Chapman Student with Passion for Leadership Wins Newman Civic Fellowship

There’s busy and then there’s the kind of busy that is the life of Chapman University’s Daniel Espiritu ’20.

The political science major works for the Literacies Partnership, a collaboration between Chapman and Orange High School, and at the Cross Cultural Center. He serves on the executive board of the Student Alliance Prison Reform club and is president of the Alternatives in Democracy Club. In his free time, he tutors students at Orange High School in AVID editing software.

It’s that combination of energy, involvement, and work ethic that has earned Espiritu the distinction of a Newman Civic Fellowship.

Working for Civic Education

The Newman Civic Fellowship recognizes and supports community-committed students who have demonstrated an investment in finding solutions for challenges facing communities throughout the country. The program is administered by Campus Compact, a non-profit coalition of colleges and universities committed to building democracy through civic education and community development.

As a Newman Fellow, Espiritu will spend the 2018-2019 school year networking with other fellows from all over the world. He will also have a local mentor to guide him on his path. The program includes informative webinars and virtual events, as well as regional, state, and national conferences. There are also scholarship opportunities through the Newman Civic Fellowship for which Espiritu is now eligible to apply.

Leadership in Action

In the nomination letter President Daniele Struppa wrote on Espiritu’s behalf, the president described him as a leader who “responds to the need for direct service within local communities while also organizing with his peers to investigate the root causes of those needs.”

Espiritu says much of his dedication to service springs from personal experience.

“I come from an immigrant family. I remember being 5 or 6 years old, and all my family talked about was immigration. It surprises me that 13 years later we’re still fighting about this,” said Espiritu, who himself participated in the Literacies Partnership when he was a student at Orange High School. “Even when it means giving up your social life, homework time, or even some of your personal liberty, there are things that are bigger than you and require your full commitment.”

Chapman Encouragement

Faculty support and encouragement have also helped him in his academic and leadership growth at Chapman, he says.

“I know I work hard, but I have had a lot of help from my professors, like Dr. Jan Osborn, to help me get to this point,” he said.

Display image at top/Daniel Espiritu ’20 (Photo/Catie Kovelman ’19)