Farmingdale State College (FSC) has announced that FSC student Laiba Idrees, ’28, an applied psychology major with a legal studies minor, has been named a 2026-2027 Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact, a prestigious national alliance of colleges and universities dedicated to advancing the public mission of higher education.

The Newman Civic Fellowship is a year-long program that recognizes and supports student public problem solvers at Campus Compact member institutions. Fellows are nominated by their president or chancellor based on their potential for public leadership and their service in their local neighborhoods.  

“The Newman Civic Fellowship recognizes and supports students who are committed to creating positive change in their communities,” said Yetunde Odugbesan-Omede, PhD, director of the Office of Community and Civic Engagement (OCCE) and professor of global affairs and politics. 

“It's a true honor to have been selected as Farmingdale State College's Newman Civic Fellow,” said Idrees. “Knowing that this fellowship honors Frank Newman's legacy of expanding educational access brings me sincere appreciation. I'm excited to represent Farmingdale State College as an institution and connect with other student leaders nationally who are working towards creating a meaningful impact in their communities.”

Through the fellowship, Campus Compact provides selected students with opportunities for learning and networking to cultivate their development as civic leaders. The program focuses on fostering personal, professional, and civic growth, empowering fellows to collaborate effectively across disciplines to amplify their impact and drive social progress. 

On campus, Idrees helped build FSC’s inaugural Undergraduate Research Journal and currently serves as president of FSC’s Student Government Association for the 2026-2027 academic year, as a member of the President's Student Advisory Council, and as founder of FSC’s first Pre-Law Society student club, which successfully hosted more than 25 professional events, including guest speakers from a wide range of legal specialties, and a Pre-Law Society Law Gala. Off campus, Idrees is the founder of a newly formed nonprofit, ACTUALIZE, applying psychology to leadership development.

“I'm proud to create a meaningful difference by amplifying student voices and building them into an infrastructure students can depend on,” said Idrees. “I'm enthusiastic to create initiatives, implement policies, and program opportunities for students to thrive and succeed.”

Included in the fellowship experience is the Annual Convening of Newman Civic Fellows, a three-day event offering intensive, in-person skill-building and networking. Additionally, the fellowship, which receives generous support from The Allstate Foundation, offers access to exclusive opportunities, including mini grants to support scholarships and post-graduate endeavors.

“I believe exposure to new experiences is essential to growth and ultimately empowers one to reimagine what's possible,” shared Idrees, who plans to pursue a law career focused on family law. “I'm incredibly motivated to learn various perspectives through convening with other peers, create connections, and most of all—bring what I learn to Farmingdale State College to enhance the student experience.”

---