Throughout their time at Wake Forest, Civic Scholars complete work across four key areas: academics, direct service, trainings, and leadership development. Civic Scholars also work alongside a staff adviser from the Office of Civic and Community Engagement to develop and reflect on a capstone project. As leaders both on campus and in the community, Civic Scholars are connected with a wide range of causes and organizations.
2025 Civic Scholars
Natalie Borsuk
Delaney Buck
Leah Cabiness
Erica Carl
Mari Dragan
Nicole Dragotta
Kevin Dunn
Matt Genser
Ashley Glover
Ashleigh Hampson
Safa Jan
Satvik Kuravi
Hallie Martel
Morgan Moser
Grace Novak
Annie Russell
Sam Silverberg
Gracie Stump
Amelia Suhocki
Lillie Thornton
Rachel VonDohlen
Natalie Borsuk
As a double major in politics and international affairs and history, Borsuk's work with Deac's Decide has sparked a passion for youth voter engagement.
Borsuk has served as the student director for Deacs Decide, student director, desk acquisition committee chair, and event logistics committee member of DESK, quad operations co-chair for Project Pumpkin, freshman ambassador for Hit the Bricks, and founding member and treasurer of Women in Politics. In addition, Borsuk was involved in women's club soccer and an ambassador in admissions.
Deacs Decide led Borsuk to focus her politics senior seminar on how campaigns can better engage youth voters by prioritizing policy over platform presence. Her passion extended to her History research seminar, where she is analyzing Senator Eugene McCarthy's strong student support during the 1968 Democratic Party.
After graduation, Borsuk will be a management development trainee at McMaster Carr.
"Never be afraid to jump in and ask for more responsibility! Joining a new organization can feel intimidating at first, but stepping up and asking how you can contribute more deeply shows initiative and opens the door to meaningful opportunities. Taking that extra step can lead to a richer experience and possibly even a leadership role that could fundamentally shape your college journey and beyond."
Natlie Borsuk shares advice to Wake Forest students
Delaney Buck
As a health and exercise science major and psychology minor, Buck has combined her passion for physical therapy with her community engaged work to foster change in factors that greatly impact one's individual health.
Buck has served as a Campus Kitchen shift leader, SPARC pre-orientation leader, the Osteoarthritis Prevention Study intern, and a residential advisor. She has also been involved in Alpha Phi Omega, Campus Kitchen work study, and various healthcare internships and shadowing experiences outside of Wake Forest.
After graduation Buck plans to spend her gap year in Raleigh working as a physical therapy aide, before attending physical therapy school.
"I am extremely grateful for my mentors in the OCCE. Not only have they broadened my perspective on the workings of the world around me, but they have been vital in connecting me with opportunities and resources on campus. They have been a source of support when I've needed it most and have guided me in my career goals and life outside of community service."
Delaney Buck on how her mentors were important to her community-engaged work:
Leah Cabiness
As a religious studies major with a sociology and communications minor, Cabiness has focused on community engagement as a way to broaden her perspective, build relationships, and strengthen her emotional, communication, and leadership skills.
Throughout her time at Wake Forest University, Cabiness served as historian for Alpha Phi Omega, the treasurer for the Wesley Foundation, and a student lead in the WakerSpace. In the greater Winston-Salem community, Cabiness worked with Crisis Control Ministry and engaged with broader issues around race and religion in South Africa.
Cabiness explored the intersection of religion, communication, and social justice and aims to continue using community engagement to foster understanding and drive systemic changes in her future nonprofit career.
After graduation, Cabiness will be pursuing a career in the nonprofit sector.
Erica Carl
As an African American studies major and a sociology and communication minor, Carl's community engagement work deepened her passion for social justice and strengthened her commitment to advocacy and mentorship.
Carl served as the president of thr Pi Omicron Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., the vice president of Sigma Delta Chapter of Order of Omega Honor Society, a resident advisor, a president's aide, the campus life co-chair for Student Government, and the community service chair for the Black Student Alliance.
Carl was deeply involved in community service, working with organizations like Emmanuel Baptist Church, Habitat for Humanity, and the Bethesda Center.
Carl's most impactful moment was organizing and gathering students and donations to participate in SOUPer Saturday event at the Bethesda Center for the Homeless, where she coordinated meals for over 100 people.
After graduation, Carl plans on applying to a master's program and then attending law school to combine her passions to create meaningful change in her community.
"Start early, stay committed, and pursue opportunities that align with your passions. Community work is more than just service; it is about enjoying the journey of growth and learning while maintaining balance. Prioritizing both impact and well-being allows you to make meaningful, lasting contributions without losing sight of yourself."
Erica Carl's advice to students at Wake Forest.
Mari Dragan
As a biology major and a chemistry minor, Dragan has applied her volunteer work through her academic and career interests to become more involved with sustainability.
Dragan has served as the student director of Campus Kitchen and has had the honor of working with the Shalom Project, Azalea Terrace, Hope to Thrive, Forsyth Backpack Program, and Anthony's Plot.
Dragan mentions that getting involved in the community and learning about how she can make a difference has shaped her into a leader and an advocate for the underprivileged members in the Winston-Salem community.
Following graduation, Dragan is attending veterinary school.
"I would highly recommend getting involved in the community. It's a really grounding experience and teaches life skills that cannot be taught in a classroom."
Mari Dragan's advice to incoming students at Wake Forest
Nicole Dragotta
As a finance major and economics and philosophy minor, Dragotta's involvement with Campus Kitchen has sharpened her analytic skills and taught her how to assess needs, optimize resources, and drive efficient outcomes.
Dragotta has served as the procurement coordinator and leadership team member for Campus Kitchen. In addition, she served as the vice president of membership experience for Alpha Delta Pi.
Dragotta was actively engaged in the Wake Forest community through Project Pumpkin, Hit the Bricks, and DESK. She served as a Pre-Wall Street career track member and a teaching assistant in the Wake Forest University Business School.
After graduation, Dragotta will be conducting equity research at Citi Bank in New York City.
"A particularly memorable moment occurred during a Campus Kitchen delivery when a community partner shared how our weekly food drop-off was “a prayer answered from God” because their organization simply didn’t have enough food to feed all the people gathered in need. This experience underscored the immediate, tangible impact of our work, transforming what once felt like routine volunteer shifts into a realization of the power of collective action."
KEVIN DUNN
As a politics and international affairs and classical studies major with a communication minor, Dunn's community work inspired him to pursue these degrees to understand his community and use learned knowledge to improve his community.
Dunn has served as the executive director of Hit the Bricks, a Wake Forest ambassador for admissions, and was involved in family engagement fundraising. In addition, Dunn was a player on the men's D1 basketball team where he served three years on the men's basketball student athlete council as a representative.
After graduation, Dunn will be working on Capitol Hill for a congressman.
"During your first year, try to go to every civic and community event at Wake Forest. By the end of your first year, choose the event you liked most and do everything you can to get as involved as possible in said event. Your passion for the event will influence the rest of your college experience and the rest of your life!"
Kevin Dunn's advice to incoming students at Wake Forest
Matt Genser
As a finance major and an entrepreneurship minor, Genser's involvement in community engagement has broadened his perspective on the impact of philanthropy and influenced his life goals.
Genser was involved in leadership and community engagement across various organizations such as the philanthropy chair for Chi Psi, a student director for Deacon Camp & SPARC, an Investment Club senior director, the Club Tennis captain, and the social chair for Alpha Kappa Psi.
For his capstone project as philanthropy chair for Chi Psi, Genser led fundraising initiatives that raised $4,000 for hurricane relief in North Carolina. Genser's community engagement includes working with nonprofits like Let Me Run, an after school track program, the Second Harvest Food Bank, and the Wake Forest University Campus Gardens.
After graduation, Gesner will be working in New York for Truist Bank.
Ashley Rai Glover
An economics major and entrepreneurship minor, Glover found her passion in bridging health disparities for expectant mothers. Glover conducted research on maternal health discrepancies with Dr. Megan Irby, allowing her to learn more about the OB-GYN field while giving back to the community.
Glover's campus leadership included serving as a SPARC pre-orientation leader, a Friends-in-STEM mentor, a Freedom School servant leader intern, and an INVEST and BEACON HES research program intern. Additionally, Glover conducted research with Dr. Sergi and was involved in CHARGE leadership and the Black Women's Ministry.
As a committed virtual tutor, Glover fostered a "little sis, big sis" environment for her fifth grade student.
After graduation, Glover will be expanding her company, Ashley Rai Doula Care, and then attending medical school.
"Be involved in what fills you up in a wholesome way! It will make your college experience all the more beautiful. The relationships and connections you will form through them will be timeless and irreplaceable."
Ashley Glover provides advice for Wake Forest Students interested in engaging in civic and community-engaged service.
Ashleigh Hampson
As a politics and international affairs and religious studies major, Hampson's community engagement inspired her to take courses surrounding community and learning how people find meaning.
Hampson has served as the director of philanthropy for Kappa Delta and the OCCE pre-orientation programs: Deacon Camp and SPARC. In addition, she was the student conduct advisor co-chair and Benson student manager. In the community, Hampson has partnered with Positive Childhood Alliance North Carolina, WFU Freedom School, and WFU Virtual Tutoring.
Hampson shares that her experience at Wake Forest would not have been nearly as fulfilling if it had not been for her community-engaged work. She has created lasting relationships with members of both the Wake Forest and Winston-Salem communities.
After graduation, Hampson will be the incoming WFU presidential fellow for Campus Life.
Safa Jan
As a biochemistry & molecular biology and politics & international affairs double major, and a Middle & Southeast Asia studies minor, Jan has worked extensively to share her passion for science and public health change with others.
Jan has served as a division leader for Take the Fight to Cancer/American Cancer Society Cares program. She was a student advisor, involved in AmeriCorps Public Health, and Wake Forest University Days of Service. She also worked part-time as an EMT with LifeStar Emergency Services, responding to 911 emergencies in Forsyth and Stokes counties. She was also involved in club field hockey, the Arabic club, and the Muslim Students Association.
Dedicated to facilitating change in public health issues, Jan extended her community network beyond campus to the Forsyth County Behavioral Health Department, Forsyth County Public Health Department, Trellis Supportive Care, the Atrium Mobile Health Clinic, and Twin City Harm Reduction.
After graduation, Jan will be attending Wake Forest School of Medicine, on the path to becoming a physician.
"What has possibly stood out the most to me...is witnessing the impact of harm reduction firsthand when helping patients who were initially hesitant to access safe and potentially life-saving resources reinforced for me the power of education and compassion in making real change from the individual level to the community level."
Satvik Kuravi
As a health and human exercise major with a chemistry and bioethics, humanities, and medicine minor, Kuravi's community engagement gave him a first-hand experience on the effects of the Social Determinants of Health.
Kuravi has served as the president of the Volunteer Service Corps, the vice president of Sigma Pi, the secretary of the Interfraternity Executive Council, and a shift leader for Campus Kitchen. In addition, Kuravi participated in community leadership as an advisory board member for the Forsyth Backpack Program.
Following graduation, Kuravi plans to spend a year doing clinical research before going to medical school.
"Don't be afraid to pursue what you are passionate about! Even if there is no existing organization that you align with, there are opportunities for you to fill that niche on campus."
Satvik Kuravi shares his insight on how students at Wake Forest can get interested in community-engagement.
Hallie Martel
As a finance major and a chemistry and psychology minor, Martel's community-engaged work has helped her become more in tune with the community around her.
Martel has served as the vice president of membership for CHAARG, a Momentum safety officer, a Project Pumpkin outreach chair, and a Project Pumpkin external director. In addition, Martel is a member of Alpha Phi Omega and has participated in Virtual Tutoring.
Martel's favorite memory was seeing the kids on the day of the on-campus Project Pumpkin events. She enjoyed getting to see the whole team's hard work pay off to make a memorable and fun experience for all the children.
After graduation, Martel will be working in the rotational program at State Street Global Advisors.
Morgan Moser
As a sociology major and an interdisciplinary writing and women's gender and sexuality studies major, Moser's involvement with community-engaged work has helped her bridge the gap between academics and her understanding of real-world applications.
Moser held numerous leadership and service roles, including the president of Alpha Kappa Delta, Wake Saturdays, and Minor Variation A Capella. She was a PEER Facilitator in the Body Project, a member of Sigma Tau Delta and Omicron Delta Kappa honor societies, and a tutor for the Writing Center and CLASS.
In the greater Winston-Salem community, Moser worked with the Bethesda Center, Samaritan Ministries, Crossnore Children's Home, Second Harvest Food Bank, Piedmont Triad Regional Food Council, and various Winston-Salem churches.
Moser offers the following advice to younger students:
"Be the change you wish to see in the world. Every day we see problems that nobody has stepped up to solve. You have the ability to make the world a better place so if you find such an opportunity, go for it!"
Following graduation, Moser plans on taking a gap year before going to law school.
Grace Novak
As a communication and sociology major, Novak's community service is intertwined with the well-being of the community and understanding the shortcomings of our society in order to find solutions.
Novak served as a student director for Project Pumpkin and on leadership for DESK as an executive committee member. In addition, Novak was involved with Campus Kitchen as a shift leader and a member in Alpha Delta Pi.
After graduation, Novak plans on working at a pharmaceutical advertising agency in New York City.
"This year was especially memorable and bittersweet. A lot of hard work went into planning the event and I was so excited to see it come to life with all of our community partners. It felt very rewarding to see the wonderment and joy on the kids' faces when they step out of Wait Chapel and see all the booths with games and crafts set up just for them."
Grace Novak reflects on her experience as a student director for Project Pumpkin.
Annie Russell
As a business and enterprise management major and a health policy and administration minor, Russell's academic background has shaped her community engagement work just as much as her volunteer work shaped her academic interests.
Russell served as student director for Project Pumpkin and DESK, two of the university's largest educational outreach events. She was also the philanthropy chair for Kappa Delta and served on the director team for two pre-orientation programs: SPARC and Deacon Camp. In the community, she partnered with 14 community organizations to host volunteers and encourage her peers to live out the pro humanitate motto.
After graduation, Russell will be working as a consulting analyst at Accenture in Atlanta, Georgia.
"My community engaged work reinforced my belief that service should be an ongoing part of my life, regardless of my career path. No matter where I go or what I do professionally, I know that making a positive impact on my community will always be a priority."
Sam Silverberg
As a chemistry major and a neuroscience minor, Silverberg's community engagement has shaped his long-term career goals with STEM and medicine.
Silverberg was an active volunteer with Virtual Tutoring and served as leader for Dash Corps, the SPARC pre-orientation program, and Kids Cooking Coalition. He was also on the executive committee of Tri Beta, the biology honors society. In the greater Winston-Salem community, he has been involved with Habitat for Humanity and the Community Care Center.
Silverberg shares that he would not be where he is without the help of his advisors and mentors who set the foundation for his growth as a student by fostering opportunity, inclusion, and community engagement.
After graduation, Silverberg will be obtaining a master's in biotechnology at Tufts University.
Gracie Stump
As an elementary education licensure and psychology double major, Stump found her passion for culturally responsive education through her community engaged work. Stump's experiences solidified her commitment to a career in teaching where education serves as a tool for empowerment and connection.
Stump has served as the Ronald McDonald house specialist for Alpha Delta Pi, a leadership ambassador for the Student Leadership Council, a student academic advisor, and a pre-orientation leader for SPARC. She was also involved in Virtual Tutoring and Psi Chi, the psychology honors society.
Dedicated to her work in education, Stump has worked with Winston-Salem public schools, DESK, Project Pumpkin, and Freedom School.
After graduation, Stump will be working as a 4th grade teacher in Charleston, SC.
"One moment that his stood out the most to me, is witnessing the personal and academic growth of my student through Virtual Tutoring. Specifically, watching us both grow as humans together year by year."
Amelia Suhocki
As a biochemistry and molecular biology major, Suhocki's community-engaged work has allowed her to connect with like-minded students, faculty, and staff, which has been critical for her in building community on campus.
Suhocki served as the president of the Asian American Identity Group and the collaboration chair and co-president of the World Tea Association. In addition, Suhocki was involved with the Tao Ma Lab at the Wake Forest School of Medicine, Friends in Stem, Deacon Doulas, the Di Vittorio Lab in engineering, and the Sexual Health Ambassadors.
After graduation, Suhocki will be a clinical research technician at Duke University Department of Surgical Oncology and volunteering at the Samaritan Health Center of Durham.
"My community-engaged work has increased my interest in learning about more public health and epidemiology in order to make more evidence based and comprehensive decisions in the healthcare field."
Amelia Suhocki reflecting on her community-engaged work while attending Wake Forest University
Lillie Thornton
As a psychology major and a chemistry and French minor, Thornton's community service work has opened her eyes to health, economic, educational, and food disparities around the Winston-Salem Community.
Thornton served as a Campus Kitchen shift leader, a Deacon Delegate at the Porter B. Byrum Welcome Center, a resident advisor, and an ACS Cares cancer strategist. She held extensive leadership roles in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. as vice president, chaplain, and house manager. She was also an access attendant with Campus Recreation.
Through Thornton's work with Latino Community Services, she has admired interacting with staff members from the organization due to their kindness and gratefulness.
Following graduation, Thornton will continue her education as a Double Deac in Wake Forest University's molecular cell biosciences Ph.D. program.
Rachel VonDohlen
As a business and enterprise management major with a concentration in financial advisory and a mathematics minor, VonDohlen's community-engaged work has reinforced her interests in problem solving, leadership, and strategic thinking.
VonDohlen served as a director at Campus Kitchen, the treasurer of Woof Forest, an OAA student advisor, and an ambassador for Hit the Bricks and the School of Business. In the community, VonDohlen partnered with Samaritan Ministries, the Shalom Project, Hope 2 Thrive, Azalea Terrace, the Downtown Health Plaza, NC Faith Health, Anthony's Plot, the Forsyth Backpack Program, and Una Benedicion.
VonDohlen shared that Campus Kitchen and Homelessness Awareness Week gave her a sense of purpose beyond academics and have shaped her ability to navigate challenges, build meaningful relationship, and make a tangible impact on the community.
After graduation, VonDohlen will be a financial analyst at the Bank of America in Charlotte, North Carolina.
"Start small but stay committed. Community-based work doesn’t have to be overwhelming—find an issue you care about, get involved, and focus on making a tangible impact. Over time, your role can grow, and you’ll develop leadership, problem-solving, and teamwork skills that will serve you well in any career. Most importantly, stay open to learning from the community and the people you work with—those experiences will shape you in ways you can’t predict."
Rachel Von Dolen, on how younger students can get involved with the community while at Wake Forest