Newman Civic Fellowship

A group of approximately fifty people smiling in matching red shirts in front of a banner that says "Welcome, Senators."

Campus Compact awards students with a Newman Civic Fellowship for their dedication to civic engagement and work with communities. Each year, the Center for Community Engagement nominates a student leader to become the Middlebury College Newman Civic Fellow.

The Newman Civic Fellowship is a year-long program that provides students with opportunities to nurture their potential as leaders and develop strategies for social change. By connecting peers from around the country, the Fellowship fosters a network of support for students engaged in public problem-solving.

Read more below about recent Newman Civic Fellows from Middlebury College.

Priya standing on a pebble beach wearing a blue jacket and smiling for the camera. — “Throughout all these experiences, the real shining impact in my life was all the impressive and uplifting friends and mentors I was meeting. I had electrifying conversations about social, environmental, and health justice with people who became my best friends… Becoming a [Newman Civic Fellow] and meeting students from colleges across the United States expanded this feeling because I was suddenly connected with many others my age who cared immensely about taking action to promote equity and justice in their communities.”

2023-2024: Shivapriya Nair ‘24

The CCE named Shivapriya “Priya” Nair our Middlebury College 2023 Newman Civic Fellow, recognizing her work and leadership with BIPOC youth and anti-racism initiatives in local schools, and further for her scholarship and commitment to social justice issues and civic engagement. Read Priya’s reflection on her community work and experience as a Newman Civic Fellow, here.

“Priya’s commitment to community, connection, and equity – and the insight and thought she brings to her engagement – align perfectly with the Newman Civic Fellowship. She’s an inspiration (and a really terrific person). We admire the curiosity and care Priya consistently brings to the relationships she fosters across her many endeavors.”
-The CCE Newman Civic Fellow Nomination Committee

Patrick Kuruga wearing a white sweater, smiling at the camera. — “What I find most appealing to me about these programs is the opportunity to interact with people from the Middlebury community and beyond, particularly children and to spearhead and witness the wonderful results of celebrating diversity and increasing intercultural awareness.”

2021-2022: Patrick Kuruga Wachira `23

Patrick Kuruga Wachira was awarded a Newman Civic Fellowship for his commitment to equity and inclusivity in education. Patrick’s dedication to collaborative community work was demonstrated through his involvement with several programs at the CCE, including a sponsored service-learning trip to Spaulding High School in Barre, VT; and two mentorship programs, Language in Motion and Community Friends. Patrick also went on to initiate an educational colonization project with school children in his hometown of Murang`a, Kenya through the CCE’s Community-Connected Learning course.

“Patrick is deeply committed to community engagement, fostering meaningful relationships in his local and global communities.”
-The CCE Newman Civic Fellow Nomination Committee

Alondra Carmona wears a gray sweatshirt and smiles at the camera.

2020-2021: Alondra Carmona `21

Alondra Carmona was selected as a Newman Civic Fellow for her work dedicated to addressing issues of immigration and immigration rights. Alondra helped lead Juntos, a student organization working to support local migrant farm workers. Alondra also led a Middlebury Alternative Break trip (MAlt) partnering with the Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services in San Antonio, TX.

“Alondra does more than facilitate a weekly meeting with her fellow Juntos coordinators; she helps a group of students take their values and intentions for supporting the local migrant community and turn them into actions, learning and practicing collaborative methods needed to create meaningful social change.”
-The CCE Newman Civic Fellow Nomination Committee

2023-2024: Shivapriya Nair ‘24

2021-2022: Patrick Kuruga Wachira `23

“Patrick is deeply committed to community engagement, fostering meaningful relationships in his local and global communities.” -The CCE Newman Civic Fellow Nomination Committee

2020-2021: Alondra Carmona `21

Center for Community Engagement

“Patrick is deeply committed to community engagement, fostering meaningful relationships in his local and global communities.”
-The CCE Newman Civic Fellow Nomination Committee