Earlier this month, we gathered at Elon University for the Elon Year of Service Signing Ceremony, celebrating the accomplishments of our outgoing fellows and welcoming a new cohort of graduates preparing to serve the Alamance community.
Now in its 12th year, the Elon Year of Service Fellows program has provided 62 recent Elon University graduates with the opportunity to dedicate a year to meaningful service focused on improving health, education, and economic development in Alamance County. Impressively, 70% of program alumni have remained in North Carolina, continuing to strengthen communities across the state through careers in public service, education, healthcare, philanthropy, and nonprofit leadership.
Rooted in Impact Alamance’s mission and community priorities, the fellowship program is committed to fostering authentic relationships and creating measurable impact through hands-on service and collaboration. Through a year of dedicated service, fellows work alongside community professionals and residents, engage in significant projects, and refine professional skills while helping advance healthier, smarter, and stronger communities.
This year, we proudly recognize our outgoing fellows — Abby Lee, Anna Matawaran, and Jasmine Walker — for their dedication, leadership, and contributions over the past year. Through their work alongside community partners, each fellow supported one of Impact Alamance’s priority areas and helped strengthen initiatives serving residents throughout the county.
Abby Lee supported initiatives in our Healthier priority area. Reflecting on her experience, Abby shared:
“This experience helped confirm my interest in working in public health and community-focused work. It showed me how local organizations can make a big impact through partnerships and strategic investments. Moving forward, I hope to continue working on projects that improve health and opportunity in communities.”
Anna Matawaran served within our Stronger priority area and said:
“My fellowship has shaped my professional aspirations and given me a strong foundation in community engagement and philanthropy. As I move forward to pursue my Master’s in Public Policy, I will carry these skills and experiences with me, determined to continue making a positive impact in my community and beyond.”
Jasmine Walker supported our Smarter priority area and reflected:
“This fellowship has strengthened my passion for working in the nonprofit and education sectors, and I hope to carry these experiences with me as I pursue graduate school and a career focused on creating equitable opportunities for children and families.”
We are deeply grateful for the energy, compassion, and commitment Abby, Anna, and Jasmine brought to this work. It has been a joy to witness their growth as professionals and leaders, and we look forward to seeing the impact they continue to make in their future careers.
As we celebrate the completion of one fellowship year, we are also excited to welcome our incoming 2026–2027 Elon Year of Service Fellows: Emily Mallard, Lily Andresen-Simmons, and Lauren Bedell.
Emily Mallard earned a Bachelor of Arts in Public Health Studies with minors in Biology and Psychology and will support our Smarter priority area.
Lily Andresen-Simmons earned a Bachelor of Arts in Policy Studies and Anthropology and will support our Stronger priority area.
Lauren Bedell earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Policy Studies with a minor in Interreligious Studies and will support our Healthier priority area.
These talented graduates bring diverse academic backgrounds, a passion for community engagement, and a shared commitment to creating positive change in Alamance County. Over the next 12 months, they will work alongside community professionals and residents, contribute to meaningful projects, and continue the fellowship’s mission of advancing healthier, smarter, and stronger communities.
Please join us in congratulating Abby, Anna, and Jasmine on a successful year of service and welcoming Emily, Lily, and Lauren as they begin this exciting next chapter.
