The 2026 Bonner Summer Leadership Institute brought together over 350 changemakers from more than 60 colleges to explore civic engagement, social innovation, and the future of democracy on the banks of the Raritan River. Highlighting Bonner’s commitment to community‑focused learning, the week featured plenary discussions, workshops, and networking events that equipped participants with practical tools and collaborative networks to advance equity and public service on their campuses.
Madilyn McGreevy’s college journey at Rider University is defined by her extensive service as a Bonner Community Leader, where she dedicated over 2,100 hours to supporting children and families in high‑need communities. Through Bonner, she led tutoring initiatives, mentored peers, and completed an Impact Internship, experiences that have prepared her to work as an educational specialist after graduation.
Nyrobi Whitfield ’26 has found purpose through hands-on learning beyond the classroom with Oberlin’s Center for Engaged Liberal Arts (CELA). Through early research in aquatic science and later marine ecology work, Whitfield has turned coursework into tangible climate and environmental insights. Service as a lifeguard and swim instructor, along with sustainability leadership on campus, has deepened Whitfield’s commitment to community engagement. After graduation, Whitfield plans to pursue a PhD in marine ecology and continue building a career in climate change research.
The Bonner/Canale Program at Sewanee cultivates a community of student leaders dedicated to service and relationship-building with local organizations. Through a structured four-year experience, students engage in significant community projects, gaining skills in leadership, cultural awareness, and civic engagement while fostering trust between the university and surrounding communities.
Berry College, Bonner Alum, Dr. Emily Melchior (16C), has established herself as a prominent figure in animal health research, serving as the Manager of Global Outcomes Research at Zoetis Animal Health. She is recognized for her contributions to ruminant microbiology and nutrition, and she actively supports young professionals through mentorship and her involvement in various organizations.
Rider University’s Center for Community and Belonging showcases its Bonner Program, which pairs student mentors with Trenton organizations to deliver impactful civic‑engagement projects. The initiative emphasizes equity‑focused service learning, leadership development, and real‑world community impact, as highlighted by Vice President Darryl Mace during a segment with Ken Rosato.
Yayi Sonnabend, a 2023 Lindsey Wilson alumna, has been appointed director of the university’s Bonner Scholar Program and civic‑engagement initiatives. Under her leadership, the program—renowned for its extensive community‑service impact and partnership with the Bonner Foundation—aims to grow participation and deepen local collaborations.
Milton Moreland’s journey illustrates how Bonner‑aligned civic engagement can transform a modest cemetery‑restoration project into a pathway to college presidency. By leveraging the Periclean Faculty Leadership Grant, he integrated community‑based learning into coursework, fostering equity‑centered partnerships and active citizenship that propelled his career from professor to President of Centre College.
Gabriela Tirado, a Rollins College Bonner alum, is leading a Peace Corps partnership project in The Gambia that installs a solar‑powered borehole and irrigation system for a women‑led community garden. The initiative advances Bonner’s focus on community engagement, sustainability, and women’s economic empowerment by improving food security, maternal health, and local livelihoods.
The University of Richmond’s Bonner Center for Civic Engagement recognized 17 Bonner Scholars for their four‑year commitment to community service, showcasing their projects through art and panel discussions. Students like Devin Morgan and Amber Castaneda collaborated with local nonprofits, gaining hands‑on experience that deepened their understanding of community challenges and solutions. The event emphasized the scholars’ dedication to building relationships, learning alongside partners, and fostering social change.
Kade Schooling ’26, a Bonner alum, earned a prestigious Fulbright U.S. Student Program award to pursue graduate research in neuroscience and consciousness at Taipei Medical University in Taiwan. His interdisciplinary studies in Chinese and Behavioral Neuroscience, combined with the supportive Bonner network of mentors and faculty, positioned him to secure this competitive award and embark on cutting‑edge sleep neuroscience research abroad.
The 2026 Bonner Summer Leadership Institute brought together over 350 changemakers from more than 60 colleges to explore civic engagement, social innovation, and the future of democracy on the banks of the Raritan River. Highlighting Bonner’s commitment to community‑focused learning, the week featured plenary discussions, workshops, and networking events that equipped participants with practical tools and collaborative networks to advance equity and public service on their campuses.
Rachel Carroll ’26, a senior health‑equity major and Bonner Scholar, chose to remain in Memphis to deepen her impact through community service and research. Through the Bonner program she has led initiatives with Bridges USA and the South Side Wildcats, while also serving as programming co‑chair of the Rhodes College Bonner Scholarship Leadership Council. Her work exemplifies the Bonner commitment to “walk loudly” and drive health and environmental justice in her hometown.
Bonner Scholars actively support Gregory Elementary School through their partnership with Mercer Street Friends, providing classroom assistance, after‑school programs, and community events. Their volunteers, such as Francisco Guerra, contribute hundreds of service hours, fostering a supportive, family‑like environment for students and teachers alike.
Bonner alumni gathered in Chicago for a hands‑on service day with Chicago Canine Rescue, where they walked shelter dogs Dusk, Okra, and Porcini and praised the organization’s well‑organized volunteer program. The event exemplifies Bonner’s commitment to civic leadership and community service, fostering alumni connections and encouraging future local gatherings.
Madilyn McGreevy’s college journey at Rider University is defined by her extensive service as a Bonner Community Leader, where she dedicated over 2,100 hours to supporting children and families in high‑need communities. Through Bonner, she led tutoring initiatives, mentored peers, and completed an Impact Internship, experiences that have prepared her to work as an educational specialist after graduation.
Erica Vu, a Bonner Scholar at Oberlin, credits the program with helping her build confidence and find community through various volunteer projects and leadership roles. Her experiences include working with the Northern Ohio Youth Orchestra and serving as a camp counselor, all supported by Oberlin's Career Exploration and Development office, which helped her develop professionally while fostering her commitment to community engagement.
Nyrobi Whitfield ’26 has found purpose through hands-on learning beyond the classroom with Oberlin’s Center for Engaged Liberal Arts (CELA). Through early research in aquatic science and later marine ecology work, Whitfield has turned coursework into tangible climate and environmental insights. Service as a lifeguard and swim instructor, along with sustainability leadership on campus, has deepened Whitfield’s commitment to community engagement. After graduation, Whitfield plans to pursue a PhD in marine ecology and continue building a career in climate change research.
Aina Tasso ’27, a Bonner Scholar at Oberlin, connects coursework with community engagement through tutoring, civic advocacy, and research. With support from CELA, she has pursued micro-internships in Congress and Colombia and a Mellon Mays fellowship focused on Afro-Peruvian education and awareness, shaping her path toward public service and academia.
The Bonner/Canale Program at Sewanee cultivates a community of student leaders dedicated to service and relationship-building with local organizations. Through a structured four-year experience, students engage in significant community projects, gaining skills in leadership, cultural awareness, and civic engagement while fostering trust between the university and surrounding communities.
Embry Burton, a Bonner Leader at Rollins College, has effectively integrated science, service, and leadership through the Bonner Program, which emphasizes community engagement and social justice. As they pursue a Master of Public Health at Emory University, Embry exemplifies how Bonner's structured approach has shaped their academic and career aspirations in public health and global health.
Wofford College Bonner, Chrisler White, has been selected as one of fourteen American college students for the prestigious Frederick Douglass-Daniel O’Connell Global Internship program in Dublin, Ireland. This program, co-sponsored by CIEE and various organizations, aims to equip young professionals with practical work experience while honoring the legacies of Douglass and O’Connell in the pursuit of social justice and equality.
Rutgers University, Bonner alum Tyler Seville advanced his health policy career through the Executive Master of Public Administration program at the Fels Institute of Government, where he leveraged his background in community service to establish a partnership that supports future leaders in public service. His journey demonstrates the value of flexible graduate education for working professionals and the impact of mentorship in fostering civic engagement.
Bonner Scholar, Jay'Shun Mathews '28, a sophomore at Morehouse College is making a national impact as Founder and Executive Director of the Black Youth Empowerment Network (BYEN), a youth-led nonprofit dedicated to empowering Black youth through leadership and community engagement. Since its founding in 2024, BYEN has grown into a movement of over 500 members across 25 states, earning Mathews recognition on the HBCUniverse 30 Under 30 list and two Rice Awards nominations. His work exemplifies Morehouse's values of service, innovation, and impact, proving that the next generation of leaders is already making a difference.
Berry College, Bonner Alum, Dr. Emily Melchior (16C), has established herself as a prominent figure in animal health research, serving as the Manager of Global Outcomes Research at Zoetis Animal Health. She is recognized for her contributions to ruminant microbiology and nutrition, and she actively supports young professionals through mentorship and her involvement in various organizations.
