Saint Louis University senior Russell Hooker Jr. has been named a 2025-2026 Campus Compact Newman Civic Fellow.
The Newman Civic Fellowship is a year-long program that recognizes and supports community-committed students who have demonstrated an investment in finding solutions for some of society's toughest challenges. The fellowship is named in honor of Frank Newman, one of Campus Compact's founders.
African American Male Scholars mentor Dr. Richard Marks, left, meets with student Russell Hooker Jr. on April 26, 2024. Hooker Jr. was named a 2025-2026 Campus Compact Newman Civic Fellow. Photo by Sarah Conroy.
“This recognition is something I did not know I could have or even be recognized for,” Hooker Jr. said. “Little me, a black queer young man from the southside of Chicago growing up, did not know there was a future for me, but look with this recognition, there is. Being recognized for my efforts towards social justice and equality, and being a person for others, is a huge blessing.”
Hooker Jr. is majoring in psychology with dual minors in African American Studies and theatre. Outside of the classroom, he has served as a SLU 101 Orientation Leader, helping the newest Billikens acclimate to life at SLU. He has also volunteered with Campus Kitchen.
“Russell demonstrates his commitment to community building and service that underscore his belief in the power of education to uplift and empower individuals from all walks of life,” said SLU President-Emeritus Fred P. Pestello, Ph.D., in his nomination letter.
Hooker Jr. received the esteemed Better Brothers Los Angeles Scholarship, awarded at the 10th Annual Truth Awards. The following year, he returned to Los Angeles to speak at the ceremony and work with the new cohort of award recipients. He is currently developing a mentorship program with Better Brothers LA.
“I look at this program as a means to help me motivate others,” Hooker Jr. said. “I envision a world where queer people are supported mentally much more than they are as of 2025. According to a study by Michelle Johns, LGBTQ+ young people are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide as their peers. That is harrowing, and I am going to change that. I would like to implement anti-bullying strategies for schools to ensure queer students are not being bullied, and to promote safety for queer students.”
This year’s Newman Civic Fellows class represents campuses across 38 states, Washington D.C., and Mexico.
“This recognition means there is a change meant to happen in this world, and I am that change,” Hooker Jr. said. “I am here on this earth to inspire and make change, and that is what this recognition means to me.”
