STATEN ISLAND, N.Y., March 30, 2012 — Kevin Ferreira, a Wagner College junior from Union, N.J., was named a 2012 Newman Civic Fellow earlier this week by Campus Compact. Ferreira was among 162 students from 32 states so honored. The Newman Civic Fellows awards recognize inspiring college student leaders who have worked to find solutions for challenges facing their communities.
“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 a better world,” said Campus Compact board chairman James B. Dworkin, chancellor at Purdue University North Central.
Working with local public officials to more fully integrate immigrants into the fabric of city life, Ferreira has mentored undocumented students across racial boundaries and conducted college readiness workshops. Since his freshman year, Ferreira has been working off-campus with El Centro del Inmigrante and the New York Immigration Coalition's Education Collaborative to institute Family Resource Centers, where schools partner with community-based organizations. Kevin also teaches in the We Are New York Conversational English program. In graduate school, Kevin plans to develop tools to create preventative and restorative responses to violent conflict within communities.
The Newman Fellows honor is named for Frank Newman, one of the founders of Campus Compact.
“Dr. Frank Newman had a tremendous impact on American education and its role in the development of citizens who are eager and prepared to make a difference,” explained Campus Compact President Maureen Curley. “He dedicated his life to creating systemic change through education reform and this new group of Newman Civic Fellows would have inspired him. They are reflections and affirmations of his life’s work.”
Campus Compact is a national coalition of almost 1,200 college and university presidents — representing more than 6 million students — who are committed to fulfilling the civic purposes of higher education, improving community life and educating students for civic and social responsibility. For more information about the organization and the Newman Fellows award, visit the Campus Compact website.
Earlier this year, Ferreira was named as a finalist in the Truman Scholarship national competition. The Harry S. Truman Scholarship is a highly competitive federal scholarship granted to U.S. college juniors for demonstrated leadership potential and a commitment to public service. The scholarship provides $30,000 toward a graduate education. According to the Washington Post, the Truman Scholarship’s “sole aim is to pick out people with potential to become leaders—then provide support to help them realize their aspirations.” Congress created the scholarship in 1975 as a living memorial to the 33rd president of the United States. Instead of a statue, the Truman Scholarship is the official federal memorial to its namesake president.
Student named Newman Civic Fellow
April 1, 2012
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