For Eli Givens, leadership has never been about the title. It’s about showing up for others, creating community, and using your platform to make a difference. As president of Marian University’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), Givens has spent the past two years doing just that: finding ways to bring student-athletes together while making an impact beyond campus.
Through a toy drive held during basketball season, Givens helped bring Marian athletes and fans together to support families during the holidays. For him, initiatives like this show how sports can be a vehicle for service and community.
He also helped create and host the Shield Awards, an event that celebrates student athletes and recognizes the dedication, leadership, and hard work across Marian athletics. The awards became more than a celebration; they became a way to honor the people and culture behind each program.
Most recently, Givens helped lead the sale of “Jesus Won” shirts to raise funds for the Crossroads League, combining faith and service in a way that reflects what matters most to him.
Whether planning events, serving others, or advocating for his fellow athletes, Givens has helped shape SAAC into more than a student organization. Under his leadership, it has become a space for connection, service, and meaningful impact. What stands out most about Eli’s leadership is the way he leads with others in mind. He is committed to building people up, celebrating others, and creating opportunities for student athletes to use their voices and serve their communities. For Marian student-athletes, his influence goes far beyond competition. Through his leadership, he has helped foster a culture where service is valued, accomplishments are recognized, and athletes are encouraged to make a difference on and off the field.