Campus Compact, a Boston-based non-profit organization working to advance the public purposes of higher education, has announced the 290 students who will make up the organization’s 2020-2021 cohort of Newman Civic Fellows. The 2020 cohort—the largest group of Newman Civic Fellows to date—includes Jacquelyn Perez (Milan, MO), a student at North Central Missouri College.
The Newman Civic Fellowship is a yearlong program for students from Campus Compact member institutions. The students selected for the fellowship are leaders on their campuses who demonstrate a commitment to finding solutions for challenges facing communities locally, nationally, and internationally.
Jacquelyn is a freshman at North Central Missouri College obtaining her two-year degree with plans to continue her education to study international affairs. Jacquelyn plans to attend law school, specifically focusing on immigration law. In addition, she hopes to use her education to assist communities in reducing stigma and social inequalities for minorities with a focus on Latin and immigrant populations.
Jacquelyn is the child of immigrants and a first-generation student residing in a small town in Missouri. Her mother was the head-of-the household, working hard to support Jacquelyn and her siblings. While growing up, her mother emphasized the importance of education and the difference it could make in their lives.
The fellowship is named for the late Frank Newman, one of Campus Compact’s founders, who was a tireless advocate for civic engagement in higher education. In the spirit of Dr. Newman’s leadership, Campus Compact member presidents and chancellors may nominate one student from their institution for the fellowship.
“Ms. Perez continues to make a difference on our campus through her involvement,” said Dr. Lenny Klaver, NCMC President. “I have no doubt that Jacquelyn will continue to make an impact in her community and beyond. She is an exceptional student on our campus and very deserving of this recognition.”
Through the fellowship, Campus Compact provides the students with a variety of learning and networking opportunities that emphasize personal, professional, and civic growth. Each year, Fellows are invited to a national, in-person conference of Newman Civic Fellows and participate in numerous virtual training and networking opportunities. The fellowship also provides fellows with pathways to apply for exclusive scholarship and post-graduate opportunities.
“We are proud to recognize each of these extraordinary student leaders and thrilled to have the opportunity to engage with them,” said Campus Compact President Andrew Seligsohn. “The stories of this year’s Newman Civic Fellows make clear that they are committed to finding solutions to pressing problems in their communities and beyond. That is what Campus Compact is about, and it’s what our country and our world desperately need.”
The Newman Civic Fellowship is supported by the KPMG Foundation and Newman’s Own Foundation. Learn more at compact.org/newman-civic-fellowship.
