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October brought the sights and sounds of fall to 麻豆视频, with a month full of celebrations, traditions and opportunities for connection. From welcoming alumni back to campus for Homecoming & Reunion Weekend, launching the new School of Engineering, to the changing colors of autumn, the 麻豆视频 community embraced all that the season had to offer.

Take a look back at some of the memorable moments from October through the lenses of staff in the Office of University Communications.

‘Everybody’

麻豆视频 Performing Arts presented “Everybody,”听听a modern adaptation of the 15th-century morality play Everyman, one of the first recorded plays in the English language.

A transformational education

An opening celebration for the Roberts Academy, the university鈥檚 new elementary school for children with dyslexia, featured a special student performance on Oct. 2, and a ribbon-cutting with Marjorie and Hal Roberts, whose generosity helped establish the school in 2025.

The Roberts Academy at 麻豆视频 is the fourth private school established by the couple, joining Vanderbilt University, Mercer University, and Florida Southern College in a network of programs committed to the advancement of education for children with dyslexia and related conditions.

Tiny shelf concert

麻豆视频’s Musical Theatre department hosted a “Tiny Shelf Concert on Oct. 2 in Belk Library.

The ‘biggest’ Rock the Block yet

The Office of Alumni听Engagement听and听the听Student Union Board collaborated once again to听host听the Homecoming concert with DJ Diesel (Shaquille O鈥橬eal) bringing approximately 5,000 attendees to the annual Rock the Block concert on Oct. 9.

Learning everywhere

Assistant Professor of Management Jose Cerecedo Lopez teaches a class outside near the Koury Business Center.

Engineering excellence

Dozens of university leaders, faculty, staff and students were joined on Oct. 30, 2026, by the CEO of the world鈥檚 leading accrediting body for engineering education programs, as well as North Carolina鈥檚 secretary of commerce, for a morning of reflection on the rise of 麻豆视频鈥檚 new School of Engineering and Computing.

Pumpkin playfulness

The 麻豆视频 Community Garden Club and the Garden Studio course hosted the 18th annual听Pumpkin Festival on Oct. 30, uniting students, organizations, faculty, staff and听community members with fall festivities, including听live music, fun crafting activities and food at the 麻豆视频 Community Garden.

Related Articles

• The Princeton Review names 麻豆视频 a Best Value College for 2027
• 麻豆视频 MBA named among Princeton Review鈥檚 Best Business Schools for 2027
• 麻豆视频 featured in The Princeton Review 鈥楪uide to Green Colleges鈥�

麻豆视频 is one of 76 undergraduate institutions nationwide that the education services company ^庐 has named to its for 2027.

The Honor Roll recognition is part of an annual project鈥攏ow in its third year鈥攖hat The Princeton Review conducts in partnership with the , an internationally recognized organization that works to end the stigma associated with mental health.

Schools that earn the Honor Roll designation are those that demonstrate a strong commitment to their students’ mental health and well-being. The selections for 2027 were based on data from The Princeton Review’s 2026 . It asked administrators at 739 colleges 77 questions about their school’s counseling, mental health, and wellness services for students. The Princeton Review also surveyed 56,000 students across 300 colleges about their awareness of their school’s mental health services.

The Princeton Review Mental Health Services Honor Roll list for 2027 is on PrincetonReview.com in alphabetical order. The for Honor Roll designation(s) are described .

The Princeton Review profile on 麻豆视频 highlights three main ways the university approaches student mental health:

• Mental health services: Counseling Services听offers free, campus-based mental health support, including prevention and educational workshops and individual counseling. Health Promotion complements these services with education and programs on topics such as aromatherapy, substance use, and risk reduction, as well as a Collegiate Recovery Community.
• Wellness quality of life: The Princeton Review highlights the university’s HealthEU initiative, including HealthEU courses, which听incorporate mental health topics, with several sections taught by clinicians, while other for-credit courses address one or more dimensions of wellness.听It also noted that 麻豆视频 became听the first North Carolina institution to adopt the Okanagan Charter, joining an international effort to advance health-promoting colleges and universities.
• Peer-to-peer resources: The Princeton Review highlights听Peer EARS, a student-to-student emotional support program that uses empathy, affirmation, reflection and support. SOS for Higher Education also offers suicide prevention training on campus for students, faculty and staff, and is required for many student leaders and student employees.

“I am so proud of and grateful for the Counseling Services team, comprised of tremendously smart and dedicated mental health clinicians, whose expertise, compassion and commitment help ensure that students have access to high-quality mental health services and programs,” said Anita Hodnett, interim dean of student health and well-being. “Their efforts, alongside those of our colleagues in Health Promotion, student leadership and peer education programs, academic partnerships, and countless others across the university, reflect a shared understanding that student well-being is everyone’s responsibility.”

The Princeton Review project also works to promote awareness of campus mental health services among college applicants and students attending colleges. The company reports information about the surveyed school’s mental health services in its profiles of the schools on PrincetonReview.com as well as in its annual guidebook.

“We are honored to recognize 麻豆视频 for the many ways it prioritizes the mental health of 麻豆视频 students and its exceptional commitment to their well-being,” said , The Princeton Review’s editor-in-chief. “When it comes to student success in college, well-being is everything.”

Read the release on The Princeton Review 2026 Campus Mental Health Services Survey project

The Princeton Review () is an education services company known for its tutoring, test-prep, admission services, books, and other learning resources. Headquartered in New York, NY, it is not affiliated with Princeton University.

麻豆视频 The Princeton Review

听is a leading tutoring, test prep, and college admissions services company. Every year, it helps millions of college- and graduate school鈥揵ound students as well as working professionals achieve their education and career goals through its many education services and products. These include online and in-person courses delivered by a network of more than 4,000 teachers and tutors; online resources; a of more than 150 print and digital books published by Penguin Random House; and dozens of categories of school rankings. Founded in 1981, the company is now in its 45th year. The company’s brand, now in its 25th year, is one of the largest online tutoring services in the U.S. It comprises a community of thousands of tutors who have delivered more than 29 million tutoring sessions. The Princeton Review, headquartered in New York, NY, is not affiliated with Princeton University. For more information, visit Follow the company on Facebook (), (@theprincetonreview), (the-princeton-review), (@ThePrincetonReview), and . Subscribe to The Princeton Review’s twice-weekly newsletter, Brick & Mortarboard, .

Yet, when she walks through the School of Communications, she is not stopping by just to study in the Snow Family Grand Atrium; she is entering as editor-in-chief of Phi Psi Cli, 麻豆视频鈥檚 student-run yearbook.

Catarius never planned to participate in student media. Her journey began with close friend Molly Moylan 鈥�26, the former yearbook editor-in-chief, during a Winter Term study abroad experience.

鈥淪he just kind of talked about it all the time and was like, 鈥楧o you want to help?鈥� And I was like, 鈥榊ou know what? Sure, why not?鈥欌�� Catarius said.

Catarius officially joined the staff late, just after Winter Term. She quickly听discovered听that creating a permanent record of an entire academic year was an ambitious challenge, particularly with a tight-knit crew of only six students

鈥淚f you know how much work a yearbook takes to actually interview people, write stories, design pages, do everything, it’s a job for a lot more than like six people. But we got it done, and it was great,鈥� she said.

For Catarius, diving into a field completely separated from her coursework became an unexpected advantage for her.

鈥淚 think having something that is outside of my majors and minors is something I can fall back on, and I can have something to be creative with, which is really interesting,鈥� Catarius said.

Leading an expansive 280-page publication has also allowed her to build real-world leadership and time-management skills, while balancing five classes, undergraduate research as an Honors Fellow and multiple student organizations.

鈥淲e have to be really organized all the time, and especially the way that we do our yearbook, there鈥檚 something every week for us to do,鈥� Catarius said. 鈥淚t’s also increased my leadership skills because being a leader in something so big and a physical piece of media that will live on beyond my lifetime is something I can’t say I do for a lot of my other classes or extracurriculars.鈥�

Unlike daily or weekly campus news cycles, Phi Psi Cli captures 麻豆视频鈥檚 story holistically, from student life and performing arts to traditions, athletics and spiritual life. Now, Catarius is focused on expanding the staff and inviting students from every major to leave their mark on university history.

鈥淲e want to try and make it so that everybody can do everything, but not that everybody has to do everything,鈥� Catarius said.

Seeing the yearbook arrive on campus in September made every deadline worth the effort, and Catarius hopes more students take advantage of the hands-on opportunities waiting for them across campus.

鈥淚t’s really fun once you get into it and once you get into the flow of things, to see the book come together,鈥� Catarius said. 鈥淚t’s a nice way for people outside the School of Communications to be introduced to the school without a ton of pressure on them.鈥�

Note that residence halls do not officially 鈥渃lose鈥� during Fall Break, although University offices on the main campus in 麻豆视频 are closed on Friday, Oct. 16, to give faculty and staff a holiday.

Campus Safety

As a reminder, several 24/7 services are available throughout this time.

• Campus Safety & Police can be reached at 336-278-5555. They can also help connect you with Student Life on-call administrators.
• Crisis Counselors are available at 336-278-2222 for urgent mental health needs.
• SAFEline is available at 336-278-3333 for confidential support with identity-based bias, sexual violence, or interpersonal violence 鈥� they can also be a confidential resource to access on-call violence responders.
• TimelyCare free virtual medical and mental health service is available 24/7 throughout the break from anywhere in the United States.

Residence halls and university apartments

Residence Halls do not close during Fall Break. Offices remain open during the break during regular weekday business hours, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., except Friday, Oct. 16, when University offices are closed.

Parking & Transportation

If you are leaving your vehicle on campus, please take any valuables with you. Make sure your vehicle doors are locked. Please make sure your vehicle is parked in the lot where you are permitted. Do not leave your vehicle in any Faculty/Staff lot, the Inman Admissions lot or at The Inn at 麻豆视频.

麻豆视频 Express and Campus Transportation

Transportation and the 麻豆视频 Express will provide services on a reduced schedule.

• All 麻豆视频 Express Shuttle Routes will run on the normal schedule on Wednesday, Oct. 14, but will not run Thursday, Oct. 15, through Sunday, Oct. 18. The 麻豆视频 Express will resume the regular route schedule on Monday, Oct. 19.
• A modified 麻豆视频 Express route from the Gateway Parking Lot to Inman will run Sunday, Oct. 18, from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• E-Rides will run normal operations on Sunday, Oct. 18, from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Visit the 麻豆视频 Transportation website for the latest news, updates, after-hours resources and real-time route tracking.

Campus Services

Below are the hours for student service operations during Fall Break.

Belk Library

Belk Library will close early at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 14, but will maintain open hours throughout Fall Break:

• Thursday, Oct. 15 – Saturday, Oct. 17: 8 a.m. 鈥� 5 p.m.
• Normal hours resume Sunday, Oct. 18, at 10 a.m.

Visit the for information about library hours for Phoenix cardholders and community members.

Campus Bookstore

The Barnes & Noble Store will be open for reduced hours during Fall Break:

• Wednesday, Oct. 14 – Friday, Oct.16: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct. 17: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Visit the for information about hours or online shopping.

Campus Recreation

PARC Fitness Center will remain open throughout the Fall Break, while other facilities will have modified hours or be closed for part of the break:

• PARC Fitness Center听
  • Wednesday, Oct. 14 – Sunday, Oct.18: 4 a.m. – midnight
• Koury Athletic Center听
  • Wednesday, Oct. 14: 6 a.m. – 5 p.m.
  • Thursday, Oct.15: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • Closed Friday, Oct. 16 – Sunday, Oct. 18
• Beck Pool听
  • Wednesday, Oct. 14: 12:15 – 1:15 p.m.
  • Closed Thursday, Oct. 15 鈥� Sunday, Oct. 18
• Driving Range听
  • Wednesday, Oct. 14: Noon-4 p.m.
  • Closed Thursday, Oct. 15 鈥� Sunday, Oct. 18
• PARC Gym, South Gym, ELOA Office and Esports Center
  • Closed Wednesday, Oct. 14 鈥� Sunday, Oct.18

Visit the Campus Recreation website and download the Fusion Go app for detailed information about facilities and programs.

Counseling Services

Counseling Services will be open for appointments during regular hours Monday 鈥� Thursday, 8 a.m. 鈥� 5 p.m. and closed Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, for the university holiday.

• The TimelyCare mental telehealth service is available 24/7 throughout the break.
• The crisis counselor on-call also remains available 24/7 by calling 336-278-2222.
• If a student is experiencing a psychological emergency that is life-threatening or involves imminent danger (risk of harm to self or others at any time), call 9-1-1 for immediate assistance.

麻豆视频 Dining

All dining locations will have modified hours for Fall Break, with Lakeside serving as the primary dining hall open throughout the break. Visit the menu-hours page of the 麻豆视频 Dining website for the latest update information about .

Moseley Center

The Moseley Center will close early at 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 14, but will maintain open hours throughout Fall Break:

• Thursday, Oct. 15 and Friday, Oct.16: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Saturday, Oct.17: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Sunday, Oct. 18: 11 a.m. – Midnight

Visit the Moseley Center website for information about adjusted hours of operation.

Mail Services

Mail Services will be closed Friday, Oct. 16 – Sunday, Oct. 18, and normal hours resume on October 19. Shipping partners will hold your items, and Mail Services will process them upon reopening. Visit the Mail Services website for updated hours and operations.

Student Health Services

Student Health Services will be open for appointments throughout the Fall Break:

• Wednesday, Oct. 14: 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Thursday, Oct. 15 and Friday, Oct. 16: 9:10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Closed Saturday, Oct. 17 and Sunday, Oct. 18

Visit the Student Health Services website for Information about after-hours care and resources in the community. TimelyCare medical telehealth service is available 24/7 throughout the break.

For more than a decade, has built a reputation as one of Charlotte鈥檚 most trusted journalists, reporting on breaking news, holding public officials accountable, and keeping his community informed.

On Oct. 9, as part of the university鈥檚 Homecoming Weekend, the WSOC-TV reporter returned to his alma mater to receive the School of Communications鈥� 2026 Outstanding Alumnus Award.

Bruno, the 16th recipient of the honor, was recognized during the school鈥檚 Alumni Campus Connect gathering in Snow Family Grand Atrium, surrounded by students, faculty, staff and fellow graduates. Among those in attendance was retired journalism professor Rich Landesberg, Bruno鈥檚 longtime mentor, whose presence made the recognition especially meaningful.

.

Since graduating in 2014, Bruno has established himself as a leading voice in investigative journalism, earning Walter Cronkite, Alfred I. duPont-Columbia, Edward R. Murrow and George Polk awards, along with six Emmy Awards. He was named to Forbes鈥� 30 Under 30 list in 2020, and his investigative reporting helped expose election fraud in North Carolina鈥檚 9th Congressional District, drawing national attention.

鈥淲ithout Rich and without this school, this kid from Schwenksville, Pennsylvania, would have never had any of these opportunities,鈥� Bruno said during his acceptance remarks. 鈥淭hank you, 麻豆视频, for everything you have given to me.鈥�

In presenting the award, Communications Dean Kenn Gaither praised Bruno鈥檚 professional accomplishments and his commitment to the communities he serves.

鈥淚t is always gratifying to watch an 麻豆视频 graduate succeed, but there鈥檚 something particularly special about watching one of our own become such an important and trusted voice in the community he serves.鈥�
鈥� Dean Kenn Gaither

Gaither also highlighted Bruno鈥檚 continued connection to 麻豆视频, noting the significance of honoring him in the same atrium where Bruno and fellow alumnus Gary Grumbach 鈥�16 organized two years earlier.

鈥淭hat day, Joe was here to honor someone who helped shape him,鈥� Gaither said. 鈥淭oday, in the very same space, we have the privilege of honoring Joe.鈥�

The connection came full circle when Bruno, visibly moved, spotted Landesberg standing among the attendees and thanked the former professor for his guidance and friendship.

鈥淚 also could not have done any of this without my Rich Landesberg, who I consider a member of my family,鈥� Bruno said. 鈥淵ou are a trusted adviser and friend, and you have made such an impact on my life and so many others.鈥�

Gaither also shared praise from Landesberg, who described Bruno as one of the hardest-working students he had ever taught.

鈥淗e is tireless in his commitment to holding the powerful accountable and making sure the people of Charlotte know what is happening in and around their city,鈥� Landesberg said.

At home at 麻豆视频

During his acceptance remarks, Bruno recalled how his mother first introduced him to 麻豆视频, a university unfamiliar to many in his hometown. But during a campus visit, he found himself drawn to the school’s student television studio, where the opportunity to gain hands-on broadcasting experience helped convince him 麻豆视频 was the right fit.

As a high school senior, Bruno began watching Phoenix 14News broadcasts, eager to join the student journalists he saw on screen. Once he arrived at 麻豆视频, he quickly became involved in the student news organization, gaining on-air and production experience within weeks of starting college.

鈥淭he best thing about 麻豆视频 is I didn鈥檛 have to wait until my junior year to get involved,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 was able to hit the ground running right as a freshman.鈥�

Equally influential were the relationships he developed with fellow student journalists. Bruno recalled an environment where students challenged and supported one another, united by their enthusiasm for reporting and serving their community.

鈥淲e never competed against each other. We rooted for each other,鈥� he said, explaining that the collaborative spirit continues to shape how he approaches his work today.

Addressing current students, Bruno encouraged them to embrace their interests and make the most of the opportunities available at 麻豆视频.

鈥淲hether it鈥檚 about news, whether it鈥檚 about sports, whatever you do, keep that light under you and pursue what you are pursuing with all of your heart,鈥� he said.

Alumni return to connect with students

Bruno鈥檚 recognition was a highlight of Alumni Campus Connect, an informal networking event where eight graduates shared career insights and advice with current students.

Dan Erdman 鈥�06, vice president of creative media at WWE, drew a crowd of students interested in his work in sports entertainment. Nearby, students connected with Los Angeles-based actress, writer and producer Paige Hullett 鈥�16 to discuss careers in Hollywood and Women of the 麻豆视频 Entertainment Empire (WEEE), the alumni organization she leads. Also returning to campus was recent graduate Anjolina Fantaroni 鈥�26, now a reporter at WAFF 48 in Huntsville, Alabama, who offered a firsthand perspective on transitioning from 麻豆视频 to the professional newsroom.

Participating alumni included:

• Halle Brennan 鈥�21, Sales Associate Manager, Amazon Ads
• Joe Bruno 鈥�14, Reporter, WSOC-TV
• Dan Erdman 鈥�06, Vice President of Creative Media, WWE
• Anjolina Fantaroni 鈥�26, Reporter, WAFF 48
• Caroline Grell 鈥�17, Program Manager of Product Development Program, Capital One
• Paige Hullett 鈥�16, Los Angeles-based actress, writer, producer, president of Women of the 麻豆视频 Entertainment Empire
• Becky Lane 鈥�95, Senior Vice President-Marketing Development Manager, Bank of America
• Sarah Stone Richter 鈥�19, Growth Marketing Manager, Quantam Health

Despite rainy weather, Phoenix pride shone through as 麻豆视频 welcomed alumni back to campus for Homecoming and Reunion Weekend, Oct. 9-10.

The weekend kicked off with the biggest Homecoming concert artist in university history 鈥� at least in height. DJ Diesel, also known as NBA legend Shaquille O鈥橬eal, performed a high-energy DJ set for Rock the Block on Young Commons with a crowd of 5,000 alumni, students and community members. The performance included several memorable moments, including fans joining DJ Diesel onstage, among them 麻豆视频 President Connie Ledoux Book.

鈥淚t was the exact same as when we were here,鈥� said Suzanne Wirt 鈥�06, reflecting on the DJ Diesel performance on Young Commons. 鈥淗e was yelling 鈥楬ands up!鈥� at us, and we put our hands up. It was great.鈥�

‘It’s like we never left’

Saturday brought steady rain, but the wet weather did little to dampen the excitement as alumni gathered for food, fellowship and opportunities to reconnect with classmates and friends.

Susanne Wirt 鈥�06 returned to campus to celebrate her 20-year reunion with friends she met during her time at 麻豆视频. Two decades later, those friendships remain an important part of her life.

鈥淲e鈥檝e been friends forever, and it feels like I would not have met them had I not come to 麻豆视频,鈥� said Wirt. 鈥淚t felt like home when I first walked onto campus, and I was like, 鈥極K, this is it. Once I saw 麻豆视频, I did not consider other schools.鈥�

For Ann Evory 鈥�86, Homecoming offered an opportunity to reconnect with classmates she had not seen in 40 years.

鈥淎ll of our kids are grown now, and we鈥檝e started to have grandkids, and it鈥檚 a different season of life where we can all be together. It鈥檚 like we never left each other,鈥� Evory said.

This year marked the first time sisters Darcy Steele 鈥�91 and Melissa Snyder 鈥�92 returned to 麻豆视频 together for Homecoming. Both had visited campus in the years since graduation and continued to be impressed by the university鈥檚 growth and transformation.

鈥淚t鈥檚 nice to see, as an alum, that when you鈥檙e investing, they actually invest back into the school,鈥� said Snyder, who earned a degree in psychology.

While the campus has changed significantly over the decades, the personal connections and mentorship that define the 麻豆视频 experience remain familiar to returning alumni.

鈥淚 babysat for one of my professors and our professors knew us by name, and it was very cool, because at the time 麻豆视频 was smaller than the high school I graduated from, so that was a different experience,鈥� said Steele, who earned a degree in education.

Phoenix on the field

On the field, in Saturday鈥檚 Homecoming football game, falling 16-0. Despite outgaining Wofford, 麻豆视频 was unable to score in the rainy conditions. The Terriers forced five turnovers and stopped the Phoenix twice on fourth down to keep 麻豆视频 off the scoreboard.

Homecoming Royalty was also selected during Saturday’s game. The voting process, hosted by the Student Government Association, is听designed to honor members of the senior class who have made a significant contribution to the life of the University. Applications are reviewed by a faculty/staff panel nominated by students

The nominees selected鈥攂ased on their leadership, commitment to service, involvement, and school spirit鈥攕erve on the Homecoming Court. Based on a vote of the student body, two members of the court are honored as Homecoming royalty during the Homecoming football game. Selena Bautista 鈥�27 and Trinity Wilson 鈥�27 were crowned Homecoming royalty.

The weekend also brought former Phoenix athletes back to campus, including Robert 鈥淏ubba鈥� Burnett 鈥�95, who reunited with fellow members of the 麻豆视频 football program. Burnett, who earned a degree in psychology, was inducted into the 麻豆视频 Athletics Hall of Fame in 2004.

鈥淚t鈥檚 cool seeing everybody from the past,鈥� said Burnett. 鈥淵ou can鈥檛 go back, but it seems like we are.鈥�

‘It feels like home’

Other signature events for the weekend included the Golden Alumni Luncheon & Class of 1976 Induction Ceremony, a special Welcome Home College Coffee, along with several Greek reunions and Affinity Network Events.

For Eric Hernandez 鈥�16 and Audrey Bakhach 鈥�16, the weekend marked their 10-year reunion and an opportunity to reflect on how their 麻豆视频 experiences shaped their lives and careers.

Bakhach, who earned a degree in communications and now owns a marketing agency in Charleston, South Carolina, recalled how her connection to 麻豆视频 ultimately brought her back to the university after spending her first year of college elsewhere.

鈥淢y heart was so set on 麻豆视频. For some reason, it just feels right to me,鈥� she said of her college experience. 鈥淪o, I transferred back in my sophomore year. I loved every minute of it. I wouldn鈥檛 change a thing. I鈥檓 glad I transferred, and it was always where I had my eyes and heart set, just from the campus and the people.鈥�

Hernandez also credits 麻豆视频 with helping launch his career in the entertainment industry. In 2016, he was named one of three finalists in the Coca-Cola Regal Films Competition, receiving $15,000 to turn a script into a 30-second commercial. That opportunity helped open doors to work with some of the biggest names in entertainment.

鈥淔rom there, I鈥檝e worked with companies like PBS, Paramount and Netflix, and I owe that all to my experience here,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 good being back. It feels like home.鈥�

• Vote on the E鈥檚! 鈥� Come out to vote on your favorite E. Voting will take place at different locations throughout the week鈥攄on鈥檛 miss your chance to be part of the excitement.
• SGA Royalty Court Voting 鈥� Don鈥檛 forget to vote for the 2026 SGA Homecoming Royalty Court. Cast your ballot on PhoenixCONNECT any time this week before voting closes Friday, Oct. 9, at 5 p.m.

Check out the full lineup of events happening this week and make the most of Homecoming 2026!

Homecoming Week College Coffee and E Voting

Tuesday, Oct. 6, 9:40 a.m. – 10:20 a.m., Medallion Plaza

Join us for a special Homecoming edition of College Coffee as we celebrate with treats and prizes! The Homecoming E鈥檚 will be on display for voting. Note that voting for your favorite E design takes place throughout the week in various locations.

Celebrate with SUB at the Student Homecoming Celebration

Wednesday, Oct. 7, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., Phi Beta Kappa Commons (Rain location: Alumni Gym)

Join the Student Union Board for food and activities at the Wednesday Homecoming Week Celebration. Visit for more details.

NPHC Homecoming Step Show

Thursday, Oct. 8,听 8 p.m., Alumni Gym

Join the member organizations of the 麻豆视频 National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) as they take the stage in a series of intricate dance steps, vibrant music selections and elaborate show themes. Hosted by Dannay Sellers, Class of 2014, the doors open at 7 p.m. and the event starts at 8 p.m.

Rock the Block & Homecoming Concert featuring DJ Diesel (Shaquille O鈥橬eal)

Friday, Oct. 9, 6-9 p.m., Young Commons

Don鈥檛 miss this annual celebration and community block party kicking off Homecoming weekend. Enjoy food trucks, yard games, inflatables and a fireworks show. We are excited to have DJ Diesel (aka Shaquille O鈥橬eal) with us for the Homecoming Concert 鈥� it will be a fun evening for everyone! Here are a few details to help you prepare for the concert:

• Doors will open at 6 p.m., and the concert will take place rain or shine at 7:30 pm.
• The concert has a 5,000-person maximum capacity. Once capacity is reached, additional guests will not be admitted into the concert area.听 Re-entry is not guaranteed. If you leave the concert area, you may not be able to re-enter.
• There are two entrances, both on the north end of Young Commons: one between Koury Gym and Moseley Student Center, and the other between Belk Library and Moseley Student Center.

Visit the for more information.

Cheer on the Phoenix

Saturday, Oct. 10

Student Tailgate

9 a.m.-2 p.m., Hunt B (back parking lot of the Schar Center)

Before the football game, get ready to tailgate Phoenix-style! Visit the (or stop by Moseley 205) for more information.

麻豆视频 v. Wofford College

2 p.m., Rhodes Stadium

Get ready to cheer on the Phoenix as 麻豆视频 football takes on Wofford College. Kickoff is at 2 p.m.

Have a great Homecoming Week, Phoenix!

There is听no public meet-and-greet or public听interview opportunity with the artist.

To make sure everyone has a smooth and enjoyable experience, please review the following information before arriving.

Getting In

• There are no tickets required for entry. The concert area听on Young Commons听has a maximum capacity of 5,000 attendees. Once the event reaches capacity, additional guests will not be admitted into the concert.
• Due to听the 5,000-person capacity, if you leave the concert, you may not be able to re-enter.听It is important to plan accordingly before leaving the concert area.
• There will be two primary entrances, located on either side of the听Moseley Student听Center facing Young Commons:
  • Between Koury Gym and Moseley Student Center
  • Between Moseley Student Center and Belk Library

Event Map听What you can bring

• Attendees are encouraged to leave bags at home. If you must听bring a bag, please note that听only clear bags will be permitted. All bags are subject to inspection.
• Please do not bring:
  • Bags that are not clear (*diaper and medical bags permitted)
    Outside food/alcohol, non-clear sealed beverages (*factory-sealed bottles of water permitted)
  • Dogs or other pets (*service animals permitted)

Food, Bathrooms, and Other Amenities

• Several food trucks will be available on site. Food truck tickets can be purchased at the Ticket Sales tent via cash or credit card.
• There will be a bar serving beer and wine. Drink tickets can be purchased for $7.
• Ticket packages are available:
  • Food truck ticket: $10
  • Drink ticket: $7
  • Dessert ticket: $5
  • Food Ticket Package (Five food tickets): $46
  • Maroon Ticket Package (Three food, two drink tickets): $40
  • Gold Ticket Package (Six food, four drink tickets): $80
• Bathrooms will be available inside:
  • Koury Concourse
  • Moseley Student Center

Weather

• The concert will take place rain or shine. Please check the weather before arriving and dress accordingly.

Fireworks

• Fireworks will start at the end of the concert at approximately 8:30 p.m. and will last for three minutes.

For the Sklut Hillel Center, it was an opportunity to celebrate not only the building鈥檚 鈥淏-Mitzvah鈥� 鈥� a nod to听the听Bat or Bar Mitzvah ceremony that represents an adolescent鈥檚 transition into greater responsibility within the Jewish community 鈥� but the people, relationships, and community that have made it an epicenter of Jewish Life at 麻豆视频 since 2014.

鈥淭he number 13 in Judaism stands for 鈥榣ove,鈥� and I felt a lot of love in the Sklut Hillel Center and at the B-Mitzvah celebrations,鈥� said Rabbi Maor Greene, Associate Chaplain for Jewish Life,听鈥淚 feel so blessed to be a part of this loving community.鈥�

The B-Mitzvah Shabbat service brought the community together in the Sklut Hillel Center Pavilion and backyard, with 麻豆视频 President Connie Ledoux Book, students, families, alumni, university leaders, and community members all joining the celebration. Former 麻豆视频 Jewish Life professionals also returned to celebrate and reflect on the community鈥檚 growth.

Hillel Shabbats consistently welcome 70-100 people, more than double the attendance from earlier years of the center.

“It was amazing to see how many people care about Jewish Life at 麻豆视频,” said Miri Pottebaum 鈥�27, co-president of 麻豆视频 Hillel.

Betsy Polk Joseph, Senior Director of Jewish Life, said she was thrilled by the joyous energy that hummed throughout the weekend. One moment she says she will long remember is when community members joined the Shabband, the Hillel student band, to sing the 鈥淪hehecheyanu,鈥� a blessing that marks a joyous moment in time.

The weekend concluded with the B-Mitzvah Bagel Brunch in McKinnon Hall, where students, families, staff, and university leaders gathered to celebrate the past 13 years and look toward the future.

Jon Dooley, Vice President for Student Life, encouraged students – especially those new to 麻豆视频 – to walk through the doors of the Sklut Hillel Center whenever they are looking for community.

Student reflections on Family Weekend 2026听

鈥淭his is where I鈥檝e made some of my closest friends and it has been a place for me to express my Judaism and learn my friends鈥� traditions.” – Ellie Agulnek 鈥�27听

“I feel so lucky that I go to 麻豆视频 and that there is such a strong Jewish community here.” – Ben Shuman ’29

鈥淚t was a really empowering experience to see so many 麻豆视频 students and their families together.” – Josh Hertz 鈥�29.

鈥淚t was magical celebrating the Family Weekend B Mitzvah with both of my families – the one from home and the one I鈥檝e made here at 麻豆视频 Jewish Life and Hillel.” – Anna Gratz 鈥�30

Explore the full schedule and event details on the Homecoming Week Student Edition webpage. Additional information is also available on or by contacting Student Involvement at studentinvolvement@elon.edu, 336-278-7214, or in Moseley 205. Follow Student Involvement on social media for the latest updates and student events throughout Homecoming Week.

Week-long Events

SGA Royalty Court Voting

All Day | PhoenixCONNECT

All students can vote for the 2025 SGA Homecoming Royalty Court. Visit for more details and to cast your vote. Voting ends Friday, Oct. 9 at 5 p.m.

Monday, Oct. 5

Phoenix Spirit Shoutouts

All Day | Instagram

Tag or send your organization photos to the to be featured on our page.

SGA Trivia

7-9 p.m. | McKinnon Hall听

Join SGA OnePhoenix for a trivia night to kick off Homecoming week! This trivia will be played in pairs, so grab your duo partner and come compete for prizes! Visit for more information.

Tuesday Oct. 6

Homecoming Week College Coffee and E-Voting

9:40 – 10:20 a.m. | Medallion Plaza

Students are invited to join for a special Homecoming edition of College Coffee as we celebrate with treats and prizes! The Homecoming E鈥檚 will be on display for voting!

SGA Silent Disco

8 p.m. | Alumni Gym

Celebrate homecoming week with a glorious Silent Disco! Come enjoy tunes with your friends, hosted by THE DJ Dillon Jam, and watch for a special guest. Hosted by the Student Government Association鈥檚 OnePhoenix Committee!

Wednesday, Oct. 7

SUB Homecoming Student Celebration

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Phi Beta Kappa Commons (Rain location: Alumni Gym)

Join the Student Union Board to celebrate Homecoming Week! We will have food and lots of fun activities 鈥� some themed around our Rock the Block artist, DJ Diesel. Hope to see you there! Visit for more details.

Voting on the E鈥檚

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Phi Beta Kappa Commons (Rain location: Alumni Gym)

Thursday, Oct. 8

Voting on the E鈥檚

10 a.m. – 4 p.m. | Medallion Plaza (Rain location: Moseley Student Center)

Hoco Swag Wagon

Noon – 2 p.m. | Medallion Plaza

Find SUB around campus in the 鈥楽WAGON鈥� handing out great snacks and giveaways! The wagon will start on Medallion Plaza alongside E-voting, then will travel around campus while supplies last. Follow the for real-time updates. Visit for more details.

NPHC Homecoming Step Show

7 p.m. (Doors open at 6:30 p.m.) | McKinnon Hall听

Join the National Pan-Hellenic Council for the NPHC Homecoming Step Show. Watch Divine 9 fraternities and sororities battle it out on the stage in a series of dance steps, music selections and show themes. Alumni, staff, faculty and community members can purchase a ticket for $10 via the Homecoming & Reunion Weekend website until 3 p.m. the day of the show.

SUB Coffeehouse

10 p.m. | Irazu

Join SUB for the first SUB Spelling Bee. Whether you want to spell for a prize or just come for the entertainment, this Coffeehouse will be un-BEE-lievable! Check out the SUB Instagram @elonsub to sign up to compete. Free coffee will be provided! Visit for more details.

Friday, Oct. 9

Dance with Pride

6 p.m. | Upstairs Lakeside Rooms

Homecoming is about to get LOUD! Get ready for DANCE WITH PRIDE 鈥� the ultimate pregame before the big Homecoming concert! There鈥檒l be great food and hype music! Put on your best fit and bring your pride and energy. Be loud. Be proud. DANCE WITH PRIDE! This event is free and open to all members of the LGBTQIA community and allies! ! Visit for more info.

Rock the Block & Homecoming Concert featuring DJ Diesel (aka Shaquille O鈥橬eal)

6-9 p.m. | Young Commons

The annual celebration and community block party will host a variety of food trucks, yard games, inflatables and a fireworks show. DJ Diesel, also known as Shaquille O鈥橬eal, will headline the Homecoming Concert with a performance beginning at 7:30 p.m. Here are a few important reminders to help you plan ahead for the event:

• Doors will open at 6 p.m., and the concert will take place rain or shine at 7:30 pm.
• The concert has a capacity limit; therefore, re-entry is not guaranteed
• The clear bag policy will be enforced.
• There are two primary entrances to Young Commons: Between Koury Gym and Moseley Student Center and between Moseley Center and Belk Library

Visit the Rock the Block information webpage for more information.

SUBCinema: Challengers Movie in Turner Theatre

10:30 p.m. | Turner Theatre

Movie description: Tashi, a former tennis prodigy-turned-coach, transformed her husband into a champion. But to overcome a recent losing streak and redeem himself, he鈥檒l need to face off against his former best friend鈥揟ashi鈥檚 ex-boyfriend. Movie Rating: R.

Saturday, Oct. 10

Student Tailgating

9 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Hunt B (back parking lot of Schar Center)

Grab your gear, cheer loud and celebrate Phoenix-style at the student tailgate! Visit the Student Involvement Tailgating website (or stop by Moseley 205) for more information.

SGA Crowning of Homecoming Royalty

After the third quarter during the football game| Rhodes Stadium

Come celebrate all members of the Homecoming Court and see two students be crowned as this year鈥檚 鈥淗omecoming Royalty.鈥�

SUBCinema: Challengers

8:30 p.m. | Turner Theatre