Campus Compact has selected Stetson University sophomore Gladys Valle as a 2012 Newman Civic Fellow – one of 162 college student leaders nationwide who were selected for their personal commitments to creating lasting change for the better in their communities.

The fellows were nominated by their university presidents. Through service, community-based research and advocacy, the 2012 class of Newman Civic Fellows are making the most of their college experiences to better understand themselves and the root causes of some of the most pressing social issues that challenge us all, Campus Compact said in its news release.

Valle demonstrates the type of civic engagement that sets an example for others, shining a positive light in a time when negativity has dominated much national conversation. A psychology major from Paterson, N.J., she links academic work with her passion for youth empowerment. She has committed to serving 300 hours in the College Access AmeriCorps Program, mentoring youth in the DeLand community.

She has been heavily involved in the Teach One to Lead One program dedicated to transforming at-risk youth into responsible citizens by building character based on practical leadership skills and universal ethical principles. This past year, Valle committed her time to creating a program specifically for high school girls that want to improve their self-esteem. She has decided that she would like to become a probation officer for the Department of Juvenile Justice when she graduates from Stetson University.

As a Newman Civic Fellow, Valle will join a network of Fellows around the country. Together — sharing ideas and tools through online networking — the Fellows will leverage an even greater capacity for service and change, and will continue to set examples for their classmates and others.

“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 Board Chair James B. Dworkin, chancellor at Purdue University North Central.

Through service-learning courses and other opportunities for community engagement, colleges are developing students’ public problem-solving skills, such as the ability to analyze community needs, the willingness to participate in public processes and debate, the commitment to raise awareness about challenges, and the ability to inspire others to become part of solutions.

“Dr. Frank Newman, a founder of Campus Compact, had a tremendous impact on American education and its role in the development of citizens who are eager and prepared to make a difference,” explains Campus Compact President Maureen Curley. “He dedicated his life to creating systemic change through education reform and this new group of Newman Civic Fellows would have inspired him. They are reflections and affirmations of his life’s work.”

Campus Compact is a national coalition of almost 1,200 college and university presidents—representing some 6 million+ students—who are committed to fulfilling the civic purposes of higher education, that is, to improve community life and to educate students for civic and social responsibility. For more information about the organization and the award, visit www.compact.org.