The Windy City Times, Chicago’s largest newspaper serving the LGBTQ community, selected third-year Derek Ciszek for one of its annual 30 Under 30 award. The 30 Under 30 awards, established in 2000, honor 30 LGBTQ activists, journalists, students, volunteers, and performers under the age of 30 for their positive contribution to the LGBTQ community. Nominated by members of the community, the honorees are featured in a June issue of the paper that will run around the time of the annual Pride Parade.

According to Kathy Forde in the College adviser’s office, “Derek was chosen, in part, for his work on LGBT human rights issues.” Ciszek is active in community service activities as well.

Ciszek will be honored, along with the 29 other award recipients, at a celebration on June 8 at the Hilton Chicago, held by the Windy City Times and co-hosted by the AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Lesbian Community Cancer Project, and Chicago House.