Denison University junior Kaprisha Martin has been honored as a 2017 Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact, a Boston-based non-profit organization working to advance the public purposes of higher education. Martin is one of 273 students nationwide who will make up the organization's 2017 cohort of Newman Civic Fellows.
“In her three years at Denison University, Kaprisha has demonstrated extraordinary personal drive and an innate passion for community service,” said Denison President Adam Weinberg in his nomination letter. “As a first year student, Kaprisha volunteered countless personal service hours as a member of the Denison Community Association (DCA). By her junior year, Kaprisha was elected to a position on the DCA cabinet where she has helped lead the 600 member student organization dedicated to community service and humanitarian outreach. She is a shining example of an engaged, motivated and compassionate leader. Through her work and many volunteer experiences, she has enlightened team members to community issues and helped awaken their social conscience, further extending her impact.”
“Coming to Denison has given me so many opportunities to give back to the surrounding community,” stated Martin. “Building relationships and maintaining them through the support of service is very humbling. I feel more connected with the people we help. Learning more about their aspirations along the way. I love working with younger students and children because not only do I become their helpers, but I also I become a part of the process of encouraging them to realize the power they have to shape the community.”
As a 2017 Newman Civic Fellow, Martin will be a part of the first cohort to benefit from a completely re-designed fellowship. The Newman Civic Fellowship, named for Campus Compact co-founder Frank Newman, is a one-year experience emphasizing personal, professional, and civic growth. Through the fellowship, Campus Compact provides a variety of learning and networking opportunities, including a national conference of Newman Civic Fellows in partnership with the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate. The fellowship also provides fellows with access to exclusive scholarship and post-graduate opportunities.
“The cultivation of community-committed leaders has never been more crucial,” said Campus Compact president Andrew Seligsohn. “We rebuilt the Newman Civic Fellowship experience because our country needs more people who know how to bring communities together for positive change. We are thrilled to welcome this group of 273 exemplary students as the first cohort to participate in this new model.”
The Newman Civic Fellowship is supported by the KPMG Foundation and Newman's Own Foundation.
Campus Compact is a nonprofit coalition of more than 1000 colleges and universities committed to the public purposes of higher education. As the only national association dedicated to this mission, Campus Compact is a leader in building community engagement into campus and academic life.