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Graduating senior Cici Salazar receives her first-generation stole in McKinnon Hall on May 20.

First-generation graduates recognized at stole ceremony

By Kate Gray

When Cici Salazar began her undergraduate education at Elon University in 2019, the school had just begun offering focused support services to first-generation students through the Center for Access and Success. Seven years later, Salazar is graduating with a Master of Arts in Higher Education and received her first-generation stole after planning the past two years’ ceremonies.

LIFESTYLE 5/20/26 2:47pm

From landscaping to utilities, university readies campus for commencement

By Mia Torres

As commencement approaches at Elon University, behind the scenes, the landscaping, grounds, facilities and utilities teams are already deep into preparations to ensure the university looks its best for graduating students and their families. For Audrey Rose, a gardener, commencement season is both familiar and demanding. While campus upkeep is a year-round responsibility, she said the work intensifies in the weeks leading up to graduation, particularly after May 8.

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LIFESTYLE 05/18/2026 6:02pm
Human service studies student centers community in upcoming commencement speech

Two years ago, Ruby Radis watched her sorority big, best friend and Elon alum, Grace Ackerman, speak at the commencement ceremony in 2024. What Radis didn’t know was that moment would open the possibility of being a speaker at her own graduation. Radis, a human service studies major, was selected by a board of Elon University students, faculty and President Connie Book to be the undergraduate commencement speaker for the 136th Commencement ceremonies on May 22.

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