Building on Tradition

Nicholas Kozlowski ’28 has always known that history was more than just a favorite subject—it was a passion. By pairing that passion with a desire to become the kind of mentor he has looked up to, his path to studying secondary education and history at Elmhurst University became clear.

Kozlowski hopes to one day teach history while coaching football, inspired by the coaches and teachers who helped shape his own life.

“I’ve always been interested in history,” he says. “And I really want to be a role model. If I can have that opportunity, I would like to be able to give back in some way, shape or form, whether that’s through coaching football or teaching.”

The Crystal Lake native, a member of the Bluejay football team, also has ties to the University in his family history, which affirmed his decision to attend the school.

Uncovering a Family Connection

After committing, Kozlowski discovered he was the third generation in his family to attend Elmhurst. His great-uncle, whom he affectionately calls his grandpa, wrestled for then-Elmhurst College in the 1970s, and his aunt graduated from the institution decades later.

Soon after Kozlowski made his decision to come to Elmhurst, his grandpa shared a photo of the two of them standing together on Langhorst Field in 2010—a meaningful reminder that his Elmhurst story had begun long before he arrived on campus as a student-athlete.

Finding the Right Fit

At Elmhurst, Kozlowski has found more than a place to pursue his career goals and carry on family tradition. He has discovered a community where he can grow as a student, athlete and leader. The University’s many interest-based organizations—including its thriving Division III athletics program—have given him opportunities to build meaningful connections, develop leadership skills and experience the teamwork and community engagement that will prepare him for the classroom and beyond.

Football has been a part of Kozlowski’s life since he was five years old. After starting with flag football, he quickly progressed through the sport, eventually earning the opportunity to continue playing at the collegiate level.

During the recruiting process, he knew he wanted to choose a university that offered more than athletics. He remembers mentally taking  what he calls the “broken leg test”: If he could no longer play football, would he still want to attend the school?

“Elmhurst really checked all the boxes for me,” he says. “It was far enough from my hometown so I could have the college experience but close enough that I could still go home and see my family.”

He also appreciated Elmhurst’s proximity to Chicago, with its internship opportunities and vibrant downtown, as well as the close-knit campus community.

Leading Through Football

Today, Kozlowski spends plenty of time on Langhorst Field in his role as an offensive lineman. He’s also a member of the Football Leadership Council while balancing his coursework with a work-study position and an off-campus job. He enjoys contributing to a football program he believes is building toward long-term success.

“One of the reasons I came here was the opportunity to be part of a team that’s in a rebuilding process,” he says. “I can make an impact by being a foundation for the future and trying to be a leader in any way I can.”

Lessons that Go Beyond the Field

Kozlowski’s experience as a football player has also taught him lessons he plans to carry into his future classroom. After battling injuries in high school and adjusting to the increased competition of college athletics, Kozlowski learned that success must be earned through persistence and hard work. “You earn your spot, you earn your chance and you earn your opportunities,” he says.

Those experiences have reinforced an outlook he hopes to pass on to future students and athletes: Focus on what you can control, persevere through challenges and keep moving forward.

Building Community on Campus

Outside of athletics, Kozlowski values the many opportunities to get involved across campus. He believes Elmhurst offers something for everyone, whether through athletics, Greek life or student organizations, making it easy for students to find their place.

“My experience has been nothing but positive,” he says. “Academically or athletically, there’s always support around you.”

Preparing to Teach

That support extends into the classroom, where Kozlowski has deepened his appreciation for history by studying new topics and perspectives. While World War II has long been his favorite historical topic, his coursework has sparked new interests in U.S. history and World War I while reinforcing the importance of examining history from multiple viewpoints.

The University’s teacher preparation program has also given him confidence that he will be ready for his future career. Early field experiences and classroom observations allow him to begin developing practical teaching skills long before student teaching.

Part of Something Bigger

For Kozlowski, one of the best parts of being an Elmhurst student is knowing he is part of something bigger than himself.

“Between football and the education program, I’m making connections that make it clear that we’re all working toward common goals,” he says. “At Elmhurst, you truly feel part of the larger community.”

Whether he’s relaxing with teammates, exploring downtown Elmhurst, taking the Metra into Chicago for a Cubs or Blackhawks game, or celebrating a Bluejay football victory by ringing the bell after a win, Kozlowski embraces every opportunity to build memories and relationships as well as gain experience for the future.

He encourages prospective students to explore all Elmhurst University has to offer: “You won’t regret it,” he says. “Come in with an open mind. Give new things a try, take advantage of all the opportunities and get involved. If it feels like Elmhurst is for you, then it’s for you.”

Go Far. Do Well. Visit elmhurst.edu/Admission to take the first step toward your future.