Northern Michigan University student Georgia Harrison of Martin, Mich., has been named a 2017 Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact for her efforts to increase student involvement in campus sustainability. She is a biology major with a concentration in ecology. Harrison is one of 273 Newman Fellows nationwide who are being honored for taking action in pursuit of long-term social change and who engage and inspire others in their communities.

According to her Campus Compact bio, Harrison is working with NMU students and faculty to develop a Green Fund to support campus sustainability initiatives. She is also constructing a Student Sustainability Educator (“Eco-Rep”) Program.

“These initiatives have allowed me to gain insight on the development and execution of diverse policies and organizations,” said Harrison. “As these programs continue to develop, I know important work will be done during my remaining time at NMU. I hope to provide a great deal of opportunities and connections for younger and future students so they too may work for what they're passionate about and become actively involved in their community.”

Harrison is the student co-coordinator for the Northern Climate Networkolunteer Center, and Superior Edge student coordinator for the Center for Student Enrichment.

“She is committed to getting other students involved in campus sustainability and is determined to be a catalyst for change in her community,” said NMU President Fritz Erickson. “She has been interested in facilitating connections between students and the local community, including hosting student forums, a People's Climate Walk and a monthly Climate@Noon on-campus colloquium series.”

The one-year fellowship gives students access to in-person and virtual learning opportunities, networking events and mentoring. 

Campus Compact's Newman Civic Fellowship recognizes and supports community-committed students who have demonstrated an investment in finding solutions for challenges facing communities throughout the country. The fellowship is named in honor of Frank Newman, one of Campus Compact's founders, and is supported by the KPMG Foundation and by the Newman's Own Foundation. 

Campus Compact is a Boston-based non-profit organization working to advance the public purposes of higher education. For more information about the Newman Civic Fellows Award, visit http://compact.org/newman-civic-fellow/.