An Indian student at the University of Richmond, Virginia has been named the 2023 Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact, a national coalition of more than 1,000 colleges and universities. The year-long fellowship recognizes students for their commitment to creating positive change in communities locally and around the world.
Haling from Bengaluru, India, Anum Merchant is a junior at the University. She is double majoring in leadership studies and political science. During her time at the university, she worked as an immigration intern at the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy, an investigative intern for the Virginia Indigent Defense Commission, and a congressional relations staff assistant intern at the Woodrow Wilson Center for International Scholars.
Merchant, currently serves as a legislative intern at Two Capitols Consulting in Richmond, Virginia and is also involved with community organizations, including Scholars Latino Initiative and Girls for a Change.
“I am so honoured to be Richmond’s next Newman Civic Fellow. I am excited for the opportunity to connect with other like-minded individuals and continue my civic engagement journey by learning and interacting with others,” Merchant said in a statement published by the University.
Congratulating Merchant on the honour, president of the university, Kevin F. Hallockwhile said, “Anum has demonstrated her commitment to building relationships and creating positive change through policy and direct service. We are delighted that she will be UR’s 2023 Newman Civic Fellow” and added, “The University of Richmond strives to prepare our students for lives of purpose, supporting them as they foster connections with each other, our city, and our world.”
Newman Civic fellows participate in learning and networking opportunities that emphasize personal, professional, and civic growth. Merchant will join 154 student civic leaders from 38 states, Washington, D.C., and Mexico to form the 2023–24 cohort.
