‘Building something bigger than ourselves’

For students across the university, civic engagement isn’t just a buzzword—it's a way of life. Global challenges and rapid change, inspire them to continue to be civically engaged by understanding the issues, connecting with communities and driving solutions. For some, earning national fellowships not only celebrates their dedication to civic engagement but also amplifies their impact.

“The story of civic engagement is one of hope, action and resilience,” says Romy Hübler, director of the Office of Civic Engagement & Social Responsibility. “By stepping into these roles, students aren’t just shaping their futures, they’re shaping a better world for all.”

Whether it’s through organizing community initiatives, advocating for policies that address social inequalities or fostering conversations that bridge divides, TU students are making a difference. Check out some of the fellowships below that are helping them transform their passion into lasting impact.

Andrew Goodman Ambassador

Jamie Voytsekhovska | B.A., psychology

Andrew Goodman Ambassadors develop skills, knowledge and networks for civic leadership by engaging in the political process. Through this position, ambassadors like Voytsekhovska can address issues, develop as leaders and build and share success.

As a first-generation Ukrainian immigrant, Voytsekhovska doesn’t have the right to vote and becoming an ambassador, according to them, was an opportunity to have a voice and connect to the community. They say, “I took this role to learn more about advocacy, leadership, community building and collective change that takes place on different levels.”

As part of this position, Voytsekhovska attends several civic engagements where they learn about different perspectives and reflects with students sharing feelings and observations. Voytsekhovska says, “Once we connect, we can move toward change together. Through simple acts of connection, we are building something bigger than ourselves. That's what civic engagement is about.”

---

Campus Compact Newman Civic Fellowship

Ajalon Mercer | M.S., Athletic Training

The Newman Civic Fellowship recognizes and supports student as public problem-solvers. Throughout the year of the fellowship, Campus Compact provides students with opportunities to nurture their assets and help them develop strategies for social change. Ajalon Mercer has always been surrounded by people dedicated to uplifting individuals and building strong communities, currently serving as a camp counselor and mentor.

Inspired and supported by this fellowship, Mercer says, “My goal is to take the knowledge I developed through volunteering, faith-based education and my graduate program in athletic training to support low-income athletes on the field while addressing social issues they face off the field.”

---

University System of Maryland (USM) Langenberg Legacy Fellowship

Leah Collidge | B.A., International Studies, with minors in Political Science and History

The USM Langenberg Legacy Fellowship promotes civic engagement by supporting student-led campus initiatives that address challenges in the community. For Collidge, becoming a fellow meant an opportunity. She says, “I knew it would be a great opportunity to network and learn from other professionals and students who are civically engaged and want to encourage others to pursue civic engagement initiatives. I felt it was a chance to grow my initiative and make connections with people that would help me achieve my goals.”

Collidge attends meetings, networks with other fellows and professional staffs to learn more about her own civic engagement initiative. Throughout this networking, she feels inspired by other fellows’ projects, including raising money and resources for the unhoused population in downtown Baltimore and supporting and advocating for foster children. When reflecting on her colleagues in the fellowship, she notes, “Everyone within the fellowship has different backgrounds and stories that shape what they are currently working on and how they choose to be civically engaged.”

---

Transform Mid-Atlantic Civic Fellowship

Adaiah Rogers | B.A., International Business

Through the Transform Mid-Atlantic Civic Fellowship, students from across the region are provided high impact opportunities to develop their leadership skills and understanding of civic and community engagement so they may better serve as leaders in their communities and collectively create solutions to our region's most urgent problems.

TU President Mark Ginsberg, who helped nominate Rogers, says, “Being part of the Transform Mid-Atlantic Civic Fellowship will allow her to expand her leadership skills and knowledge to further transform into an active co-creator of a shared, just and equitable future at Towson University and beyond.”

---

Imaging America’s Joy of Giving Something Fellowship

Jordan Cook | B.A., Mass Communication

The Joy of Giving Something fellowship from Imagining America encourages students to elevate photography and digital media to make a difference in their communities. Each fellow creates and executes a community project, supported financially by the organization.

Jordan Cook, who found this fellowship through the Office of Competitive Fellowships & Awards, wants to use her community project, Cultural Appreciation Day, to “empower youth.” Cook says, “Being different is original, and no one should ever have to change that. Through Cultural Appreciation Day, kids will understand how important and beautiful being different is and how to empower themselves and other people.”

As part of the fellowship, Cook traveled to California to meet with other fellows and some of her mentors, where they participated in activities and developed important life skills that will contribute to her civic engagement work. “We learned about print making and how it’s the fuel to fire revolutions—art is a movement for liberation.”