Rogers State University sophomore Quinn McCormick has earned recognition as a 2018 Newman Civic Fellow, a one-year national fellowship that emphasizes personal, professional and civic growth.
A communications radio/TV major from Owasso, McCormick is one of 268 students nationwide named as a Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact, a Boston-based non-profit organization working to advance the public purposes of higher education.
Through the fellowship, Campus Compact provides a variety of learning and networking opportunities, including a national conference of Newman Civic Fellows in partnership with the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate. The fellowship also provides fellows with pathways to apply for exclusive scholarship and post-graduate opportunities.
McCormick is a member of both the RSU Honors Program and the President’s Leadership Class, while also serving as a member of the Student Government Association’s executive committee.
“In just two short years, Quinn has really made an impact at RSU, as well as within the communities we serve,” said RSU President Larry Rice, who nominated her for the recognition. Last year, McCormick was named PLC’s Freshman of the Year in recognition of her commitment to community service efforts and continual campus involvement.
McCormick said she is passionate about social issues such as civic engagement and addressing the issue of homelessness.
“Involvement in the political processes is imperative to a well-functioning society and I find college is a crucial time to build those values,” she said. She has been active in multiple voter registration drives that have helped hundreds of college students register to vote and engage in political discussions.
She also has worked with the Night Light Tulsa organization for two years to help provide resources to the homeless community. Recently, she helped organize efforts that raised more than $1,000 dollars to fund a meal and provide essential resources through Night Light Tulsa. Her work with the organization has broadened her perspective and increased her passion for helping the homeless.
“It is important to offer not only resources, but also personal relationship and community to the homeless and low-income families who attend every week,” she said. “Material resources are necessary of course, but to sit down and ask them questions about their life, family, dreams, etc. is a whole other experience. My goal is to offer them human connection and conversation, recognizing them as the valuable individuals they are.”
Campus Compact president Andrew Seligsohn said the organization is thrilled to celebrate and engage with community-focused students like McCormick.
“The stories of this year’s Newman Civic Fellows make clear that they are bringing people together in their communities to solve pressing problems. That is what Campus Compact is about, and it’s what our country and our world desperately need,” he said.
The Newman Civic Fellowship is supported by the KPMG Foundation and Newman’s Own Foundation. For more information about the fellowship, visit www.compact.org.