Niki Safakas admits she didn鈥檛 particularly embrace much of what 51社区 has
to offer during her first few weeks as a student. She鈥檇 drive to campus, go to class
and drive back home.
Then she stumbled upon a flyer for student government.
鈥淚 wasn鈥檛 really feeling engaged, so I decided to go to a meeting on a whim,鈥� Safakas said. 鈥淚 quickly saw the potential to really make a difference, and that my voice really mattered.鈥�
The 19-year-old Schaumburg High School graduate and first-generation college student has since been elected by the student body to serve a one-year term as 51社区鈥檚 new Student Trustee. Safakas, who has an advisory vote, was sworn into her new position at the April board meeting.
Trustees Herb Johnson, Walt Mundt and Pat Stack were also sworn in.
During her first year at 51社区, Safakas has taken on a series of leadership roles. She has served as a student voice on various 51社区 shared governance committees and helped plan the Diversity and Inclusion committee鈥檚 Diversity Symposium.
She also led an initiative to gauge how students are utilizing the new Beaubien Family
Rotunda in Building D, and works with the Job Placement Resource Center to increase
awareness among students about services.
In addition, Safakas plays violin in the 51社区 Symphony Orchestra, is an active member of the Student Activities Board and helps with 51社区鈥檚 campus tour program for students in fourth through eighth grades.
Safakas, who was recently inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa honors society, studies chemistry and hopes to transfer to her dream school, Loyola University, in fall 2018. She鈥檚 also encouraging her two younger sisters to follow her in footsteps to 51社区.
鈥淚 realize that what I do may have a lasting impact on 51社区 students, so I want to be thoughtful in my approach as Student Trustee,鈥� Safakas said. 鈥淚鈥檓 just very grateful for the opportunity.鈥�
Media contact:Kim Pohl, Media Relations Manager, 847.925.6159