At the 2025 Bonner Summer Leadership Institute, more than 450 attendees gathered at the University of Richmond from June 15 to 18. This year was especially meaningful as we marked the 35th Anniversary of the Bonner Program. Since its founding in 1990, the Bonner Program has grown from a visionary idea into a vibrant, nationwide movement committed to access to education, community-engaged learning, and social justice.
Liz Brandt, Director of Community Engagement at Bonner Foundation welcomes attendees at Opening Session of the 2025 Summer Leadership Institute at the University of Richmond
As we reflected on our journey over the past 35 years, we honored hundreds of individuals that have positively shaped the Bonner Program and network. Whether new to the program or a long-time leader in the network, many individuals are part of this powerful legacy of leadership and service. Their commitment to leading with integrity, building relationships, and working for the common good continues to shape campuses and communities in transformative ways. You can read more about the tribute recipients here.
“Having been with the Bonner Program since its’ inception, I believe Corella and Bertram Bonner would be proud to see their initial contributions and efforts scaled to impact tens of thousands of low-income students have access to higher education, be transformed through service, and remain civically engaged throughout their lives.” – Bobby Hackett, President, Bonner Foundation
Throughout the four days of SLI, attendees explored the theme of Weaving Our Web: I Am Because We Are—deepening our skills, sharing innovations, and strengthening the partnerships that make this work possible. The theme is rooted in the African philosophy of Ubuntu, capturing the spirit of interconnectedness and collective strength that defines the Bonner community.
Bonner Foundation Board Member and President of George Gund Foundation, Tony Richardson, receiving his “Living the Mission” tribute
The opening session honored outstanding members of the Bonner community in celebration of Ubuntu’s message, featuring Dr. Sylvia Gale, Director of the Bonner Center for Civic Engagement at the University of Richmond, Tony Richardson, President of the George Gund Foundation and Bonner Foundation Board Member, Ariane Hoy, Vice President at the Bonner Foundation, Caryn McTighe Musil, Independent Consultant and Distinguished Fellow at the American Association of Colleges and Universities, and Dr. Monty Whitney, Director of the Bonner Center at Morehouse College. The “Living the Mission” celebrated alumni and service members now working professionally in the field, while the “Spirit of Ubuntu” tribute honored individuals who exemplify the Common Commitments and a deep dedication to the Bonner community. The session also featured inspiring keynote speeches from The College of New Jersey Bonner Scholars Anusree Deevi ’28 and James Kerr ’28.
“Uplifting the theme of Ubuntu, which can be described as shared humanity and radical empathy, complemented the spirit of Beloved Community we bring into our gatherings,” noted Dr. Ariane Hoy, Vice President. “The 35th Anniversary and Summer Leadership Institute gave our community a chance to celebrate the deep sustained energy and commitment of so many people that have made the Bonner Program successful and creatively built engaged campuses.We are truly grateful.”
The anniversary session on Monday featured welcoming remarks from University of Richmond President Kevin Hallock, Bonner Foundation staff and University of Richmond staff, and special keynote address by Dr. Timothy K. Eatman, Dean of the Honors Living-Learning Community at Rutgers University- Newark. The “Lives of Service Tribute,” dedicated to recipients who spent more than 10 years of service with the Bonner Program, “The Legacy,” and “Engaged Scholar Recognition” for practitioners and scholars who made significant contributions to the field of community-engaged research and produces knowledge in partnership with communities, were recognized.
“It was so special to see members of the Bonner community receive the recognition they deserve for making their love of service into heart work. We came to celebrate the accomplishments of everyone who lives the Bonner experience and hope for many more moments like these to share with one another.” - Olivia Gray, 2025 National Intern with the Bonner Foundation
Throughout the conference, participants chose between four signature sessions and over 30 elective workshops led by students, staff, alumni, guests, and partner organizations such as “Tips for Submitting a Strong Graduate School Application” and “Service as Resistance: Exploring Justice through Community Engagement,” offering participants practical tools and meaningful reflections.
Bonner Alumni panelists El-Mahdi Holly (Morehouse College), Anu Baskar (George Mason University), Shannon Maynard (University of Richmond), Katherine Diaz Garcia (Centre College), Arthur Tartee Jr. (University of Richmond) (Left to right)
In one of the signature sessions, “Careers in Service to the Common Good: Featuring Bonner Alumni Across 35 Years,” alumni Shannon Maynard, University of Richmond, Katherine Diaz Garcia, Centre College, Anu Baskar, George Mason University, Arthur Tartee Jr., University of Richmond, and El-Mahdi Holly, Morehouse College, shared how the Bonner Program shaped their commitment to community-driven work in their professional lives. Their stories served as powerful testaments to the program’s lasting impact, inspiring renewed energy for building a more compassionate world.
In a LinkedIn post, El-Mahdi Holly said, “Reminiscing of how much my life was changed by those 2,200 volunteer hours from when we sat across from Mrs. Bonner instantly made my eyes water at the thought which emerged: #BonnerLove 𝘪𝘴 𝘚𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘈𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘶𝘴!”
The University of Richmond team members, joined the Bonner Foundation staff and 2025 National Bonner Foundation Summer Interns
Student- Track Session “Think on Your Feet,” presented by Naya Adleh, 2025 National Bonner Intern and Jeniffer Gonzalez Reyes, Director of Communications and Campus Engagement at the Bonner Foundation
Student-Track sessions “Passion to Practice” during the Summer Leadership Institute were presented by National Bonner Foundation interns and staff: Tell Your Story (Olivia Gray, Michael Deem Jr., and J.P. Liddy), Make Your Pitch (Kayla Rogers and Cliff Davis), and Think on Your Feet (Naya Adla and Jeniffer Gonzalez-Reyes). These sessions brought to life the work of Bonner alumni among eight career sectors through panel discussions with Cory Schutter (University of Richmond), Arielle Del Rosario (Rutgers University– New Brunswick), Katherine Diaz Garcia (Centre College), Arthur Tartee Jr. (University of Richmond), El-Mahdi Holly (Morehouse College), and Belle Espinal (Oberlin College).
Tuesday’s all-group session “People, Power, and Place: Braiding Narratives in Richmond, VA” highlighted Virginia’s sacred grounds of Black history. Speakers included public historian, Dr. Laurenette Lee, imagery captured by photojournalist, Brian Palmer, of the local cemetery, and Kevin Lamar Jones, a University of Richmond alum and dancer of the African Diaspora, encouraged audience participation through movement. The morning session framed the afternoon’s place-based learning immersions including “Daughters: Film Screening and Conversation with the Director,” “Immersion Experience at Health Brigade,” and “The Harlem of the South: Discovering Jackson Ward.”
Resume Review during Networking Fair
Tuesday also offered a networking fair with national partners and graduate schools, where attendees explored a wide range of opportunities including scholarships, fellowships, service years, and internships. Participants connected with representatives from organizations such as Fair Elections Center’s Campus Vote Project, GivePulse, Tilting Futures, Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis, Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University, Clinton School of Public Service at the University of Arkansas, and the School of International Service at American University. The fair fostered meaningful conversations, allowing students and alumni to envision pathways for continued learning, leadership, and impact. Concurrently, dozens of students also took advantage of the opportunity to participate in a one-on-one resume review.
National partner, Tilting Futures, with an SLI attendee
One of my favorite moments from the SLI conference was the networking and resume review session with grad schools and community partners. Everyone was so approachable and encouraging. I got great feedback on my resume, had real conversations about my goals — and almost every grad school I spoke to followed up after I signed their sheet. It made the whole idea of grad school feel a lot more real and exciting. — Naya Adla, 2025 National Bonner Intern
SLI attendees at the “Sip and Paint” student social event
Each evening, SLI closed with student social events and administrator receptions, whether winding down with a screening of Inside Out, making slime with new Bonner friends, or painting alongside peers from across the country, attendees found space to rest and recharge in community.
Feel free to check out the presentations and resources shared during the 2025 Summer Leadership Institute including the full program on the Bonner Wiki here. Be sure to watch the SLI 2025 recap video below, developed by 2025 National Bonner Intern, Micheal Deem Jr.
Thanks to everyone who made the 2025 Summer Leadership Institute and 35th Anniversary a successful gathering and celebration.