By: Jesus Cortez
Kristen Joyce Lopez, a continuing student at College of DuPage, was recently selected as a 2025-2026 Newman Civic Fellow. Lopez is the first from the College to earn this distinction.
“Being the only student from COD who was selected for the fellowship, I think it created a lot more confidence in myself,” said Lopez.
The Newman Civic Fellowship is a year-long program by Campus Compact that recognizes students who contribute to social change, address issues of inequality and demonstrate potential for long-term civic engagement.
Fellows are nominated by their Campus Compact member presidents or chancellors based on their public leadership potential and efforts in supporting their communities. Each member selects one exemplary student from their campus each year.
Currently studying political science and criminal justice, Lopez’s involvement at COD extends beyond the classroom. She serves as president of the Student Leadership Council, president of the philanthropic COD Cares Club and vice president of outreach for Phi Theta Kappa honors society.
Stephanie Quirk, manager of student life, leadership and civic engagement at COD, has known Lopez for two years and serves as her leadership advisor. She said Lopez is a collaborative leader who values civic engagement and encourages involvement among other students.
Whenever it comes to leadership, I want to be the person that my younger self needed, making sure that everybody is being checked up on or being advocated for.
Kristen Joyce Lopez
“Kristen is committed to ensuring the student voice is represented at the institutional, local and state level, and she is conscious of the importance of engaging her peers in the work of having a positive impact,” said Quirk. “The opportunity to be a Newman Civic Fellow will provide Kristen with the launching pad she desires to influence positive change in our community and beyond.”
Inspired by her Asian cultural background, Lopez is driven to advocate for others.
“I remember growing up, I felt kind of voiceless and defenseless and didn’t really have it in me to go after the things that I wanted because I didn’t feel like I had that backing, people backing me up,” said Lopez. “So, whenever it comes to leadership, I want to be the person that my younger self needed, making sure that everybody is being checked up on or being advocated for.”
As a Newman Civic Fellow, Lopez has access to resources, workshops, networking opportunities and mentors to further develop as a leader. She thanked her peers and advisors who encouraged her to pursue the opportunity.
“People believing in me before I even thought about it myself, and people seeing me in those kinds of positions made me really want to do it,” said Lopez.
Campus Compact is a national coalition of colleges and universities dedicated to higher education and civic and community engagement. The organization comprises thousands of presidents, faculty members, researchers, students and experts in civic and community engagement.