Worcester State senior communication major Alex Lucier has been awarded a 2024-2025 Newman Civic Fellowship by Campus Compact, a national coalition of colleges and universities. He joins student civic leaders from 38 states; Washington, D.C.; and Mexico.
The Newman Civic Fellowship is a yearlong program that recognizes students who stand out for their leadership potential and commitment to creating positive change in communities. The fellowship is named for the late Frank Newman, one of Campus Compact’s founders, who was a tireless advocate for civic engagement in higher education.
In the spirit of Dr. Newman’s leadership, each fellow is nominated by their campus president or chancellor, who is invited to select one exemplary community-committed student from their campus each year. In his nomination, President Barry Maloney praised Lucier’s engagement and involvement on campus.
“Alex brings a passion to connect and serve in his work, school, and life,” Maloney said. “We are thrilled he will be representing Worcester State University as a Newman Civic Fellow.”
During his time at Worcester State, Lucier served on the Student Senate and as vice-president for WooServe, a student-led community service organization. In April he was awarded a Lt. Colonel James F. Sheehan Award, given to the highest achieving student in each class. He is a community creative, entrepreneurial photographer, videographer, and graphic designer.
Lucier’s community service involvement started at a young age when he was involved with the Boy Scouts and has continued with church, school, and community service.
“I’m beyond excited to dive into the Newman Fellowship next year,” Lucier said. “I grew up involved in just about everything and have always gravitated towards any sort of civic-based opportunity that came my way. Whether it was my service projects in Boy Scouts, attending Boys’ State in high school, or interning for the mayor, I’ve loved every chance to work with like-minded people towards a bigger mission. Coming into college, I wasn’t sure what continuing this passion would look like, but I’m so glad I found WooServe to keep it going and grateful that others are dedicated to service as well.”
As a Newman Fellow, Lucier said he’s looking forward to exploring the successes and concerns in civic engagement that other students have for their campuses and to share his own from Worcester State.
“I can’t wait to connect with other students who are interested in getting involved and making change and to find ways to think both big and small,” Lucier said. “I’m thankful to the Worcester State community for supporting me, and I’m excited to see how I can continue to make a difference here.”
Through the fellowship, Campus Compact provides students with learning and networking opportunities that help to nurture their development as civic leaders. Programming emphasizes personal, professional, and civic growth that can empower them to collaborate effectively across disciplines and create large-scale positive change.
The cornerstone of the fellowship is the Annual Convening of Newman Civic Fellows, which offers intensive in-person skill-building and networking over three days. The fellowship also provides fellows with pathways to apply for exclusive opportunities, including mini-grants to help fund community projects, scholarships, and post-graduate opportunities.
“We are honored to recognize such an outstanding group of community-committed students,” said Campus Compact President Bobbie Laur. “One of the best parts of the Newman Civic Fellowships is the richness of students’ perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds—and how these varied stories all led to their passionate engagement with the social, political, and environmental issues impacting our world. These students will be the catalysts for change on many levels, and we are privileged to help empower them to create that change.”
The Newman Civic Fellowship is generously supported by The Allstate Foundation.
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