Liya Rike

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Recent Articles

LIFESTYLE 8/26/25 11:34am

‘First Gen’ memoir inspires Elon University class of 2029 to share first-generation college stories

By Liya Rike

Every year, Elon University picks one book to help incoming students start important conversations. This year’s pick is “First Gen: a memoir” by Alejandra Campoverdi. The book, chosen as part of Elon’s Common Reading Program, dives into Campoverdi’s experience as a first-generation college student. She writes about identity, family expectations and the pressure of being the “first and only” in spaces that weren’t made for her. Associate Director of First-Year Initiatives Paula Patch is the chair of the Common Reading Committee, and said she believes the book is helping freshman students think differently about what it means to start something new.

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NEWS 5/31/25 9:26am

Fulbright delays, funding freeze leave Elon University semifinalists uncertain about future

By Liya Rike

There were no Fulbright finalist announcements and clear information at Elon University’s annual celebration for students applying to fellowships, creating a tense atmosphere for the first time in years. It was a harsh reality for Nicole Galante, the assistant director of national and international fellowships. “Since the inauguration, it has been kind of turbulent in the fellowships world,” Galante said. “So many of the awards we work with are government-funded, like Fulbright, and in the midst of all of this uncertainty and changing in the government, students have been a casualty.”

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SPORTS 5/3/25 5:36pm

Nick Dorn transfers from Elon to Indiana University in pursuit of NBA dreams

By Liya Rike

Nick Dorn, a former member of Elon’s men’s basketball team, entered the NCAA transfer portal on March 25 and announced his commitment to Indiana University on April 24. After reviewing game footage and discussing his decision with his coaches and family, Dorn decided that transferring would give him a better opportunity to reach the professional level. Dorn’s transfer to Indiana is a step up to a Big Ten program with rich basketball history, including 41 NCAA Tournament appearances and five national championships. Elon, by contrast, has never made the NCAA Tournament in its Division I history. 

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NEWS 5/1/25 5:44pm

Burlington clinic provides free healthcare for people without insurance

By Liya Rike

The Al-Aqsa Community Clinic offers medical exams, lab tests, medications and specialist referrals, all funded by donations, mosque support and partnerships with local hospitals. Founded in 2009 by Amal Khdour, who is the coordinator, the clinic was created after Khdour noticed the medical struggles of refugee families. What started as a small operation with one doctor and donated medicines quickly expanded to serve patients from across the Triad, including Greensboro, Winston-Salem and Raleigh. LabCorp donates lab services, Greensboro Imaging provides free X-rays and Cone Health contributes an electronic medical record system.

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LIFESTYLE 4/24/25 9:35am

Elon Community Church to host Denim Day fashion show fundraiser to support survivors of sexual violence

By Liya Rike

CrossRoads Sexual Assault Response and Resource Center is partnering with Elon Community Church to host the nonprofit’s first-ever Denim Day Dinner and Fashion Show — a new fundraising event that combines fashion, food and advocacy to raise awareness about sexual violence and victim blaming. Set to take place April 30 in the church’s Community Life Center, the event will honor Denim Day — a global observance rooted in protest against a 1998 Italian court ruling that overturned a rape conviction because the survivor had been wearing tight jeans.

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NEWS 3/6/25 7:14pm

Elon Student Government candidates discuss leadership, student concerns, campus engagement at candidate forum

By Liya Rike

Candidates for Student Government Association gathered for a forum on March 5 to discuss issues facing students. The event featured candidates for executive president, Nic Fillippa and Anya Bratic, and executive vice president, Sammy Azuza and Morgan Minoff, each addressing topics including student engagement, and collaboration with university organizations. These are the two top roles in SGA and both positions receive a stipend of $8,000 for the term, according to Elon News Network coverage from 2022. The forum took place at Oak House, drawing an audience of approximately 20 people.

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NEWS 2/27/25 3:17pm

SGA Elections 2025: Executive changes, rising candidate interest

By Liya Rike

This year’s Student Government Association elections bring changes to the process, including the addition of an executive vice president role, expanding the executive positions to five. Forty total candidates are running — an increase from recent years. Historically, voter turnout has been low. To address this issue, the SGA has increased outreach efforts, using social media campaigns, campus-wide events and measures such as the Phoenix Five Weekly email to raise awareness. Vice President of Communications Ella Kucera said student awareness of elections varies, with some students informed and others possibly forgetting. 

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LIFESTYLE 2/5/25 8:38pm

Ora Teahouse brings handcrafted, ethically-sourced tea to North Carolina cafes

By Liya Rike

Ora Teahouse, launched in 2020, offers handcrafted tea blends and sustainably sourced products from countries like Japan, China and India. Customers can order online for shipping or find its products in select North Carolina stores through local partnerships. With a background in baking, Trista Sanford, founder of Ora Teahouse, uses her skills in flavor profiles to create teas that engage with all senses. For Sanford, tea isn’t just a beverage; it’s a means of connection, care and empowerment. Despite its success, running Ora Teahouse hasn’t been without challenges. Sanford described funding as a common hurdle for small Black-owned businesses.

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NEWS 11/7/24 5:30pm

University president outlines plans for diversity, student support, campus growth

By Liya Rike

Elon Student Government held an event with Elon University President Connie Book and Vice President for Student Life Jon Dooley to discuss topics such as raising the federal Pell Grant threshold and how election results might affect university plans. Dooley addressed the university’s approach to balancing activism and safety on campus. He emphasized that Elon encourages students and community members to engage in activism and voice their opinions on difficult or contentious issues in ways that align with the university's values. Freshman Olivia Glover said she came to the event to ensure students feel supported and safe enough to express themselves.

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NEWS 10/23/24 11:54pm

Elon Mayor discusses community engagement with university

By Liya Rike

Town of Elon Mayor Emily Sharpe joined Elon University students in McKinnon Hall on Oct. 23 for a town hall discussion hosted by the Student Government Association. Alongside Burlington City Manager Craig Honeycutt and Alamance Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Reagan Gural, Sharpe addressed questions and concerns from students — with the event aiming to strengthen the connection between the university and the local community. The discussion also provided a platform for students to engage with local leaders and explore ways to collaborate on community issues.

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NEWS 4/26/24 9:48am

Elon seniors launch STEM Outreach program for ABSS high schoolers

By Liya Rike

Elon University seniors Samuel Ramirez, president of the Biology club, and Chris D'Inzeo, president of the American Chemical Society Club, led an outreach program aimed at inspiring local Alamance-Burlington School System high school students. The initiative was funded by Elon’s Student Government Association and Elon Innovation Fund. This resulted in 41 undergraduate volunteers and faculty. The program exposes ABSS high schoolers to STEM fields to spark interest and potential career paths. Offered on Saturday, April 20, the free event included transportation and meals to ensure accessibility for all participants. They’re hoping it becomes a once-a-semester event called “Stem Saturday.”

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NEWS 3/19/24 11:46pm

SGA announces election results for 2024-25 academic year

By Liya Rike

With 1,308 voter ballots cast, this year's student government association election concludes.  Despite the relatively low voter turnout compared to last year, SGA announced the results of the 2024-25 student body elections with 11 positions unfilled out of 60 spots. As for senior commencement speakers, due to a tie, there are four finalists instead of three: Grace Ackermann, Ayesh Award, Garret Fitschen and Mike Sanderson. Junior Taylor Cote was the only candidate to apply for and was elected as student body president. Junior Amanda Jacobson was elected as executive vice president, which was a newly added position.

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NEWS 3/11/24 3:24pm

Elon senior delves into black holes: Journey of code, curiosity, cosmic phenomena

By Liya Rike

Elon University senior Jordan Wels is uncovering the mysteries of black holes, fueled by a Lumen Prize scholarship and guided by his mentor: Elon professor of astrophysics Chris Richardson. Wels' research explores the evolution of these celestial objects and their potential impact on the Milky Way galaxy and beyond. Wels said Elon has played a crucial role in supporting his research. Richardson said he and Wels found a new connection between how big a black hole can get and the kinds of elements found in the galaxy that the black hole is located.

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NEWS 2/28/24 11:11am

10th annual Black Solidarity Conference inspires resilience, empowerment at Elon University

By Liya Rike

At the Black Solidarity conference, freshman Adrianna Stapleton attended the session on "Science Fiction/Social Reality: An Islamic View of Race," led by Shane Atkinson, the associate chaplain for Muslim life. Stapleton reflected on her experience at the session noting her newfound knowledge about the Islamic faith and the significant presence of Black Muslims in America. In a testament to resilience and solidarity, the 10th Annual Black Solidarity Conference set grace to the halls of Elon University on Feb. 23. Since its inception at Elon University in 2014, many believe the conference has served as a unifying factor for Black students.

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