April 1, 2016

 

 

Contacts:
Carmen Price, University Communications and Marketing, 657-2266

 

MSU BILLINGS NEWS SERVICES — Daniel Mehrens-Wallace, a sophomore at Montana State University Billings, has been named among the 2016 class of Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact for his work as an agent of change.

Mehrens-Wallace, who is a rehabilitation and human services major, is making a powerful impact on campus through his passionate advocacy for LGBT+ youth, low-income and first-generation students, as well as women's reproductive freedom and affordable health care for all Montanans.

“By offering my time in the community, to those that need it the most, I am able to move past my own insecurities and make an impact,” Mehrens-Wallace said. “What I found is that without action, the things I am passionate about would be hollow, and my life wouldn't be nearly as full.”

The Newman Civic Fellows Awards honor inspiring college student leaders who have demonstrated an investment in finding solutions for challenges facing their communities and find the root causes of social issues and effective mechanisms for creating lasting change.

Mehrens-Wallace served as president of the student organization OUT and as a TRIO Advocate helping low-income and first-generation students. He has also served in the community with the Yellowstone Aids Project, Planned Parenthood of Montana, and the ACLU of Montana. His most recent impact in the community has been with the creation and launching of Rainbow Coffeehouse, which serves LGBT+ teenagers.

Newman Civic Fellows are recommended by college and university chancellors and presidents to acknowledge motivation and ability in public leadership. The awards are made in memory of Frank Newman, who dedicated his life to creating systemic change through education reform.

“Daniel is an amazing student who has taken the initiative to engage and connect to MSU Billings and the community, as well encourage other students to make a difference,” Chancellor Mark Nook said.