Goucher College Student Honored as Newman Civic Fellow

Campus Compact, a national coalition of colleges and universities working to advance the public purposes of higher education, has named Goucher College student Nigel Cortez Cruz ’27 a member of the Newman Civic Fellows 2025-26 cohort. 

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. Cortez Cruz was nominated by Goucher College's president, who is invited to select one exemplary community-committed student from their campus each year. 

A junior at Goucher, Cortez Cruz majors in public health with a minor in Spanish. As a first-generation college student and native Spanish speaker, he is committed to ensuring equitable access to educational opportunities and empowering others through language. 

At Goucher, Cortez Cruz actively supports English as a Second Language (ESOL) students through community-based learning (CBL) programs and through his work with the Futuro Latino Learning Center, where he teaches English and builds cultural bridges. His involvement as a student leader in the CBL office highlights his ability to promote inclusive practices and cultural sensitivity. 

Through the fellowship, Campus Compact provides students with learning and networking opportunities that help 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. 

“Nigel Cortez Cruz is an exemplary leader whose dedication to public health and community service reflects the spirit of Frank Newman’s transformative leadership,” said Kent Devereaux, Goucher College president. “Nigel’s growth mindset, strong work ethic, and unwavering commitment to service exemplify his potential as a future leader dedicated to community betterment.” 

“It is an honor to welcome this group of accomplished and dedicated students to the Newman Civic Fellowship,” said Campus Compact President Bobbie Laur. “As higher education faces unprecedented challenges, these students exemplify the power and possibility of civic and community engagement on campus. As they emerge as the leaders of tomorrow, we are proud that this fellowship will be part of their story. From a variety of institutions and with diverse backgrounds and experiences, these fellows represent a bright future for public problem solving.”

Read more about Nigel Cortez Cruz’s Newman Civic Fellowship.