Daniel Sheehan, a human service studies and strategic communications double major, begins his career after Elon with a fellowship in New York City that develops "the next generation of aspiring change makers."
Daniel Sheehan, a human service studies and strategic communications double major from Raleigh, North Carolina, is the recipient of a 2015 Coro Fellowship in Public Affairs. He moves to New York City following graduation to forge professional and community connections that promote the common good while helping him grow as a change maker.
Founded in 1942, Coro is a nonprofit, nonpartisan institute that develops young leaders through placement into philanthropic, corporate, media and civic sectors. The fellowship program places 12 participants each year in one of five Coro Centers across the United States: New York City, San Francisco, Los Angeles, St. Louis and Pittsburgh.
Fellowship recipients represent a wide range of interests, ideologies and experiences. The institute’s original mission was to “train young veterans in the leadership skills necessary to assure that our democratic system of government could more effectively meet the needs of its citizens.”
“Through the network I create in these settings, I will be better equipped to connect both organizations and individuals with resources, and more thoroughly understand the problems facing various communities,” Sheehan said. “The reason I love human services and public relations is because I have the ability to connect people in ways that build positive relationships.
“Eventually, I hope this experience will guide me to helping others from a macro-perspective through either public policy or work within a foundation.”
Following his fellowship, Sheehan hopes to work for a few years in the corporate and public affairs practice of a large public relations agency before attending graduate school for business and public policy. He said he ultimately hopes to lead the communications and strategic initiatives department for a national foundation or nonprofit.
At Elon, Sheehan has been active as an Isabella Cannon Leadership Fellow and a Watson & Odyssey Scholar. He also is a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa national leadership honor society, among other organizations.
Sheehan is a founding member of the Vital Signs a capella group, and he serves as a diversity ambassador and tour guide for the university’s Office of Admissions. Other activities in which he has been involved include the Delta Upsilon fraternity, ElonTHON, New Student Orientation and the Intersect: Diversity & Leadership Conference.
“Quite simply, Dan is amazing,” said Steven Mencarini, director of the Center for Leadership at Elon University. “He is extraordinarily companionate and reliable. Peers, faculty, staff, and administrators admire his work ethic and resilience. Dan stands up for what he believes is right and fights to make all voices heard and all feel valued in our community. I have valued how he challenges me to be a better professional because I know he will make a difference in our world.”
Sheehan is the son of Michael Sheehan and the late Susan Sheehan Davis of upstate New York. His brother, Matthew, is a current Elon sophomore.
Elon students and recent alums interested in this award or other nationally competitive fellowships are invited to visit the Office of National and International Fellowships in Lindner 200 or by emailing fellowships@elon.edu