Rogers State University student Cassidy Beck is a recipient of the 2022-2023 Campus Compact Newman Civic Fellowship. Campus Compact is a Boston-based non-profit organization working to advance the public purposes of higher education. Beck is a junior Business Administration-Management major from Pawnee.
The 2022 fellowship class includes 173 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 be the recipient of this prestigious fellowship on behalf of Rogers State University. Making a positive impact on campus and within the community is my utmost priority. This fellowship will provide me with the necessary tools and opportunities to effectively serve the students at Rogers State University, as well as the Claremore community,” Beck 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.
“Cassidy is a student leader both on and off campus. We are proud of her integrity, diligence, and commitment to others,” RSU President Dr. Larry Rice said.
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.
“As members of society, we should be aware of the needs that face the community surrounding us and take the necessary action to make a positive difference,” Beck said.
Beck is currently a member of the President’s Leadership Class, where she serves as President of the organization. She was named the Outstanding Freshman of the Year and the Outstanding Sophomore of the Year, for her efforts in community service and campus involvement. Beck also was the recipient of the George and Donna Nigh Leadership Academy Scholarship. Through her presidency she has organized several events on campus. In 2021 she led a successful community and campus wide project to provide more than a dozen Claremore families in need with a full Thanksgiving meal.
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, Beck encourages her classmates to take advantage of every opportunity that arises.
“With dedication the impossible becomes possible. With this attribute, one can handle any obstacles that come their way,” Beck said.