Campus News

Westminster Student Receives Newman Civic Fellows Award from Campus Compact

Jerika Michel recognized for work with refugees

Contact Krista DeAngelis, (801) 832-2682
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 4, 2011

SALT LAKE CITY – Westminster student Jerika Michel was one of only 135 students nationwide to be honored with a Newman Civic Fellow Award from Campus Compact this month. Camps Compact is a national organization that aims to improve community life and to promote student engagement in civic and social responsibility. The Newman Civic Fellows Awards recognizes inspiring college student leaders who have demonstrated an investment in finding solutions for challenges facing communities throughout the country.

From 30 states, college and university presidents have nominated the best-of-the-best: promising college student leaders who have demonstrated an investment in finding solutions for challenges facing communities throughout the country. Through service, research, and advocacy, these Newman Civic Fellows are making the most of their college experiences to better understand themselves, the root causes of social issues, and effective mechanisms for creating lasting 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,” explains Campus Compact President Maureen F. Curley.

Michel helps refugee teens cope with “real life situations” by working with them on issues like financial literacy, college preparation, and important social skills. As the alumni leader for the 2011 Youthlinc Kenya Team, she is also actively involved in a variety of educational, vocational, construction, and cultural exchange projects.

“I am touched that Westminster College nominated me to receive an award that truly recognizes my efforts in social justice,” Michel said. “Service has changed how I view the world. Through service I have gained a deeper understanding of how global issues affect individuals on an intimate level. Furthermore, my perspective concerning how to empower those individuals has been broadened.”

Michel also belongs to the Salt Lake Rotary Club; she is the Service Coordinator for the Westminster College Institute of Religion, and is a Trustee of the Michel Foundation serving Utah Youth and other worthy organizations locally.

“On a personal level, service has increased my ability to love,” Michel continued. “I do service because it makes me happy. I believe that service is an intricate part of education because it gives meaning to learning and hope for a more just world.”

About Campus Compact:
Campus Compact is a national coalition of more than 1,100 college and university presidents—representing some 6 million students—who are committed to fulfilling the civic purposes of higher education to improve community life and to educate students for civic and social responsibility. Through the Newman Civic Fellows Awards, college and university presidents acknowledge students with the ability and motivation to create lasting change in our communities. For more information about the Newman Civic Fellows, visit www.compact.org

About Westminster:
Westminster is a nationally recognized, comprehensive liberal arts college. With a broad array of graduate and undergraduate programs, Westminster is distinguished by its unique environment for learning. Westminster prepares students for success through active and engaged learning, real world experiences and its vibrant campus community. Westminster’s unique location, adjacent to the Rocky Mountains and to the dynamic city of Salt Lake, further enriches the college experience. For more information visit www.westminstercollege.edu or follow @WestminsterSLC on Twitter.