“For some, helping others comes naturally.” This is the case for McKinsey Wiltermuth, a graduate child forensic psychology student at Missouri State University.

“During my time at the university, I have had the opportunity to follow my passion for helping others through a variety of organizations and activities both on campus and in the community,” said Wiltermuth.

A Newman Civic Fellow

Wiltermuth was selected as a 2017 Newman Civic Fellow by the Boston-based nonprofit organization Campus Compact. A total of 273 students from across the country will make up the organization’s 2017 Fellows.

“This passion for service has grown during my time at Missouri State, but it began long before my experience as a Bear.”

A passion for community engagement

As a senior in high school, Wiltermuth took a course that focused on what it means to be an ethical citizen. As part of the course, she facilitated the collection of more than 1,000 pairs of shoes for Stomp Out Hunger.

“In this experience, I saw how using my strengths to serve others could genuinely make a difference in my community,” said Wiltermuth. “Knowing my efforts could also help families in need—who might be all across the world—lit a fire inside me.”

About the Fellowship

Named for Campus Compact co-founder Frank Newman, the Newman Civic Fellowship is a one-year experience that emphasizes personal, professional and civic growth.

“The cultivation of community-committed leaders has never been more crucial,” said Andrew Seligsohn, president of Campus Compact. “We rebuilt the Newman Civic Fellowship experience because our country needs more people who know how to bring communities together for positive change. We are thrilled to welcome this group of 273 exemplary students as the first cohort to participate in this new model.”