Richter – Class of 2011 March 8, 2010 For anyone who has attended an Elon basketball game in Alumni Gym, they have heard the famous, “Dr. Danieley” cheer. The students start the chant, and across the court in the balcony Dr. J. Earl Danieley rises from his seat and he waves his rally towel. Then the entire stadium erupts in applause. This description helps to show how much Danieley has been an iconic figure at Elon for more than six decades. This week he will be the latest person to be honored as part of Elon University’s Founders Day celebration.
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