Sophie Novick-Prucher ’29 Named 2026-27 Newman Civic Fellow for Service with Election@Bard

ANNANDALE-ON-HUDSON, N.Y.—Bard College undergraduate Sophie Novick-Prucher ’29 has been announced as a recipient of the Newman Civic Fellowship for 2026-27 by Campus Compact, a national coalition of colleges and universities working to advance the public purposes of higher education. The fellowship is a year-long program that recognizes and supports community-minded students who have demonstrated an investment in finding solutions for some of society's toughest challenges.

An intended double major in history and theater from Berkeley, California, Novick-Prucher is a sophomore at Bard. From her early days in Annandale-on-Hudson, she took up leadership of the student-led initiative Election@Bard, which helps students register to vote, provides information about candidates, and hosts forums to connect candidates and students. Heading into the 2026 midterm elections, Novick-Prucher serves as the organization’s lead intern, through which she supports new voters through the college’s ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge Voter Action plan.

The 2026-27 Newman Civic Fellowship cohort is composed of student civic leaders from 39 states, Washington, DC, and Mexico. Each fellow is nominated by their campus president or chancellor, who is invited to select one exemplary student from their campus each year. "Now more than ever, it is an honor to recognize student leaders who are applying themselves as changemakers and creating positive impact in their communities,” said Campus Compact President Bobbie Laur. “This is just the start of their lifelong journeys as Newman Civic Fellows, and I couldn’t be more excited to watch them continue to grow and pursue their passions.”

“I have always been passionate about student voting rights,” said Novick-Prucher, who describes what she perceives as her peers’ struggle to feel that their voices matter. “They sometimes feel disappointment in the system, making them appear apathetic when they are not. It can be hard to watch. I want to work toward students feeling empowered and voting is a first step for many folks in that process.”

The fellowship is named for the late Frank Newman, one of Campus Compact’s founders, who was a tireless advocate for civic engagement in higher education. Through the program, fellows participate in learning and networking opportunities that help to nurture their development as civic leaders. Programming emphasizes personal, professional, and civic growth that can empower them to collaborate effectively across disciplines and create large-scale positive change.

About Bard College
Founded in 1860, Bard College is a four-year residential college of the liberal arts and sciences located 90 miles north of New York City. With the addition of the Montgomery Place and Massena properties, Bard’s campus consists of more than 1,200 parklike acres in the Hudson River Valley. It offers bachelor of arts, bachelor of science, and bachelor of music degrees, with majors in nearly 40 academic programs; advanced degrees through 14 graduate programs; 10 early colleges; and numerous dual-degree programs nationally and internationally. Building on its 166-year history as a competitive and innovative undergraduate institution, Bard College has expanded its mission as a private institution acting in the public interest across the country and around the world to meet broader student needs and increase access to liberal arts education. The undergraduate program at the main campus in upstate New York has a reputation for scholarly excellence, a focus on the arts, and civic engagement. Bard is committed to enriching culture, public life, and democratic discourse by training tomorrow’s thought leaders. For more information about Bard College, visit bard.edu. (10/19/26)

This event was last updated on 09-30-2026

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