.110 Nick Gumas

In college, it was very often that I would see Nick running around campus, both of us en route to some other class, project or meeting. The difference, however, was that Nick was usually doing so with a calmness and confidence that I deeply admired, and he seemed to be constantly uplifting those around him in the process. My admiration for him extended further to his tenaciousness and drive while fighting to help students all across the university and, perhaps most inspiring to me, to lift up the queer voices and initiatives that deserved equal time and space.

To be clear, the inspiration and energy I derive from Nick has become more full as the years go on. In college, I don’t think I fully understood how seemingly ahead of his time Nick was. He was (is) so honest and unafraid to speak up for the right thing, even in a room full of people that would likely completely disagree or not even care to listen. He’s so extremely smart and matches that with an eloquence that enables anyone to understand him and get on board. He always is looking out for the metaphorical person in the corner; the one not listened to or seen. Nick’s empathy and compassion is, fortunately for us, mixed perfectly with his outgoing personality, his ability to make strong relationships with anyone he encounters, and his diligence to get things actually done, instead of just talked about. On top of this, Nick is absolutely hilarious, so so charming, and a true delight to chat with and be around.

Nick, thank you so much for being a strong advocate and voice for the queer community and beyond. Thank you for your strength and determination to do good, both in college and to this day, but especially in a bureaucratic city and university that often pushes back on progress. Thank you for always being friendly to me and for making the time to chat, no matter the situation. Thank you for being a role model to so many and for practicing what you preach. I’m grateful to know and be friends with you and to continue to learn from you. Thank you, Nick, for being you.

-BD