A Standout on and off the Field
Dominik Taylor (’11), history
Leon Cole, physics instructor
Bill Thro, university counsel and Pre-Law Program advisor
Brian Vaganek, football coach
“By attending CNU at this pivotal time in the University’s history, I hoped to positively impact the campus while leaving a lasting legacy,” says Dominik Taylor. He has certainly left his mark and created lasting memories along the way. Dominik knows exactly what he wants in life. The opportunities he has received at CNU and the guidance of his mentors have given him the tools to accomplish his goals.
Dominik was born in Colorado and raised in Yorktown, Virginia. After graduating from Tabb High School, he had many reasons to attend CNU. He was drawn to the University’s smaller size, liberal arts education and winning football program. A history major, he plans on becoming a public interest and civil rights lawyer.
A member of the football team and president and chaplain of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, he has made the Dean’s List several times and served as vice president of Men of Vision of Excellence. In addition, he is a member of Phi Alpha Delta pre-law fraternity, Phi Alpha Theta history honor society, Order of Omega Greek honor society and the Multicultural Student Association.
“I have enjoyed much about my CNU experience,” Dominik says. “More than anything, I have enjoyed my involvement with the CNU football team and Alpha Phi Alpha.”
Through football and his association with one of his coaches, Brian Vaganek, Dominik learned how to be a leader — and, perhaps most importantly, that leadership comes through actions, not words. On and off the field, he inspired his teammates to work hard. “I am certain this silent leadership I learned will carry me far in life,” he says.
By joining Alpha Phi Alpha, Dominik increased his involvement on campus and in the community. It also provided him with a support system to succeed academically, and he cherishes the camaraderie of his fraternity. “I have gained brothers for life, who truly care about me and who will remain positive influences on me for the rest of my life,” Dominik states. “Becoming a member of Alpha Phi Alpha has definitely been the defining moment of my collegiate experience.”
Through his fraternity, Dominik met Leon Cole, chapter advisor of Alpha Phi Alpha who serves as a “life mentor” for him. “He always looks out for my best interests, and while he offers advice, he also emphasizes I must always make my own decisions and be accountable for my choices,” Dominik says. “We have had many fun times together at the fraternity-sponsored conferences we attend.”
Dominik met Bill Thro after declaring his major during sophomore year. “I told him I wanted to go to law school, and he promised me that if I kept my grades up, then he would help me get into a top law school,” recalls Dominik. “He definitely kept his word,” helping Dominik prepare for law school — locating internship opportunities, preparing for the Law School Admission Test and identifying schools that would be a good fit.
“He assured me everything would be fine and all my hard work would pay off, and he was right,” Dominik says. This fall he will attend Washington and Lee University School of Law.
“I want to make equality accessible to those in need and grant a voice to society’s downtrodden,” he says. “The law does not discriminate, and I want to ensure the law prevails in situations where people are being wronged.”
