UNO Sophomore Honored Nationally for Service Efforts

OMAHA - A University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) sophomore has been named one of this year's Newman Civic Fellows by Campus Compact, a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the public purposes of higher education.

On Friday, April 1, Antonio Campbell was named as one of just 218 students from across the country to earn the Newman award, which regonizes those who have taken action in pursuit of long-term positive social change in their communities.

Campus Compact 2016 Newman Civic Fellows will represent their higher education institution in a national group of student leaders. In addition to receiving an award certificate recognizing his honor, Campbell has been invitatedto join the Newman Civic Fellows online network and has the opportunity to participate in Nebraska-specific activities organized through Campus Compact.

Campbell, who is currently pursuing a degree in Mathematics with a concentration in Data Science, volunteers regularly around the city including at the Stephen Center Emergency Shelter, Hillcrest Elder Care and St. Matthew's Parish. He says he is dedicated to using his degree to change the world through the power of numbers.

"A large portion of my service focuses on the homeless community," Campbell said. "I am an active volunteer at the Stephen Center Emergency Shelter where I assist in preparing and serving meals for residents. As I gain more understanding of statistics and mathematical applications, I will use my skills to impact the homeless in a positive way.

In addition to his volunteer work, Campbell has made the Chancellor's List every semester, is part of the UNO University Honors Program and member of the UNO Goodrich Scholarship Program.

"Antonio has taken every opportunity he has been given to advocate for organizations serving homeless populations, often using required classroom presentations to make a case for service to his fellow students," UNO Chancellor John Christensen said in his letter supporting Campbell's selection. "He brings a talent to tell a story through numbers."

Campbell's interest in community service and engagement began in middle school through, but has followed him through his college career and is shaping his future plans. He eventually hopes to create a foundation that will support non-profit organizations by creating evaluation and analysis metrics so they can continue their work serving the underserved.

"Community involvement has always been a value stressed to me from an early age by my family, faith, and educational institutions," Campbell said in his personal statement to Campus Compact. "I do not view my involvement as service work, but rather, I recognize it as a humane obligation to reach out to those who are less privileged than myself."

The Newman Civic Fellows award is named in honor of the late Frank Newman, one of the founders of Campus Compact and a tireless advocate for the civic engagement of higher education.

For media requests, please contact:

Sam Petto, UNO Media Relations Coordinator
unonews@unomaha.edu
402.554.2704

or

Charley Reed, UNO Associate Director of Media Relations
unonews@unomaha.edu
402.554.2129

About the University of Nebraska at Omaha
Located in one of America’s best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.

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About Campus Compact
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. As the only national association dedicated to this mission, Campus Compact is a leader in building community engagement into campus and academic life. For more information, visit www.compact.org or follow @Campus_Compact on Twitter.