HIGH POINT, N.C., April 25, 2016 – High Point University sophomore Melanie Maldonado is a recipient of the 2016 Newman Civic Fellows Award from Campus Compact. This award honors 218 college student leaders for their dedicated passion to service, research and advocacy for challenges facing communities throughout the country.
In order to receive this award, Newman Civic Fellows are recommended by their college or university president.
“Melanie is an exemplary leader in social change both on campus and in our community,” says Dr. Nido Qubein, HPU president. “She harnesses her passion for women’s rights, health and hunger to create conversations about social justice issues that translate into actions. She has emerged and continues to grow as a civically engaged leader at HPU.”
Maldonado, a psychology major from Taos, New Mexico, is a Bonner Leader at HPU. Through this program, she provides more than 200 hours of service to the local community each year.
“Being in the Bonner Leader Program at High Point University has allowed me to not only raise awareness of these issues, but take action to address them,” she says.
Maldonado aids the YWCA’s Women’s Resource Center in developing programs that respond to identified community needs. She is helping plan a women’s self-defense course and helps organize workshops for community members to attend. She also is in the process of coordinating campus-wide donation drives, such as a diaper drive to benefit the Baby Basics store at the YWCA, and works with Cover the City to gather blanket donations. Additionally, Maldonado volunteers with Food Corps at a local elementary school to help children establish healthy eating habits at a young age.
“Melanie thrives on serving others. You can see it in her work ethic, her professionalism and her drive,” says Dr. Joe Blosser, Robert G. Culp Jr. director of service learning at HPU. “Whether it’s working with the Women’s Center at the YWCA or managing the social media presence of the Bonner Leader Program, Melanie wants to support the service work of others and improve the lives of all.”
Maldonado represents HPU in her feature on the Campus Compact national website alongside the other 2016 Newman Civic Fellows student leaders. She will receive an award certificate, an invitation to join the Newman Civic Fellows online network, and the opportunity to participate in activities with the organization.
The Newman Civic Fellows Award honors one of Campus Compact’s founders, the late Frank Newman. Awards are made possible through generous support from the KPMG Foundation and Newman’s Own Foundation.