The Newman Civic Fellows Award honors inspiring college student leaders who have demonstrated an investment in finding solutions for challenges facing communities throughout the country. Newman Civic Fellows are recommended by college and university presidents to acknowledge motivation and ability in public leadership. This honor is awarded by the national Campus Compact. Cristina Semi, a native of River Falls, Wisconsin, is a legal studies major, a triple minor in communications, philosophy, and Russian studies, and is in the process of completing her paralegal certificate. In addition to this heavy academic schedule, Semi has served as chair of the College Democrats and was actively involved in Hamline's Undergraduate Conference on Race and Ethnicity. "Cristina embodies the very best of what Hamline strives for in nurturing our civic engagement and social justice-minded student leaders," President Linda Hanson said. "She pursues her academic goals and her work on social issues with passion and excellence."

This award is for an individual student who models a deep commitment to civic responsibility and leadership, evidenced by initiative, as well as innovative and collaborative approaches to addressing public issues, effective community building and integration of civic engagement into the college experience. Hamline University Senior Rod Mpagazihe serves as a McVay Fellow at the Arlington Hills United Methodist Church programming site as part of Hamline’s McVay Youth VOICE Partnership. Rod’s relationship-building skills and commitment to community service make him a true “servant-leader” who is an exemplary ally and role model to the youth he mentors."