Purdue University North Central student Greg Mohlke has been selected as a 2013 Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact. The Newman Civic Fellows Awards honors student leaders committed to creating lasting change in communities throughout the country.
Mohlke, a graduate of South Central High School, in Union Mills, is one of 160 student leaders representing Campus Compact member colleges and universities from 32 states selected for this honor. He was nominated for this distinction by PNC Chancellor Dr. James B. Dworkin, who also serves as Campus Compact Board chair.
"Greg embodies the meaning of what it is to be a Newman Civic Fellow. He is a model for others on- and off-campus," said Dworkin. "There is little question that his commitment to service will only grow as he further develops as a civic leader."
This is the third consecutive year that a PNC student has been named as a Newman Civic Fellow. Amy Boren, of Chesterton, was selected as a Newman Civic Fellow in 2011 and Katheryn "Katie" Hines, of Valparaiso, was selected in 2012.
The students named as Newman Civic Fellows share many common interests and 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," added Campus Compact president Maureen Curley.
Mohlke, an Elementary Education major, has been secretary of the Student Government (SGA) for two years and serves as co-president of the Dean's Leadership Group (DLG). In addition, he is a member of Panther Pride, a group of students who lead campus tours and act as ambassadors for the PNC.
As a former AmeriCorps* Service Engagement Corps member, he worked with local afterschool programs to mentor and tutor elementary and middle school children, helping to ensure that local youth have a solid path and access to higher education.
Off campus, he is a third-generation member of the Cass-Clinton Volunteer Fire Department and is active in his church. He is actively involved in educating others about fire safety and raising funds to support fire safety initiatives within the community.
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 Newman's leadership was a belief in the power of individuals to make a difference and in the power of connection with others. Frank Newman had a tremendous impact on American education and its role in the development of citizens who want to make a difference. This class of Newman Civic Fellows embodies this spirit and dedication.
The Newman Civic Fellows Awards are made possible through the generous support of the KPMG Foundation.
Campus Compact is a national coalition of almost 1,200 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. For more information about the organization and the award, visit www.compact.org
A full list of the 2013 Newman Civic Fellows can be found at http://www.compact.org/initiatives/awards-programs/the-frank-newman-leadership-award/the-2013-newman-civic-fellows/