Christopher Newport University
1 Avenue of the Arts
Newport News, VA 23606
www.cnu.edu
Center for Community Engagement Website: www.cnuengage.org
CAMPUS AT A GLANCE & KEY FACTS
- Christopher Newport University is a young institution, but our formidable reputation is growing fast thanks to our commitment to the principles of liberal learning and our dedication to the ideals of scholarship, leadership and service. CNU is now listed fourth among all regional universities in the South and seventh among public regional universities in the South by U.S. News and World Report. Academic programs at CNU encompass more than 80 areas of study, from biology to business administration and political science to the performing arts, offering you a broad choice of paths to choose from on your educational journey. Our 5,000 students are taught by distinguished professors in small classes, take advantage of world-class amenities, and participate in our many student activities, volunteer organizations and athletics. With so many options and opportunities, the horizon is wide open.
BONNER PROGRAM AT A GLANCE
- The Bonner Program at Christopher Newport University is the signature program of the Center for Community Engagement. We help our students exercise their passion for service as they develop the skills of deeply engaged citizen leaders. Each cohort of ten incoming freshmen is selected during the spring of their senior year of high school. Upon their selection, our students are oriented to the program throughout the summer and during Welcome Week in August. First year students participate in IDST 250 - Introduction to Civic Engagement and Social Justice during the fall semester, which is the first class required for the new minor in Civic Engagement and Social Justice. Each year of the program follows the Bonner Foundation's Four Year Developmental Model, with specific learning objectives, impact outcomes and our signature Cornerstone Activities (First year Pilgrimage; Second year Virginia Bonner Exchange; Third year Junior Journey to Puerto Rico; and, Fourth year culminating research and Senior Presentation of Learning). Christopher Newport's Bonner Service Scholars are guided through a life-changing journey of self discovery and community development that sets them up for a great future beyond their undergraduate experience.
Type of Program: Bonner Leader
Year Began: 2011
Bonner Program Website: www.cnuengage.org/programs/bonner
Application Deadline for 2023: Closed on April 15, 2022
Where is the Bonner Program located: Academic Affairs, Center for Community Engagement
Number of Bonner Students: 31
CAMPUS-WIDE ENGAGEMENT AT A GLANCE
- The Center for Community Engagement connects the campus to our local community and beyond, guiding students and faculty to the right fit for their social concerns. The Service Distinction Program is our recommended pathway to engagement, and all students may enroll to serve within one primary "service track" over four years. Currently over 2,400 students are enrolled—almost 50% of the campus. This year 23% of the 2022 graduating class graduated with Service Distinction Honors.
- The minor in Civic Engagement and Social Justice is an interdisciplinary program open to all students who want to make a positive difference in the world. This program explores issues of social justice, economic opportunity, access to resources and cross-cultural understanding, with an emphasis on promoting the quality of life for all members of the community.
- The Center is located on the first floor of the David Student Union, right in the heart of campus.
KEY CONTACTS
President: William G. Kelly
Bonner Program Staff:
Director, Center for Community Engagement & Bonner Program
vanessa.buehlman@cnu.edu
757-594-7492
Assistant Director, Center for Community Engagement & Bonner Program
jessica.deal@cnu.edu
757-594-7233
Academic Director, Center for Community Engagement
757-594-7954
2023-2024 Senior Bonner Interns/Senior Leaders:
2023-2024 Bonner Congress Reps: