FVCC student honored for supporting veterans

Flathead Valley Community College sophomore Adam Jones was awarded Campus Compact’s 2018 Newman Civic Fellows Award for his dedication to serving and bettering the lives of military veterans in Northwest Montana.

Jones is one of 268 college students across the nation selected for this year’s fellowship program.

Campus Compact, a Boston-based coalition of colleges and universities, awards the Newman Civic Fellowship in recognition of civic-minded students who have demonstrated a commitment to finding solutions to challenges facing their communities.

FVCC President Jane Karas nominated Jones for the award based on his work to promote and support better health care, education and resources for military veterans and their families.

A veteran of the U.S. Navy, Jones helped start Underwater Soldiers, a nonprofit scuba diving therapy program in Northwest Montana. His ultimate goal is to create a comprehensive therapy retreat for veterans and their families that would address critical issues such as suicide and reintegration into civilian life.

“In today’s turmoil and political uncertainty, I believe veterans must not be forgotten,” Jones said.

In addition to his studies and family life, Jones serves as president of FVCC’s Veterans’ Association and vice president of Student Government.

As a Campus Compact 2018 Newman Civic Fellow, Jones will participate in a one-year program that emphasizes personal, professional and civic growth.

Through the fellowship, Campus Compact provides a variety of learning and networking opportunities, including a national conference of Newman Civic Fellows in partnership with the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate. The fellowship also provides partnerships with access to exclusive scholarship and post-graduate opportunities.

Reporter Mary Cloud Taylor can be reached at 758-4459 or mtaylor@dailyinterlake.com.