MESA, Arizona -- September 23,  2025 -- Mesa Community College (MCC) student leader Celeste Whiterock has been selected as a 2025–2026 Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact, a national coalition of colleges and universities dedicated to advancing the public purposes of higher education.

The Newman Civic Fellowship is a yearlong program that recognizes students who demonstrate outstanding leadership potential and a commitment to creating positive change in their communities. Fellows are nominated by Campus Compact member presidents and chancellors, with each institution selecting one exemplary student annually. The 2025–2026 cohort includes student civic leaders from 38 states, Washington, D.C., and Mexico.

Whiterock, a Mesa resident and Mesa College Promise Scholar, is pursuing her passion for education at MCC while dedicating her time to mentoring peers on civic participation, connecting engagement efforts to the Indigenous community and encouraging students to explore leadership opportunities. She has been recognized for her ability to bring people together around important issues and her passion for strengthening connections between education and the community. She also was honored nationally to the 2025 ALL IN Student Voting Honor Roll for her commitment to increasing civic participation.

“Celeste is an incredible example of how dedication and passion can help shape a student’s journey,” said MCC President Richard Daniel, Ph.D. “Her commitment to civic engagement, mentorship, and leadership enriches our college community and inspires her peers. We are proud to support her in her future endeavors.”

Through the fellowship, Whiterock will gain access to learning and networking opportunities that foster civic growth, professional development, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. She will also participate in the Annual Convening of Newman Civic Fellows, a three-day in-person event that emphasizes skill-building and connection with other student leaders from across the country.

“It is an honor to welcome this group of accomplished and dedicated students to the Newman Civic Fellowship,” said Campus Compact President Bobbie Laur. “As higher education faces unprecedented challenges, these students exemplify the power and possibility of civic and community engagement on campus. As they emerge as the leaders of tomorrow, we are proud that this fellowship will be part of their story.”

Learn more about the fellowship at compact.org/newman-civic-fellowship and meet the full cohort at compact.org/newman-civic-fellowship/fellows.

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Media contact: Drea Yazzie, quindrea.yazzie@mesacc.edu or 480-461-7056.

Mesa Community College (MCC), which is celebrating its 60th anniversary during 2025, is nationally recognized for its excellence in university transfer, career and technical programs, civic engagement, and innovative education. Serving more than 25,500 students annually, MCC offers a range of degree and certificate programs across its two campuses and additional locations. MCC students contribute more than 8,500 hours of community service annually. MCC serves as a key resource for education, workforce development, and lifelong learning. The college enhances student success through Guided Pathways with Integrated Support Services. A Hispanic Serving Institution, nearly 50% of MCC students are first-generation college attendees, and it boasts the largest Indigenous student population among Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) colleges, supporting students from 22 Arizona tribes and additional out-of-state tribes. Our award-winning faculty are committed to helping students achieve their goals through high-quality education, training and undergraduate research opportunities. Located in the East Valley of Phoenix, Arizona, MCC is one of 10 MCCCD colleges. Learn more at mesacc.edu/newsroom.

MCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org.

The Maricopa County Community College District (MCCCD) is an EEO institution and an equal opportunity employer of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or national origin. A lack of English language skills will not be a barrier to admission and participation in the career and technical education programs of the District. MCCCD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs or activities. For Title IX/504 concerns, call the following number to reach the appointed coordinator: (480) 731-8499. For additional information, as well as a listing of all coordinators within the Maricopa College system, visit www.maricopa.edu/non-discrimination.