Bridget Conway Honored as Newman Civic Fellow

Third-year Bridget Conway has received the Newman Civic Fellowship , a yearlong program that recognizes and supports community-minded students who are changemakers and public problem-solvers on their campuses. Students from Campus Compact member institutions are nominated by their president or chancellor on the basis of their potential for public leadership.

Conway, who is double majoring in studio art and comparative literature, has distinguished herself as a tutor and leader in the Oberlin Writing Partnership. In this community-based work-study program, Oberlin College students assist Oberlin High School students with planning, writing, and editing essays in classroom and drop-in settings. Conway has participated in the program since it began as a pilot in 2018 in response to an expressed need for enhanced writing support at the high school.

This year, Conway serves as a tutor supervisor. She facilitates the participation of an expanding group of Oberlin College students whose work furthers educational equity. Their work also supports local youth in honing the writing skills they will need for success in their professional and college lives after high school.

In addition to her work with the partnership, Conway promotes arts and culture in Oberlin. She is actively involved with WOBC-FM, the campus and community radio station, and helps to organize events that encourage diversity in the performing arts.

“Throughout my time at Oberlin, one of my favorite experiences has been working as a writing partner,” Conway says in a personal statement. ‘‘It’s been an incredibly fulfilling experience because I’ve been able to use my place in the community to uplift and prioritize Oberlin High School students, especially as I have continued my involvement, becoming a tutor supervisor in the last year. This gave me the opportunity to collaborate with other writing partners and reflect on why I find community involvement so important.”

Through the Newman Civic Fellowship, Campus Compact provides students with a variety of learning and networking opportunities that emphasize personal, professional, and civic growth. Each year, fellows are invited to a national conference of Newman Civic Fellows and participate in numerous virtual training and networking opportunities. The fellowship also provides students with pathways to apply for exclusive scholarship and postgraduate opportunities.

Conway is among the 290 students who make up the 2020 cohort—the largest group of Newman Civic Fellows to date.