• News
  • Student Life
  • Athletics
  • Faculty/Staff
  • Campus Portal Login
  • News
  • Student Life
  • Faculty/Staff
  • Athletics
  • Campus Portal Login

Toyosi Akanji named 2018 Newman Civic Fellow

salvetoday Posted On March 6, 2018
0


0
Shares
  • Share On Facebook
  • Tweet It

Toyosi Akanji ’19, a first-generation Nigerian-American student from Cranston, Rhode Island, has been honored as a 2018 Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact, the Boston-based nonprofit organization supporting civic engagement on college campuses throughout the country.

As a fellowship recipient, Akanji will participate in a variety of learning and networking opportunities, including attending the national conference of Newman Civic Fellows in partnership with the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate. The fellowship also provides fellows with access to apply for exclusive scholarship and post-graduate opportunities.

A chemistry major at Salve, Akanji is an AIM Scholar and a Nuala Pell Fellow who focuses her service efforts on racial equity, educational access and health equity.

“Toyosi is a motivated and respected campus leader who works with student organizations such as the Multicultural Student Organization, the Black Student Union, and in our Student Government to help advocate for social justice and democratic participation,” said President Jane Gerety, RSM.

At Salve, Akanji helped spearhead the creation of the Black Student Union and now serves as president of the organization. She works to raise awareness to issues such as poverty on campus, college access and general awareness of the causes and consequences of racial inequities in the local community.

“I care about social justice issues because I care about people, about the world, and make a conscious effort to make a positive impact,” Akanji said. “I realized that I can make an impact in my community by serving it and using my God-given talents to help those in need.”

An advocate for marginalized people, Akanji has focused specifically on impoverished women and children of color through her community service work in low-income housing and through a mission trip to Haiti.

“Those experiences made me realize that I don’t have to be exceptional or really special to make an impact,” she said. “I realized that there was a problem with the distribution of wealth, and how many people are denied basic human rights like quality health care and quality education simply because they cannot afford to break the cycle of poverty in their family. I believe the best strategies for advocating for marginalized groups is to use my privilege to speak up for them and against the problems that plague our communities. I can use my voice to talk to people and inspire them to work for the people rather than themselves.”

0
Shares
  • Share On Facebook
  • Tweet It




  • RSS Calendar of Events

    • Memorial Day – No classes
      Monday, May 30
    • Virtual information session for prospective students
      Tuesday, May 31

      Meet with a member of Admissions Office to hear about Salve Regina's mission, campus life and academics directly from an admissions counselor in a group setting. It's a great introduction to Salve Regina and all the opportunities that exist for you here. 

      A virtual information session is designed for those who are in the college search and application process. If you would like to learn more about Salve Regina University and have your questions answered in a live chat, this is the best place to start. Our sessions last approximately one hour.

      You will also be able to view our virtual tour as part of your registration for this presentation. 

      Preregistration is required.

      Contact: Office of Admissions
    • Reunion Weekend
      Friday, June 3 to Sunday, June 5

      Reunion Weekend will be packed with exciting events both on and off campus. It's been too long since we've been able to welcome you to campus for a reunion celebration, so these events are sure to be worth the trip back to Newport. Return to campus and reconnect with your classmates - all alumni are welcome to attend.

      Contact: Office of Alumni, Parent and Family Programs
    • Last day to withdraw from Session 1
      Friday, June 3
    • State of the University
      Saturday, June 4

      Hear from University leaders the state of student life and where Salve Regina is headed. Whether you’ve recently graduated or you’re returning after a hiatus, campus has updates!
      This event will be live on campus and live-streamed for those unable to attend in person. Please register to receive the Zoom link for the live stream.

      Contact: Gill Goodrich
    • Graduate Admissions virtual information session: Applied Behavior Analysis
      Wednesday, June 8

      M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis

      Contact: Graduate Admissions
    • Last day of Session 1
      Friday, June 24
    • Newport MFA: Fiction reading by Tim Weed
      Monday, June 27
      Young Building

      Fiction Reading by Tim Weed
      Newport MFA guest writer Tim Weed will give a poetry reading as part of the program’s summer residency. The reading is free and open to the Salve Regina community and the general public.

      Contact: Tiffany McClanaghan
    • Newport MFA: Conversation with Stewart O’Nan
      Monday, June 27
      Ochre Court

      Stewart O’Nan in Conversation with Ann Hood
      About his new novel OCEAN STATE
      Newport MFA guest writer Stewart O’Nan will discuss his new novel “Ocean State” with Ann Hood, founding director of the program. The conversation is free and open to the Salve Regina community and the general public.

      Contact: Tiffany McClanaghan
    • Newport MFA: Poetry reading with Edgar Kunz
      Tuesday, June 28
      Ochre Court

      Poetry Reading by Edgar Kunz
      Newport MFA guest writer Edgar Kunz will give a poetry reading as part of the program’s summer residency. The poetry reading is free and open to the Salve Regina community and the general public.

      Contact: Tiffany McClanaghan
  • Browse Sections

    Salve Success

    Health and Wellness

    Mercy Mission

    Arts and Humanities

    Science and Technology

    Event Coverage

    Business and Economics

    Graduate News



Stay Updated

Latest news from SALVEtoday

 

  • Salve Regina University

    100 Ochre Point Avenue
    Newport, Rhode Island 02840 USA

     (401) 847-6650

    (c) 2022 Salve Regina University

  • SALVEtoday Archives


  • News
  • Student Life
  • Athletics
  • Faculty/Staff
  • Campus Portal Login
Press enter/return to begin your search