KU junior named as Newman Civic Fellow

LAWRENCE — A University of Kansas junior has been named as a Newman Civic Fellow, an award that recognizes student leaders who demonstrated an investment in their community through service, research and advocacy.

Abeer Iqbal, a junior majoring in behavioral neuroscience with a minor in social justice in the U.S., is KU’s Newman Civic Fellow for 2022-2023. She is from Des Moines, Iowa, and a graduate of Waukee High School. Iqbal plans to pursue a dual Doctor of Medicine and Master of Public Health degree. That degree would allow her to give back to her community by helping underrepresented communities of color have more satisfactory health outcomes and medical experiences.

She has provided leadership to multiple organizations that advance social justice and health education on campus and in the broader community.

Iqbal, a University Honors Scholar, is the current academic chair of Phi Delta Epsilon (PhiDE) Academic Pre-Medical Fraternity and previously held the service chair position. She is also the director of alumni relations for Mortar Board Society, a Family Relations Committee member for KU Dance Marathon and service chair for Sigma Kappa sorority. Iqbal has also volunteered within KU LEAD-UP, Jayhawk Health Initiative Medical Tele-Brigade, Sigma Kappa Campus Clean-Ups and Broadlawns Hospital. Since fall 2021, she has participated in a research recruitment internship at University of Kansas Medical Center, where she helps connect and teach minority communities to research opportunities and resources within the KU Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center.

Iqbal joins a cohort of over 200 students from across the country in a yearlong program that includes training, virtual learning opportunities and an annual fellow convening. The opportunities available to the Newman Civic Fellows include attendance at the national Newman Civic Fellows conference, participation in regional and state gatherings of Newman Civic Fellows, engagement with a virtual event series focused on skill development and professional learning, and guidance from a local mentor.

Campus Compact advances the public purpose of over 1,000 colleges and universities by deepening their ability to improve community life and to educate students for civic and social responsibility. For more information, visit compact.org. 

The Center for Service Learning will celebrate Abeer Iqbal, CSL Award recipients and graduates from the Certificate in Service Learning program at its annual Service Showcase and Celebration at 3:30 p.m. April 21.