Simpson College Student Christopher Shima Awarded Newman Civic Fellowship

Simpson College (simpson.edu) student Christopher Shima has been awarded the 2020 Newman Civic Fellowship, a select honor that recognizes and supports community-committed students who are changemakers and public problem-solvers.

A junior computer information systems major from Storm Lake, Iowa, Shima received the award from Campus Compact, a national coalition of colleges and universities committed to the public purposes of higher education. He is one of only 290 students in the United States selected for the fellowship.

“Christopher is passionate about campus involvement and community engagement,” said Anna Peña, Simpson College’s director of first-year experience and community engagement. “He is a highly-motivated student who inspires those around him to give their time and talents for the purpose of serving the community.”

On campus, Shima is a community advisor for the residence life community, an ambassador for the admissions office, a member of the dance team and a leader for the Wesley Service Scholar program. In the community he is an active member of AmeriCorps, focusing on food insecurity in Warren County. 

“I decided when I arrived at Simpson College that I would take part in helping people with food insecurity,” said Shima. “I am now a co-leader in a food recovery program and actively involved in our campus service program.”

Through the fellowship, Campus Compact provides students with training and resources that nurture their assets and passions and help them develop strategies for social change. The year-long program, named for Campus Compact founder Frank Newman, includes virtual learning opportunities and networking as part of a national network of engaged student leaders and an optional in-person convening.

About the Newman Civic Fellowship
The Newman Civic Fellowship was created in honor of Frank Newman, one of Campus Compact’s founders and a tireless advocate for the role of higher education in preparing students for active and engaged citizenship. The Newman Civic Fellowship is generously supported by the Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler (KPMG) Foundation. The 2020 Newman Civic Fellows are an inspiring group of community-committed students who are already making an impact in communities where they live, learn, and serve. 

About Simpson College
Simpson College is a private, liberal arts college located in Iowa with campuses in Indianola, West Des Moines and online. Founded in 1860, the college has approximately 1,300 full-time undergraduate students and approximately 400 part-time students. Simpson offers more than 80 majors, minors and programs in addition to three graduate programs. Outside of the classroom, Simpson is a member of the NCAA Division III American Rivers Conference, hosts eight Greek houses on campus and sponsors many extracurricular options for student involvement.