University of Richmond junior honored as 2018 Newman Civic Fellow

March 7, 2018

University of Richmond junior Alicia Jiggetts of Suffolk, Virginia, has been announced as a 2018 Newman Civic Fellow. She is the first UR student to receive this honor. Jiggetts is double majoring in criminal justice and political science and is a Bonner Scholar.

The Newman Civic Fellowship is a one-year experience emphasizing personal, professional and civic growth though Campus Compact, a national coalition of more than 1,000 colleges and universities. The fellowship provides a variety of benefits, including networking at a national conference and access to apply for exclusive scholarship and post-graduate opportunities.

“As a Bonner Scholar, I committed myself to four years of civic engagement and to the fight for social justice for everyone,” Jiggetts said. “I am excited about this opportunity because I believe that as a young person, I have a crucial role to play as a catalyst for change.”

Jiggetts, is the editor of RVAGOV, a student-run website supported by the University of Richmond Downtown that provides citizens with up-to-date information on local government. As a UR Downtown student coordinator, she has interned with the Restoration of Rights Division of the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth and is currently volunteering with the City of Richmond's Center for Workforce Innovation.

“In her internships and volunteer work, Alicia balances her hunger to affect the system with ongoing education about the ways the system impacts people around her and has shown determination to contribute her time and energy to the Richmond community,” said University of Richmond President Ronald. A. Crutcher in her application. “She cares deeply about making the justice system more ethical from the inside and helping people affected by the system understand it and influence it for themselves.”

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