Skip to Main Content Skip to Main Navigation Skip to Footer
UNG Logo
  • Info For...
    • Accepted Students
    • Current Students
    • Parents & Family
    • Faculty & Staff
    • Alumni
    • Business & Community
    • International Students
  • Quicklinks
    • Directories
    • myUNG
    • Academic Catalogs
    • Athletics
    • Banner
    • Bookstore
    • Calendars
    • Campuses & Maps
    • Continuing Education
    • D2L
    • Employment / HR
    • IT Service Desk
    • Libraries
    • UNG Foundation
  • Admissions
  • Corps of Cadets
  • Academics
  • Cost & Aid
  • Student Life
  • News & Events
  • Athletics
  • About Us

Find the most up-to-date information on the Presidential Search site.

Newsroom
  • All Articles
  • Media Relations Contact
  • Expert Guide
  • Points of Pride
  • Magazine
  • Social Media
    1. UNG
    2. News

    Kinesiology major named Newman Civic Fellow

    March 11, 2019
    University of North Georgia junior Adriana Zarate has been named a Newman Civic Fellow. She is one of 262 students named to the 2019-2020 cohort. The one-year experience emphasizes personal, professional and civic growth for students who have demonstrated a capacity for leadership and an investment in solving public problems.

    Article By: Staff

    No matter the circumstances of life, Adriana Zarate always knew she was going to college. Her parents almost mandated it.

    "For them, it was our biggest goal," the University of North Georgia (UNG) junior said. "They came to this country with very little education, so they wanted to make sure we had opportunities that they didn't."

    Zarate is reaching those goals for her parents and herself as she pursues a degree in kinesiology with plans to become an occupational therapist. The 21-year-old Gainesville, Georgia, resident also spreads the message about taking advantage of educational opportunities to new and potential UNG students through her work with orientation, the High School Equivalency Program, the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs, and the Latino Student Association.

    Based on her work and leadership, UNG Dean of Students Dr. Alyson Paul nominated Zarate for a Newman Civic Fellowship. Zarate received the recognition March 6.

    "It was unreal in the beginning," the Alpharetta, Georgia, native said. "Then when I heard I was going to a conference to meet other individuals. That made it real."

    Zarate is one of 262 students named to the 2019-2020 cohort of Newman Civic Fellows. The one-year experience emphasizes personal, professional and civic growth for students who have demonstrated a capacity for leadership and an investment in solving public problems.

    Sponsored by Campus Compact, the fellowship provides learning and networking opportunities, including a national conference of Newman Civic Fellows in partnership with the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the U.S. Senate. The fellowship also provides students with access to apply for exclusive scholarship and post-graduate opportunities.

    "We are proud to recognize each of these extraordinary student leaders and thrilled to have the opportunity to engage with them," said Andrew Seligsohn, president of Campus Compact, a Boston-based nonprofit that works to advance the public purposes of higher education. "The stories of this year's Newman Civic Fellows make clear that they are committed to finding solutions to pressing problems in their communities and beyond.

    Paul, associate vice president of Student Affairs, said she nominated Zarate because she recognizes the impact and influence of her own Hispanic culture and background.

    "Adriana exhibits an attitude of gratitude, but feels compelled to help others to remove barriers to their own success as well as to recognize their own potential," Paul said.

    Zarate works to help her fellow students, especially first-generation students and those of Hispanic heritage, before they enroll and during their first few semesters. As an orientation leader for the past two years, she has been a voice of encouragement to struggling students.

    "No one says college is easy," Zarate said. "But I tell them (incoming students) that people are here to mentor you and lead the way. I spread that message through the Latino Student Association and through the cultural connections that we share. I tell them, 'It's OK to ask for help.'"

    For more information, visit the Newman Civic Fellowship website.

    Contact the Author

    Bil Lepp to headline Hoag Lecture Series

    Bil Lepp to headline Hoag Lecture Series

    Award-winning storyteller, author and recording artist Bil Lepp will serve as the keynote speaker for UNG's Hoag Lecture Series on April 12.
    Districts honored for cyber education efforts

    Districts honored for cyber education efforts

    The CyberStart America in Georgia Task Force has honored the top 10 school districts in Georgia in terms of signing up students to play CyberStart America.
    Teacher residency gets $399K in federal funds

    Teacher residency gets $399K in federal funds

    The UNG College of Education received $399,000 to support future teachers as they begin their professional careers.
    Book celebrates 150 years of UNG

    Book celebrates 150 years of UNG

    The UNG Press released "The University of North Georgia: 150 Years of Leadership and Vision" on Jan. 6, the anniversary of the university's first classes in 1873.

    UNG Logo
    • Contact Us
    • Request Information
    • Quick Facts
    • Campus Maps & Directions
    • Student Consumer Information
    • Campus Safety
    • Emergency Information
    • Employment/HR
    • UNG Policies & Procedures
    • UNG Alumni Association
    • UNG Foundation
    • Ethics & Compliance Hotline
    • Human Trafficking Notice
    • Equal Empl. Opportunity

    © 2023 The University System of Georgia and the University of North Georgia.

    UNG follows the section 508 Standards and WCAG 2.0 for web accessibility. If you require this content in another format, please send an email to the ADA Coordinator.

    Use of military-themed imagery does not constitute endorsement by the U.S. Department of Defense.

    • Accreditation
    • Accessibility
    • Privacy Policy
    Establishing Connection...
    AskNigel