Anne Thyfault

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LIFESTYLE 11/3/25 3:57pm

Waves of Puppetry: Paperhand Puppet Project spreads environmental awareness to North Carolina

By Anne Thyfault

Paperhand Puppet Project took over the Forest Theatre to present their annual show throughout August and September 2025. The show this year, “The Gift,” highlights stories surrounding water, its power and the importance of preservation, told through North Carolina water protectors and activists. This year marks the 25th anniversary of Paperhand Puppet Project’s production. The organization, recently turned nonprofit, officially began when Donovan Zimmerman met co-founder Jan Burger in 1998, starting the process of curating Paperhand Puppet Project into the production it has become today. Paperhand Puppet Project is set to continue and close out their production of “The Gift” in Asheville from November 7-9.

NEWS 9/20/23 8:12am

App launches as hub for Elon University recreation, wellness events

By Anne Thyfault

Elon’s Campus Recreation and Wellness released RecWell, an app designed to provide students with information on various recreation and wellness activities. According to Director of Campus Recreation and Wellness Larry Mellinger, the app released in late August and already has a good response from students with over 1,000 downloads. Personal training sessions, Elon Outdoor Adventures and HealthEU resources are all available on the platform. Students are able to sign up for programs, rent equipment and pay for events directly from the app by logging in with their Elon username and password. 

NEWS 9/18/23 2:51pm

Elon University students concerned for school safety

By Anne Thyfault

Following the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill's two firearm-related lockdowns within the first month of the 2023-24 school year, Elon University students express concerns over the possibility of gun violence occurring on campus. Elon sophomore Addison Fry said the stress she felt following University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill’s recent lockdowns impacts her daily life — down to the start of her daily routine with getting dressed for movement and practicality over comfort and looks. With UNC, Chapel Hill roughly 45 minutes away from Elon University, other Elon students said they have been hyper aware and conscious of their safety. 

LIFESTYLE 4/28/23 7:14am

Next cohort of Elon University Multifaith Scholars selected for 2023-25

By Anne Thyfault

The Multifaith Scholars consists of Elon University juniors and seniors who will participate in a mentored undergraduate research program related to interreligious studies. Scholars design their own research project to devote time to, and undertake a major or minor in religious or interreligious studies. Scholars will receive a $5,000 grant annually to support their research and academic development.

NEWS 4/21/23 11:43pm

Town of Elon’s social district block party builds community

By Anne Thyfault

Town of Elon’s social district block party builds community through music, inflatables and lawn games. Though the social district has been soft launched for a month, the event marks the town's official kick off, which allows individuals of drinking age to carry beer or wine within a specified zone.

LIFESTYLE 4/14/23 11:57am

‘Empathy through empowerment’: Ashley Judd delivers Elon University’s spring convocation address

By Anne Thyfault

Editor’s Note: This article includes discussion of sexual violence and suicide. The audience went from laughter one moment to tears the next in Alumni Gym Thursday night as Ashley Judd delivered Elon University’s Spring Convocation address. The actress and activist candidly spoke about her life, journey of healing from trauma and the search for discovery, peace and resilience. 

LIFESTYLE 4/7/23 10:28pm

Caleb King shares tales from 16 years in Rwanda to Elon University audience

By Anne Thyfault

Dr. Caleb King gave Elon University a look into his 16 years in Rwanda as he delivered the 2023 James P. Elder Lecture on Thursday. In 2003, King and his wife Louise King brought their family to Rwanda after being invited to work in the community. In his 16 years away from the States, he had helped build hospitals, churches and bring electricity to the community. 

LIFESTYLE 2/19/23 10:21pm

Elon University Truitt Center Sponsors annual, student-led Ripple Conference

By Anne Thyfault

Students from Elon University and visiting campuses left the three-day Ripple Conference after a weekend of interfaith discussion, speakers, and activities. The annual student-led Ripple Conference was sponsored by the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life and aimed to inspire interfaith students to create leaders within spiritual and religious work. This year was the conference's eighth year and the first fully in-person conference since 2020. 

NEWS 11/28/22 9:14am

Elon University to host Festival of Lights and Luminaries

By Anne Thyfault

Elon University’s campus will shine bright with lights Tuesday for its annual Festival of Lights and Luminaries. The campus tradition, held from 6:30 to 8 p.m., is a space where students and community members can learn about the diverse religions, cultures and traditions represented on Elon’s campus.

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LIFESTYLE 12/04/2025 10:53pm
Elon University’s campus glows as Festival of Lights and Luminaries expands cultural celebration

Elon University’s Festival of Lights and Luminaries took place on Dec. 4 and was hosted by the Truitt Center for Religious and Spiritual Life. Luminaries lit up Elon’s campus as students walked around and enjoyed the night. The festival started incorporating themes in 2020 with each year being a new theme. This year it was, “Many Lights on One Night.” “This year the festival is bigger than ever, so the theme represents how all the small lights that each of us bring create one larger light on campus,” Hillary Zaken, the director of multifaith programming and engagement for the Truitt Center said. 

SPORTS 12/04/2025 12:09am
Strong start not enough in Elon University men’s basketball loss to Furman University

The energy in Schar Center was palpable as the Phoenix built an early 18 point lead. However, the Phoenix couldn’t sustain momentum as Furman University surged in the second half to hand Elon a home defeat on Dec. 3. Head coach Billy Taylor said the Phoenix simply didn’t respond well when Furman started to take control. While there were encouraging moments during the game, Taylor stressed the importance of maintaining that level. “When they punched back, we didn’t respond the right way,” Taylor said. “We need more of those moments strung together over the course of 40 minutes.”

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