From the president
As a Newman Civic Fellowship nominee, Bobby Driver exemplifies a commitment to addressing the root causes of social issues through education, empathy, and transformative leadership. A second-year neuroscience and psychology major at Illinois College, Bobby is a first-generation college student with a deep passion for mental health advocacy and community engagement. His academic focus on childhood trauma and its psychological effects—particularly in marginalized communities—reflects his drive to tackle systemic disparities in mental health care.
Bobby’s leadership as a Residence Hall Advisor has been instrumental in fostering inclusive, supportive communities. He has demonstrated exceptional skill in conflict resolution, mentorship, and peer support, showcasing his ability to lead with compassion and clarity. With aspirations to become a childhood trauma therapist, Bobby is poised to develop innovative, collaborative strategies that enhance mental health outcomes and empower underserved populations. His vision, resilience, and service-oriented mindset make him a powerful force for positive change.
Personal Statement
Since I was a kid, I always knew that I wanted to help others and make a difference in the world. Growing up as a black man in this world I have been a witness and a part of many injustices, and so I made it my mission to do everything in my power to make true change in my community. As the first person in my family to attend college, everything was absolutely new to me, but I came in with the same mindset that I have always had which is to leave an impact wherever you go. Immediately in my first year, I joined our Student Senate and did a lot of work to make our campus a better environment for all of our students. I also joined our Black Student Union and eventually became the secretary, where our mission was to provide a home away from home for our minority students, and bring our community together to celebrate our culture and achievements . These experiences have helped me better myself as a leader, and provide a safe space to all different communities, which has always been one of my most important goals. Becoming the Newman Civic Fellow has provided me with another opportunity to not only better myself, but to truly help my community and make a difference that impacts so many groups of people so they can also have opportunities that they may not have.