Campus Compact, a Boston-based nonprofit working to advance the public purposes of higher education, has honored 273 students as 2017 Newman Civic Fellows, including Widener University sophomore Iman Elkhashab.

The Newman Civic Fellows Award recognizes inspiring college student leaders who have worked to find solutions for challenges facing their communities.

Elkhashab, a biology major from Broomall with a minor in French, is a member of Widener’s Presidential Service Corps/Bonner Leader Program. Through this program, a distinguished group of students who live, learn, and work together devote themselves to responsible citizenship. Members commit to 300 hours of community service per year, and participate in training and enrichment activities that help them inspire others to follow their lead.

“I am delighted that Iman was selected for this national recognition,” said Widener President Dr. Julie E. Wollman. “She is an outstanding student leader. Her commitment to community service and advocacy for women’s health and environmental protections say much about her character and dedication to causes with global reach. This honor is well deserved.”

A global human rights advocate, Elkhashab is invested in addressing the lack of women’s rights and inadequate healthcare for women around the world. Elkhashab lived in Egypt most of her life, and after experiencing the revolution, she wanted to take action. She has since helped to organize a number of protests and marches for the improvement of healthcare for woman around the world.

Elkhashab hopes to dedicate her career toward helping women.

“I want to specialize in obstetrics and gynecology, and travel to third-world countries to educate women on self-care and provide first-world medical treatment,” she said.