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.
Rachel Carroll ’26, a senior health‑equity major and Bonner Scholar, chose to remain in Memphis to deepen her impact through community service and research. Through the Bonner program she has led initiatives with Bridges USA and the South Side Wildcats, while also serving as programming co‑chair of the Rhodes College Bonner Scholarship Leadership Council. Her work exemplifies the Bonner commitment to “walk loudly” and drive health and environmental justice in her hometown.
Leading a community relief program for small businesses devastated by a crippling pandemic was not in Natasha Main’s job description. She had plenty on her plate since becoming executive director late last year of Exponential Impact, a Colorado Springs-based, nonprofit incubator/accelerator for tech startups.
But she’s more than stepped up to the challenge, says Exponential Impact co-founder and chairman Vance Brown, who developed the Survive & Thrive relief program, which is being administered by XI. In fact, he says, “she’s crushing it.”
Frankie Dakin, Bonner Scholar and Rhodes College Class of 2014, was just named a 2019 Truman Foundation Democracy Fellow. Frankie currently serves as appointed Public Outreach Liaison for Shelby County, Tennessee. He was appointed to that role by Mayor Lee Harris in September 2018. As Public Outreach Liaison, he manages special projects and is responsible for implementing strategies to ensure feedback is received from citizens, community groups, elected officials, and other agencies to support specific initiatives.
