Newman Fellows Program

“”I had many incredible experiences through the CSPT program. Some of my most engaging intellectual experiences on campus happened thanks to this program, including the bimonthly reading groups and the Order and Influence lecture series. Moreover, I met some of my closest friends through the fellowship. This is an extraordinary opportunity!”

Benjamin Rothove, 2025-26 Catholic Social & Political Thought Fellow

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR 2026-27 NEWMAN FELLOWS!

Picture of a diverse group of smiling students in front of a monastery,

Group of students in front of a house making UW "W" sign with their hands and smiling.

Are you interested in leading as you learn about the Catholic intellectual tradition? Do you want to know more about Catholic contributions to civilization in philosophy, political thought, literature, and law?

The Center for the Study of Liberal Democracy (CSLD) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison offers two Student Fellowship Programs: the Madison Fellowship and the Newman Fellowship. The Newman Fellowship is part of the Center’s Catholic Social & Political Thought (CSPT) Initiative, which allows undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree students to conjoin their academic experience with opportunities to study Catholicism’s rich intellectual, moral, and cultural heritage. Throughout the year, fellows are invited to participate in events designed to enhance their understanding of different aspects of the Catholic tradition and heritage, and to apply for national summer fellowships and other learning opportunities. Newman Fellows will have the opportunity to build relationships with their UW-Madison peers and faculty, and with students and scholars from other institutions studying and engaging with the Catholic intellectual tradition. Fellows will also gain exposure to various modes of inquiry, enhance analytic skills, and deepen their ability to engage in thoughtful discourse and debate around topics with ethical, moral, and religious significance

EXPECTATIONS: Newman Fellows are expected to serve as CSPT program liaisons, helping to plan and publicize events throughout the year. The average time commitment for the fellowship is approximately three hours/week, though each week’s commitment may vary. Newman Fellows are expected to:

complete brief pre- and post-participation surveys to gauge learning and growth and submit a 3-4 page reflection essay at the end of the school year.

participate in a CSPT Reading Group each semester of their fellowship;

attend at least three CSLD-sponsored or co-sponsored lectures, workshops, or trips each semester of their fellowship, at least two of which should be connected to the CSPT initiative;

participate in at least two meals or other small group gatherings with CSLD visiting scholars each semester, at least one of which should be connected to the CSPT initiative;

Fellows who meet program expectations will earn a $1,000 stipend at the end of the academic year. Applications for 2026-27 fellowships can be completed below, and close September 11th. All enrolled UW-Madison undergraduates (including freshmen), and graduate and professional school students in any program of study, from any religious or non-religious tradition, are invited to apply.

Please direct questions to Professor Cecelia Klingele at cklingele@wisc.edu.

Newman Fellowship Application 2026-27

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Name*
First Last
Email
Year*
- First year
- Sophomore
- Junior
- Senior
- Graduate/Professional Degree Student
Graduation Year*
Major(s) or Professional School*
Have you served as a fellow in any CSLD program (CSPT, Newman, or Madison Fellow) in previous years?*
- Yes
- No
Please explain your interest in the Newman Fellows Program (1,500 word max). What draws you to the program? What do you hope to learn? What do you hope to contribute?*
Please describe any particular areas of interest or additional facts relevant to your application (1,000 word max).
OPTIONAL: If you would like to submit a letter of reference from an instructor or other person familiar with your interest in this program, please list your reference's name and email address here, or have your reference email cklingele@wisc.edu with the subject line "Newman Fellowship Reference."