Delaware Valley University Students Participate in LeaderShape Institute
A group of 41 Delaware Valley University students participated in a six-day, intensive leadership development program over winter break. The LeaderShape Institute and DelVal partnered to host a session of the Institute from Jan. 12 through Jan. 17 in Mount Bethel, Pennsylvania. The LeaderShape Institute is recognized nationally as one of the premier leadership development programs for college students.
The University received two new gifts, of $50,000 each, from William and Laurie Schutt and NJM Insurance Group, that funded this year’s program for students. The gifts will also make it possible for students to attend next year. This is the third consecutive year that DelVal donors have sponsored this opportunity for students.
“I look forward to seeing new energy and ideas on campus as the students who participated in this amazing learning opportunity implement what they learned,” said DelVal Vice President for Campus Life and Inclusive Excellence Dr. April Vari. “Leadership development provides students with in-demand skills that can help set them apart as they pursue their personal and professional goals. We are grateful to our donors for providing this life-changing growth opportunity for DelVal students.”
The LeaderShape Institute is an intensive, energizing and unique residential educational experience designed to prepare young adults to lead with integrity. With an active and experiential approach to learning, students explore diverse facets of leadership. Each student is challenged and supported to develop ideas and goals around an issue they are passionate about.
Through the LeaderShape Institute, DelVal students meet new people and forge new friendships; learn about themselves, other people and leadership; evaluate their strengths and areas for development; create a personal action plan for a cause they care about; and become part of a national network of LeaderShape alumni.
Brandon Clegg ’20, who is passionate about using education to promote environmental conservation, attended the 2019 session of the Institute as a participant. This year, he returned as a student coordinator and helped facilitate the program for his peers.
“LeaderShape provides so many incredible opportunities for self-growth, reflection and beyond,” said Clegg. “The connections I made during my time in the program still persist now a year later, and I believe they will continue. Now, as I’m back in an on-site student coordinator role, I get the privilege of being able to watch students experience what I did and helping to foster those opportunities. LeaderShape has been a life-changing experience in both of the roles I’ve played, and I recommend it to anyone willing to give it their full commitment.”
Credit: Delaware Valley University. Delaware Valley University student Devon Speid ’21, a business administration major, presents during an activity at LeaderShape.
For more information, please visit leadershape.org/Institute.
Donate to Support LeaderShape: To support future LeaderShape experiences for DelVal students, please visit delval.edu/giving and note “LeaderShape” in the other box and/or comments field or, mail a check payable to Delaware Valley University with “LeaderShape” noted in the memo. Checks should be mailed to External Affairs, Delaware Valley University, 700 East Butler Avenue, Doylestown, PA 18901.