Liya Rike

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Recent Articles

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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