The Edge

Constructing a bright future from a discordant past

His name is Fazly, and he is from Afghanistan. At least, that’s the easiest way sophomore Toorialey Fazly has found to introduce himself to Americans who often express amazement at his nation of origin based on their own misconceptions. For Fazly, his identity as an Afghan is intertwined with his experiences as a college student in the United States, a dream he set his sights on as a young boy living in near-poverty under the rule of the Taliban and fought for years to obtain. Now studying international studies with a minor in economics, Fazly insists upon bringing his experiences and knowledge back home to the country he knows best. A stunted childhood Fazly was born and raised in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, and excelled at his studies for all of his life until his plans to attend college were halted by the necessity of providing for his family, which was struggling economically.

Law school graduate overcomes limitations to achieve success

At two feet tall, Monique Johnson may be less than half the height of most, but she has never let her small stature discourage her from chasing her goals. In May, Johnson will graduate from the Elon University School of Law.

Music professor raises voice in debut solo album

It’s not every day that you get to perform on tour in Italy —  twice. Nor is it every day that you record a debut solo album on a major record label. Polly Butler Cornelius, senior lecturer of music and voice at Elon University, has done both of these things, with the release of her classical CD, “Wild Songs,” coming April 24. “I’ve always been musical,” Cornelius said.

Putting classroom skills into practice

Thanks to a national public relations competition, four Elon University seniors are brining hunger closer to home — and the classroom. Each year, Elon participates in the Public Relations Student Society of America's Bateman Case Study Competition.

Antonia’s serves up fresh Italian

The appetizer of spring break is long gone, and now we’re looking forward to the main course: summer.

Wise words from recent graduate: Social Media

Katie Olsen, an Elon graduate of the Class of 2007, is now working in Tampa, Fla., as a freelance social media specialist.

The Pendulum is currently hiring for select positions

Coffer unites off-court passions for summer of service

Quality characteristics weren’t hard to find for Sam Coffer during her high school days at Greensboro’s Northern Guilford High School.

Professional background should be determining factor in current job market

On campuses across the country, millions of students are untangling themselves from racy Facebook photos of the party last weekend, deleting old wall posts and refraining from re-tweeting inside jokes from those late nights at the bar. Why?

Martin became martyr for unsung victims of racial profiling in U.S.A.

A country that was built on the foundation of multiple cultures, ethnicities, and beliefs should, in a perfect world, lack stereotypes and misconceptions about people different from themselves.

Power over people: Representatives focus on personal gains more than constituents

Politics – it’s not a four-letter word, but it’s rapidly becoming a dirty word. Candidates running for office seem to be more occupied with attacking each another  with  socially charged comments, such as, “The American left hates Christendom.

Technological advances dictate library functionality

A library characterized by dusty text is an outdated concept, and the newly selected dean and university librarian defies the antiquated image attached to the institution. “I think any librarian who’s successful today is very adaptive to the fast, fast pace of changes technologically,” said Joan Ruelle, who will assume the position at Elon University June 1. The selection committee recognized the ability to transform the library in accordance with patrons’ technological literacy as a significant qualification for the new librarian, according to Mary Wise, associate vice president of academic affairs and chairwoman of the selection committee. “It’s not about collecting books and putting them on shelves,” Wise said.

Returning to the classroom: Elon employees take courses on campus to broaden opportunities

In one moment, she was an Elon University parent, employee and student. After 16 years, her relationship with the university strengthened when she became an Elon graduate in May 2011 as well. Kim Giles, resources and communication coordinator, came to Elon with a high school degree and worked as an employee in the admissions office performing data entry in 1994.

Reduction in dining facilities may close 1889 Grill Room

With the closing of Harden Dining Hall in fall 2012, Elon Dining Services has plans to close 1889 Grill Room and incorporate the facility into Colonnades dining hall in order to provide more seating for students frequenting the all-you-can eat dining option. Harden Dining Hall will close so that construction of the new Global Residential Neighborhood can begin, leaving the Elon community with McEwen and Colonnades as the only two all-you-can-eat dining options.

New Jewish studies minor unites courses into comprehensive study of culture

It was during his first semester on campus that sophomore Mason Sklut discovered his interest in Jewish history and culture.

Shock journalism, even on April Fool's, is anything but a joke

April Fools’ Day is, by far, one of my least favorite days. No one is to be trusted and people think it’s okay to say, or publish, inappropriate things that are ‘made okay’ by tacking on “April Fools’” at the end. Adding the phrase “just kidding” to the end of something, like telling your parents that you (or your girlfriend) are pregnant, doesn’t make it funny.

Pay it forward: Students acknowledge importance of giving back to university

Exercising at the gym, printing assignments in the library and riding on the Bio Bus are all activities that Elon students take part in on a weekly, and often daily, basis.

Redshirts take unique path in world of college athletics

Ever heard of Warren Alfson? Probably not, but his decision in 1938 helped give several Elon Phoenix athletes an extra year of college athletics participation. Alfson, a sophomore member of the Nebraska University football team at the time, decided to take a year to just practice and not play because there were too many good players ahead of him, therefore gaining an extra year of playing eligibility in the process.

Student vocalist jazzed to embrace real-world career

Junior Alicia Varcoe’s rich jazz vocals have been heard everywhere on Elon University’s campus, from Midnight Meals to performances with the Elon Jazz Ensemble. With the release of her debut jazz album, they will likely be heard on a much larger scale. Varcoe is recording “Since I Fell for You” as part of her College Fellows thesis project and is planning on a fall 2012 release.

Senior succeeds through ambitious experiences

If you ask any staff member at the Student Professional Development Center about Cedric Pulliam, chances are, they know him. Pulliam, a senior political science and international studies major, has gone beyond the required completion of one Experiential Learning Requirement and instead, received credit for all five ELRs.