Rogers State University student Cade Russell is a recipient of the 2021-2022 Campus Compact Newman Civic Fellowship. Campus Compact is a Boston-based non-profit organization working to advance the public purposes of higher education. Russell is a public affairs junior from Pryor.
The 2021 fellowship class includes 212 students from 39 states, Washington, D.C., and Mexico. The Newman Civic Fellowship is a year-long program for students from Campus Compact member institutions. The students selected for the fellowship are leaders on their campuses who demonstrate a commitment to finding solutions for challenges facing communities locally, nationally, and internationally.
“I am honored to receive this award because I have a passion for serving the individuals in my community and my university. A recipient of the Newman Civic Fellowship is very humbling. I am extremely grateful to be able to represent Rogers State University in this capacity,” Russell said.
Integrity and servant leadership are important character traits for Russell. Serving his community, his fellow classmates and his church family with honesty and compassion creates positive change and shapes the leaders of tomorrow.
“Cade is a student leader both on and off campus. He is a member of the Honors and President’s Leadership Class programs, and he currently serves as the president of the President’s Leadership Class. We are proud of his integrity and his commitment to others,” RSU President Dr. Larry Rice said.
Qualifications for the fellowship are extensive. The nominated student must demonstrate the motivation and potential for effective long-term civic engagement, act in addressing issues of inequality and political polarization, and collaborate with surrounding communities to create long term social change.
Through the fellowship, Campus Compact provides fellows with a variety of learning and networking opportunities that emphasize personal, professional, and civic growth. Each year, fellows participate in numerous virtual training and networking opportunities to help provide them with the skills and connections they need to create large-scale positive change.
At RSU, Russell has been actively involved in several campaigns, including the Rock the Vote campaign, which encouraged college-aged students to register to vote prior to the 2020 election. He is also the co-founder for Hillcats Helping Out, a resource drive that collects toiletries and amenities for individuals at Memory Care in Claremore.
The cornerstone of the fellowship is the Annual Convening of Fellows, which offers intensive skill-building and networking over the course of two days. The fellowship also provides fellows with pathways to apply for exclusive scholarship and post-graduate opportunities.
To stand out as a prime candidate for the fellowship, Russell encourages his classmates to do something that brings them true joy.
“Each and every one of us has the capability to make a difference. I personally believe that individuals are more inclined to work harder for a cause that they believe in. I encourage students that are interested in serving in this fellowship to find something that they are passionate about and go all in,” Russell said.