President, Nazareth University, Bonner Foundation Board Member

For over two decades, Beth has been a steadfast advocate and visionary leader for the Bonner Program, making an indelible impact on students, institutions, and communities alike. Beth played a pivotal role in bringing the Bonner Program to The College of New Jersey (TCNJ), laying the groundwork for what has now become a 20-year legacy of student civic leadership and community impact. Her commitment did not end with her tenure at TCNJ; she has continued to expand her engagement with the Bonner Program through her leadership roles at subsequent institutions and through her ongoing service on the Bonner Foundation Board. Beth is a living embodiment of the Bonner Common Commitments—civic engagement, community building, diversity, international perspective, social justice, spiritual exploration, and wellness. Her career is a testament to the power of sustained, values-driven leadership in higher education and community engagement. Beth’s unwavering dedication continues to inspire students and professionals across the nation to deepen their commitment to service and justice. We can think of no one more deserving of this recognition than Dr. Beth Paul, whose influence and advocacy have helped shape not only the Bonner Program but also the lives of countless individuals committed to building a more equitable and compassionate world.

Dr. Beth Paul has championed the Bonner Program and community engagement work for over 20 years. She brought Bonner to TCNJ and continues to lead through her roles at other institutions and on the Bonner Foundation Board. She exemplifies the Bonner Common Commitments and inspires civic leadership and service nationwide. –Brittany Aydelotte, Director of the CEL Institute, TCNJ

President

Bill and Elise Luckey of Lindsey Wilson University (formerly college) exemplify unwavering leadership and commitment to civic and community engagement in higher education. As senior leaders, they have been steadfast champions of the Bonner Program and service-based learning, ensuring it is deeply woven into the college’s mission, culture, and curriculum. Their vision and dedication have helped create an environment where students are empowered to become thoughtful leaders and lifelong public servants. Bill’s leadership as President has elevated the Bonner Program and servant leadership as an institutional priority, while Elise’s contributions has inspired generations of students to see service as a pathway to purpose. Together, their partnership has strengthened campus-community relationships and expanded opportunities for student learning. Their long-standing support makes them true Champions.

President of Campus Compact

Bobbie Laur, President of Campus Compact, is a visionary leader and tireless advocate for civic and community engagement in higher education. With a deep belief in the transformative power of higher education to serve the public good, she has championed efforts that center equity, democracy, and student voice across campuses nationwide. Bobbie has expanded the reach and impact of Campus Compact, forging strategic partnerships, amplifying practitioner networks, and lifting up innovative models for community-engaged learning and institutional change. Her leadership is marked by humility, collaboration, and a clear commitment to preparing students not just for careers, but for lives of engaged citizenship. A trusted partner and supporter of the Bonner Network, Bobbie exemplifies what it means to lead with purpose and passion. She is truly a national champion for community engagement.

President Emeritus

Carol Geary Schneider is president emerita (1998-2016) of the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) and a Fellow with Lumina Foundation where she is working on initiatives related to equitable access to high quality learning. Under her leadership, the Liberal Education and America’s Promise (LEAP) Initiative helped to center the value and impact of civic learning and engagement, as well as other high-impact practices. Today, Carol continues to advance the fields through her work on building the coalition and action network for Civic Learning and Democracy Engagement (CLDE).

“Carol is a force for changing higher education for the better, including by building its sustained commitment to civic learning and democracy engagement. At AAC&U, Carol infused this commitment, braiding it with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusive excellence. Now, Carol continues to shape the commitments of higher education institutions in many states by building new coalitions of accreditors, policy makers, educators, and practitioners. Carol is a tireless, hopeful, and inspirational champion.”

— Ariane Hoy, The Bonner Foundation

President, Berea College

Dr. Nixon is a champion for students and for the Bonner Common Commitment of Community Building. Dr. Nixon celebrates student leadership in community engagement by enthusiastically participating in student- led events, like the CELTS-sponsored Better Together and Empty Bowls events, which raise funds and awareness for Berea's food pantry. Dr. Nixon led a listening session for CELTS and Bonner Scholar students, similar to those she led across campus, where she encouraged students to dream big and address difficult issues. She celebrates students' growth and accomplishments by participating in events like Bonner Scholars' Senior Presentations of Learning. In her first two years at Berea, Dr. Nixon has taken actions that are building community in our city and region. She has expanded an opportunity for faculty and staff to volunteer to address local needs. She has called a group of College leaders to serve as an on-going committee, prepared to help guide the College's responses to extreme weather disasters, which are occurring more frequently in the Appalachian region. She has also collaborated with local city leaders to develop new and expanded collaborations that will energize our community and the connections among the College and city. We are excited to celebrate Berea's President Dr. Cheryl Nixon, a true champion of community building!

First Lady

Bill and Elise Luckey of Lindsey Wilson University (formerly college) exemplify unwavering leadership and commitment to civic and community engagement in higher education. As senior leaders, they have been steadfast champions of the Bonner Program and service-based learning, ensuring it is deeply woven into the college’s mission, culture, and curriculum. Their vision and dedication have helped create an environment where students are empowered to become thoughtful leaders and lifelong public servants. Bill’s leadership as President has elevated the Bonner Program and servant leadership as an institutional priority, while Elise’s contributions has inspired generations of students to see service as a pathway to purpose. Together, their partnership has strengthened campus-community relationships and expanded opportunities for student learning. Their long-standing support makes them true Champions.

Founder & CEO of GivePulse

George Luc, Founder and CEO of GivePulse, stands as a longtime friend of the Bonner Network and champion of civic and community engagement in higher education. Through his dynamic leadership, he has built GivePulse into a powerful digital platform that equips colleges and universities to streamline service tracking, strengthen campus–community partnerships and elevate the impact of student civic learning. George’s unwavering commitment to inclusivity ensures colleges of all sizes and missions can meaningfully engage students in purposeful service — fostering their development as active, socially responsible citizens. He has inspired a generation of higher education leaders to harness technology for social good, demonstrate transparency in impact, and center community voices. George’s strategic vision, passion for public purpose, and tireless advocacy make him a true national champion — an executive leader who advances civic and community engagement across the higher education landscape.

President Emeritus, Concord University

Concord University President Emeritus, Dr. Jerry L. Beasley, was instrumental in bringing the Bonner Scholarship Program to our campus. His focus on the importance of service and service-learning, his efforts to raise matching funds to secure an endowment, his genuine relationship building with Foundation staff and Mrs. Bonner, and his belief in creating a University to serve the needs of the community- each of these traits helped secure a place for Concord among the initial schools accepted and endowed by the Bonner Foundation. Dr. Beasley was the first chairperson of the scholarship program’s President’s Advisory Council, providing wise guidance during the early years when the program was taking structure and form. The impact of Dr. Beasley’s early presence extends beyond Concord’s campus and touches the work being done across the Bonner network.

“Dr. Jerry L. Beasley’s effort to bring the Bonner program to Concord’s campus has impacted hundreds of students during the last thirty years and, through their efforts, countless members of our campus and community. We’re very proud and grateful to continue the work that is part of his legacy.”

— Kathy S. Ball

Posthumous Nomination

Dr. John David Smith [1956 - 2017] served as the Vice-President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Concord University from 2006 through 2009. While he had a long tenure at the University, serving in multiple roles within the Social Work Department, Academic Affairs, and other administrative areas, as VP for Student Affairs his passion for community engagement impacted all areas of campus. He was instrumental in promoting service activities for all recognized campus organizations, creating a Service Council within the student government structure, and providing full support for organizations such as the Bonner and ALEF [Appalachian Leadership Education Fund] scholarship programs. His efforts led to increased staffing levels within the Bonner program and additional funding for activities with greater campuswide impact. Dr. Smith’s enthusiasm for always going the extra mile, combined with his genuine love for student engagement, helped greatly expand the work being done through the Bonner program at Concord University.

“Dr. John David Smith possessed incredible amounts of energy and was tireless when working towards a specific goal. We’re very fortunate that he chose to become a champion for our program, using some of his energy to bring about positive, impactful change for the Concord Bonner Program.”

— Kathy S. Ball

President Emerita, Spelman College

Dr. Johnnetta B. Cole has long been a champion of civic engagement, empowering communities through leadership and action. In 1987, Johnnetta Betsch Cole, Ph.D., became Spelman College's seventh president and the first Black woman to lead the College that was founded specifically for the education of women of African descent. The Bonner Scholars Program was established at Spelman College under Dr. Cole’s leadership. Bonner Scholars participated in projects that addressed social justice, education equity, and healthcare access in Atlanta, continuing the legacy of Spelman women dedicated to social change. After leaving Spelman, Dr. Cole continued her civic engagement work on a broader scale. The recipient of more than 50 honorary degrees and numerous accolades, Dr. Cole has served on many boards including Home Depot and Merck. In 2004, Dr. Cole became the first African-American chair of the board of United Way of America. As the national chair and 7th president of the National Council of Negro Women, she advocated for a new era of social activism, progress and growth for the organization dedicated to lead, empower, and advocate for women of African descent, their families and communities. Additionally, she co-chaired the American Alliance of Museums’ Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion initiative, pushing for greater representation and inclusivity in cultural institutions. Through bother her academic leadership and continued advocacy, Dr, Cole remains a steadfast advocate for the power of civic engagement in creating systemic change.

“The young go fast, the elders know the way. - African Proverb Thank you for inspiring and leading generations to exemplary service to humanity.”

— Felicia Deas, Spelman College

President Emerita, Spelman College

Mary Schmitt Campbell, President Emeritus of Spelman College, is a transformative leader whose unwavering dedication to civic and community engagement has deeply enriched higher education. As Spelman's first lay president, Dr. Campbell championed a bold vision: empowering students to become ethical leaders rooted in service, social justice, and global citizenship. Under her leadership, the college launched initiatives that bridged academics and activism—from community health partnerships in Atlanta to international service-learning opportunities—embedding engagement into the fabric of the student experience. Dr. Campbell’s inclusive leadership fostered campus-wide commitment to public purpose, centered the voices of underserved communities, and set a national example for institutional responsibility. She actively promoted collaborative models that brought faculty, students, and community stakeholders together—creating sustainable impact and deepening mutual trust. A mentor to countless leaders in civic engagement, Dr. Campbell has amplified the reach of programs like Bonner and Campus Compact, continually advocating for service-learning as a vital strategy for student formation and social change. Her career reflects a steadfast belief in higher education’s role as a catalyst for justice, equity, and stewardship. Mary Schmitt Campbell embodies the spirit of the Bonner Champion: a senior leader whose vision, passion, and leadership have inspired a generation of servant-leaders and affirmed the power of community-engaged education at the highest levels.

President, Wofford College

Nayef H. Samhat, President of Wofford College, is a dedicated advocate for civic and community engagement who has woven service and social responsibility into the heart of his institution. Under his leadership, Wofford has strengthened its commitment to Bonner-style values by launching new community-based learning programs, expanding local partnerships, and embedding civic purpose across the curriculum. President Samhat’s visionary guidance has transformed the campus culture—students from diverse academic disciplines actively engage in meaningful service projects that address community needs ranging from rural healthcare to educational equity. He champions faculty innovation in community-engaged scholarship, supports student-led social impact initiatives, and ensures that institutional resources are aligned with the college’s public mission. His leadership reflects a deep belief in higher education as a force for justice, empathy, and civic renewal. As a national voice, he has shared Wofford’s collaborative, place‑based engagement practices at conferences and with peer institutions, encouraging a generation of campus leaders to see community partnership as essential to student growth and social progress. President Samhat exemplifies unwavering commitment at the highest executive level—his strategic vision, ethical leadership, and passion for community place him squarely in the lineage of Bonner Champions who use institutional power to shape socially responsible, engaged citizens.

President, Augsburg University

Paul Pribbenow, President of Augsburg University, is a steadfast champion of civic and community engagement—embodying the very spirit of the Bonner Champion award. Since assuming leadership, he has woven service, equity, and social justice into Augsburg’s core mission. Under his guidance, the university has dramatically expanded partnerships with local schools, nonprofits, and civic agencies, creating co‑created learning opportunities that benefit both students and the community. President Pribbenow prioritizes faculty innovation in community‑engaged scholarship, supports student leadership in addressing urgent social issues, and ensures that institutional resources are strategically aligned with public purpose. His visionary approach has catalyzed new initiatives—from urban sustainability projects to culturally responsive health outreach—that have deeply impacted Minneapolis and beyond. Through his national advocacy, Paul has amplified Augsburg’s work at conferences and within Campus Compact, inspiring higher education peers to embrace community engagement as essential to meaningful education. His leadership is marked by humility, collaboration, and a fierce commitment to equity, empowerment, and hope. Paul Pribbenow stands as an exemplar of executive-level dedication: a leadership that recognizes higher education as a powerful vehicle for social change and cultivates generations of civic-minded citizens. He truly earns recognition as a Bonner Champion.

Retired President, Depauw University

Dr. Robert G. Bottoms, DePauw University's longest-serving president, profoundly shaped the institution through his commitment to diversity, ethics, and civic engagement. Under his leadership from 1986 to 2008, DePauw saw a significant increase in multicultural representation, with students from diverse backgrounds growing from 3.5% to 17.1% of the student body, and minority faculty numbers rising from fewer than six to 36 . In 1992, Dr. Bottoms led the effort to bring the Bonner Scholar Program to DePauw, helping to cultivate a strong campus culture of community engagement. Dr. Bottoms's visionary leadership left an enduring legacy, intertwining academic excellence with a deep-seated commitment to social responsibility.

“Thank you, Dr. Bottoms, for bringing the Bonner Scholar Program to DePauw. Your dedication to service, diversity, and social responsibility has left a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and empower students today.”

— Valerie Rudolph, Depauw University

President, Berry College

Steve Briggs, President of Berry College, exemplifies the spirit of the Bonner Champion through unwavering executive leadership in civic and community engagement. Under his stewardship, Berry has deepened its commitment to service-learning, expanded campus–community partnerships, and aligned institutional priorities with regional needs. President Briggs has launched initiatives—such as community health clinics, environmental restoration projects, and educational support programs—that invite students from all disciplines to meaningfully contribute to civic life. He actively supports faculty research rooted in local collaborations, ensures robust funding for student-led service ventures, and fosters student reflection on the values of justice, stewardship, and public good. His leadership radiates beyond campus: as a speaker at national forums, he elevates Berry’s approach as a model for integrated civic engagement. He inspires peer institutions to reaffirm their public mission and champions systems that track impact, elevate community voices, and sustain mutual benefit. Steve Briggs’s approach is characterized by strategic vision, humility, and a firm belief in education as a catalyst for social change. His enduring impact on Berry College and the broader educational landscape positions him as a distinguished Champion whose leadership shapes socially conscious, engaged citizens.