Nikki Chinn passes away

Student News | Monday, October 28, 2024

Above: Nikki Chinn at Commencement in 2022.

With heavy hearts, we share the news of the passing of Columbus State alumna and former Scholar Network Student Ambassador Coordinator Nikki Chinn. In honor of her final wish, Chinn’s Celebration of Life will be a Halloween-themed party on Friday, Nov. 8 from 7 to 10 p.m. at Whetstone Shelterhouse, Park of Roses, 3901 N. High St., Columbus. Costumes or wearing purple are encouraged as we celebrate her life..

Chinn graduated Cum Laude in 2022 with a degree in Social Work and Human Services. During her time at Columbus State from 2015 to 2022, she was a foundational leader of the Scholar Network Program and a dedicated member of the Student Ambassador Leadership Program, TRiO Student Support Services, Women's Connection, and Phi Theta Kappa. 

As a foster care alumnus, she passionately devoted her life to advocating for youth in and out of care, making a statewide and national impact. Nikki made a profound difference in countless lives through her mentorship in the Scholar Network Program, empowering students to overcome barriers and thrive. 

Her unwavering dedication transformed the Scholar Network into a beacon of hope, establishing it as the leading support program for former foster youth at post-secondary institutions across Ohio. In addition, she played a pivotal role in creating Scholar House III, establishing Ohio’s first foster youth ombudsman office, and successfully shutting down abusive residential facilities across the state. Chinn will be deeply missed by the Columbus State community, and her legacy will continue to inspire.

If you have questions, or you plan to possibly attend the Celebration of Life mentioned above, you are asked to email organizers at watch.maladaptive@gmail.com. 

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