The NCSL Leadership Conference was held in Boston from April 4-7. Four hundred participants were in attendance from schools as far as Guam! Here's a look at what one UMW student thought of it: "The 2013 NCSL leadership conference in Boston was amazing! I learned practical leadership skills to implement in my own life and I learned how to succeed after college. Not only did I gain advice to grow as a leader but I was able to network with some of the top leaders in the country in various fields. I loved how the keynote speakers were present to talk to us after their speeches. The workshops have completely changed the way I see challenges and how I approach goals. Through my interactions with a couple of the keynote presenters I have made some valuable connections to help me throughout college and with life after graduation. One of the big takeaways I got out of the conference is always put yourself outside of your comfort zone in order to achieve success." Mary-Kate McCleary … [Read more...]
Newt Gingrich at Mt. Vernon
February 22, 2013 marked George Washington’s 281st birthday. Most of us did not give it much thought. We remember George, but he is not relevant to our lives today, is he? Things are different now and George was one of those rare birds in history, the indispensable man. Right place, right time, right man, right? Not much we can learn from someone who just happened to bring all the best characteristics of what we value as Americans to bear through a life of service, leadership and honor, right? Well last Friday, myself and a student from the Leadership Living Learning Community had a chance to hear why George matters. We were invited to Mt. Vernon where Newt Gingrich, Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, history teacher, and writer, gave a fascinating speech on why we should rethink what we know about George and reengage with him as a role model and example. This is only the beginning of a growing relationship we at UMW are establishing with Mt. Vernon and their … [Read more...]