By Kelsey Goodwin, W&L October 21, 2022
Bonner Scholars past and present will come together next weekend to celebrate two decades of the program at Washington and Lee.
On Oct. 28, a reception will be held in Mattingly House from 4-5:30 p.m. to mark the 20th anniversary of the founding of W&L’s Bonner Program. Robert Hackett, president of the Corella and Bertram F. Bonner Foundation, and Howard Pickett, director of the Shepherd Program for the Interdisciplinary Study of Poverty and Human Capability, will give remarks after an introduction from Bonner Program director Marisa Charley.
W&L is one of nearly 70 colleges and universities within the national Bonner Foundation network. The W&L chapter is offered through The Shepherd Program, which began in 1997 and focuses on the various causes and consequences of poverty, as well as the collective responsibility to address the problems associated with poverty.
“Our Bonner Scholars are an inspiring yet humble bunch, who work tirelessly alongside community partners to break down the walls that too often exist between campus and community,” said Pickett. “Through their community engagement, coursework and compassion, Bonners embody the Shepherd mission to understand and address the causes and consequences of poverty and inequality in ways that respect the dignity of every person.”