Student Profile: Peter “Max” Kirwin

Peter “Max” Kirwin is a junior forensic chemistry major from Portsmouth, Rhode Island. He is also a leader.

From his first days at Buffalo State, Kirwin knew that he wanted to be a leader. “I had no idea what to expect from college,” he said, “but once I was introduced to the student leaders on campus, I knew that being one was something I couldn’t pass up.” From that point on, he was determined to pursue his interest.

During his sophomore year, Kirwin became a peer mentor in Neumann Hall—tutoring, advising, and relaying information to first-year students. Currently, he is still a peer mentor, as well as an office assistant at Perry Hall and an orientation assistant for the Orientation and New Student Programs Office.

In summer 2011, Kirwin received an Institute for Leadership Education and Development (I-LEAD) scholarship from the Association of College Unions International (ACUI). Included with the scholarship was the opportunity to attend the ACUI six-day conference in Chicago. At the conference, Kirwin developed his leadership capabilities among more than 850 professionals and students.

Since returning to Buffalo State, Kirwin has been working hard to inspire others with what he learned. “I encourage others to become all that they can,” Kirwin said. “The small things really can make a difference. Every day, I do something small to encourage someone to strive for the best. Everyone has the potential to be a great leader—it’s all a matter of striving for it.”

This spring, Kirwin will begin his senior year at Buffalo State. After graduating, he plans to go on to graduate school for either forensics (a passion he’s had since age 8), or student affairs (recently inspired by his work at Buffalo State).