Rachel Wallisky ’21
Rachel Wallisky ’21, a double major in American studies and history with a minor in political science from Horseheads, NY, has been named a Newman Civic Fellow for 2020-21.
The Newman Civic Fellowship is a year-long fellowship for community-committed college students from institutions that are members of the Campus Compact. Selected students are advocates for civic engagement in higher education, who are invested in finding solutions to challenges facing communities throughout the United State and abroad. The yearlong program includes virtual learning opportunities and networking as part of a national network of engaged student leaders and an optional in-person convening.
Wallisky has worked in coordination with the local community, multiple offices on-campus, and national organizations to create the Geneseo Votes Coalition (GVC). The GVC is a student-led group of civically-minded student organizations and community leaders dedicated to fostering civic responsibility. Her work through the GVC and Andrew Goodman Foundation centers on advocating for voting rights on-campus.
Through the Andrew Goodman Foundation and GVC, Wallisky has organized voter registration drives, held educational workshops, tabling efforts, and events at the College’s on-campus poll site. Rachel is currently working to creating systems for students to more effectively vote in local elections.
Nicholas Palumbo, assistant dean of students for leadership and service, will serve as Wallisky’s on-campus Newman Civic Fellow mentor.
Wallisky begins her fellowship on September 1.