Courtesy of Spelman College
Spelman College student Aaniyah Jarrette, C’2026, has been named a 2024-2025 Newman Civic Fellow. The Newman Civic Fellowship is a yearlong program that recognizes students who stand out for their leadership potential and commitment to creating positive community change.
Each year, Campus Contact, a national coalition of colleges and universities working to advance higher education, invites member institutions to nominate one student for their exemplary community commitment. Spelman President Dr. Helene Gayle nominated Jarrette for her campus and community involvement, as well as her dedication to addressing housing insecurity. In a statement, Dr. Gayle praised Jarrette for her community impact:
“Ms. Jarrette has collaborated with county officials to plan and execute back-to-school drives, health fairs, and food pantry events that ensure residents have access to necessary goods and services regardless of their housing status. Since enrolling at Spelman, Aaniyah has continued her dedication to service and taken on leadership roles in the Spelman College Section of the NAACP, the Spelman College chapter of the National Council of Negro Women, and the Spelman Bonner Scholar Program,” said Dr. Gayle.
To read Dr. Gayle’s full statement on Jarrette’s campus involvement and achievements, visit the Campus Compact website.
Jarrette was selected along with 141 students across 38 states, Washington D.C. and Mexico. Throughout the fellowship year, students will have the opportunity to nurture their assets and develop strategies for social change — creating a network of connected and engaged student leaders who can support one another in making positive social change.
“On campus, I’m active in organizations that focus on addressing the symptoms of poverty and social injustice and work intentionally to attack the root causes of these persistent issues,” said Jarrette, a biology major. “I am proud and honored to have been chosen as a Newman Civic Fellow, as it is a testament to my deep commitment to effecting positive change in our world. I look forward to developing my civic leadership as a scholar and aspiring physician-scientist while representing Spelman College as an incubator for women who serve.”
