Westminster College Student Named One of Only 181 Newman Civic Fellows in America

Abigail Stokes, a Westminster College junior from Oklahoma City, OK has been notified she is one of only 181 student leaders to be named a 2013 Newman Civic Fellow.

These awards are bestowed upon student leaders who have demonstrated an investment in finding solutions for challenges facing communities throughout the country.

“I am deeply honored and thankful to have been chosen as the Newman Civic Fellow from Westminster,” says Stokes. “It feels fantastic to be recognized for doing the things I love-helping others and trying to make the world a better place.”

Participating in community service projects and learning to make a difference in the world are a major emphasis in the Westminster student experience of preparing to be a global leader. Last year the Westminster community amassed over 13,000 hours of community service.

Stokes is an officer in CIVICUS, a Westminster servant-leadership program that promotes students, faculty and staff service involvement in local, regional, national and global communities.

She is also a member of the Churchill Singers and Late Night Programming Chair on the Campus Activities Board.

Nominated by Westminster President Dr. George B. Forsythe, Stokes received the award in his office.

Newman Civic Fellow Awards are sponsored by Campus Compact, a national coalition of almost 1,200college and university presidents who are committed to fulfilling the public purposes of higher education.

Newman Civic Fellows make the most of their college experience through service, research and advocacy to better understand themselves, the root causes of social issues and effective mechanisms for creating lasting change. As these students tackle community challenges, they provide fresh energy and perspective, inspire and mobilize others and develop their own skills and potential.

“These students represent the next generation of future problem solvers and civic leaders,” says Campus Compact President Maureen Curley. “They serve as national examples of the role that higher education can—and does—play in building stronger communities.”

Newman Civic Fellow Awards are made in memory of Dr. Frank Newman, a founder of Campus Compact, who dedicated his life to creating systematic change through education reform. At the core of Dr. Newman’s leadership was a belief in the power of connection with others. He had a tremendous impact on American education and its role in the development of citizens who want to make a difference.

“I congratulate Abigail on this great honor,” says Westminster President Forsythe. “She embodies the spirit and dedication that inspired the Newman Civic Fellow Award. Her contributions to leadership and service at Westminster have been significant, and I look forward to watching her make a difference in the world once she passes through The Columns here.”

As the only national higher education association dedicated solely to campus-based civic engagement, Campus Compact promotes public and community service that develops students’ citizenship skills, helps forge effective community/campus partnerships and provides research and training for faculty seeking to integrate civic and community-based learning into the curriculum. Campus Compact’s membership includes public, private, two-and four-year institutions across the spectrum of higher education.