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.
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.
Davidson College, Bonner Scholar, Hannah Lieberman ’18 wrote, directed and performed Hysterical, a one-woman comedy musical exploring topics of relationships, identity and her family’s history of inherited ovarian cancer. Her hustling brought her to QED, a small arts venue in Astoria, Queens, New York, and, for at least the last decade, the only woman-owned and operated venue in the area.
TCNJ’s Bonner Community Scholars Program launched 20 years ago, it started with just 12 Bonner Scholars — students who commit to 300 hours of community service annually in exchange for needs-based scholarships. Now, with close to 100 participants each year, the TCNJ program is one of the largest and most successful in a nationwide network of Bonner college programs.
In celebration of Elaine Wheeler's retirement, we honor her invaluable contribution to the Bonner Foundation. Her commitment and mentorship have been instrumental in our growth as a Foundation and the Network we have today. As she embarks on her retirement, we celebrate her legacy of dedication and look forward to the path she has paved for us.
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.
Rutgers University Bonner, Prachi Shashidhar, founded Cooking for Camden, a student-led nonprofit organization that works with members of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Market Street, where meals are provided to guests who visit the church. She developed the project while taking a “First-Year Forum” course taught by Lee Ann Westman, director of the Honors College at Rutgers-Camden and later transferred to Rutgers New Brunswick .
Davidson College, Bonner Scholar, Hannah Lieberman ’18 wrote, directed and performed Hysterical, a one-woman comedy musical exploring topics of relationships, identity and her family’s history of inherited ovarian cancer. Her hustling brought her to QED, a small arts venue in Astoria, Queens, New York, and, for at least the last decade, the only woman-owned and operated venue in the area.
The 2025 Bonner Fall Network Meeting convened November 10-13 at the Claggett Center in Adamstown, Maryland, bringing together 100 administrators, faculty, and partners from 52 institutions across the Bonner Network. Addressing the theme Rooted in Partnerships, United in Purpose, the gathering provided a space for professional development, strategic planning, and community building as staff and faculty from across the Bonner Network explored how their work with civic learning and community engagement addresses critical challenges facing campuses, communities, and the nation.
Centre College Bonner, Cate Boyette, class of 2028, faced an epilepsy diagnosis that challenged her educational path. Seizures, chronic migraines and long stretches spent homebound made school nearly impossible — even requiring her to repeat her junior year. These experiences ultimately deepened her appreciation for education, classmates and teachers.
Lindsey Wilson University's Bonner Scholars Program celebrated its 20th anniversary, honoring founder Elise Hendrickson Luckey and the program's remarkable impact on the community. Over two decades, 204 Bonner Leaders have contributed more than 380,000 hours of service, generating an economic impact exceeding $11.2 million. The program, anchored by seven core values known as "Common Commitments," has created a culture of "Bonner love" that continues to guide students and alumni in their service work. At the anniversary celebration, Luckey received the inaugural Founder's Tribute Award, and the Elise Hendrickson Luckey Bonner Scholar Endowment was established to support future students.
Centre College's Bonner Program students and faculty are actively addressing homelessness in Danville by assembling emergency kits for those in need, while also contributing to the formation of the Boyle County Homelessness Coalition and a transitional housing project through community-based learning courses.
The 2025 Fall Bonner Congress brought together approximately 120 Bonner Scholars and Leaders from 60 institutions for a transformative weekend focused on "Engage Now, For Our Shared Humanity." Held at the Loyola University Chicago Retreat & Ecology Center, the event featured intensive strategy sessions where students developed action plans, explored career pathways through the "Purpose to Paycheck" workshop, and connected with graduate school partners and National Bonner Alumni Advisors across eight career sectors. The Congress showcased student-led workshops, a national partner fair, and networking opportunities that empowered participants to translate their civic engagement into marketable skills and sustainable campus program improvements.
Five Bonner students have been nominated for the prestigious Campus Compact 2025–2026 Newman Civic Fellowship, recognizing their exceptional commitment to civic leadership and community engagement. The fellows represent diverse institutions and focus areas including housing insecurity, environmental justice, reproductive rights, and youth political engagement. Their work exemplifies the power of student-led change in addressing critical social issues and building a more equitable society.
The Bonner Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard Harrill as its new Vice President for Operations and Strategic Initiatives. He brings a wealth of experience in nonprofit leadership in both the US and Europe, as well as a passion for community engagement that aligns closely with the Foundation's mission and values.
The Bonner Foundation hosted the 2025 New Staff Orientation at Princeton Theological Seminary, welcoming twenty-five new staff and faculty from eighteen higher education institutions to learn about building and managing Bonner Programs, fostering community partnerships, and enhancing community-engaged learning practices.
Alaynna Kriz, a nursing major and Bonner Leader at the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University, is dedicating her summer to establishing a free health clinic in St. Cloud, which is set to open in August. She is researching community health needs and preparing undergraduate nursing students for their roles at the clinic, aiming to create a beneficial environment for both the clinic and the students involved.
