Katelynd Todd- 2015 Newman Civic Fellow, University of Florida
Over the next several weeks, Florida Campus Compact will be highlighting each of the 13 Florida students named as 2015 Newman Civic Fellows. Nominated by their college or university presidents, the Newman Civic Fellows are the next generation of public problem solvers and civic leaders. They have demonstrated an investment in finding solutions for challenges facing communities and creating lasting change. Congratulations to all of these outstanding students!
Today, we’d like to recognize:
Katelynd Todd, University of Florida
Katelynd Todd, a third year undergraduate student at the University of Florida, is passionate about service, education and providing assistance to adults and children that struggle with long-term illness. Her dedication to the service of others is demonstrated through long-term participation in activities such as advocacy, mentoring, and through emotionally challenging healthcare initiatives. She educates the community through programs designed to raise awareness about the state of the economy on workers and the effects of budget cuts on her local schools. As a result of her activism she began her own non-profit, Gainesville Reads Inc., which provides literacy programming to area schools and communities. In addition to this, she also serves those suffering from long term illness through palliative care and Summer Camps. Katelynd’s passion for serving others is an inspiration to her peers, and creates a better community for those she touches through her work.
-Kent Fuchs, President
As a first-generation college student, I pave a road with each step I take to educate the community, serve underrepresented populations and help those struggling with poverty, illiteracy and lack of nutrition education. I believe I am a reflection of Frank Newman’s life work because I am committed to the prosperity of people and development of a strong community. My commitment to service is demonstrated through constant participation in inner-city education and program development for special populations. As a long-term volunteer of Metro Kids Konnection, I was able to direct a reading program and teach a GED class that led 3 men to obtain their GED.I served as an activist for education and economic development in Jacksonville, by representing Duval County Public Schools and JaxPort in newspaper articles and news station interviews. I founded a non-profit organization, Gainesville Reads, to empower literacy in our community. Through this, I have donated two libraries to St.Francis House, created project-based learning programs for 4th graders at Rawlings Elementary and held book/clothing drives for Gainesville students and patients at Shands. Within the Black Student Union, I founded a cabinet, Excellence Scholars, to develop high-school leaders in inner-city Gainesville. I am passionate about inspiring leadership and creating lasting change in this world.
-Katelynd Todd
