PNC Student Honored as a Newman Civic Fellow

Purdue University North Central student Amy Boren has been selected as a Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact. The Newman Civic Fellows Awards recognize inspiring college student leaders who have demonstrated an investment in finding solutions for challenges facing communities throughout the country.

Boren is one of 135 students from 30 states selected for this honor. She was nominated for this distinction by PNC Chancellor Dr. James B. Dworkin.

According to Dr. Mary Jane Eisenhauer, assistant professor of Early Childhood Education, "Amy is a proven leader and will be a tremendous asset to the field of early childhood education. She is dedicated to promoting access and quality in early care and education. Her service to families and children already demonstrates her great potential."

Dr. Cynthia Fontaine, PNC Education Department Chair echoed those sentiments stating, "Amy is very committed and involved. This is very exciting for her and well deserved."

The award is named for Dr. Frank Newman, one of the founders of Campus Compact. He had a tremendous impact on American education and its role in the development of citizens who are eager and prepared to make a difference. He dedicated his life to creating systemic change through education reform and he would see this first group of 135 Newman Civic Fellows as reflections and affirmations of his life's work.

Boren, of Chesterton, is an Early Childhood Education major. She is co-president of the club, Purdue Learning About Young Children in Education (PLAYCE). PLAYCE donated children's books to Bradley House and Head Start in Michigan City so that youngsters would have new books to read while visiting those organizations. The books were purchased grant funds presented to the PNC Early Childhood Education program by the Charles J. Strosacker Foundation of Midland, Mich.

Boren noted that PLAYCE members to "do whatever we can to support local programs. We hope we can help instill in young children a love and passion for reading."

She has focused her community involvement activities on children under age 8 as a volunteer at local elementary schools. She also is helping to mentor her fellow Early Childhood Education students in a service learning project.

"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," said Campus Compact President Maureen F. Curley.

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. The Newman Civic Fellows Awards, acknowledge students with the ability and motivation to create lasting change.