Northwestern Student Honored as 2019 Newman Civic Fellow
March 15, 2019
Northwestern student Jacqueline Ruhl of Alva was named a 2019 Campus Compact Newman Civic Fellow.
Jacqueline Ruhl, senior political science major at Northwestern Oklahoma State University, has been named a 2019 Campus Compact Newman Civic Fellow.
Campus Compact is a Boston-based non-profit organization working to advance the public purposes of higher education. The organization’s 2019 cohort of Newman Civic Fellows is comprised of 262 students, including Ruhl.
“It's an honor to be named a 2019 Newman Civic Fellow,” Ruhl said. “I am looking forward to what this experience has to offer and discovering what kind of contributions I can make to the program, and playing my small part in making the world a better place. As Bigweld, from the kids' movie ‘Robots’ would say, ‘See a need, fill a need.’”
The Alva native is an active member of the university’s Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society, the Leviathan Society and the Red and Black Scroll Honor Society. She has volunteered in numerous capacities with her church and her children’s activities.
“I nominated Jacqueline for the potential I see for her future,” Dr. Janet Cunningham, university president, said. “She is a nontraditional student, a mother and someone who wants to make a difference in the world. She intends to become an attorney and pursue a career in family law, assisting families in crisis. She understands public service, and I think her personal story gives her an extraordinary opportunity to serve as a role model for young people.”
Ruhl completed a cosmetology program after high school. Four years later, in the fall of 2007, Ruhl first started as a student at Northwestern. She completed nine hours of developmental zero credit courses in English, reading and mathematics and three hours of credit. She was enrolled for the spring of 2008 semester, but had to withdraw because life got in the way. She worked for several years as a delivery driver and parcel carrier, but decided she wanted something more.
In the fall of 2015, Ruhl re-entered Northwestern and pursued her degree with passion and dedication. Every semester since that first one more than 10 years ago, Ruhl has been listed on the President’s or Vice President’s Honor Roll. She and her husband have a blended family with 13 children, nine of whom still live at home.
“Jacque is a dedicated student who always strives to do her best in her studies,” Dr. Kay Decker, chair of the department of social sciences, said. “As a non-traditional student, Jacque has worked hard to manage multiple demands on her time and energy. We applaud her efforts and wish her all the best as she makes plans to apply to law school upon completing her undergraduate program.”
The Newman Civic Fellowship, named for Campus Compact co-founder Frank Newman, is a one-year experience emphasizing personal, professional and civic growth. 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.
The Newman Civic Fellowship is supported by the KPMG Foundation and Newman’s Own Foundation.
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CONTACT FOR RELEASE
Erin Davis, University Relations Specialist
eedavis@nwosu.edu; (580) 327-8480