VCU student recognized for his work to end sexual violence

By BeeGee Brem
University News Service

RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia Commonwealth University peer educator Jeremy Slivinski has been selected among 10 honorees for the "Men of Vision 2000" award by Virginians Aligned Against Sexual Assault, a coalition of institutions, private businesses, colleges and universities. The award recognized men who have served as exceptional role models in their work to end sexual violence against women. Slivinski, a 1995 graduate of James Madison High School in Vienna, Va., recently graduated from VCU’s School of Mass Communications. He is the only college student selected for the honor.

"It’s outstanding that VAASA recognizes men who are part of the solution and not the problem," Slivinski said. "I’m both excited and honored to have been chosen."

To fulfill part of the internship requirement for his degree program, Slivinski worked as an assistant and peer educator in VCU’s Office of Sexual Assault Programs, assisting the coordinator in program development and conducting workshops for fellow students and community organizations. He served on the planning committee for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Awareness Month. His involvement in the month-long event prompted Slivinski, the former president of a VCU fraternity and the Interfraternity Council, to implement a presentation on substance abuse and sexual violence for new members of fraternal organizations at VCU. Slivinski said the presentation received an excellent response on campus and hopes it sets an example for others to get involved in ending sexual violence.

VAASA will host an awards luncheon later this year to honor all those nominated and selected to be Men of Vision 2000.