Lauren McCowan

Recent Articles

LIFESTYLE 10/24/25 12:48am

Elon Black Alumni Network panel bridges generations through reflection, empowerment

By Lauren McCowan

The Elon Black Alumni Network hosted its annual discussion panel on Oct. 23, welcoming students and alumni into the KOBC room, where they filled it with laughter, honesty, and reflection. Panelists Dyamond Howell ’19, assistant director of Alumni Engagement Initiatives; Alex Bohannon ’17, EBAN president; and Abdul-Malik Harrison ’21, assistant director of the Center for Race, Ethnicity and Diversity Education, led the discussion. Together, they reflected on identity, community and the importance of bridging the gap between alumni and students.

NEWS 1/21/25 10:01pm

Elon University builds relationships between students, staff by hosting the Racial Day of Healing Luncheon

By Lauren McCowan

The Office of Inclusive Excellence and Education Development and the Center for Race, Ethnicity, and Diversity Education hosted their annual Racial Day of Healing Luncheon in McEwen Dining Hall. This event was created to give the Elon community a chance to hear and learn from each other's stories of racial differences.  Jameka Pinnix, assistant director of Inclusive Excellence Education and Development, said she hoped for this event to bring educational awareness and relationship building to Elon.  “Everyone doesn't know this event is for everyone – it can be assumed in so many ways, but this isn't just about racial healing, it’s also racial education,” Pinnix said. 

NEWS 1/10/25 9:30pm

‘King: A Life’ author shares Martin Luther King Jr.’s untold story with Elon University

By Lauren McCowan

Jonathan Eig has spent seven years traveling the country to record stories of Martin Luther King Jr. At the beginning of the lecture, Eig reminded the audience who King was to the world. He then posed the question, “Does anyone know about Mike?” This simple question led to Eig’s seven-year research project on King.   Elon University marked its 39th annual celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day in McCrary Theatre, filled with students and guests eager to honor the civil rights hero. 

LIFESTYLE 11/11/24 4:40pm

Elon University tunes into first-ever SUBFest with student performances

By Gaby Maldonado and Lauren McCowan

Elon University's Student Union Board hosted its first SUBFest on Nov. 8, an outdoor music festival featuring live performances, student-run businesses and giveaways. In partnership with Limitless, Limelight Records and WSOE, the event aimed to provide students with an afternoon of entertainment in Young Commons. Junior Caroline Reich, the graphic design chair of the Student Union Board, said the idea of SUBFest was inspired by her experience at a college music festival that she attended before coming to Elon.

LIFESTYLE 10/27/24 3:27pm

Elon University joins community in hosting Pumpkin Festival

By Lauren McCowan

Tables with pumpkins, hot chocolate, and crafts filled the Elon community garden for the university’s annual Pumpkin Festival on Oct. 25. From the moment it began attendees from the university and local town were greeted with music and activities. Elon’s Sustainability office and other programs took part by setting tables up for people to learn about the importance of creating and maintaining a sustainable environment. Eco-Rep and junior Virginia Campbell represented the Office of Sustainability with a table for guests to make lanterns out of recyclable items.

LIFESTYLE 10/21/24 10:34pm

Gala Latina empowers Latinx, Hispanic communities at Elon University

By Lauren McCowan

To end Hispanic Heritage Month, Elon University’s El Centro hosted its eighth annual gala to support and empower students, faculty and staff who identify as Latinx/Hispanic. With laughter, music and cultural food, there was a community atmosphere in LaRose Student Commons throughout the night of Oct. 18. Vice President for Inclusive Excellence Randy Williams said while these events are open to all, they are crucial for the campus’ Latinx and Hispanic communities to celebrate their heritage and feel a sense of belonging.  

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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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