Ten student leaders from Penn State Worthington Scranton's Student Government Association (SGA) recently attended a university Summer Leadership Conference at University Park, in State College, PA.
The three-day conference brought together student representatives from all regional Penn State campuses. Participants attended several workshops aimed at enhancing their leadership skills, and participated in special PRIDE groups. PRIDE groups consisted of 12-15 students and an assigned mentor that worked on specific tasks and a community service project in the State College area.
"It was a great conference and will be very beneficial in that our students who attended are now able to bring back what they learned to our campus," said Nanci Purcell, associate director of student affairs at Worthington Scranton, and SGA advisor.
Worthington Scranton students who attended were: Dustin Bowen, Scranton; Miguel Cepeda, Scranton; Jason Chilipko, Old Forge; Corey Chorba, Throop; Jennifer Coutts, Paupack; Amanda Fumani, Waymart; Lisa Hatton, Dunmore; Stacey Lindsay, Scranton; and Liz Yablonski, Scranton.
Mr. Chilipko, a business major, is the SGA president for the 2008-09 academic year and will serve along with Robert Armstrong, an engineering major from Throop, who is vice president. Mr. Chorba, who will serve as treasurer, is majoring in Human Development and Family Studies, while Ms. Yablonski, a business major, will be assistant treasurer. Ms. Hatton, an education major, will serve as secretary. Mr. Bowen, a business major, is the public relations chair and will be responsible for all publicity for the SGA and its events.
Mr. Cepeda, a business major, is this year's THON chair - overseeing Worthington Scranton's fundraising and participation in the annual dance marathon fundraiser held each year at University Park. THON is an annual, student-run event that raises money for the Four Diamonds Fund of the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, benefitting children with cancer. He is also a Lion Ambassador for the Worthington Scranton campus, volunteering his time and assistance at various campus events and gatherings.
Bill Bryan, director of student and enrollment services, said he was very impressed with the students' input during the conference's educational sessions and their interaction with other attendees.
"Their involvement, leadership skills, engagement, and professionalism all represented Worthington Scranton and our incoming and returning students in an exceptional way," he said.