July 6, 2018

Newman Civic Fellowship recognizes Hope Leonard ’19’s commitment to social change.

Hackettstown, N.J., July 6, 2018—Centenary University junior Hope Leonard of Bordentown, N.J., has been awarded a Newman Civic Fellowship, a prestigious honor that recognizes college students for outstanding commitment to social change. The fellowship will begin in September and will run through May 2019.

Honorees were selected by Campus Compact, a national coalition of more than 1,000 colleges and universities dedicated to building democracy through civic engagement and community development. Centenary University President David P. Haney nominated Leonard for the award.

“I’m very honored to be Centenary University’s first student nominated and selected for this fellowship,” said Leonard, a social work major with a minor in political and governmental affairs. On campus, she has started a student advocacy group to raise political awareness and foster a spirit of inclusion. “Knowing that I’ve made such an impact at Centenary is really incredible and touching. I’m so grateful for this opportunity, which will provide me with a chance to connect with students across the country.”

Leonard will attend a national conference to engage with other Newman Civic Fellows, and will participate in regional and state gatherings and virtual events. She hopes to earn a master’s degree after graduation, and someday work for the United Nations. Through Centenary University’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Program, which is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, Leonard has twice attended national social work conferences at the U.N.

“Visiting the U.N. got me to really think more globally about problems,” Leonard said. “At Centenary, we’re very fortunate that the University is so close to New York. I don’t think I’d have these opportunities if I hadn’t chosen Centenary.”

ABOUT CENTENARY UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1867 by the Newark Conference of the United Methodist Church, Centenary University’s academic program integrates a solid liberal arts foundation with a strong career orientation. This mix provides an educational experience that prepares students to succeed in the increasingly global and interdependent world. The University’s main campus is located in Hackettstown, N.J., with its equestrian facility in Washington Township. The Centenary University School of Professional Studies offers degree programs at two locations, Parsippany and Edison, as well as online and at corporate sites throughout New Jersey.