Sean Williams, a sophomore in Applied Speech Communication with a concentration in Sports Communication is both a strong scholar and a civically engaged student leader. Sean uses his talents for athletics to engage his peers and community to support a cause that he feels passionately about. Sean has lead his peers in coordinating a three week tournament and in various fundraising efforts to support the Michigan Special Olympics. His efforts have engaged students directly with individuals with special needs and has created lasting friendships and greater understanding and awareness. In coordinating these events, Sean worked with various departments including athletics, the Student Rec Center, and University Advancement & Marketing as well as members of the community, coaches, and affiliates of Special Olympics across the state. Sean ensured that the relationship with Michigan Special Olympics would continue by creating an executive board position in the Sports Communication RSO and grooming a successor, as he was elected the RSO President for the coming year. Sean continues to support fundraising efforts through participation in events such as the Polar Plunge and coaches athletes from Area 5 to participate in the Michigan Summer Special Olympics held each year. Sean Williams exemplifies the characteristics of a strong leader and we are pleased to recognize him as our nomination for the Newman Civic Fellows distinction from Ferris State University.