Student Leadership in Practice: Conference, Retreat and Awards Ceremony
Yale Leadership Institute
On April 12, a small delegation of Fairfield students attended the Yale Leadership Institute for the “Spring 2014: Perspectives on Leadership Conference,” hosted at Yale University. This conference occurs annually to bring together leaders from campuses across the nation so students can learn from one another as well as from professional attendees. This year the conference sought to focus in on various leadership styles and how these styles develop in different fields and backgrounds. The conference used small-group settings during simulations, discussions, and workshops to foster better and stronger intimate interactions. Students commented on their positive experience:
“The executive seminar I listened to was Dexter B. Upshaw Jr., and I had the pleasure of eating dinner at a table with him and the rest of the Fairfield students later in the evening! I learned the most from this speaker and his presentation titled the “Five Lessons I WISH I Learned in College.” As a freshman here, I can see myself utilizing his tips as I move along and continue to engage in my own personal leadership process. One bit of advice from Mr. Upshaw that stuck with me was when he said, “The moment you have more ‘what’ than the ‘why,’ is when you’re not productive…just busy.”
“The fact that I was able to network with people from other schools was amazing. Also the opportunity to visit Yale was incredible. I learned so many things about leadership and about myself that will help me become a better leader in the future.”
All students who attended thoroughly enjoyed their time spent at Yale and look forward to attending again next year.
Photo above from Yale Leadership Institute, from l to r, Zoe Ferranti, Teon Smith, Hale Summers, DJ Horstmann, Claretta Mills
Senior Experience Program
During the day of Saturday, April 12, eight 天美传媒视频无限制观看 students embarked on an inaugural senior leadership program. The Senior Leadership Experience is a program offered in the spring to graduating seniors who have participated in several leadership development programs throughout their time at Fairfield. It is a daylong retreat in which students apply and share their previous leadership knowledge and experience and prepare to utilize it in their life after college. This year the program was hosted at The University of Rhode Island’s Center for Student Leadership Development North Woods Challenge Course facility. The program was kept small to focus more intently on the experiences of each individual student. Participants of this program commented on their experience:
“ Not only was the Challenge Course at the University of Rhode Island dynamic, interesting, and challenging, but our facilitator at URI was encouraging and fostered a fun and interesting group dynamic. The experience, for me, felt like a culmination of my leadership experience at Fairfield - it was great to be able to think about what I have learned about leadership over the past four years and to apply them to the tasks ahead of me. I was proud and inspired by the way each senior exemplified leadership in his or her own way throughout the program.”
" Going into [the Senior Experience Program], I knew or was familiar with all of the students I went with. However, during the process of solving problems and stepping outside our comfort zones I was able to grow closer to those I had already known and forge a friendship with those I hadn't. As a participant in leadership activities at Fairfield, I have learned to find comfort in being uncomfortable because that is how we grow.”
Overall this was a program that was thoroughly enjoyed by all seniors who attended. We hope to continue the Senior Leadership Experience program in the future to continue to foster and develop leaders at 天美传媒视频无限制观看.
In photo at top right, from Senior Experience Program, l to r, Tyler McClain, Pauline Santos, Michelle Ferrera, Justin Furtado, Jessica Lomia, Trish Dohney, Mary Grace Desantis, Hannah Patridge
Student Leadership Awards
The Sixth Annual Student Leadership Awards were hosted last Wednesday, April 16 in the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts.
Various student leaders were recognized for their commitment and dedication to the Fairfield community over the past year.
Photos are credited to Fred Kuo.
Story submitted by Kelly Conway ‘15, Accounting Major
