03/28/12 cl/kb

HAYS, Kan. -- Tyler Thompson, Derby senior and two-term president of the Fort Hays State University Student Government Association, has been selected as a Newman Civic Fellow for 2012 by Campus Compact, Boston, Mass.

The Newman Civic Fellows Awards recognize inspiring college student leaders who have worked to find solutions for challenges facing their communities. Thompson joins 161 other students from 32 states as 2012 honorees.

The award notification from Campus Compact said that Thompson "demonstrates the type of civic engagement that sets an example for others, shining a positive light in a time when negativity has dominated much national conversation." He was cited for his roles as SGA president, chair of the Student Advisory Committee for the Kansas Board of Regents and chair of the Executive Committee of the National Campus Leadership Council, and his service as a strong advocate for college students.

He sought to improve campus health and safety and cooperated with other student body presidents to promote additional public and political support for higher education. He has also volunteered with the American Red Cross, Kansas DECA, FHSU's College of Business and Leadership's Food for Thought Initiative, Up 'til Dawn fundraiser for St. Jude's Research Hospital, Ellis County Spelling Bee, the BIG Event-Big Creek Clean Up Day, FHSU's Regional Science and Engineering fair, the Topeka YMCA after-school program, and the San Diego Food Bank.

As a Newman Civic Fellow, Thompson will join a network of Fellows around the country to share ideas and tools through online networking.

"These students represent the next generation of public problem solvers and civic leaders. They serve as national examples of the role that higher education can -- and does -- play in building a better world," said Campus Compact Board Chair James B. Dworkin, chancellor at Purdue University North Central, Westville, Ind.

The award is named for Dr. Frank Newman, a founder of Campus Compact, a national coalition of almost 1,200 college and university presidents, representing more than six million students, who are committed to fulfilling the civic purposes of higher education to improve community life and to educate students for civic and social responsibility. For more information about the organization and the award, visit www.compact.org.