Junior Penny Hu Announced as Newman Civic Fellow

March 31, 2022

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND — University of Richmond junior Penny Hu, of Hangzhou, Zhejiang in China has been announced as a 2022 Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact, a national coalition of more than 1,000 colleges and universities.

This marks the fifth consecutive year that a University of Richmond student has been selected for a Newman Civic Fellowship. The yearlong program aims to foster personal, professional, and civic growth for students who have demonstrated a capacity for leadership and an investment in finding solutions for challenges facing communities throughout the country.

Hu is a double-major in computer science and business administration with a concentration in marketing. She is the current president of the Westhampton College Government Association and member of the Phi Eta Sigma and Omicron Delta Kappa honor societies. During her time at UR, she has been part of the two living-learning programs — the Richmond Endeavor and Sophomore Scholar in Residence.

“Penny leverages her exceptional leadership abilities to advance equity on campus and in the greater Richmond community,” said UR President Kevin F. Hallock, in his letter to the application committee.

Hu has completed cybersecurity research with Douglas Szajda, associate professor of computer science, and she completed an internship in digital marketing for Habitat for Humanity where she continues to serve as a volunteer.

“I plan on a lifetime of finding ways to serve,” Hu said. “This award acknowledges my commitment to engaging the important needs and issues I find all around me.” 

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