University of Lynchburg

1501 Lakeside Drive

Lynchburg, VA, 24501

http://www.lynchburg.edu/ 

CAMPUS AT A GLANCE & KEY FACTS

Lynchburg College is a medium-sized, 4-year, private liberal arts college.  This coed college is located in a small city in a suburban setting and is primarily a residential campus. Bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees are available. Current undergrad enrollment is 2,141. 

BONNER PROGRAM AT A GLANCE

Type of Program: Bonner Leader Program 

Year Began: 2003 

Bonner Program Website: http://www.lynchburg.edu/student-life/volunteering-and-service/bonner-leader-program/

Application Deadline for 2023:  March 1, 2023 

Where is the Bonner Program located: Our office is located on the second floor of the Drysdale Student Center.  We are a program of the Center for Community Engagement under Student Development. 

Number of Bonner Students: 32

Highlighted Bonner Specific Programs:

• Brook Hill Farm: a non-profit horse rescue and therapeutic riding organization, exists to provide rehabilitation focused services and safe haven for unwanted horses, and offers a therapeutic riding program for personal growth and equine education for the community, helping both horses and people. Our Bonner students 1) serve in the United Neigh Program which is an innovative program created for at-risk youth (ages 12-18) to teach basic horse care, horse rehabilitation, riding skills and personal accountability with the goal of decreasing the high school drop-out rate. Member will serve this organization in a capacity building role by assisting with volunteer management and training as well as program development (youth program enrichment). Member will occasionally provide direct service with youth by tutoring and mentoring; 2) assist in the care of the horse by feeding, bring in/ turning out, record keeping, and all barn chores; 3) work as horse handler are responsible for grooming and tacking the horse prior to the lesson. They are responsible for leading the horse during the lesson, and are responsible for the safety of the horse and the rider as well as communicating with the instructor and the side walker when necessary; 4) Side-walkers are responsible for the rider’s safety and assisting the rider during the lesson. Side-walkers are to help the rider focus on instructor cues and promote as much independence as possible. It's great fun and rewarding!
• Pilgrimage: Each January our students travel to a new area to explore through the lens of our six common commitments. First year Bonners are required to come, while second years just have the option (most usually attend anyway- it's a great source of cohesion for the whole group!). We have been to DC, Philadelphia, Charlotte, Asheville, NYC, Birmingham. Each trip has allowed students to see and connect with something new.  
  

CAMPUS-WIDE ENGAGEMENT AT A GLANCE

• Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week: Every November, our Bonner program works with the whole campus to put on a week of activities related to awareness about hunger and homelessness. The main role Bonner plays is in setting up Solidarity Sleepers. This element of the week involves students who sign up to sleep out in the Dell for 1-7 nights as a fundraiser and awareness-raiser for the whole campus community.  
• First Year Service Day: During First Year Orientation, Bonners work with the Office of Community Involvement to set up a day of service experience for incoming students. This allows students to become acquainted with the Lynchburg community from the very beginning and see what kinds of ways they can get involved. This service day emphasizes the value that our whole campus places on being active in this community.