September 25, 2025
MSU Student Named Newman Civic Fellow for Dedication to Community Engagement
Contact: Emily Springer, Communication Manager, Communication and Information Technology, University Outreach and Engagement, sprin116@msu.edu
Roberto Garcia named 2025-26 Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact
EAST LANSING, MI —Roberto Garcia, a junior double majoring in English and philosophy, has been named a 2025-26 Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact, a nationwide coalition of civic and community engagement experts representing colleges and universities across the country. The fellowship recognizes and supports community-committed students proactively working to address social, political, and environmental issues affecting communities.
“Roberto is a dedicated, first-generation student fostering collaborations across perspectives,” said MSU President Kevin M. Guskiewicz, Ph.D. “His strong leadership skills will undoubtedly contribute to his success throughout the fellowship, and I look forward to seeing how his experience will create positive impacts for Michigan State and the broader community.”
As a Newman Civic Fellow, Garcia will participate in a yearlong program that provides students with opportunities for learning, networking, and collaborating to effectively create positive change in their community. A core component of the fellowship focuses on building a national network of engaged student leaders who can support one another in advancing partnerships between campuses and community.
Garcia, a student in MSU’s Honors College, is currently a member of the 2024-25 Community Engagement Scholars Program, an initiative of the Center for Community Engaged Learning (CCEL) and the Office of the President in partnership with community organizations in Michigan. Garcia previously served in the program’s 2023-24 cohort.
“Roberto is deeply engaged with local communities, demonstrated by his partnership with the Allen Neighborhood Center, where he helped expand youth programming,” said Renee Miller Zientek, CCEL executive director. “He also served as a site leader for Alternative Spartan Breaks, guiding peers through weeklong service projects. His selection for a congressional internship with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute and involvement with the Associated Students of MSU further highlight his strong leadership capacity.”
Garcia is eager to deepen his work with local communities by applying what he gains from the fellowship. “This experience will help me strengthen my skills in community building and organizing, while exploring innovative approaches to engagement,” he said.
In addition to participating as a fellow, Garcia successfully applied for and received a mini grant from Campus Compact to complete a community project of his choice. “This opportunity will allow me to directly contribute to bettering the Greater Lansing community,” he said.
Following graduation, Garcia plans to take a gap year to work before attending law school.
Fellows are nominated by their university president or chancellor based on their potential for public leadership and work with communities.
Learn more about Garcia’s community involvement by visiting the Campus Compact website.
