May 14, 2024
Campus Compact, a national coalition of colleges and universities working to advance the public purposes of higher education, has named the student civic leaders from 38 states, Washington, D.C., and Mexico who will make up the 2024-2025 cohort of Newman Civic Fellows. Gracie Stanton, a student at the University of Montana Western, was named as a member of the cohort.
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. 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, each fellow is nominated by their campus president or chancellor, who is invited to select one exemplary community-committed student from their campus each year.
UMW cohort Gracie Stanton is a third-year student and active campus and community leader. She is a peer-to-peer mentor in our TRIO Student Support Services program, where she plans engagement events for first-year students and serves as a first point of contact for student issues. She is also a member of the Student Leadership Academy on campus. This group focuses on developing a community of campus leaders and promoting professional development across campus. She is also committed to youth health and wellness in the broader community. She currently teaches for the Dillon Martial Arts studio, teaching young people about the importance of discipline, health, and confidence.
“We are incredibly proud of Gracie for being selected as a Campus Compact Newman Civic Fellow. This prestigious recognition highlights her exceptional commitment to community service and civic engagement. Gracie embodies the values of leadership, compassion, and dedication that we strive to instill in all our students at the University of Montana Western. Her efforts are a testament to the positive impact that one individual can have on their community, and we are excited to see how she will continue to drive meaningful change both locally and beyond,” said Montana Western Chancellor, Michael Reid.
Through the fellowship, Campus Compact provides these students with learning and networking opportunities that help to nurture their development as civic leaders. Programming emphasizes personal, professional, and civic growth that can empower them to collaborate effectively across disciplines and create large-scale positive change.
The cornerstone of the fellowship is the Annual Convening of Newman Civic Fellows, which offers intensive in-person skill-building and networking over three days. The fellowship also provides fellows with pathways to apply for exclusive opportunities, including mini-grants to help fund community projects, scholarships, and post-graduate opportunities.
“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.
