Fall 2014/ Winter 2015 E-Leader

What’s in this issue? Page 1: The LDP Kick-Off

Page 2-3: Alumni in ActionPage 4: Annual Student Leadership

Conference keynote speaker revealedPage 5-9: Capstone Student Spotlight

Page 10: Get to know the new LDP Graduate Assistant

Page 10: Coordinators Corner

The E-Leader The Leadership Development Program’s Official Newsletter

Fall 2014/ Winter 2015 Edition

LDP Kick-off a Success

On September 26, the Leadership Development Program (LDP) held its annual Kick-Off event. A new high of over 250 students entering the Green, Gold, Presidential and Capstone Leadership Certificates gathered in the Union Ballroom to kick off a year of work-shops, conferences, skill building and commu-nity service. Coordinator of Leadership Development, Kim Piatt welcomed the new and returning members to the LDP. Piatt also introduced new Graduate Assistant, Hannah Torrance and welcomed speakers, Coordinator of Service & Community Building, Rich Harris as well as Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, Dr. Kathryn Wilson. The event became interactive when Piatt asked the student’s reflective based leadership based questions. The tables that consisted of Green and Gold level students were guided by students in the Presidential and Capstone Leadership Certificates. The diverse answers sparked a room wide discussion.

Additionally, students in the Gold Leadership Certificates found out what group they would be joining for their Social Action Project this year. Each student entering the Gold Leadership Program chose issues they would like to bring change to. Poverty, health care, bullying and LGBT issues a few causes the groups will be addressing. The event was a success and foreshadowed a great year for the Leadership Development Program. Welcome to the LDP Green Certificate Students, and welcome back all returning program members. We look forward to another successful year!

Alumni in Action: Amy Miller ‘13

Amy Miller, Class of 2013 was a member of the first graduating class of the Capstone Leadership Certificate. Miller used her four years with the Leadership Develop-ment Program to gain self-awareness, teamwork and to develop a deeper understanding of her role in society. It was her skills and experiences with the LDP that helped Miller earn a job as an AmeriCorps VISTA Leader with the Roch-ester Youth Year Fellowship program. Miller, who graduated with a B.S. in Health Science with a concentration in Com-munity Health Education currently oversees 12 Rochester Youth Year Fellows/Ameri-Corps VISTAs. Miller’s job includes conduct-ing monthly meetings, planning professional development, recruiting prospective new members, compiling reporting materials for grants, publicizing her program, and mento-ring the Rochester Youth Year fellows. Since graduating, Miller continues to put to work many of the things she has learned through the LDP.

“In my current position, I use the servant leadership model, emotional intelligence theory, and the five practices of exempla-ry leadership model on a daily basis while supporting our AmeriCorps VISTAs. Additionally, the StrengthsQuest Finder is a great talking point for job interviews,” said Miller. “I believe that without the LDP, I wouldn’t have learned about those methodologies until later in life.”

In 10 years, Miller plans to continue to help others any way she can whether via direct or indirect service. She also hopes to one day work in higher education or with a non-profit organization.

Miller (far right) with her Gold Leadership group volunteering at St. Mary’s, a refuggee shelter in 2010.

Through her experiences with the LDP, Miller advises current as well as future students to take advantage of the benefits offered from the Leadership Development Program.

“Leadership development serves you in all aspects of your life. Everyone has the potential to be a great leader if given the skills. I believe the LDP gives you those necessary skills and helps you find your leadership abilities,” said Miller. “Taking ad-vantage of this opportunity will have tremendous benefits for you personally and professionally.”

If you have any questions about Rochester YouthYear, you can contact Amy at [email protected].

Miller (pictured) currently oversees 12 Rochester Youth Year Fellows/ AmeriCorps VISTAs.

AmeriCorps VISTA is a national service that has worked to end poverty since 1965.

Alex Sheen chosen as Annual Leadership Conference keynote Speaker

The Leadership Development Program is proud to announce that the 2014-15 capstone leadership students have chosen Alex Sheen, founder of the “because I said I would” organization to be the keynote speak-er for the Annual Student Leadership Con-ference taking place in February, 15 2015. Additionally, the capstone leadership students have chosen the theme for this year’s confer-ence as “I promise to. . . ”.

“Because I said I would” is a non-profit, social movement that works to better humanity through promises made and kept. The organization that is dedicated to Sheen’s late father, sends out “promise cards” free of charge to encourage commitment to the promises people make for positive change. Sheen’s organization emphasizes commit-ment, one of the main values taught through the Leadership Development Program. From helping a drug addict go to rehab to his own personal promise to walk over 200 miles to raise awareness for victims of sexual violence, Sheen has helped establish positive better changes all over the world.

Sheen’s dedication to keeping promises makes him the best fit Keynote speaker for the Annual Student Leadership Conference. The Leadership Development Program looks forward to having Sheen on our campus to inspire our students to make and keep promises that can improve our community.

A graduate of Ohio State University, Sheen (pictured) left his corporate job to dedicate his time to spreading of message of the “because I said I would” organization.

The “because I said I would” organization provides note cards that students send to themselves to remind themselves of a promise they made that will better their lives.

Kayla Accordino Major: BFA Dance & Interdisciplinary Arts for Children with a Concentration in DanceHometown: Buffalo, NY Extra-Curricular Activities:Student Dance Organization and Senior Resident Assistant “The LDP has continually helped me to come out of my comfort zone and has helped me make connections with people from across campus that I

normally wouldn’t connect with.”

David AlbaranesMajor: Exercise ScienceHometown: Massapequa Long Island, NYExtra-Curricular Activities:President of Omicron Delta Kappa, Exercise Physiology 1 tutor, Captain of Brockport Men’s Gymnastics, Club Athlete of the Year 2012, USA Gymnastics Scholarship Recipient, Undergraduate Research Present-er at 2014 ACSM Regional Conference, Member of Phi Epsilon Kappa Honor Society, Member of National Society of Collegiate Scholars and Mentor in the Employee Fitness Program

“Each year through my academic involvement I’ve grown as a student, but each year in the Leadership Development Program I’ve matured as a

person!”

Capstone Student Spotlight The highest level of the Leadership Development Program, the Capstone certificate program involvesculminating leadership experience to bring change to the world. This year’s Capstone certificate students, have dedicated their time and used their three years of hard working experiences with the Leadership Development Program to help plan this year’s Annual Student Leadership Conference. On top of that, this class also created the “#truebrockport” campaign to display the positive attributes of the College at Brockport. All seniors, these students display excellent leadership skills and serve as role models for students everywhere. No matter where they decide to go after graduation, these students serve as positive representations of what this program stands for and wholeheartedly possess the skills to bring positive change to the world after graduation this spring.

Kendra Andrew

Major: Psychology/Biological Sciences with a minor in ChemistryHometown: Hoosick Falls, NYExtra-Curricular Activities: Member of the Honors College and the Biology Honors Program, Chapter President of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Psychology Tutor for the Student Learning Center & E.O.P., Volunteer at the Traumatic Brian Injury Unit at Unity Hospital, McNair Scholar, Research Assistant in a Choice Behavior lab (Psychology Department) and in a Neurobiology lab (Biology Department)

“The Leadership Development Program has provided me with the guidance to develop my own definition of leadership through a series of

workshops and tasks. Through this program, I have sharpened my leader-ship skills and I am now more confident in my abilities leading others.”

Chelsea Benning

Major: Anthropology with a minor in BiologyHometown: Orchard Park, NYExtra-Curricular Activities: Brockport Circle K Vice President and “Tunnel of Oppression” committee member

“The Leadership Development Program has helped me to feel confident in my leadership skills, and to take on challenges that I normally would not

be comfortable conquering.”

Amber Blidy

Major: Biology with a minor in Chemistry and Spanish Hometown: Springville, NYExtra-Curricular Activities: Biology Honors Club, Foreign Language Club, Circle K, the Honors Program, NSCS, peer mentoring, independent lab research, EOP tutor and volunteer at Oak Orchard Health in Brockport as well as at Unity Hospital

“The Leadership Program has helped me to develop into a more confident person, someone who is willing to stand up for their beliefs

and take a chance. It has also made me aware of the responsibilities you accept as a leader.”

Daniela Bulos

Major:Psychology/ Women and Gender StudiesHometown: Bronx, NYExtra-Curricular Activities: Student Ambassador, Resident Assistant, LAUNCH peer mentor, Women’s Center Advisory Board, Student Conduct Board, and Biological Sciences & Psychology LLC mentor

“The LDP Program has been an incredible learning journey. Through the LDP program I have been able to learn more about myself and grow as a leader. The program has taught me several leadership skills and allowed

me to put them into action.”

Allyson Burkhart

Major: Biology with a minor in Chemistry and EnglishHometown: Virginia Beach, VAExtra-Curricular Activities: Biology Honors Program, Sigma Tau Delta Honor Society, Circle K and Pre-Professional Health Club

“Without the LDP, I would not be where I am today. I am forever grateful to those who have invested in my leadership journey and have helped me

accomplish the development of my leadership skills.”

Sarah Gelfand

Major: Communication/ Sociology Hometown: Cairo, NYExtra-Curricular Activities: President of Habitat for Humanity, Treasurer for ODK, Homecoming and Family Weekend co-Chair, LAUNCH peer mentor and Resident Assistant

“I credit the Leadership program for teaching me all I know about leadership and what it means to be a change agent. Through this pro-

gram, I have been able to learn best practices and skills to help me in my extra curricula’s and beyond. I have been able to apply these skills in my academics as well in my co-curricular involvement. I have learned what it means to be a team member, a team leader, and what it means to be a bystander and critically think about a situation and what I can add to it.”

Michele Huck

Major: Anthropology with a minor in BiologyHometown: Loudonville, NYExtra-Curricular Activities: Brockport Circle K, Peer Mentor, Conduct Board Member, Tunnel of Oppression Committee Member and member of National Society of Collegiate Scholars

“The program helped me by letting me explore who I really am and gave me a new direction on life.”

Lydia Kehl

Major:Criminal Justice Major with a minor in Forensic Science Hometown: Sheldon, NYExtra-Curricular Activities: Student Director of Undergraduate Admissions, Student Ambassadors, Intern at U.S. Marshals Service, Senior Council, Undergraduate Admissions Student Worker, Green Leadership Mentor, Homecoming Street Team Volunteer and Saturday of Service Team Leader

“The Leadership Development Program has helped me to find my strengths and discover ways to best utilize them. I have developed new ways of viewing situations and consider all aspects before forming opin-ions. I have learned so much about myself and my fellow Capstone stu-

dents and am thankful for all the opportunities that have been presented throughout this program.”

Will Mitchell

Major: Business Administration with a concentration in Management and a mi-nor in Communication StudiesHometown: Penfield, NYExtra-Curricular Activities: President of Brockport Student Government

“The LDP has helped me develop my foundation for leadership which has enabled me to grow tremendously as a leader.”

Beth Pagliuca

Major: Kinesiology/PsychologyHometown: Medford, NYExtra-Curricular Activities: Student Supervisors of Intramurals for Campus Recreation and Delta College Intern

“To me the LDP has been opportunity to reinvent my leadership style and change how I handle situations that I face as a leader.”

Amy Sawdey

Major: Mathematics with a minor in Communication StudiesHometown: Webster, NYExtra-Curricular Activities: Resident Assistant, Union Programming Assistant, Orientation Leader andHomecoming/ Family Weekend Co-Chair

“The Leadership Development Program was what started it all for me. It helped me realize my full potential and turned me into an engaged stu-

dent. This program has led me to meet many amazing mentors on and off this campus and I am so lucky to have been a part of it.”

Amie Zwecker

Major: Journalism & Broadcasting with a concentration in Public Relations and a minor in film Hometown: Farmington, NYExtra-Curricular Activities: VP for Public Relations club, club tennis team, off-campus representative, worker at Harrison dining hall and promotions for three Stephen’s Media group radio stations; 941.1 the Zone, Fickle 93.3 and Warm 101.3

“Leadership is ultimately about creating a way for people to contribute to making something extraordinary happen’ - Alan Keith. The leadership program here has taught me that in every way. The leadership program gave me the opportunity to go to I-LEAD 2012 and that is where I heard

that quote and have taken it to heart.”

Welcome Hannah!

Coordinators Corner

The Leadership Development Program (LDP) is pleased to welcome Hannah Torrance as the graduate assistant for the program. In her role, Torrance will coordinate all aspects of the Green Leadership Certificate and support the overall mission of the program. A native of Henderson, Nevada, Torrance received her bachelor’s degree in communications and political science from Chapman College in Orange, California. There she was a member of the Phi Sigma Sigma sorority. Currently, Torrance attends Canisus College in Buffalo working towards her master’s degree in student affairs. In her free time, Torrance enjoys reading, cooking and playing with her dogs. She is also a big fan of “Gilmore Girls”, “Parks and Recreation” and “The Office”. Torrance looks forward to helping students in the program develop their leadership skills. Welcome to the LDP Team, Hannah!

Torrance (pictured) joined the LDP team in the summer of 2014.

By: Kim Piatt, Coordinator of Leadership Development

I recently received an email from an alum of the program who is working as the Emerging Leaders Coordina-tor for Leadership Rochester. Currently, she is in Costa Rica, working with orphans and connecting to her background as a graduate of the Social Work Program. It was so nice to hear from a graduate of the program who took the time to let us know how much of an impact the LDP had and continues to have on her. Receiving emails and correspondence like this truly demonstrates the best parts of this program. These days, more and more employers are looking for applicants who not only have the content knowledge related to the specific job but also those intangible skills that come from experience as opposed to careful study. Working with the program over the past few years has provided me with the incredible opportunity to watch students, like this alum, grow in their development of these skills and their under-standing of themselves as a leader. This year has brought even more growth to the LDP. For the second year, we are offering the Sports Leadership Certificate – a collaboration with Athletics and Campus Rec-reation designed specifically for student athletes. We have our biggest class of Capstone Certificate Students yet – and certainly expect big things from this group!

At the Annual Student Leadership Conference, we are preparing to welcome back nearly 30 alumni presenters to speak to our students, the largest number of alums to date! Finally, this fall, we were recognized with a SUNY Outstanding Student Affairs Program Award for 2014. To say that the program has been flourish-ing is an understatement. But with all the program enhancements, one thing remains steadfast. The true success of the program is not in the awards received or other forms of recognition, but in the success stories of each of our individual students – the impact that our graduates feel long after leaving Brockport.

Special thanks to . . . .

Amy Miller, LDP Alumni The 2014-15 Capstone Leadership certificate class

Hannah TorranceKim Piatt

Newsletter written and designed by: Justin Sullivan, LDP PR Intern

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