From the president
National Guard member David Saleh is driven by a desire to serve our campus, community, and nation. David advocates for people whose voices often go unheard. As a First Year Seminar mentor and member of the SGA, Islamic Student Association, Black Student Union, and Titan Vets, he works to help students from all backgrounds develop a sense of efficacy and belonging. His work with the Honors Program and Islamic Society to serve the homeless and feed the hungry demonstrates his commitment to serving the immediate needs of vulnerable populations, while his years of coaching and mentoring student-athletes demonstrate his understanding of the need to empower individuals and set them up for success. David’s advocacy extends to his off-campus work organizing protests, sit-ins, and letter-writing campaigns to draw attention to the needs of the Palestinian people. He is committed to viewpoint diversity, deliberative dialogue, and the democratic process and works with the American Democracy Project to educate others about how to get engaged in politics during and between election cycles. David will offer valuable contributions to the Newman Fellows network as he has in the many leadership roles he plays on our campus and beyond.
Personal Statement
My community engagement focuses on improving the lives of vulnerable members of society. I seek to promote justice, reduce violence, and improve lives through direct service, mentoring, policy protest, community outreach, and political advocacy. Whether working with the local Islamic Society to feed the homeless, hosting protests, rallies, sit-ins, and letter-writing campaigns to address the plight of the Palestinian people, serving as a head coach and mentor for local student-athletes, or serving our community and nation in the National Guard, I am driven by a commitment to serve others, act kindly, and promote justice. As a mentor for local youth, I move youth from the streets to healthy activities that promote self-confidence, positive relationships, teamwork, and hard work. My involvement in the Student Government Association, Honors Program, Titan Vets, Muslim Student Association, Black Student Union, and American Democracy Project – combined with my role as a First Year Seminar mentor – enhances my skills as a mentor, relationship builder, and civic educator who strives to ensure that all student voices are valued, heard, and represented in campus and community decision-making. I look forward to further developing these skills and expanding my network through my participation as a Newman Fellow.