Saint Michael’s College senior recognized for service work through national fellowship

A Saint Michael’s College student is using a national fellowship to make a difference in the greater Burlington area.

Libby Rossi ’26 has been dedicated to community service throughout her time at St. Mike’s, including through Mobilization of Volunteer Efforts (MOVE) and experiential learning opportunities through her Sociology and Anthropology/Psychology double major. This year, Campus Compact – a national organization that empowers colleges and universities to advance their academic and civic missions – awarded Rossi a Newman Civic Fellowship.

The fellowship is awarded to students who work closely with their communities and show strong leadership potential. Rossi was among about 150 students nationwide to receive the fellowship for the 2025-26 school year. As part of the fellowship, participants can receive a grant of up to $1,500 to complete a social impact project.

Libby Rossi ’26, center, poses with other Newman Civic Fellows during the Convening of Fellows event in Chicago in October 2025. (Photo courtesy of Libby Rossi)

Expanding impact

In her time with MOVE, Rossi has worked closely with Ryan Hay ’19, Assistant Director of MOVE, who was a part of the committee that selected her for the fellowship. Hay shared that as a member institution with Campus Compact, St. Mike’s has access to resources, including the Newman Civic Fellowship.

“Last year was the first year we really explored that option,” Hay said. “Libby and others submitted their story, and the committee selected based on some criteria.”

Hay said Rossi was a “great fit for the fellowship.”

“In her work here, we’ve been able to see her in action,” Hay said. “The commitment, the drive, and passion she has for connection with others, and making an impact on the community.”

Rossi has taken part in a number of service opportunities through MOVE and has become a leader within the program. She co-led the C.O.O.K N’ FOOD program, bringing formerly incarcerated people living at Dismas House, which provides transitional housing, to campus for a potluck and connection with the St. Mike’s community. She is also currently interning at the Committee on Temporary Shelter (COTS), a local organization that provides shelter and services to people experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity.

Connecting with other change-makers

In addition to the grant, the fellowship involved virtual events focused on professional development and skills, an invitation to an annual Convening of Fellows, and more. For Rossi, the Convening of Fellows, a conference in Chicago, was the highlight of this experience.

“Everyone was from a different college. We all had similar values, and a lot of people worked with the same programs in different states,” Rossi said. “Everyone was super passionate about their projects and beliefs. Sometimes, when you’re doing this work, it feels like pulling teeth trying to get people to care. It was really nice being around a group of people that had the same ambition.”

Libby Rossi ’26 (left) speaks to another conference attendee during the Convening of Fellows event in Chicago in October 2025. (Photo courtesy of Libby Rossi)

The conference allowed Rossi to meet new people and deepen her knowledge on the topics of interest to her. For example, she was able to learn about policy – a topic that is less familiar to her – in addition to expanding her understanding of direct service.

“I want to go into social work,” Rossi said. “Hopefully, in my future, I’ll be able to go on and do more conferences and learn more. Now, it’s less scary being able to talk in a room of strangers and not feel uncomfortable.”

Social impact with COTS

Rossi also took advantage of the opportunity to obtain a mini-grant to complete a social impact project. Through her internship with COTS, she developed a plan for the $1,250 she ultimately received.

The need for computers became apparent to Rossi while speaking with the organization.

With the grant, Rossi will buy eight laptops and five pairs of headphones to be split between two shelter locations. She is also working closely with COTS to create rules and sign-out sheets for the devices.

Libby Rossi ’26 (right) works with other Newman Civic Fellows during the Convening of Fellows event in Chicago in October 2025. (Photo courtesy of Libby Rossi)

Rossi’s supervisor at COTS, North Wagner, Children’s Mental Health Liaison, said that access to reliable technology will allow people using the organization’s resources to access classes, employment applications, telehealth services, and more.

“Working with students and other members from our community remind us that COTS is never truly working alone,” Wagner said. “The Newman Civic Fellowship grant that Libby has received on behalf of COTS family shelters will support us in bridging the gap in access to technology that frequently occurs between socioeconomic levels.”

While this is the first year St. Mike’s has taken advantage of this fellowship opportunity, Rossi and Hay hope it won’t be the last.

“Ideally, we will get interest from students that want to pursue this path and have this opportunity,” Hay said. “Each year, member institutions have the opportunity to nominate one student. … I’m hopeful that we can do that each year.”