Campus Compact announced that St. Thomas University’s June Nzilani Wanbua was selected as a Newman Civic Fellow in recognition for her community involvement. The Newman Civic Fellows Award honors the late Frank Newman, one of Campus Compact’s founders and a tireless advocate for civic engagement in higher education. In the spirit of Dr. Newman’s leadership, the award recognizes undergraduate students who are proven leaders with both the motivation and ability to make substantial contributions toward public problem solving. These students have also gone beyond traditional service activities in their community involvement. College and University presidents from 36 states plus the District of Columbia nominated student leaders representing the next generation of civic leaders; June joins 200 Newman Civic Fellows selected nationwide this year for this honor.
A political science and international relations major at St. Thomas University, June has been committed to social change since she was a young girl growing up in Kenya. Inspired by the conditions in her community, she actively works to ensure that future generations have access to basic needs and quality education. Locally she has worked with marginalized communities providing positive alternatives and outreach to increase graduation rates and to decrease substance abuse. Working with the city council, June is gaining experience through community-based research on city policies in order to help shape her goals of becoming a civically engaged lawyer. Internationally, she serves as a leader of Operation Soles, a youth program in Kenya, organizing fund raising activities to supply basic education needs (clothes, books, shoes, etc). Working in Kenya and Tanzania June conducted research to examine the root causes of health issues in this unique demographic.
“Through working toward examining root causes, June has inspired her fellow students, faculty and staff to move beyond service toward deep engagement,” said University President Rev. Monsignor Franklyn Casale.
