FHSU University Relations and Marketing
HAYS, Kan. — Campus Compact, a Boston-based non-profit organization working to advance the public purposes of higher education, has announced in a news release that Anna Hand, an Ellsworth senior majoring in political science at Fort Hays State University, is a recipient of the 2016 Newman Civic Fellows Award. Campus Compact is a nonprofit coalition of nearly 1,100 college and university presidents— representing some 6 million students–who are committed to fulfilling the civic purposes of higher education.
The award honors the late Frank Newman, one of Campus Compact’s founders and a tireless advocate for the civic engagement of higher education.
“As I continue to pursue my career in politics, I have had the opportunity to volunteer with numerous campaigns across Kansas and the U.S.,” said Hand. “These campaigns ask me to perform student outreach and encourage millennials to become active in the election process. This has not always been easy, but it has been rewarding to see other students realize that they can make a difference in the world just by casting a ballot.”
During her FHSU career, Hand has accumulated more than 300 hours of community service. She has worked with the American Democracy Project and presidential campaigns. She has dedicated a lot of her time to get-out-the-vote efforts, which informs people on how to vote and when elections happen. She has even traveled out of state to get out the vote for the Iowa caucus. Hand has also been heavily involved with mission trips.
In total, 218 students from 36 states, Washington D.C. and Mexico were nominated by their universities’ presidents or chancellors and are being honored with the award this year.
Those chosen to receive this honor have taken action in pursuit of long-term positive social change and are proven leaders with both the motivation and ability to make substantial contributions toward public problem solving. A complete list of the 2016 Newman Civic Fellows and more about Hand can be found at Campus Compact.