Xiomara Iparraguirre '26, a Political Science and Psychology major, has been named as a 2025 Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact, a national coalition of colleges and universities working to advance the public purposes of higher education.
The Newman Civic Fellowship is a one year opportunity for community-committed college students from Campus Compact member institutions. The fellowship honors the late Frank Newman, one of Campus Compact’s founders and a tireless advocate for civic engagement in higher education.
Iparraguirre is part of a small cohort of students from thirty-eight states, Washington D.C. and Mexico, to earn this position. To be part of this selective program, students must be nominated by their college or university president and have demonstrated commitment to community engagement and potential for public leadership.
“Since her arrival at John Carroll University, Xiomara Iparraguirre has distinguished herself as a remarkable leader and advocate for social change both on and off campus,” said President Alan R. Miciak in her nomination statement. “Whether on an interpersonal, community, or global level, Xiomara’s capacity to bridge divides through understanding and education position her well for a career in public service.”
Gaining Access to a National Network of Civic Leaders
As part of the fellowship, Iparraguirre participated in the Newman Civic Fellows Convening in Chicago from October 16-18, 2025, where she met other fellows from across the country to discuss topics such as civic engagement, advocacy, and leadership.
“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. From a variety of institutions and with diverse backgrounds and experiences, these Fellows represent a bright future for public problem solving.”
Through the fellowship, Campus Compact provides students with learning and networking opportunities that help nurture their development as civic leaders. Programming emphasizes personal, professional, and civic growth that empowers them to collaborate effectively across disciplines and create positive social change.
“I was very excited when I found out I was named as a Newman Civic Fellow,” said Iparraguirre. “I remember I learned about it when I was in a cafe studying for my LSATs. It’s hard to put so much of yourself into these events and feel like you’re making an impact on a large scale. To know that you can make a difference with other students on a national scale was empowering.”
The fellowship also provides fellows with pathways to apply for exclusive opportunities, including mini-grants to help fund community projects, scholarships, and post-graduate opportunities.
Leading Civic Engagement and Social Change at JCU
Iparraguirre has distinguished herself as a passionate leader and advocate for social change at JCU. She serves as President of the Latin American Student Association (LASA) and as the Immersion Intern for Campus Ministry, roles that have allowed her to foster empathy, inclusion, and community both on and off campus.
One of Iparraguirre’s proudest accomplishments at JCU has been organizing UndocuWeek, a week-long series of workshops, lunch and learn sessions, and film screenings aimed at educating the campus community about immigration and the experiences of undocumented individuals.
“Xiomara hasn’t just grasped the idea of civic engagement; she embodies it,” said Selen Zarrelli, Director for the Center for Student Belonging. “Her leadership, visible in her role with the Latin American Student Association (LASA), her work as a dialogue facilitator, and her dedication to campus-wide education like UndocuWeek, proves she’s not simply identifying problems. She is thoughtfully developing practical, tangible strategies for social change. She’s building a movement for a just community.”
In her role with JCU’s immersion programs through Campus Ministry, Iparraguirre helps students learn about John Carroll’s many week-long domestic and international immersion opportunities. These programs invite students to “immerse” themselves in the traditions, histories, and lived experiences of diverse communities while advocating for social justice.
“The immersion program at JCU is amazing,” said Iparraguirre. “It teaches students about the world outside the bubble we live in. They get to go to different communities and learn about other cultures and injustices they might face. I’m very proud to be part of this program that helps students grow and learn about the world.”
Looking ahead, Iparraguirre plans to pursue a career in immigration or international law. She is currently gaining hands-on experience through an internship at Us Together, a nonprofit that provides legal aid to immigrants and refugees. With mentorship from Dr. Elizabeth Stiles and support from John Carroll’s Pre-Law Program, she’s preparing to take the next step toward law school.
