Skiviat leaves a legacy of leadership
Former IFC president recognized with inaugural award

UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, OHIO -- Nick Skiviat '12, former president of the Interfraternity Council (IFC) at John Carroll and two-term service/philanthropy chairman of Beta Theta Pi, was recognized on May 3 with the inaugural Leadership Legacy Award. The award was designed to recognize up to five members of the graduating class who, "through their dedicated leadership and involvement, have made significant contributions to changing the campus culture in a positive way during their careers on the JCU campus."

One of Nick's nominators stated that "he truly has left an indelible legacy on John Carroll's campus as a student who is down-to-earth, extraordinarily devoted to his faith, committed to the service of others, and believes in a compassionate style of leadership."

During his time at John Carroll, Nick was heavily involved with service and ministry. He has engaged in various activities offered by the Center for Service and Social Action, and this spring volunteered his time at Gearity Elementary School with after-school tutoring. Nick was an active medic with JCUEMS, a completely voluntary service organization that provides basic first aid as well as first responder support for more serious medical emergencies. In 2011, he served as an executive officer of the group and has undoubtedly served hundreds of hours as a part of the organization. Nick was also a frequent retreatant, and served on the coordinating team of this spring's Manresa 21 Retreat. He took on the role of a Christian Life Community (CLC) leader this year, and is an Extraordinary Minister of the Holy Eucharist. One of Nick's most moving service experiences took place in January, when he traveled on a 10-day JCU-sponsored immersion to San Juan, Guatemala, to live in community and serve the people.

"Nick has really exemplified what it means to lead his peers. While he sees and understands the big picture, he never loses focus on the individuals who make up a group that he is leading," commented the same nominator. "He strives to make personal connections with everyone, and works with them and coaches them along. They respect him as a leader because he respects them as a valued member of the group."

Within Beta Theta Pi, he has served as the ritual chairman as well as service/philanthropy chairman. In this capacity, he planned Through the Eyes of a Child as well as Carroll's Got Talent, and worked regularly with the staff of Milestones Autism Organization to set up meaningful volunteer opportunities for Beta brothers. As an IFC executive, Nick planned the first all-Greek dance to conclude Greek Week, assisted in bringing a sexual assault/bystander intervention program to campus for all fraternity men, and helped to organize the first Greek Thanksgiving dinner event. In what may be one of his lasting contributions, Nick led a discussion and the process of completely revamping the IFC constitution, bylaws, and elections procedure.

Nick participated in the Emerging Leader Program during his freshman year, and has acted as a personable, hospitable, and knowledgeable ambassador to prospective students as a tour guide with the Office of Admission for the last three years.

"Receiving the Leadership Legacy Award was a great honor," Skiviat said. "There are many deserving leaders in the Class of 2012, so I am humbled to have been one of the five recipients. It was a goal of mine to make a difference on campus during my undergraduate years, and therefore very rewarding to be recognized for making positive contributions to the great John Carroll community."