The Bonderman Travel Fellowship, established by UW alumnus David Bonderman in 1995, offers University of Washington students a unique opportunity to embark on transformative, independent travel experiences across multiple world regions. Without academic or research obligations, Fellows explore six to nine countries over eight months, engaging deeply with diverse cultures, landscapes, and communities to challenge their perspectives and broaden their understanding of the interconnected world. With a vision rooted in personal growth and global awareness, the fellowship continues to impact lives, honoring Bonderman's legacy of curiosity, openness, and generosity.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Riley Kovacs, one of the 2025 Bonderman Fellows. Riley has long demonstrated a passion for student support and community building through his roles with UW’s First Year Programs, as a FIG Leader in 2020 and 2021, and later as a Student Engagement Specialist from February 2023 to January 2024. His Bonderman journey, inspired by his work in education and mental health, will take him through Latin America and Southeast Asia, where he aims to explore alternative models of social connection in response to growing isolation among youth in the U.S. Through this fellowship, Riley hopes to gather insights and experiences that will enrich his future clinical practice and deepen his commitment to fostering meaningful community at home.