The Newman Civic Fellowship is a yearlong program that recognizes students who stand out for their leadership potential and commitment to creating positive change in communities. Fellows are nominated by Campus Compact member presidents and chancellors, who are invited to select one exemplary community-committed student from their campus each year.
As we settle in to 2025 and prepare for the remainder of the academic year, we at Campus Compact wanted to share some voices we know will bring you hope and joy. Each year, many of you send outstanding students who were selected as Newman Civic Fellows to connect and convene with us. We had the privilege to speak to these civic and community leaders about their goals, work, and dreams for the future.
And they are not alone—at campuses across the country, we are consistently impressed & encouraged by the numbers of students who are engaged, passionate, and energetic community members, eager to shape the world around them through activism, community engagement, and difficult conversations. This enthusiasm for engagement is a powerful force that we must nurture and support by continuing to invest in student leadership and the essential infrastructure that makes it possible—the professionals, policies, curricula, and programs that ensure every student has the opportunities and necessary support to experience and advance civic engagement.As we support these student-led efforts, we're not just improving our campuses—we're strengthening the very fabric of our democracy. Every student who learns to make change, every community partnership forged, and every local policy influenced by student advocacy are building blocks for a more vibrant, participatory society where higher education is a trusted and essential contributor to public life.The challenges are great, but the potential is even greater. We trust that the future is in good hands with this newest generation of students, leaders who are actively bridging divides across industry, government, and education while tackling critical issues. It's our privilege at Campus Compact to support member institutions and help guide those hands as they demonstrate higher education's unique ability to unite diverse perspectives and strengthen communities for the next generation.
Hear from fellow Bonners
Hear full interviews from 3 of the 2024-2025 Newman Civic Fellows that are also Bonners, about the issues they’re most passionate about, what motivates them to make change, and what their ideal world would look like. See the full playlist for all Newman Fellows→
J Ramirez
Maryville College
Jay Philbrick
Brown University
Lee’RayVone G’everdloaahn
Augsburg University
Click here to read more about other Bonners that were selected to be as 2024-2025 Newman Fellows