Boe Mueller recognized for commitment to solving public problems through a creative, sustainable pencil recycling initiative
Campus Compact, the nation’s leading coalition of colleges and universities working to advance the public purposes of higher education, has named the student civic leaders from 39 states, Washington, D.C., and Mexico who will make up the 2026-2027 cohort of Newman Civic Fellows. Boe Mueller, a first-year student at SUNY Sullivan, was named as a member of the cohort.
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. Newman 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.
About Boe Mueller
Boe Mueller, a first-year student at SUNY Sullivan, is a student ambassador dedicated to supporting students in need through a creative and sustainable initiative. His commitment began in middle school, when he launched a “pencil project” to assist elementary school students in a resource-limited area in Cleveland who lacked access to basic writing supplies. Recognizing how many usable pencils were being discarded, Boe partnered with local custodial staff to collect them, then personally cleaned, sharpened, and outfitted them with new erasers before distributing them to students.
What started as a small act of service has grown into an ongoing effort. Boe continues to collaborate with his former high school to collect and repurpose writing utensils. His project not only provides essential tools to young learners but also promotes environmental responsibility by reducing waste and supporting local schools and communities.
Through the Newman 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.
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.
“Boe’s work embodies a great truth: even the smallest acts of care can change someone’s life,” said SUNY Sullivan President David Potash. “We couldn’t be prouder to see Boe and his work recognized nationally.”
“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.”
Learn more at compact.org/newman-civic-fellowship. You can read more about each of the student leaders selected for this year’s cohort at compact.org/current-programs/newman-civic-fellowship/newman-civic-fellows.
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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 SUNY Sullivan
SUNY Sullivan is the leader of innovative higher education and a catalyst for workforce development throughout the Sullivan Catskills and beyond. Our diverse community cultivates personal growth and professional advancement, preparing students for success in a sustainable and interconnected world. A forward-looking, top-tier community college in New York, SUNY Sullivan offers dozens of degree programs, certificates, and microcredentials for learners at all levels of their educational goals. We value critical inquiry and creativity while supporting our students in a culture of inclusion and respect.