Nikki Middleton: What It Means to be a Griff

By: Andrew Nowel, Contributing Writer

From the moment every freshman in the last four years stepped on campus, Nikki Middleton greeted them with a smile that helped these new Griffs feel at home. That’s how it was for me two years ago when I began my Canisius journey and met Nikki, the then graduate assistant of the Office for Student Engagement and Leadership Development. As she moves on from the university, it’s time to reflect on Nikki Middleton’s impact on so many Griffs.

Middleton grew up in the small town of Caledonia, NY and is a fourth-generation graduate from the local high school. She found herself at Daemen University, enjoying the small-school feel similar to that of her high school. Yet Daemen – even though similar to her high school – was notably different. “I went from a small town where everyone knew me to a place where no one knew me and it was quite jarring,” Nikki said, reminiscing about her freshman year at Daemen. She continued, adding, “My RA Joe was the first person to remember my name and he asked me about my classes while also just simply being nice.” Little did she know that eight years later, she herself would be the impact that so many people never knew they needed.

As I began to adjust to Canisius life, I decided to go on the leadership retreat, a once-a-semester event where students learn how to be leaders in their everyday lives. During the fall of 2023, Middleton was beginning her second year as the graduate assistant for SELD and was tasked with planning the weekend retreat at Beaver Hollow. When I walked off the bus on the first afternoon of the retreat, one of the first people to greet me was Nikki. Not only did she learn more about who I am as a person, but she got to know all the things I am interested in – just like her RA Joe did so many years ago.

As the year progressed, I would see Middleton around campus and she’d always ask how my classes were going along with each club I was involved in. By the end of my “first year” – she deemed this my nickname during the leadership retreat – we became good friends and as her graduate program came to its end, we knew her smile wouldn’t be around campus much longer. 

However, Middleton chose to stay on in a full-time position as an assistant director for SELD after her graduation in May. The main reason for her return to Canisius was the feeling that she wasn’t ready to leave. “The draw was being able to help people,” said Middleton. “I’ve helped proofread resumes, cover letters, emails to professors, break-up messages, first date messages. I’ve helped find apartments and watched students change majors in which they find their true passion. Honestly, I’m just happy to be there for people,” she explained.

As Nikki leaves Canisius for a job at George Mason University in Virginia, she remembers how her time in Buffalo has built her into the Nikki Middleton we know and love. For Middleton, Canisius is just special – three plus years of memories that she will carry with her for a lifetime. “It has this way of seeing what you're missing in life and giving it to you in the ways you’d least expect and I didn’t want to start my career with any other group of students,” Middleton said when asked about staying at Canisius after graduating in 2024.

As I think back to all the little moments I’ve been able to have with Nikki, whether that be on retreats or just around campus, I reminisce about how much I’ve grown just by talking to her. That’s an impact that cannot be undone and will live in my heart forever. So thank you, Nikki, for being there for everyone you’ve helped in the little moments and the big ones. George Mason is lucky to have the heart and soul of what it means to be a Griff. Caring for the whole person is Nikki Middleton.