Molly Eldridge Receives SUNY "Building Bridges" Grant for Civic Engagement Project

Molly Eldridge, of Warwick, NY, secured a $5,000 grant through SUNY's "Building Bridges" civic engagement student program to support her campus initiative, "Dialogue for Dinner," at SUNY Oneonta.

Eldridge's grant proposal was submitted on behalf of SUNY Oneonta's Student Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council (SDEIC). Modeled on a successful pilot event she ran in November 2025, Dialogue for Dinner events will feature a different theme or topic designed to "break bread and build community, by practicing skills of active listening and constructive conversation" over a free catered meal. A "menu" of activities will provide the structure for discussion, including an "appetizer" then a 10-minute introduction of the dinner topic from a guest speaker, followed by a "main course" with discussion guided by questions or prompts about the topic, and finally a "dessert" of a restorative justice debrief where guests reflect on the impact the night had on them and others, as well as what has been learned during the conversation.

"This project was important to me for a few reasons," said Eldridge. "As an Anthropology major, there is a large philosophy surrounding community being the emphasis of the human experience. I wanted to apply what I study and care about, and bring that into my other world, which is DEI work and advocacy. I want to empower students and build community, and this project perfectly marries ideals that I hold close."

The "Building Bridges" program, which was announced in SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr.'s 2025 State of the University Agenda, provides grants to groups of students working to build bridges across differences on their respective campuses in areas such as civil discourse, anti-hate and bias and fostering constructive dialogue for students. Eldridge's proposal was one of five selected across SUNY campuses to receive a $5,000 grant supporting student-designed projects that strengthen campus communities and build connections across differences.

"Public higher education is uniquely able to bring students together and provide opportunities for them to learn from and with one another," SUNY Chancellor King said during the announcement. "Empowering our students to participate in constructive conversations and engage with all members of their campus communities is vital to SUNY's commitment to civic engagement and academic excellence. This grant program demonstrates how SUNY students are leading the way to foster connection on their campuses and engage in civic engagement and civil discourse."

Held monthly on Feb. 23, March 24 and April 24, with a reception on May 6, Dialogue for Dinner are organized by student leadership from the SDEIC, in consultation with campus partners, including the Office of Equity and Inclusion, the Center for Racial Justice and Inclusive Excellence, and the Institute for Civil Society and Democracy.

The events are open to the entire campus community and promoted through social media and posters. SDEIC are inviting faculty and community professionals to serve as guest speakers, with advisory committee members present to support facilitation and help participants develop skills in active listening and constructive dialogue. Space is limited, so guests must RSVP and may only attend one event: Dialogue for Dinner Spring 2026 RSVP - Fill out form

"As someone who was a transfer and has, for over three years on this campus, worked as an advocate in DEI spaces, it was important to me for Oneonta students and the SUNY community to recognize and see all the work that SUNY Oneonta has been doing to make our campus more inclusive and create belonging," said Eldridge. "Part of this effort has been through supporting students, such as myself, and the work that they're doing. There is only one dinner left, so sign up if you have not had the chance to go to one yet!"

To view these students click here: https://oneonta.meritpages.com/achievements/Molly-Eldridge-Receives-SUNY-Building-Bridges-Grant-for-Civic-Engagement-Project/199004