Leadership Institute Celebrates 20 Years
Accomplished alumni shared their experiences with more than 220 first-year and sophomore student leaders Feb. 7 at the 2015 Lafayette Leadership Institute, “Stories of Student Leadership: Past, Present, and Future.”
The annual conference, celebrating its 20th year, provides workshops to help student leaders further enhance their leadership skills. The program is directed by Pam Brewer, director of student leadership, and a student leader intern. This year’s intern was Cory Spera ’15, a biology major, who has conducted EXCEL Scholar research with Steve Mylon and Rebecca Kissane. He is captain of the baseball team, a participant in Oaks Leadership Academy, peer mentor for ATTIC, and serves on the Senior Class Gift committee.
James Kohl ’97, dean of student affairs and enrichment at University of Massachusetts Lowell, gave the keynote address: “Stories of Leadership Lessons Learned: Successes and Successful Failures.” The panels and workshops were led by former institute interns.
The institute, which began in 1996, is made possible by the Class of 1968 Leadership Fund.
A special reception was held at day’s end to honor Brewer who had announced her plans to retire Feb. 27 after 26 years of service to the College.
Get more info at sites.lafayette.edu/lleconference
Past and present institute leaders with Pam Brewer (center) include Alexis Siemons ’05 (front row, L-R), Allyssa Grimbilas Tzavlakis ’01, Carrie Damico Casey ’00, Jade Saybolt ’16; (second row, L-R): Lauren Howland ’11, Mevan Jayasinghe ’08, Caitlin Flood ’12, Nick Keller ’09, Amanda Pisetzner ’10; (third row, L-R): Corey Spera ’15, Colleen Walsh Cardella ’06, Meghan Ramsey ’04, Brad Bormann ’14, James Kohl ’97, Glen Robinson ’13, and Matt Plunkett ’99.
Former Institute Leaders
| Brad Bormann ’14 Teach for America, Fast Track Success Academy |
Nicholas W. Keller ’09 law clerk, Peter E. Doyne, assignment judge, Bergen Vicinage |
Dr. Meghan Ramsey ’04 pulmonary and critical care fellow, Clinical Excellence Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine |
| Glenford Robinson ’13 SUNY Downstate College of Medicine |
Mevan Jayasinghe ’08 assistant professor of human resources and labor relations, Michigan State University |
Allyssa Grimbilas Tzavlakis ’01 management consultant, Excel Rain Man |
| Caitlin Flood ’12 New York University School of Law |
Dr. Colleen Walsh Cardella ’06 obstetrics-gynecology, Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center |
Carrie Damico Casey ’00 associate director of clinical management, PPD |
| Lauren Howland ’11 University of Albany School of Public Health |
Alexis Siemons ’05 tea consultant and writer |
Matthew Plunkett ’99 history teacher, soccer coach, The Brearley School |
| Amanda Pisetzner ’10 staff associate producer, NBC News Peacock Productions |