Boston, MA - Campus Compact has honored 162 students from 32 states as 2012 Newman Civic Fellows. Among the honorees is Carrie Crafton of Western Oklahoma State College. The Newman Civic Fellows Awards recognize inspiring college student leaders who have worked to find solutions for challenges facing their communities. These students are demonstrating a personal commitment to creating lasting change for the better in their communities. Through service, community-based research, and advocacy, the 2012 class of Newman Civic Fellows are making the most of their college experiences to better understand themselves and the root causes of some of the most pressing social issues that challenge us all. Crafton demonstrates the type of civic engagement that sets an example for others, shining a positive light in a time when negativity has dominated much national conversation. Crafton is a second year at Western Oklahoma State College. She took on the challenge of a yearlong commitment to complete 300 service learning hours through Students in Service of AmeriCorps. During the year, she worked with the WOSC Upward Bound program, the afterschool program ASPIRE, and first grade teachers at Washington Elementary school. Carrie is a leader with the Cub Scouts. She also tutored adults in English with the local Great Plains Literacy Council. She has participated in a national Psi Beta research project, Altus Special Olympics, and the Altus JCCHAT reservoir clean-up. As a Newman Civic Fellow, Crafton will join a network of Fellows around the country. Together — 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,” notes 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