CORRECTION: The original version of this article stated that Mary Jo Festle has worked at Elon University for 22 years. She has worked at Elon University for 32 years. Elon News Network regrets this error

Updated as of 11:15 on May 20 to include video of event

Friendship, reflection and candles filled Under the Oaks at Numen Lumen: Senior Baccalaureate Reflection on May 20. The event was the first commencement event for all students graduating in the class of 2025. 

The sound of drums echoed through the rows, as the Greeting of the Drums started off the night, led by freelance drummers. 

The Senior Baccalaureate Reflection hosted several additional musical performances by seniors Sadie Margolis, Nicole Bazos, Lucas McKeown, Julian Brown, Sitare Sadeghi, Ella Nagel and Summer Severin, with University Accompanist Tyson Hankins playing piano for each of the performers.

A moment of silence was taken to remember members of the class of 2025 who died, Will Stoneman and Talia Malinsky.

During the event, several seniors read poems, prayers and excerpts from novels and the Bible such as Shehechiyanu, “Watership Down,” “Jiang Jin Jiu,” the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi and Ecclesiastes. 

Distinguished University Professor and professor of history Mary Jo Festle gave the Baccalaureate Address and will be leaving Elon alongside the class of 2025 as she retires after 32 years at Elon. 

Festle advised the class to take notes on what she said and think about the answer to four questions before they walk the stage Friday, May 23. Festle asked the crowd to write or think about their experiences with diversity, skills they’ve improved on, new ideas they’ve had and an academic challenge they’ve overcome at Elon. 

Elon faculty, staff and alumni from the class of 1975 lit candles that spread to the crowd of graduating students. Row after row, each candle was lit, with students singing along to a cover of “Bridge of Light” by P!NK, dancing and reminiscing with others. 

Senior Emma Gold said the Senior Baccalaureate Reflection was an event with great musical performances and meaning. Her favorite part was the passing of the light. 

“It was really fun to see us all sharing the candles,” Gold said.

The drum recessional led the class of 2025 to retrieve their oak tree saplings — symbolizing their four years of growth at Elon.

“I’m definitely going to get it a bigger pot so its roots can grow,” Gold said.