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Jonny Cagwin: influencing the influencers at Pitt and CMU

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“If I have seen farther than others, it is because I was standing on the shoulder of giants.
– Isaac Newton

Standing at six feet, three inches tall, Jonny Cagwin could not technically be considered a giant in height, but the substantial effect he has on the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University is a different story.

Jonny serves as a CCO (Coalition for Christian Outreach) staff worker and Director of Campus Ministries at Church of the Ascension in Pittsburgh, PA. He functions as the church’s arm to Pitt and CMU. Jonny reaches many of the Isaac Newtons of the student body: the leaders, the influencers, the students marked with potential to make a difference.

“A significant part of what I do is to provide a place for these students to discuss the large issues in life,” says Jonny.

Jonny leads a weekly Bible study with student athletes at CMU where they engage in discussions of faith and what it looks like to live out a Christian worldview on their campuses. He also meets with students one-on-one to continually stay involved in their lives.

In a world inundated with iPods and iPhones, college provides the perfect breeding ground for student egotism. With their chaotic and diverse schedules, it’s difficult to motivate students to focus on anything beside themselves.

“I find it challenging to get students to cast visions—to see beyond their tasks for the day,” says Jonny, “I try to encourage them, hoping that they see how powerful they are and the impact that they can make in this world.”

Jonny permeates this culture by getting students involved. As the advisor for Pitt’s Panther Habitat for Humanity Chapter, Jonny takes the opportunity to pour out into students, as they serve the community together by rebuilding homes for impoverished families. He has taken students on winter and spring break trips to Columbus, GA and Washington, D.C. to further expand their learning and outreach.

“I help bring the church to them [the students] because it’s a lot less intimidating,” explains Jonny. Many students feel disconnected, and Jonny’s presence in their lives allows them to find a place where they belong.

Most of these students encounter few people willing to challenge them as leaders among their peers. Jonny’s compassionate personality and devotion shapes an environment for students to flourish. He is a leader developing leaders with a hunger to change lives in gigantic ways.