June 19, 2023
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. Rachel Marchant, a student at the University of Montana Western, will join students from 38 states, Washington, D.C., and Mexico for the fellowship kickoff this fall.
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.
“Making an impact on my community has always been a major part of my life. When I was in high school, I immersed myself in school activities such as Speech and Debate, Drama, and Band. I also helped establish the first Gay-Straight Alliance club at my high school which supported LGBTQ students and their peers. During my college career, I continue to support my community through my work on campus as a mentor for TRIO Student Support Services, a program that facilitates student success on campus. I also work for Safe Ride, a university-funded service that helps students get home safely. I am passionate about strengthening my leadership skills and improving my community,” said Marchant.
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 pathways for exclusive scholarship and post-graduate opportunities.
“Rachel, a third-year student at the University of Montana Western majoring in Psychology with minors in Business and Biology, is a leader in campus safety and student success. For the last two years, Rachel has worked as a peer-to-peer mentor in our TRIO program. In that time, Rachel has led mental health and study skills workshops, organized cultural events, and facilitated our orientation and first-year programs. In her capacity as a mentor, Rachel also serves as a first point of contact for our students in distress by checking in with students in crisis, directing them to campus resources, and encouraging healthful practices. Rachel also serves as a driver for our campus SafeRide program, a late night and weekend service that provides students with safe rides from our downtown area back to campus,” said Montana Western Chancellor, Michael Reid.
“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.”
To learn more about each of the student leaders selected for this year’s cohort, visit compact.org/current-programs/newman-civic-fellowship/newman-civic-fellows.
