Raritan Valley Community College graduate Manuela Bulgaro of Manville has been named a Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact, a national coalition of colleges and universities working to advance the public purposes of higher education. Bulgaro, a Social Sciences major who graduated from RVCC in May, joins a national cohort of students from 39 states; Washington, DC; and Mexico.
The Newman Civic Fellowship is a yearlong program that recognizes students who stand out for their leadership potential and commitment to creating positive change in communities. The fellowship is named for the late Frank Newman, one of Campus Compact’s founders, who was a tireless advocate for civic engagement in higher education. In the spirit of Dr. Newman’s leadership, each fellow is nominated by their campus president or chancellor, who is invited to select one exemplary community-committed student from their campus each year.
“We are very honored that RVCC graduate Manuela Bulgaro has been recognized nationally and selected as a Newman Civic Fellow,” said RVCC President Dr. Michael J. McDonough. “Manuela is a first-generation student whose leadership is grounded in resilience, service learning, and civic engagement. A Kesselman Democracy Fellow and Honors student, she exemplifies ethical, collaborative, and innovative leadership committed to meaningful community impact.”
Bulgaro immigrated from Brazil to the United States in 2013 after an eight-year separation from her parents and the loss of her father, a criminal defense attorney whose commitment to integrity and public service deeply shaped her values. These experiences inspired her dedication to equity, community empowerment, and active citizenship.
At RVCC, Bulgaro integrated academic learning with civic leadership. She served as President of the Criminal Justice Club, Student Government Senator, Vice President of Finance and Logistics for the Debate Team, Phi Theta Kappa scholar, and Service Learning Student Voter Engagement Ambassador. In these roles, she organized civic education initiatives, voter registration drives, and community-based projects, earning recognition through the President’s Volunteer Service Award. Her efforts earned her the 2026 Outstanding Women of Somerset County award in government and social service.
Bulgaro also co-designed the Annis Young Innovators Initiative, a STEM program for underserved youth, and founded The Republic We Keep, a podcast promoting democratic literacy.
Currently a student at Rutgers University, Bulgaro plans to attend law school and pursue a career in law. Her long-term goal is to promote democratic integrity and public trust in institutions through law and policy. She is especially interested in giving a voice to those who cannot speak for themselves, particularly individuals in the criminal justice system and marginalized communities.
“This group of exceptional students from campuses across the country is such a welcomed addition to the Newman Civic Fellowship,” said Campus Compact President Bobbie Laur. “Now more than ever, it is an honor to recognize student leaders who are applying themselves as changemakers and creating positive impact in their communities. This is just the start of their lifelong journeys as Newman Civic Fellows, and I couldn’t be more excited to watch them continue to grow and pursue their passions.”
Through the fellowship, Campus Compact provides these students with learning and networking opportunities that help to nurture their development as civic leaders. Programming emphasizes personal, professional, and civic growth that can empower them to collaborate effectively across disciplines and create large-scale positive change.
RVCC’s Pray Family Center for Service Learning and Civic Engagement is also providing a generous stipend to support Bulgaro’s participation in the fellowship.
The cornerstone of the fellowship is the Annual Convening of Newman Civic Fellows, which offers intensive in-person skill-building and networking over three days. 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.
For additional information about the Newman Civic Fellowship, visit compact.org/newman-civic-fellowship. To learn more about the student leaders selected for this year’s cohort, visit compact.org/current-programs/newman-civic-fellowship/newman-civic-fellows.
About Campus Compact
Campus Compact is a national coalition of colleges and universities that supports, engages, and challenges higher education to realize its public purpose. Campus Compact empowers colleges and universities to advance their academic and civic missions by partnering with communities to address complex social issues and further equity, justice, and prosperity for all. Founded in 1985, Campus Compact is the nation’s largest and oldest national association solely dedicated to advancing the civic and community engagement mission of higher education. Our members make up a force of thousands of presidents, faculty, researchers, students, and civic and community engagement experts.
Campus Compact envisions colleges and universities as vital agents and architects of a diverse democracy, committed to educating students for responsible citizenship in ways that both deepen their education and improve the quality of community life. We challenge all of higher education to make civic and community engagement an institutional priority. Learn more at compact.org.
About RVCC
Ranked by WalletHub.com, Intelligent.com, and CollegeEvaluator.com as the #1 community college in New Jersey, Raritan Valley Community College has been serving as an academic and cultural center for Somerset and Hunterdon County residents for over 50 years. The College has been nationally recognized for its service to the community and environmental stewardship. It is home to a Planetarium, Science Education Institute, and 3M Observatory; a Theatre offering professional performances for all ages; and an Honors College for high achieving students.
The College offers approximately 90 associate degrees and certificates, as well as career training and professional development courses. RVCC is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg, NJ. For further information, visit www.raritanval.edu.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 10, 2026
Media contacts: (RVCC) Donna Stolzer, donna.stolzer@raritanval.edu; (Campus Compact) Gavin McGuire, Communications Manager, gmcguire@compact.org
PR #11
