A WSC May graduate has been rewarded for his work as founder and president of the Interfaith Action Group.

Jeremy Fricke was awarded the Newman Civic Fellows Award, which honors college student leaders who have found solutions for issues within their communities.

The recipients are recommended by the faculty of their colleges and universities. Fellows who receive this award have the power and ability to make a difference and create influential connections with people.

Fricke will graduate with a bachelor of science in business education. He has worked over 200 hours to organize and hold many events in the Interfaith Action Group, which works to create a greater understanding of religious faiths around the world.

The group has gone on multiple field trips to religious sites and brings speakers to campus to address audiences of students, faculty, staff, and community members.

The group makes students and community members feel comfortable and able to learn about faith-based issues and religious discrimination faced by others around the world.

“Jeremy is the kind of student who had a wonderful idea to start a group that allowed people to learn about different religious faith communities,” business professor Laura Dendinger said. “Some of that learning takes place through speakers coming to campus. Other times the members of the group take a field trip to learn more.”

Fricke has had a remarkable impact on students, faculty, and community members according to many.

“Jeremy is also an officer for Pi Gamma Mu, the Social Sciences Honor Society, and I am a co-advisor.  He attends the meetings and participates in activities.  He is always very polite, respectful and thoughtful,” Service-Learning Coordinator Lisa Nelson said.