Goucher student honored as Newman Civic Fellow

Lily L’Oiseau ’26 has been named a Newman Civic Fellow for 2024-25 by Campus Compact, a coalition of colleges and universities advancing the public purposes of higher education.

The Newman Civic Fellowship is a yearlong program that recognizes students who stand out for their leadership potential and commitment to creating positive community change. L’Oiseau was nominated by Goucher College President Kent Devereaux, who was invited to select one exemplary community-minded student from Goucher.

L’Oiseau majors in environmental studies and engineering science and minors in studio art. She works with Goucher’s Community-Based Learning Office coordinating the TALMAR garden program and is a 2024-25 Arsht Presidential Diplomat. L’Oiseau previously helped coordinate one of Goucher’s tutoring programs with a Baltimore County elementary school and participated in Goucher’s Summer Science Research Program for the past two summers. She is also a member of Goucher’s equestrian team.

“Lily’s involvement in Goucher’s Community-Based Learning Program has been transformative,” said Devereaux. “She embraces her role not just as a leader but as a learner who values community knowledge.”

In her personal statement for the fellowship, L’Oiseau wrote, “I started working with Community-Based Learning because one of my core values is to promote and uplift the well-being of my local community. I began volunteering at a nearby elementary school, helping teachers and supporting students. As a Black woman, I found that connecting with students of color in this way could positively impact their educational experience and aspirations. I also began working at a local organic farm that offers horticultural therapy for individuals with disabilities and veterans with PTSD. … The experience reinforced the healing power of nature and the importance of community connection. My summer research at Goucher focused on exploring local plant life and improving community-environment connections. This drives my leadership and civic purpose, aiming to strengthen communities through environmental engagement.”

Campus Compact provides the Newman Civic Fellows with learning and networking opportunities to nurture their development as civic leaders. Programming emphasizes personal, professional, and civic growth to empower them to collaborate effectively across disciplines and create large-scale positive change.

Read more about L’Oiseau's accomplishments: https://compact.org/current-programs/newman-civic-fellowship/newman-civic-fellows/lily-0