University of La Verne Student Selected as Newman Civic Fellow

Campus Compact has named junior business administration major Cynthia Corona as one of its 2018 Newman Civic Fellows.

Corona, who advocates for immigrants’ rights as president of the University of La Verne Dreamers Club, hopes to leverage the fellowship program to develop skills related to community organizing and activism.

“It is encouraging to realize that our efforts as a club are being noticed on campus,” she said. “It also serves as motivation for myself and other students who may feel underrepresented on campus.”

The Newman Civic Fellowship, named after Campus Compact co-founder Frank Newman, is a one-year program that encourages personal, professional, and civic growth. Fellows receive learning, networking, scholarship, and post-graduate opportunities.

Corona helped start the Dreamers Club to create an inclusive community of undocumented students and others affected by the country’s changing immigration system. The club has brought guest speakers to campus to address topics such as Dream Act legislation, and club members have reached out to similar clubs at community colleges to increase support for Dreamers.

The club has been working to encourage Congress to pass a clean Dream Act, which would help protect immigrants under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

Although she is not considered a Dreamer – someone who arrived in the U.S. as a child – Corona said she was motivated to help others because her parents are immigrants.

After she graduates, Corona hopes to own a small business and launch a scholarship foundation.

“I would also like to remain active locally and continue the fight for justice and equality in our communities,” she said.