With the spring sports season canceled at its very beginning (or before it even started, for some Union teams) due to the COVID-19 pandemic, UnionAthletics.com will spend the next few months spotlighting many of the Union seniors whose athletic careers came to a premature end. Previous senior profiles can be viewed by heading to http://www.unionathletics.com/seniorspotlights.
 
After spending his first two seasons in the second varsity boat, Nicholas Kender moved up to the six-seat of the varsity 8 boat during his junior year, helping the Dutchmen to three Liberty League Boat of the Week honors and wins in four of their first five races of the season. In his first collegiate season, he helped the freshman 8 take first in the preliminaries of the New York State Championships (the finals were cancelled due to weather), and again spent his sophomore year in the second varsity boat, earning the team's Coaches Award.
 
In addition to his time with the Dutchmen, Kender is the President of UBike, works at the Becker Career Center and is a head Residence Adviser. The economics and mathematics double major also is a two-year Liberty League All-Academic Team selection and a Dean's List student.
 
What has been your favorite moment as a student-athlete at Union?
My favorite moments on the crew team are when we row against St. Lawrence at Long Lake in the final races of the season.
 
How has being a student-athlete at Union benefited you over the last four years?
As a student-athlete, I have been able to meet some of my closest friends at Union on the crew team.
 
What has been your most meaningful experience outside of athletics?
I have worked in the Becker Career Center as a Peer Career Advisor, where I was able to work with students in the career planning process.
 
Who was/is your favorite professor at Union and why?
My favorite professor at Union is Mehmet Fuat Sener [Professor of Economics]. I took two of his courses and he was my economics thesis advisor. I learned a ton from him about thinking with an economic mind.
 
Do you have plans for post-graduation yet?  If so, what are they?
I plan to work as a Data Analyst or an Actuarial Analyst, still waiting to hear back!
 
What advice would you give to younger athletes about their time at Union?
Take every stroke like it's your last, because you never know when it could be the last one.