Southern Vermont College (SVC) student Jaelyn Marshall of New York, N.Y., has been named a Newman Civic Fellow this year by Campus Compact, the national coalition of college and university presidents. She is one of 201 students from across the country including four others from Vermont colleges to receive this recognition.
The Newman Civic Fellows Award recognizes inspiring college student leaders who have demonstrated an investment in finding solutions for challenges facing communities throughout the country.
“Jaelyn serves as a role model for others and we are proud of her,” said SVC President David Evans. “Southern Vermont College has the kind of personalized educational environment where students can actively make a difference and Jaelyn is certainly one who takes that role seriously.”
A senior at SVC, Marshall became active in the Office of Civic Engagement through the Moose Corps, an organization of students committed to creating meaningful and service-centered experiences for faculty, staff and students. She assisted in the development of a continued partnership with Bennington Project Independence, which resulted in two home-grown programs that created a lively environment for visitors. Through Marshall’s creative endeavors and interests in recruiting new members in Moose Corps, she took on leadership positions in chairing marketing and social media projects. “Jaelyn gives 100% of herself to the task and is tremendously respected by staff, faculty, and students because of her work ethic,” said Civic Engagement Coordinator Corie Steinke. “Jaelyn is a bright, dedicated, and effervescent student. She has a smile that warms the room and a heart for working alongside others.”
As a Newman Civic Fellow, Marshall will join a network of Fellows around the country and share ideas and tools through online networking to leverage greater capacity for service and 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 a better world,” states Campus Compact Board Richard Guarasci and president of Wagner College, N.Y.
The Newman Civic Fellows Award is named for Dr. Frank Newman, one of the founders of Campus Compact, who dedicated his life to creating opportunities for student civic learning and engagement. Newman Civic Fellows Awards are made possible through the generous support of the KPMG Foundation.