GREAT FALLS – Zachary Clausen, an industrial technician student at Great Falls College MSU, has been selected by Campus Compact as a 2018 Newman Civic Fellow.
“Zach inspires me with his commitment to student achievement, for himself and his fellow students, as well as the betterment of our communities and society as a whole,” said Dr. Susan J. Wolff, CEO and Dean at Great Falls College MSU. “He epitomizes civic engagement.”
The Newman Civic Fellowship, named for Campus Compact co-founder Frank Newman, is a one-year experience emphasizing personal, professional, and civic growth. Clausen joins 267 other college students nationwide who will make up the 2018 cohort of Newman Civic Fellows.
Clausen currently serves as president of the Associated Students of Great Falls College MSU, after serving as vice president last year. He was also integrally involved as a student government spokesperson at the 2017 OneMSU Symposium at Montana State University.
Clausen initially got involved in student government after hearing about it from a fellow student. After a few meetings, he realized taking a leadership role in student government would allow him to help his school and his fellow students.
“What really hooked me was giving back to the school and the students who are supported by student government,” Clausen said.
He is also a member of Montana DeMolay and is a past and current State Master Councilor. He has served on the State Council of DeMolay for five years, beginning at the age of 16. Through DeMolay, Clausen has developed leadership skills preparing him for his future. He has participated in International Congress Sessions and has volunteered locally in response to needs such as hunger and homelessness.
Clausen, 20, is a graduate of Simms High School. He is no stranger to adversity and the will to overcome. While in high school, he was involved in an automobile accident resulting in serious injuries. Clausen came away from the accident stronger and more determined to persevere.
“I think everyone should look for an opportunity to give back,” he said. “Not very often in this world do we have the opportunity to make a difference. Don’t shy away from those opportunities.”
“Zach inspires students to challenge themselves in order to achieve academic and personal greatness,” Wolff said. “He encourages students to become involved for the betterment of society as a whole.”
Clausen is currently enrolled in the Industrial Technician Program at Great Falls College MSU. Prior to starting that program, Clausen completed his welding certificate at GFC MSU. He plans to go on to MSU Northern where he will earn a Bachelors of Trades Management. He hopes to one day own his own welding, plasma cutting and fabrication shop.
“I’m extremely humbled,” Clausen said of the award. “To find out I was nominated was one thing, but to receive the award is very special to me.”
To learn more about the Newman Civic Fellowship or Campus Compact, visit compact.org.
For more information please contact:
Lewis Card
Executive Director—Development, Communications & Marketing
Phone: (406)771-4412
[email protected]
Erin Granger
Marketing Specialist
Phone: (406)771-4314
[email protected]
