Change — no matter how minor or drastic — is a terrifying concept.
Even the bravest people can admit that change is scary, but it is important to also see the beauty and excitement that can result when change occurs.
Elon University is currently going through a number of changes. Last week on the third annual Elon Day, the university unveiled a change in its brand. After this rebrand, we’ve all heard students complain about the modifications, uncomfortable with the idea of it.
In the near future, we will be seeing even more changes to the university which will definitely have an impact on the look of the school and the students who attend it. We are already witnessing the construction of the expansion to the School of Communications, with a convocation center, expansion of the business school and a renovated McEwen Dining Hall also on their way.
While this change appears large, in reality it’s quite minimal. The new design is simply an update to what we had in the past — it’s a bolder font and a leaf in place of an acorn. This update, along with the additional updates soon coming to the university, should be welcomed by Elon students.
Elon is a growing school, and these changes are best for the university as it continually expands. They shouldn’t be viewed as differences, but as opportunities.
The university is not only growing in size, but also national recognition. Elon has made strides in national rankings in the U.S. News and World Report, such as being named the best overall school in the South. Previous changes have been great aids to this growth in prominence and recognition. To continue this forward motion, Elon must make moves in its look and infrastructure as well.
These changes may take away some parking and make the university’s appearance different, but they offer students so many new resources that will help them succeed.
The new School of Communications expansion will have more studios and offices for student media. The new dining hall will offer healthier and more diverse food options. The expansion of the business school will have more classrooms and resources for business students. All of these changes are necessary to continue the promising momentum of the school.
This place we call home is going to look drastically different on the day we graduate than it did the day we got here, and that is something to be celebrated, not feared. Maybe saying that Elon is changing isn’t the best word. Perhaps “evolving” is more reflective of what is happening within the university.
Instead of complaining about this evolution, we should be proud that we attend a school that isn’t stagnant. It is crucial that we embrace these changes and recognize how it reflects our growth and where we still have to go.