Bono-Lunn is passionate about bridging the “Elon Bubble” to connect students with the Alamance County community.
At Elon University, civic engagement isn’t just for students—it’s modeled and championed by faculty like Dillian Bono-Lunn, assistant professor of political science and public policy and faculty fellow for civic engagement.
In her role, Bono-Lunn empowers faculty to incorporate civic engagement into their teaching and research while leading workshops, election preparation initiatives and programming that foster nonpartisan political involvement. As co-chair of both the Civic Engagement Council and the Political Engagement Work Group, she collaborates closely with Bob Frigo, director of the Kernodle Center for Civic Life, to integrate civic learning across Elon’s curriculum.
Bono-Lunn is passionate about bridging the “Elon Bubble” to connect students with the Alamance County community. Her senior seminar for public policy course offers hands-on experience, with students serving as policy consultants for local nonprofits and government agencies. Additionally, as faculty advisor for the Phoenix Policy Institute, Elon’s student-run policy think tank, she supports students in producing impactful policy analyses for local issues.
Along with instilling the values of service within her students, Bono-Lunn serves within her personal life. In Durham, she serves her community through her church and supports organizations like Reality Ministries, which fosters belonging for adults with developmental disabilities.
“I hope to do more as my kids get older,” she said, reflecting her dedication to making a difference wherever she can.
She reminds students that civic engagement takes many forms—attending events, following local news, voting or volunteering through Elon initiatives like Campus Alamance or Elon Volunteers.
“Civic engagement enhances knowledge, builds skills and fosters dispositions that strengthen our communities and democracy,” she said.