The Liberal Arts Forum: Its History and Progression

Julia Mueller
September 27, 2012

Photo of the 1970-71 Liberal Arts Forum. Front row L-R: David Marion, Brad Curran, Steve Leocha, Cathy Albair, Ann Shawhan, Beth Brinkerhoff, Carolyn Overstreet, Pat Jones. Back Row L-R: Bob Lane, Jan Davis, John Finch, Chris Walsh, Chris Butcher, Dr. James P. Elder, Bill Ogle, Mike Bunitsky, Frank Lyon.

In 1958, the Student Government Association established the Liberal Arts Forum.  The purpose of this student-led group was to promote the arts and humanities aspect of Elon’s liberal arts campus, and they encouraged curiosity through scholarly lectures.  Only a few students and professors were involved in the forum at its beginning – these people being Etta Britt, James P. Elder, Daniel Gee, and Professors William M. Brown, Clarence Carson, Richard Haff and James Hess.  While presentations by noted professors of the time were the primary events hosted by the Liberal Arts Forum, other occasions included art displays, films, concerts, seminars, and debates.

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Confusion at an opera

Miriam Pace – volunteer in Archives
April 11, 2011

Newspaper headline from M&G Feb.8, 1947

On February 12, 1947, the New York City Civic Opera Company came to Elon College to perform two operas, “Rigoletto” and “Carmen”. They came complete with an orchestra, singers and a corps ballet ensemble. At least 350 students and townspeople were in attendance for the first opera, ready to absorb some culture – even though they were really not too familiar with the genre.  Programs and librettos were available at the door of Whitley Auditorium, so the audience settled down to what was sure to be a real treat.

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Common reading enters 19th year

Pam Richter – Class of 2011
September 15, 2010

On Tuesday, September 21, Rob Gifford will be speaking at Elon University for this year’s common reading lecture. Gifford is the author of China Road, which was selected as the common reading book for the campus this year.

Each spring a committee consisting of faculty, staff, and students choose a book for the Elon community to read for the following year. Often times these books are integrated into the Global Experience or Elon 101 classes and often times the author of the book deliver a lecture on campus during the fall.

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Wading in Fonville Fountain

Pam Richter – Class of 2011
May 17, 2010

Today, Elon students are not allowed to splash or wade in Fonville Fountain after receiving their diplomas during commencement, but in the 1980s, this was a well-embraced Elon tradition on commencement.

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