BGSU senior earns prestigious recognition as Newman Civic Fellow

Danielle Cain selected by Campus Compact to be part of 2024-25 cohort of Newman Civic Fellows

A Bowling Green State University senior is among the honorees for the 2024-25 cohort of the Newman Civic Fellowship, which recognizes exemplary leaders and change-makers from across the country and beyond.

The honor is the latest for Danielle Cain, a senior from Detroit who earned a BGSU Women of Distinction Award and was elected for a second term as the president of the National Pan-Hellenic Council during the 2023-24 academic year.

Though she has taken on significant leadership roles as a student, Cain said she never expected her college journey to be filled with awards – she simply took advantage of the experiences and opportunities that came before her as a BGSU student.

“I would have never thought I would be named a Woman of Distinction or a Newman Civic Fellow or anything like that,” Cain said. “BGSU does a really good job of presenting opportunities that students can take advantage of, so if there’s something out there that suits you or that you’re interested in, you know how to take that next step.

“BGSU faculty and staff push students into being the best they can be and to consider options they might not have ever thought about before.”

Campus Compact, a higher-education coalition that aims to advance the public service aspect of colleges and universities, selects student civic leaders from 38 states, Washington, D.C., and Mexico to be Newman Civic Fellows, who are nominated by member presidents and chancellors.

As a Newman Civic Fellow, Cain will undertake a year-long program through which she will receive networking and educational opportunities aimed at developing civic leaders.

“We are so excited to welcome such an outstanding group of community-committed students to the fellowship,” Campus Compact President Bobbie Laur said. “These students are undaunted by the pressing challenges our communities face and bring such passion for making a difference. They truly are the leaders our society needs and are already catalysts for positive impact. We are privileged to be a part of their journey and to help empower them to create a more just and equitable future.”

Cain’s time in college has been marked by peer advocacy and affecting change within her communities as a member of the Sidney A. Ribeau President's Leadership Academy, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and as an orientation leader.

Through the PLA, Cain said she was introduced to the public good aspect of BGSU, which she wanted to pass on by welcoming new groups of freshmen as they make the transition to college.

“Being an orientation leader allowed me to reach so many freshmen that were coming into the University and to help and guide them as they started college,” Cain said. “I understand that’s a big transition and I wanted to help them and give them the confidence they needed to transition into a big life change.”

In addition to her leadership roles on campus, Cain played a key role in encouraging other students to engage with BGSUServes, a volunteer tracking platform that launched in 2022 and has since logged more than 100,000 student hours of community service.

“Danielle demonstrates a deep understanding of how to create good through civic engagement, contributing to the communities of Bowling Green, greater northwest Ohio, and Detroit through her leadership and service,” BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers said. “Her leadership is embedded in the time and talent she invests in her communities, and she has absolutely enriched our learning community by inspiring others to pay it forward through service, as well.” 

Cain’s selection marks the fourth consecutive year that Campus Compact selected a BGSU student to be a Newman Civic Fellow. She joins Anthony King (2022 academic year cohort), Arianna Bustos (2023) and Kaylee Ann Ries (2024) as BGSU students who earned the prestigious recognition.

A criminal justice major at BGSU, Cain is pursuing a career in law with the intention of contributing to court system reform.

Cain said the chance to represent BGSU on a national stage before graduation day is an honor she was not expecting prior to college, but is a sign that she has made an impact during her time on campus.

“I would have never thought I would have been in the position I am today where I’m able to represent the University with a national, recognized fellowship like the Newman Civic Fellowship,” she said. “It means I’ve been doing something right to create an impact on people as I complete this journey.”