CMU Student Harrison Krafchak named Newman Civic Fellow

A prestigious civic leadership award will play an important role in helping Central Michigan University student Harrison Krafchak pursue his goal of entering the world of politics and one day holding elected office in Michigan.

Krafchak, a junior from Dearborn Heights, has been named a Campus Compact 2025–26 Newman Civic Fellow, a national recognition for students who demonstrate a strong commitment to creating positive social change.

“The new generation of voters that’s coming up are starting to become passionate about issues, but they don’t have an outlet for them,” Krafchak said. “Educating people on that type of change and how it can be influenced is what I’m most passionate about.”

Krafchak continues to prioritize civic engagement as Student Coordinator for the Mary Ellen Brandell Volunteer Center's Central Votes program, where he works to promote voter participation across campus. He also serves as a Democracy Fellow with the Campus Vote Project in addition to his role as the Drum Major of the CMU Marching Band.

Raised by educators, Krafchak is deeply passionate about education and equitable access to resources. He understands the challenges teachers and administrators face due to limited funding and policy constraints, and he hopes to one day advocate for stronger educational systems. Krafchak believes education is deeply connected to many other social systems and plays a vital role in shaping how young people think and engage with the world around them.

“We were incredibly lucky to meet harry in the early stages of his college career,” Symantha Dattilo, Interim Director of the Volunteer Center said. “It has been wonderful to see his growth in the Volunteer Center and as the Newman Civic Fellow. We are so excited to see what he does next."

Krafchak hopes to build his career in local politics in Michigan, a state he believes is crucial to the national political landscape. “Local politics is one of the more important institutions we have,” he said. “But if I can get into national politics and start partaking in improving the image of our Congress and any and every institution in D.C., that would be a wonderful opportunity as well.”

The Newman Civic Fellowship, named for the late Frank Newman, honors students nationwide who demonstrate a commitment to public problem-solving and civic leadership.

Fellows are nominated by their university’s president or chancellor and join a national network of student leaders dedicated to strengthening democracy and advancing the public good.