In a way, Kylee Crook '19 is coming home. Not just to Guilford College, but to a program she loves.

The College’s new Bonner Program Coordinator is a former Bonner Scholar herself. She can’t wait to meet with students and staff in the coming weeks.

The College also named Jennifer Urdaneta-Cassoma ’17 as the Campus and Community Engagement Fellow, working alongside Kylee.

“Having gone through the program as a student and now coming in as more of a facilitator and coordinator for the students is really exciting,” says Kylee, who started work July 27. “I’m probably a little nervous because I know how important Bonner is to Guilford, but mostly I’m just so excited to get going.”

Guilford’s Bonner Program has been connecting students with the wider community for more than 30 years. The program was established by Guilford in collaboration with the Corella and Bertram F. Bonner Foundation.

Bonner Leaders are committed to community service and receive scholarship funding to help finance their education. They participate in a mentorship program that helps them develop as leaders and change agents in the Greensboro community.

As excited as Kylee is about her new position, she’s quick to add she won’t be forcing changes onto Guilford’s program. That change will come from the current Bonner Leaders.

“This is their Bonner program, their Bonner experience,” says Kylee. “I want to give these students an opportunity to create this program for themselves, under the guidance of the greater Bonner network. It’s a gift and a privilege that I can help facilitate what they want out of their program. Because that’s what it is – their program.”

Kylee is returning to Guilford after spending time working in the mental healthcare sector, most recently as a communications specialist and engagement coordinator for BLND Health in Michigan and Colorado.

She graduated from Guilford with degrees in Psychology and Sociology/Anthropology and a minor in Spanish.

Kylee says she’s stepping into a program with boundless possibilities as it “enters a new era.”

“We’re at a place where Bonner can really be what it needs to be and what it wants to be kind of without so much pressure from past generations. I can’t wait to get started.”

Jennifer will be working with Kylee to coordinate the students and programs. Jennifer, who earned a degree in Criminal Justice, is returning to Guilford after six years of working in community engagement and administration, most recently as a program analyst for the City of Oakland’s Community Homelessness Services Division.

Like Kylee, Jennifer was a Bonner Program participant and senior intern.