Nick Dvorak

Nick Dvorak ’16 was congratulated by Laura Anglin, president of the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities, and Todd Hutton, president of Utica College.

Nicholas Dvorak ’16, a chemical engineering major and past President of the Union, recently received the 2016 Independent Sector Student Community Service Award. The Independent Sector Student Service Award is a statewide competition that honors outstanding students for their leadership and community service.

Dvorak was nominated by the Division of Student Life for his active involvement both on and off campus. “It was our pleasure to nominate Nick,” said Frank Ross, vice president for student life. “Nick exemplifies ‘communiversity’—applying his tremendous talent and resources to the world around us—and is an excellent example of the next generation of leaders here at Rensselaer.”

In his academic work, Dvorak is engaged in life-changing research with the Department of Chemical Engineering, focusing on the use of engineered titanium dioxide nanoparticles to target and disrupt cancer cells’ metastasis.

Nick exemplifies ‘communiversity’—applying his tremendous talent and resources to the world around us—and is an excellent example of the next generation of leaders here at Rensselaer.”—Frank Ross, vice president for student life

In addition to his leadership role as past President of the Rensselaer Union, Dvorak chaired the 20-member Union Executive Board, was treasurer of the Rensselaer Interfraternity Council, helped raise money to fight cancer through Relay for Life, helps provide emergency shelter and support for homeless and low-income people through Saint Joseph’s House, and volunteers at Habitat for Humanity.

“Congratulations to Nick on his award, and best wishes to the many talented graduates from the Class of 2016,” said Ross.