(NEWARK) Why Newark matters. For its second year, and with the input of five new leaders from the city of Newark, the Heningburg Civic Fellows Program is examining that question in a series of colloquia which will seek to establish partnerships between Newark's civic leaders and distinguished scholars at Rutgers. The Institute on Ethnicity, Culture, and the Modern Experience created the Heningburg Civic Fellows program as a resource for Newarks civic leaders who are deeply involved in the citys revitalization.

Beginning in October, the Heningburg Civic Fellows are participating in a series of four seminars that will explore new ways to address some of the civic challenges and opportunities that face the city and to expand the Universitys involvement in the city's renewal.

The program honors Gustav Heningburg, one of the most influential and inspiring civic leaders in Newark. Heningburg is known for his guidance of the public and private sectors of the city through the aftermath of the 1967 riots, and his help in preparing Newark and its residents for the Renaissance of the 1990s and beyond.

Gus Heningburg is arguably one of the States most thoughtful and highly respected citizens, a stature he has had for a very long time, according to Clement Alexander Price, Institute Director and Rutgers Board of Governors Distinguished Service Professor. His service to the city and people of Newark is virtually without peer. Indeed, it is virtually impossible to account for the past 30 years of meaningful progress in Greater Newark without recognizing his contributions to civil rights, community empowerment, urban affairs, higher education and informed analysis on the advancement of our collective interest. By naming this program in his honor, we recognize and seek to sustain his powerful legacy."

For information, contact:

Marisa Pierson (973) 353-1871, Ext. 11

The second class of Heningburg Civic Fellows includes:

Robin L. Dougherty, Executive Director, Greater Newark Conservancy

Dr. Siriade Fillipe-Izaguirre, D.O., Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Academic Medicine, Geriatrics, and Community Programs, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School

The Reverend Edwin D. Leahy, Headmaster, St. Benedicts Preparatory School, Newark

Linda Morgan, Senior Vice President, Fidelco Realty Group

Baraka Sele, Assistant Vice President of Programming, New Jersey Performing Arts Center