Throughout their time on campus, University of Mary Washington students Tonia Attie ’26 and Merna Mousa ’25 were engaged citizens that gave back to their community and worked to advance an equitable and just democracy. For their efforts to help classmates access voting, get involved and have a say in the democratic process, they were named Newman Civic Fellows by Campus Contact.
Attie received the current honor for 2025-26, while Mousa held it previously for 2024-25, representing UMW among national cohorts of student leaders selected by Campus Compact, a coalition of colleges and universities dedicated to civic and community engagement. Both students made it their mission while at Mary Washington to empower their peers, strengthen democratic participation and serve their communities in meaningful ways.
“These students represent the very best of what it means to be civically engaged,” said Sarah Dewees, director of UMW’s Center for Community Engagement. “They bring thoughtfulness and determination to public problem-solving and are committed to learning more about the democratic process.”
A double major in political science and philosophy, Attie is a longtime member of UMW Votes and co-president of the University’s Day on Democracy chapter. She has led nonpartisan voter-education efforts across campus by planning events, creating digital campaigns and mentoring new students.
“I’m incredibly passionate about ensuring that people’s voices are heard,” she said. “It’s essential not only to be engaged during election season but to create a culture of civic engagement all year long.”
Attie also serves as president of the Arab Culture Club and conducted research relating to the cost of voting and voter ID laws as part of her academic experience at UMW. She connected her experience on campus with real-world policy issues, serving as a government affairs intern for the American Task Force on Lebanon. She also co-founded Young Muslim Sisters Fredericksburg to foster a sense of community among young Arab and Muslim students in the area.
A similar passion for public service motivated Merna Mousa, a political science major and honors scholar. Through UMW Votes, she organized campus-wide events like National Voter Registration Day and Vote Early Day, visited classes and local high schools to talk about the importance of voting and staffed information tables on Election Day.
“I knew I wanted to help people who do not have the resources or support around them to vote,” said Mousa, who graduated in the spring and now works as an admissions counselor at UMW. Through her community work, both locally and nationally, she learned how education and outreach can help students build their civic identity and become engaged members of their community.
The Newman Civic Fellowship, named for the late higher education leader and public servant Frank Newman, is a yearlong program that recognizes and supports student leaders with professional development, networking and mentorship opportunities. It allows fellows like Attie and Mousa to connect with peers nationwide who share a commitment to community leadership and passion for the social, political and environmental issues impacting today’s world.
Learn more about UWM’s Center for Community Engagement, the Newman Civic Fellowship and Campus Compact.
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