Psychology Student Named 2019–2020 Newman Civic Fellow

Every year, Campus Compact recognizes community-committed students who have demonstrated an investment in finding solutions for challenges facing communities throughout the country with its prestigious Newman Civic Fellowship. This yearlong program seeks to help these problem solvers in their personal, professional, and civic growth through a variety of exclusive opportunities and events, including a national conference of Newman Civic Fellows.

In 2018, Adelphi proudly announced that Antonette White received this honor. This year, another of our students was named a Newman Civic Fellow: Najee Hunt. A junior majoring in psychology, Hunt is the fifth Adelphi student to receive this honor. He joins 262 community-committed students representing Campus Compact member colleges and universities from 41 states, Washington, D.C., Mexico and Greece.

A Leader and a Role Model

“Najee is a student leader who is actively helping create a diverse and inclusive culture on campus,” said President Christine M. Riordan. “As president of the campus organization Black Students United (BSU), he is passionate about supporting and mentoring fellow students of color. He has also expanded the organization’s mission to include support of young people from the surrounding community.”

As president of BSU, Hunt serves as a mentor and role model for younger generations. Outside of Adelphi, he volunteers at soup kitchens, clothing drives and the New York Miss Amazing Pageant, which celebrates the talents of girls with special needs.

“Once I arrived at Adelphi, I immediately joined multicultural clubs and organizations on campus so that I could meet people who looked like me, as well as lend a hand to other students of color who might need support,” Hunt said. “I am truly honored to have won this award.”

As a psychology major and research assistant at Adelphi’s Cognitive Development Lab, Hunt is preparing for a career as a child psychologist, with hopes of making a lasting impact on the lives of young people in the future, particularly those who have undergone trauma or been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

Adelphi’s 2018 Newman Civic Fellow, Antonette White, now a senior, said she was pleased to learn Hunt would become a fellow as well. “He stood up to the challenge of leading BSU and has remained passionate about their cause while hosting amazing events on campus,” White said. “He is dedicated and capable of more than he knows.”

Recounting Her Experience as a Newman Civic Fellow

Antonette White

Since being named a Newman Civic Fellow in 2018, White has taken full advantage of the opportunity, making professional connections and honing interpersonal skills.

Nominated by President Riordan, White earned the fellowship due to her dedication to creating an inclusive environment on campus.

“Being a fellow has been an amazing experience,” said White. “I was able to attend the annual conference, where I was able to connect with my peers as well as many others who work in fields that I am interested in.”

White continues pursuing her passion for social justice as a political science major and president [of Black Students United]. At the conference, she learned about more opportunities from Campus Contact and applied for a fellowship under the Newman’s Own Foundation. The conference, she said, “helped me feel more confident in professional settings…It is an experience worth having.”