Elissa Leka

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Recent Articles

NEWS 3/11/26 12:00am

Elon Town Council discusses sidewalk safety, ordinances, professionalism at meeting

By Elissa Leka

The Elon Town Council discussed pedestrian safety, new ordinance plans and council decorum in their meeting March 10.

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LIFESTYLE 3/10/26 9:36am

Dance scholar blends dance, activism in McCrary Theatre talk

By Elissa Leka

The Elon community found rhythm in McCrary Theatre as they gathered to hear Brenda Dixon-Gottschild discuss and perform her research on the Africanist presence in American dance. The self-proclaimed “anti-racist” told the audience that while she was reading from her notes, the event would not be a traditional academic presentation. 

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NEWS 3/3/26 10:27pm

Biscuitville CEO discusses career path, leadership

By Elissa Leka

Elon students gathered in LaRose Digital Theatre to hear Elon alum and Biscuitville CEO Kathie Niven’89 discuss her leadership journey and career path. The discussion was part of the university’s “Lessons from Leaders” series, which provides students access to senior leaders with insights in marketing, management and becoming a professional leader. 

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LIFESTYLE 3/1/26 12:55pm

African Diaspora of Elon embraces culture with first-ever African Night

By Elissa Leka

The African Diaspora of Elon closed the university’s celebration of Black History Month with the first-ever African Night on Feb. 28, with music, fashion, comedy and pageantry. Abdul-Malik Harrison, advisor to ADE and assistant director of the Center for Race, Ethnicity, & Diversity Education said though he has seen the campus put together amazing cookouts, parties and cultural events, African Night was unique and new. 

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NEWS 2/27/26 11:44am

Author lectures on misogyny and extremism

By Elissa Leka

The Elon community gathered in Numen Lumen’s McBride Gathering Space room to hear Cynthia Miller-Idris speak about the influence of misogyny on domestic violence and violent extremism. The lecture honored the memory of Lauren Dunne Astley, who was murdered by her boyfriend in July 2011, before she was able to begin her college journey at Elon University. 

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LIFESTYLE 2/18/26 11:06am

Elon University Belk Library hosts African American Literature Read-In

By Elissa Leka

Students gathered at Elon University’s Belk Library on Feb. 17 to share poetry and prose with the Elon community —turning literature into an opportunity for expression during Black History Month. The event opened with a reading from assistant professor of English Dan Burns, who shared an excerpt from “The Nickel Boys”. He chose the book knowing that he was about to head over to Global Neighbourhood for a film screening of the movie adaptation. 

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NEWS 2/11/26 9:54am

Elon Town Council reviews sustainability efforts, ordinance amendments

By Elissa Leka

The Elon Town Council received an annual update from the Sustainability Committee, held public hearings for a Land Management Ordinance text amendment and Elon University text amendment and addressed proposed ordinances and resolutions in chapters 13 and 17. There were no participants in the public comments portion of the agenda. 

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NEWS 12/12/25 12:25pm

Elon University students prepare for internship, job searches

By Elissa Leka

From freshmen starting to navigate the professional world to seniors preparing for post-graduate opportunities, understanding how to navigate the application process can make all the difference in landing an internship. “That doesn’t mean they need to start seeking out an internship right away,” Amber Moser, director of internships in the School of Communications, said. “Planning for it and researching and putting the pieces in place to be successful in your first year is really beneficial, particularly if students are double majoring, depending on the kind of double major they have.”

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NEWS 11/13/25 1:22pm

Federal cuts pull $156 million in solar funding from North Carolina

By Elissa Leka

In August 2025 the Trump administration rescinded the funding as part of its reconsideration of former EPA regulations. This action was met with attorney generals of 23 states, filing a $7 billion lawsuit against the EPA, amongst them was North Carolina’s Jeff Jackson. Elon University associate professor of geography and environmental studies Ryan Kirk said it wasn’t just money that was lost in these cuts. “This is stimulus and jobs and economic activity in these communities,” Kirk said. “Which is just one step not being placed for trying to help these communities.”

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LIFESTYLE 10/31/25 9:03pm

Elon Gender & LGBTQIA Center embraces ‘spooky season’ with Fall Pride

By Elissa Leka

Elon University’s Gender & LGBTQIA Center’s mission is to create an inclusive space for all, where people learn to “support, advocate, and educate around gender and LGBTQIA identities.” For GLC events coordinator and Elon junior Maverick Powell the pumpkin painting table was a personal favorite. “I always volunteer to do the painting because I love painting, and I also love seeing some people come and pull up in their costumes,” Powell said. “I really want to be able to have a safe space on campus for other people to have fun and be comfortable with themselves.”

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SPORTS 10/26/25 9:31pm

Collaborative efforts earn Elon women’s soccer a place in conference quarterfinals

By Elissa Leka

Elon University women’s soccer ended their match with a 0-0 draw against the College of Charleston, concluding the regular season undefeated at home.  As a result, the Phoenix now qualify for the Coastal Athletic Association conference, which prompted postgame enthusiasm and celebration. Head coach Neil Payne said he is excited for the team to head to conference finals. “I’m so excited for the group,” Payne said. “We felt like we’ve been playing well for a long time. Not just a win, but we’re undefeated at home, which speaks volumes for how we’ve played this season.” 

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LIFESTYLE 10/17/25 11:53am

Elon University’s fall musical explores life, art, love in Paris after WWII

By Sarah T. Moore and Elissa Leka

Elon’s production of “An American in Paris” will have seven shows from Oct. 31 to Nov. 8 in McCrary Theatre.Based on the 1951 romantic comedy movie of the same name, “An American in Paris” explores the French capital through the eyes of a veteran after World War II. Elon senior Gabe Tobierre said he is looking forward to the audience seeing the team’s hard work.“It has been a lot of blood, sweat and tears from the entire creative team, cast and everything,” Tobierre said. “It's been a labor of love for sure.” 

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