Mesa Community College student Celeste Whiterock a 2025–26 Newman Civic Fellow

Mesa Community College student leader Celeste Whiterock has been selected as a 2025–26 Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact, a national coalition of colleges and universities dedicated to advancing the public purposes of higher education.

The Newman Civic Fellowship is a yearlong program that recognizes students who demonstrate outstanding leadership potential and a commitment to creating positive change in their communities, it states in a release.

Fellows are nominated by Campus Compact member presidents and chancellors, with each institution selecting one exemplary student annually. The 2025–26 cohort includes student civic leaders from 38 states, Washington, D.C., and Mexico.

Whiterock, a Mesa resident and Mesa College Promise Scholar, is pursuing her passion for education at MCC while dedicating her time to mentoring peers on civic participation, connecting engagement efforts to the Indigenous community and encouraging students to explore leadership opportunities. She has been recognized for her ability to bring people together around important issues and her passion for strengthening connections between education and the community. She also was honored nationally to the 2025 All In Student Voting Honor Roll for her commitment to increasing civic participation.

“Celeste is an incredible example of how dedication and passion can help shape a student’s journey,” MCC President Richard Daniel said in the release. “Her commitment to civic engagement, mentorship, and leadership enriches our college community and inspires her peers. We are proud to support her in her future endeavors.”

Through the fellowship, Whiterock will gain access to learning and networking opportunities that foster civic growth, professional development and cross-disciplinary collaboration. She will also participate in the Annual Convening of Newman Civic Fellows, a three-day in-person event that emphasizes skill-building and connection with other student leaders from across the country.

“It is an honor to welcome this group of accomplished and dedicated students to the Newman Civic Fellowship,” Campus Compact President Bobbie Laur said in the release. “As higher education faces unprecedented challenges, these students exemplify the power and possibility of civic and community engagement on campus. As they emerge as the leaders of tomorrow, we are proud that this fellowship will be part of their story.”

Learn more about the fellowship at compact.org/newman-civic-fellowship and meet the full cohort at compact.org/newman-civic-fellowship/fellows.