UMA student named Newman Civic Fellow

AUGUSTA — University of Maine at Augusta student Celena Zacchai has been named a Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact.
Campus Compact is a Boston-based nonprofit organization that works to advance the public purposes of higher education, Some 212 students from 39 states, Washington D.C. and Mexico make up the organization’s 2021-22 cohort of Newman Civic Fellows.

Zacchai is a UMA Social Science major who attends many classes at the UMA Rockland Center. In addition to being recognized as a Newman Civic Fellow, Zacchai was also selected as a 2020 Maine Policy Scholar, researching the topic of the Role of Maine State Policy in Increasing Access to Affordable Housing for Maine Seniors. At UMA’s 2020 Convocation Ceremony, she delivered the student perspective on the year’s academic theme of “Outbreak” and in 2019, she was honored as a UMA Rising Scholar.
“It was my privilege to nominate Celena as a Newman Civic Fellow,” said UMA President Rebecca Wyke. “She has demonstrated resilience, commitment and leadership in her time at UMA and dedicated herself to improving her community. This is a well-deserved recognition of her commitment to civic issues of importance to Maine.”
Zacchai said she is honore to represent UMA as a Newman Civic Fellow “and grateful to have the opportunity to learn and grow alongside so many bright and dedicated students.”
“I chose to pursue a degree in the Social Sciences because I want to help make a difference,” Zaccahi said. “The Newman Civic Fellowship provides training and networking opportunities that will help me toward that goal,” she continued.
As an undergrad, Zacchai has developed an interest in the relationship between physical space and human health and well-being, environmental racism, and affordable housing issues. She plans to pursue a master’s in policy, planning, and management upon completing her BA in 2022.
The fellowship is named for the late Frank Newman, one of Campus Compact’s founders, who was an advocate for civic engagement in higher education.