Student Recognized Nationally for Service

Campus Compact has honored 181 student leaders from 36 states as 2013 Newman Civic Fellows. Among the honorees is Lisa McDivitt of Our Lady of the Lake College. The Newman Civic Fellows Awards recognize inspiring college student leaders who have worked to find solutions for challenges facing their communities.

Nominated by their college and university presidents, these students are making the most of their college experiences to better understand themselves, the root causes of social issues, and effective mechanisms for creating lasting change. Says Sandra Harper, Ph.D., President of Our Lady of the Lake College, “I have watched Lisa evolve from a shy, interested volunteer in 2009 to a highly vocal, committed scholar leader in 2013; her future work as a foreign medical missionary will, indeed, be a reality that will globally bless many malnourished children in very remote places in desperate need of healthcare.”

Lisa McDivitt is a dedicated and committed student leader, active in issues involving civic engagement on all fronts. Since 2009 Lisa has increasingly made her presence known to many non-profits in the Baton Rouge Area because of her desire to help those most in need. She is a particularly strong global/world advocate for children’s health rights and was actually involved in a four week medical mission trip to Mombasa, Kenya during the summer of 2012. She has been a leader and student organizer for several Habitat for Humanity Builds in North Baton Rouge for the College, and very active with the campus Student Ambassador group, providing over 235 service hours at the College. In addition she has been a collaborative participant in many recent leadership conferences and workshops – including the National Student Leadership Forum in Washington DC in November 2012.

“Lisa is a LEADER for health rights and has actively excelled in her purpose to serve others – while consistently keeping a 4.0 GPA the entire time,” explains Phyllis Simpson, Ph.D., Dean of Student Services. “As she prepares for a professional medical career in the future following masters level work here, all of her experiences at the undergraduate level have well prepared her for future service in the foreign mission field that she so clearly envisions as her priority service destination.”

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

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

Newman Civic Fellow awards are made in memory of Dr. Frank Newman, a founder of Campus Compact, who dedicated his life to creating systemic change through education reform. At the core of Dr. Newman’s leadership was a belief in the power of individuals to make a difference and in the power of connection with others. Frank Newman had a tremendous impact on American education and its role in the development of citizens who want to make a difference. This class of Newman Civic Fellows embodies this spirit and dedication.

Campus Compact is a national coalition of almost 1,200 college and university presidents— representing some 6 million+ students—who are committed to fulfilling the civic purposes of higher education, that is, to improve community life and to educate students for civic and social responsibility. For more information about the organization and the award, visit www.compact.org.