Nick's success is an example of conquering obstacles in life. Nick's college career started as a Materials Science and Engineering in University of Illinois- Urbana-Champaign with Ivan Racheff MatSE Scholarship. He also received scholarship from the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association for academic achievement. The future seemed so bright. Unfortunately, he encountered health problem, and had to put his college life on hold. During his recovery, he worked for an engineering contractor Washington Group International, which kept his engineering dream alive. Recalling his good experience in SIUE as a visiting student taking summer classes, he decided to be enrolled in SIUE Mechanical Engineering Program. His perseverance earned him induction to Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, and an Outstanding Senior title tonight.

Nick is from Edwardsville, and is a son of Gregory and Catherine Rybak. He will be taking his third co-op this summer, and plans to graduate in December this year.