UMA student chosen for national nonprofit program

AUGUSTA — A University of Maine at Augusta student is among 262 nationally chosen by Campus Compact to be a 2019-2020 Newman Civic Fellow.

The Boston-based nonprofit organization, which works to advance the public purposes of higher education, named UMA student Sarah Nichols as one of its honorees.
Nichols, a biology major, distinguished herself through her leadership and efforts to engage non-traditional and international students in campus activities, as well as developing collaborative events with other campus clubs and community organization, according to a news release from UMA. She is the president of the French Club and one of the earliest members of the Capital Area New Mainers Project, which welcomes immigrants and refugees to Central Maine.
A young mother and non-traditional student, she is working on projects to improve policy and supports for non-traditional students in higher education.
“It was my honor to nominate Sarah as a Newman Civic Fellow,” said UMA President Rebecca Wyke. “She is a model of civic-mindedness, supporting students and community members who face barriers to success. At UMA, our mission is to transform students’ lives of every age and background across the state.
“It is clear that our students, like Sarah, are also committed to not only changing their own lives, but also the lives of their fellow students and community members,” Wyke said.
The Newman Civic Fellowship, named for Campus Compact co-founder Frank Newman, is a one-year experience emphasizing personal, professional, and civic growth for students who have demonstrated a capacity for leadership and an investment in solving public problems. 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 apply for exclusive scholarship and post-graduate opportunities.
“We are proud to recognize each of these extraordinary student leaders and thrilled to have the opportunity to engage with them,” said Campus Compact President Andrew Seligsohn. “The stories of this year’s Newman Civic Fellows make clear that they are committed to finding solutions to pressing problems in their communities and beyond. That is what Campus Compact is about, and it’s what our country and our world desperately need.”

PHOTO: Sarah Nichols (UMA photo)