Junior Cydney Funk Named 2021-2022 Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact

Westminster College is pleased to announce that junior Cydney Funk of Fulton, MO, has been selected as a 2021-2022 Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact.

The Boston-based non-profit organization carefully selected 290 students across the country for the designation, which is a coveted year-long fellowship that emphasizes civic engagement.

Newman Civic Fellows are leaders on their campuses who demonstrate a commitment to finding solutions for challenges facing communities locally, nationally, and internationally.

Named after the late Frank Newman, Campus Compact founder, the Newman Civic Fellowship includes training and networking opportunities for personal, professional, and civic growth.

“We are proud to recognize these extraordinary student leaders and thrilled to engage with them,” said Campus Compact President Andrew Seligsohn. “The experience of the last year has driven home to all of us that we need open-minded, innovative, public-spirited thinkers and doers. That is what Campus Compact is all about, and the stories of our Newman Civic Fellows demonstrate it’s who they are.”

Donald P. Lofe, Jr., Interim President and Chief Transformation Officer, endorsed Funk’s nomination, noting the civic-minded engagement she regularly demonstrates on campus.

“On behalf of the College, I want to congratulate Cydney for this significant achievement, which reflects the ideals of Campus Compact and, additionally, those of Westminster College,” Lofe said when he presented Funk with her certificate on May 18. Also present for the informal ceremony were Rev. Kiva Nice-Webb and Dr. Kasi Lacey, Vice President and Dean of Student Life.

Originally from Durango, CO, Funk is double-majoring in Philosophy and Political Science. She also works at America’s National Churchill Museum, is in Westminster’s Honors Program, and belongs to several honor societies, including Alpha Chi and Pi Sigma Alpha. In addition, Funk serves as the Writing Lab tutor.

When she isn’t studying or working, Funk enjoys reading, playing video games, and hanging out with her dog, Stump Chunkman.

Funk’s future plans include graduate school or joining a program such as the Peace Corps or AmeriCorps. Until then, she hopes to concentrate on her interest in activism, which will be bolstered by her Newman Civic Fellowship.

 “I hope to become a better advocate, and I want to learn how to better serve my community and its needs,” she says.