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William Paterson University Student Wins National Award for Civic Engagement

--Tyesha Crawford of Newark named 2018 Campus Compact Newman Civic Fellow

Tyesha Crawford

Tyesha Crawford of Newark, a junior majoring in criminology and criminal justice and sociology at William Paterson University in Wayne, is one of 268 students in the nation and one of only seven in New Jersey to receive the 2018 Campus Compact Newman Civic Fellows Award for civic engagement.

Crawford received the award for showing her strong commitment to the ideals of Compass Compact, a national coalition of more than 1,000 colleges and universities committed to the public purposes of higher education.

The fellowship honors the late Frank Newman, one of Campus Compact's founders and a tireless advocate for civic engagement in higher education. Campus Compact member presidents and chancellors are annually invited to nominate one community-committed student from their institution for the fellowship. Through the fellowship, Campus Compact provides a variety of learning and networking opportunities, including a national conference of Newman Civic Fellows in partnership with the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate. The fellowship also provides fellows with access to apply for exclusive scholarship and post-graduate opportunities.

“Tyesha demonstrates leadership, involvement, and service to the University and the community with the potential for future service to William Paterson and beyond,” says Kathleen Waldron, president of William Paterson University.  “As president of Students for Service, she coordinates many service projects for the William Paterson community.  In addition, she has participated in numerous civic engagement activities as well.  She believes in giving back to her community and encouraging other students to serve with love and respect. At William Paterson University, civic engagement is one of our core values, and we are proud of Tyesha and her dedication to serving others.”

Crawford says she grew up surrounded by service and giving back to others. At William Paterson, she became involved with service as a sophomore, and now serves as president of Students of Service, and a member of Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. In addition, she serves as a youth counselor for the New Jersey Development Corporation in Paterson and assists with the Community Health Program by recruiting and mentoring youth participants. Crawford also has served as a college mentor for the Greater Newark Conservancy, mentoring high school students and running the Youth Farm Stand. As a student leader at William Paterson, she has participated in nearly three dozen projects, including the University’s annual MLK Day of Service. She also helped build a home with Habitat for Humanity, mentored children at the Boys & Girls Club, raised funds for the annual William Paterson Breast Cancer Awareness Walk, and assembled numerous care packages for a variety of children, seniors, and homeless assistance organizations.

“I am proud to be a young woman from Newark who wanted more, not only for herself, but for her community,” says Crawford. “Leadership positions on campus enable me to express my true love for service. I encourage people to serve and have the drive and desire to help others. I will be the change that inspires others to connect with service and leadership on campus and in their community. Service starts with a small gesture and becomes the epitome of what we wish to see in the world.”

This is the third year in a row that a William Paterson University student has won this award.