During his time at Elmhurst University, Avaion Viverette ’27 has cultivated a commitment to leadership and fostering growth in others, which led to his recent selection as a member of the 2026 class of Newman Civic Fellows.
Viverette, who is from Park Forest, Illinois, is among students from 39 states, Washington, D.C., and Mexico who were chosen for the yearlong program offered by the nonprofit Campus Compact, a coalition of more than 1,000 colleges and universities that promotes civic engagement.
The fellowship recognizes students committed to creating positive change in their communities and around the world, and who have demonstrated an interest in finding solutions for some of society’s toughest challenges. Fellows have access to learning and networking opportunities emphasizing personal, professional and civic growth.
Viverette is excited to have an opportunity to interact with other student leaders and build skills. “It was a huge honor to be nominated. I know the student who had (the fellowship) last year, Neto Kalu, and she encouraged me to apply because it was a very fruitful experience and she thought I would benefit from it as well,” says Viverette, who is looking forward to the Annual Convening of Newman Civic Fellows, which will be held in early November in Washington, D.C.
A double major in psychology and sociology with a minor in race and ethnic studies, Viverette plans to pursue a Ph.D. in industrial/organizational psychology after graduation. Since his junior year, he has participated in multiple research opportunities, including the CASE (Creative and Scholarly Endeavors) Program, through the mentorship of Jessica Sim, director of the Elmhurst master’s program in industrial/organizational psychology.
He has immersed himself in campus life since his first year at the University: He is a Global Scholar in the Honors Program and has served as Art Club vice president, Student Government Association vice president and as a First Leap ambassador for the Russell G. Weigand Career Center for Professional Excellence. He currently is president of Psychology Club, vice president of the campus chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and peer advising coordinator for the Office of Advising. In addition, he is a resident advisor and serves as president for a club he recently helped launch on campus, Let’s Get Ahead, which aims to support education in under-resourced schools.
Professor Mary Kay Mulvaney, director of the Honors Program, says she nominated Viverette for the Newman fellowship because of his outstanding leadership skills and ability to remain calm, fair and reassuring even in the face of trying circumstances. “Additionally, I have personally witnessed Avaion’s inspiring perspective—addressing social challenges with a humane sensitivity to the inequities within our society,” she says. “I sincerely believe he embodies the essential mission of the Newman Fellow program in every way.”