Trifecta of Service: UMW Student Named Newman Civic Fellow
Helping classmates navigate the voting process, building homes with Habitat for Humanity and organizing volunteer projects are all part of University of Mary Washington senior Sarah Tyree-Herrmann’s college experience. Now, her dedication to making a difference has earned her national recognition as a 2026-27 Newman Civic Fellow.
A political science and women’s and gender studies double major from Virginia Beach, she joins a cohort of student leaders from 39 states, Washington, D.C., and Mexico recognized by Campus Compact for their leadership and commitment to positive change.
As soon as she arrived at UMW, Tyree-Herrmann put that commitment into practice, joining the Impact Program and exploring opportunities to volunteer and connect with the community. Since then, she’s taken leadership roles in all three of the University’s major community engagement initiatives: Community Outreach and Resources (COAR), UMW Votes and Alternative Service Breaks (ASB).
“We joke that she’s the first ‘trifecta’ student at the Center for Community Engagement,” said Center Director Sarah Dewees, who remembers meeting her at a UMW Open House. “Sarah really stands out as a compassionate, energetic and intelligent leader who brings her big heart to everything she does.”
As a UMW Votes volunteer manager since sophomore year, Tyree-Herrmann has helped promote nonpartisan voter education and participation in the democratic process. She served as a council leader for COAR before joining its staff. Most recently, she led an ASB trip to Leominster, Massachusetts, and now serves as the program’s fundraising co-chair.
As trip leader, she helped establish a partnership with the local Habitat for Humanity chapter, coordinated logistics and organized meetings to prepare participants. She especially remembers the connections the group made with their site manager, who encouraged the students to try new things without worrying about making mistakes.
“It was so exciting to get to finally go on the trip and see all of that hard work pay off,” Tyree-Herrmann said about the visit. “Overall, this trip is definitely a highlight of my time with UMW and something I’ll cherish forever.”
The Newman Civic Fellowship is awarded by Campus Compact, a national coalition of colleges and universities dedicated to civic and community engagement. It’s named for the late Campus Compact founder Frank Newman, an advocate for civic engagement in higher education. The yearlong program offers students professional development, mentorship and opportunities to connect with fellow student leaders.
Tyree-Herrmann follows UMW students Tonia Attie ’26 and Merna Mousa ’25, who were named Newman Civic Fellows for 2025-26 and 2024-25, respectively.
Tyree-Herrmann has long known she wanted a career focused on giving back. Her UMW experiences have introduced her to professionals in a variety of fields serving others and helped her envision a future that also targets her interests.
As a Newman Civic Fellow, she hopes to connect with like-minded student leaders nationwide and inspire more Mary Washington students to get involved.
“Regardless of what exact job or career I find myself in,” she said. “I know I’ll continue to find organizations and groups of people in my community that give me opportunities to pursue my passion for service and civic engagement.”
Learn more about the Newman Civic Fellowship, Campus Compact and UMW’s Center for Community Engagement.
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