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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
