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.
Oberlin Business Partnership is conducting a survey in collaboration with Oberlin College second-year and Bonner Scholar Amanda Cabrera Benitez in order to gather feedback from campus community members about their opinions on small businesses in the City of Oberlin. Cabrera Benitez said that she was inspired to create this project as a way to support both students and business owners.
