Binta Sidibe, a junior at the University of Wisconsin-Superior, is among 162 students nationwide to be named a Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact.

The Newman Civic Fellows recognize inspiring college student leaders who have worked to find solutions for challenges facing their communities.Campus Compact is a national coalition of nearly 1,200 college and university presidents who are committed to fulfilling the civic purposes of higher education by improving community life and educating students for civic and social responsibility.

Sidibe is majoring both in International Peace Studies and Economics. She is a mentor for the college preparatory program Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness in Superior, or GEARS, which matches UW-Superior students with Superior Middle School students. She also participates in College Student for a Day, a recruitment program that enables African American high school students to shadow UW-Superior students of color.

Julie Schmidt, coordinator of the GEARS program at UW-Superior, said she's pleased Sidibe is being recognized.

"Binta is a wonderful mentor, student, and person," she said. "I cannot imagine a more deserving young leader to become the Newman Civic Fellow at UW-Superior!"

As a Newman Civic Fellow, Sidibe will join a network of Fellows around the country. 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," noted 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."