UMass Amherst Student Marvens Pierre Earns National Honor as 2019 Newman Civic Fellow

Image

AMHERST, Mass. – Marvens Pierre, a third-year student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, has earned national recognition by being named a 2019 Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact.

Pierre, a double major in social thought and political economy (STPEC) and anthropology, is one of 262 community-committed students chosen to represent Campus Compact member colleges and universities from 39 states, Washington, D.C., Mexico and Greece. He currently serves as undergraduate program coordinator for the university’s Student Bridges Agency.

The Newman Civic Fellowship, named for Campus Compact co-founder Frank Newman, is a one-year experience emphasizing personal, professional and civic growth for students who have demonstrated a capacity for leadership and an investment in solving public problems. Through the fellowship, Campus Compact provides a variety of learning and networking opportunities, including a national conference of Newman Civic Fellows in partnership with the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate in Boston. The fellowship also provides fellows with access to apply for exclusive scholarship and post-graduate opportunities.

Pierre says, “I strive to be community-engaged in all my efforts as it inspires me to look forward to a more socially just and sustainable future.”

For more about Campus Compact visit https://compact.org/newman-civic-fellowship/.

Learn more about Student Bridges at http://www.studentbridges.org/.

Pierre was nominated by Chancellor Kumble Subbaswamy, who writes, “Pierre is a driven and passionate leader who has demonstrated his ability to bring visions of student advocacy and educational equity to life.”

Student Bridges is a student-led organization that advocates for increased college access and success for underrepresented students at UMass Amherst and neighboring communities through community engagement and institutional policy. Through the organization’s community and local school partnerships, he promotes college awareness, preparation and success activities. At several local high schools and middle schools, Pierre volunteers as a tutor-mentor in which he builds strong bonds and reciprocal relationships with students. As a positive role model and friend, he encourages students to believe in their potential and inner strength.