Campus Compact, a national coalition of colleges and universities working to advance the public purposes of higher education, has named 154 student civic leaders who will make up the organization’s 2023-2024 cohort of Newman Civic Fellows. Yoselin Kearney of Philadelphia, Pa., a junior at Juniata College, will join students from 38 states, Washington, D.C., and Mexico to form the cohort.

The Newman Civic Fellowship recognizes students who stand out for their commitment to creating positive change in communities locally and around the world. 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, fellows are nominated by Campus Compact member presidents and chancellors, who are invited to select one outstanding student from their campus each year.

Kearney is studying communication and serves as the Juniata Associate for the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, a resident assistant, a teacher’s assistant, and a tour guide on campus. 

“Juniata has positioned me for a life of service through the opportunities the college presents,” said Kearney. “I am inspired to serve others through what I see in the world. This can range from helping those less fortunate to being there for a stressed out or overwhelmed student.”

Through the fellowship, Campus Compact will provide these students with a year of learning and networking opportunities that emphasize personal, professional, and civic growth. Each year, fellows participate in numerous virtual training and networking opportunities to help provide them with the skills and connections they need to create large-scale positive change. The cornerstone of the fellowship is the Annual Convening of Fellows, which offers intensive in-person skill-building and networking over the course of two days. The fellowship also provides fellows with pathways to apply for exclusive scholarship and post-graduate opportunities.

“Yoselin is a dynamic, dedicated student leader with an impressive ability to pause, reflect, and listen before responding. She encourages advocacy with diplomacy and is reliable, attentive, attuned to others, respectful, and dedicated to making a positive, meaningful difference,” said Juniata College President James A. Troha. “Of special mention is her volunteer work. As busy as she is, she still finds time to participate in the planning and implementation of community events such as our Trans Day of Remembrance and the Latine Heritage Dinner, as well as working with Plexus in the planning of the Black Excellence Dinner and Awards, and Legacies graduation. Her work has influenced the campus community in creative, visible ways too, as her art can be found in dorms, lounges, and locker rooms, on laminated posters with messages that uplift and uphold equity and belonging.”

“We are honored to recognize such an outstanding group of community-committed students,” said Campus Compact President Bobbie Laur. “One of the best parts of the Newman Civic Fellowships is the richness of students’ perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds—and how these varied stories all led to their passionate engagement with the social, political, and environmental issues impacting our world. These students will be the catalysts for change on many levels, and we are privileged to help empower them to create that change.”

Learn more at compact.org/newman-civic-fellowship. You can read more about each of the student leaders selected for this year’s cohort at compact.org/current-programs/newman-civic-fellowship/newman-civic-fellows.