UA Student Selected as 2013 Newman Civic Fellow

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – University of Alabama student Koushik Kasanagottu has been named a 2013 Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact, a national coalition of college and university presidents who are committed to fulfilling the public purposes of higher education.

Nominated by their college and university presidents, the fellows are students who demonstrate their investment in finding solutions to the challenges that face communities throughout the country by implementing service, research and advocacy.

Kasanagottu, a junior from Birmingham, works to increase education and awareness of diabetes throughout Alabama’s Black Belt counties. He devotes many hours to UA’s Project Diabetes Intensive Education and is responsible for organizing numerous student seminars by experts in the field of diabetes, nutrition, exercise and stress management. He also hosted the first World Diabetes Day on campus.

Newman Civic Fellow awards are made in memory of Dr. Frank Newman, a founder of Campus Compact who dedicated his life to creating systemic change through education reform.  At the core of Dr. Newman’s leadership was a belief in the power of individuals to make a difference and in the power of connection with others. This class of Newman Civic Fellows embodies this spirit and dedication.

“These students represent the next generation of public problem solvers and civic leaders,” said Maureen Curley, president of Campus Compact. “They serve as national examples of the role that higher education can—and does—play in building stronger communities.”

For a full list of the 2013 Newman Civic Fellows, go to:  http://www.compact.org/initiatives/awards-programs/the-frank-newman-leadership-award/the-2013-newman-civic-fellows/

Campus Compact promotes public and community service that develops students’ citizenship skills, helps forge effective community/campus partnerships, and provides resources and training for faculty seeking to integrate civic and community-based learning into the curriculum. Campus Compact’s membership includes public, private, two- and four-year institutions across the spectrum of higher education. For more information, go to www.compact.org.