Elon Law Student Honored for Extensive Pro Bono Service

Saniya Pangare of Elon Law was awarded the David Gergen Award for Leadership and Professionalism during commencement activities on December 12, 2025. Nominated by peers, faculty and staff, Pangare was recognized for extensive pro bono service that included direct support for survivors of domestic violence, legal assistance for immigrants, and participation in Wills for Heroes programs for service members. The award honors civic leadership and professional values associated with former presidential adviser David Gergen, who chaired Elon Law's advisory board until 2024.

The recognition spotlights how law students and university clinics contribute to community health by filling gaps in legal services that affect safety, housing, and family stability. Domestic violence survivors often require legal help to obtain protective orders, navigate custody questions, and secure housing changes, all of which affect physical and mental health outcomes. Immigrant residents in Alamance County confront language barriers, complex immigration processes, and limited access to counsel, which can compound social isolation and economic vulnerability. Wills for Heroes provides essential estate planning for service members and their families, reducing long term stress and uncertainty that can have downstream health effects.

Pangare's work demonstrates the practical intersection of legal education and public health. For local residents, it shows that partnerships between Elon Law and community organizations can expand access to legal resources when government funded services are insufficient. It also raises broader policy questions about sustainability, including the need for increased funding for legal aid, expanded clinic capacity, and stronger support for programs that train future lawyers in public service.

As Alamance County faces housing instability, rising health care needs, and a growing immigrant population, the role of pro bono legal services remains vital. Residents and local leaders can look to successful campus community partnerships as models for reducing barriers to justice and improving health equity. Pangare's award underscores the contribution that law students and university programs make to community resilience, while highlighting persistent gaps that require sustained policy and philanthropic attention.