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. Cooper Beck, a student at Bellarmine University, 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 and 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.
Cooper Beck, a Business Administration major, is excited to join a community of changemakers. “Being named a Newman Civic Fellow is a tremendous honor,” said Beck. As a Newman Civic Fellow, I see myself as part of a larger network of like-minded
individuals passionate about addressing social issues and creating meaningful impact. This fellowship will allow me to amplify my voice, collaborate with others, and develop innovative strategies for positive and equitable change.”
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.
“Cooper Beck embodies a commitment to civic engagement, advocacy, and education,” said Dr. Susan M. Donovan, President of Bellarmine University. “His ability to bring diverse populations together reflects his commitment to developing
innovative, collaborative strategies for positive change. Driven by the belief that education is a powerful tool for empowerment and social justice, Cooper is dedicated to creating a brighter, more equitable future for all.”
“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.”
The Newman Civic Fellowship is generously supported by The Allstate Foundation. 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.