McKendree University's Shaquille Armstrong is a Newman Civic Fellow
Campus Compact Honors 218 Community-Engaged College Students
(LEBANON, Ill., April 8, 2016) — McKendree University sophomore Shaquille Armstrong
has been recognized nationally for his motivation and commitment to social change.
As a 2016 Newman Civic Fellow, he is one of 218 inspirational college students honored
by Campus Compact, a nonprofit coalition made up of nearly 1,100 college and university
presidents, representing some 6 million students.
Students are nominated by their college and university presidents. McKendree University
President James Dennis described Armstrong as “an outstanding student leader who is
firmly aware of social justice issues nationally and internationally. His drive to
help others is boundless, and he will be a terrific agent for positive change.”
Armstrong, of East St. Louis, Ill., is studying sociology and criminal justice, with minors in legal studies and leadership studies. He is a student ambassador
for McKendree’s Social Justice and Equity Committee; a Connection group leader; a
volunteer event coordinator for the Lyn Huxford Center for Community Service; and vice-president of McKendree’s Black Student Organization. In January he received
the university’s Humanitarian Award for demonstrating understanding, tolerance, and
humanitarian principles and ideals. Armstrong often donates his time and money to
others with less privilege and volunteers at the St. Vincent de Paul Center and local
nursing homes.
“I'm not sure what inspires me to work so hard for social change, but I just do it,”
he said. “I believe that we should not judge someone based off their ethnicity or
economic status, but embrace them because we all have a story to tell. Just because
your story is different than mine, that should not mean that you are any less than
I am. We should embrace the difference, celebrate each other, and become united.”
After he graduates in 2019, Armstrong plans to enter law school and pursue a career
as a public defender.
2016 Newman Civic Fellow Shaquille Armstrong of McKendree University
