Northwestern

Peter Snodgrass has been inspiring the Rare Disease Community for more than three years in a leadership role for the Northwestern Chapter and is the Chapter President. Peter has been instrumental in continuing a strong tradition of outstanding football student-athlete leaders for the Wildcats. He attended the Leadership Development Conference in 2018 and 2019, learning to become a stronger voice and inspiration to the Rare Disease Community.

“Uplifting Athletes is the first time I have been able to use my voice as a student-athlete to help others. Watching my brothers rally around the Rare Disease Community is truly THE most inspiring experience I have had at Northwestern. As a leader of our chapter, I have seen first hand the value that my teammates and I can give to the Rare Disease Community.”

A native of Palo Alto, California, Peter was a four-year captain during his high school years and played linebacker, center and long snapper. The fourth-year player is a long snapper for the Wildcats and made his collegiate debut in 2019, appearing in three games. The economics major and former Eagle Scout and President’s Gold Award honoree for community service has a heart for giving back.

Official Northwestern Bio

Joe Spivak joined the leadership team of Northwestern’s Uplifting Athletes’ Chapter in 2018, serving as the chapter Vice President in 2019. Joe attended the 2019 Leadership Development Conference and became passionate about the rare disease cause. He helped guide the Northwestern Chapter to successful Lift for Life events in 2019 and 2021. For his passionate work engaging with the rare disease patient community and his commitment to the cause, Joe was named to the 2020 Uplifting Athletes Rare Disease Champion Team. 

”I love football... but even more than that, I love the relationships that football has brought into my life. I believe that Uplifting Athletes is extending these unbreakable bonds into a community that needs them more than ever,” Northwestern Chapter Vice President Joe Spivak said. “I think most of the guys all agree that the money we raise is awesome, but to be able to serve as an example and extension of FAMILY to these families is what is really awesome! Uplifting Athletes brings us all together on the same team.”

The defensive tackle saw action as a true freshman in 2017, appeared in 22 games the next two seasons as a back-up before becoming a starter the second game of the 2020 season during the Wildcats’ run to the Big Ten West title. 

Official Northwestern Bio