The Penn State Behrend Leadership Conference brought together students and staff at the Bayfront Convention Center this weekend to provide insight on leadership integrity and to guide students in the right direction in their college career and future.

 

In addition to roundtrip transportation, overnight lodging at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel, complimentary meals and entertainment, the annual event provided leadership group sessions and various speaker sessions led by students, staff, and professional motivational speakers.

 

The first presenter at the conference was Tom Krieglstein, a speaker and mentor of student leaders around the country. Krieglstein has visited over 550 different college campuses to share his insight on what it means to be a leader, and how to increase engagement within the Behrend community. Krieglstein shared his ‘Dance Floor Theory’ presentation to the 118 student leaders in attendance, who responded very well to the interactive activities and viral videos he shared. Kriegelstein quickly became a fan favorite and packed a full room at his session on Saturday morning.

 

“My favorite speaker was definitely Tom. He had a great energy, which was especially useful for the morning session. He gave great advice on managing a crazy lifestyle, which I found to be very appropriate to me,” said Anthony Ventura, a junior Political Science major.

 

The second day of the conference continued with various speaker sessions, including the Senior Director of Campus Planning and Student Affairs, Dr. Ken Miller. His presentation focused on Penn State Behrend’s Strategic Plan dedicated to enhancing Behrend’s campus facilities and establishing a strategy that engages ideas of action and collaboration with student, faculty, staff, industry, business, and community partners. Miller discussed the potential projects set aside as well as established the recreational problems that limits student’s resources on campus, including student parking, obtaining property from local residents, and space assessment for renovations.

 

Miller also touched upon the $3.28 billion Five-Year Capital Plan, which focuses on short-term renewal of existing facilities and systems. Penn State’s Board of Trustees has approved the funding and design of the most dedicated construction of the $25 million residence hall, Trippe Hall, which will be located near Ohio Hall and scheduled to open at the start of the 2018 fall semester. Other future plans for renovations to Behrend’s campus include not only the reconstruction of Erie Hall, which will be scheduled to open in the 2018 or 2019 academic semester, but Miller also plans to make Reed’s Parking lot a green space which will surround the new Erie Hall.

 

“Students seem to be extremely enthusiastic about the possibilities of Erie Hall,” said Chancellor Ralph M. Ford. “The recreation aspect is something everyone looks forward to seeing.”

 

Miller also expanded on the possibility of building a Digital Media, Arts, and Technology Center in the next couple years, which would include upgraded classrooms, space for band and choir, and a performing arts theatre. “I want students and visitors to get a ‘wow’ factor as soon as they enter the campus,” Miller told students. “That’s why I want this new building to be located where it will make an exceptional first impression of Behrend.”

 

Later that day, Dr. Madlyn L. Hanes, the Executive Chancellor of Penn State and Vice President of Commonwealth Campuses, spoke during the luncheon. Hanes spoke to the importance of maximizing your college experience and personal anecdotes on her college experience.

 

As a freshman at the University of Florida, Hanes was a hard working student that made excellent grades, but wasn’t involved in student life in the way she had hoped to be. Her experience with student government changed her college experience completely, transforming her into a natural leader and into the woman she is today.

 

Hanes encouraged  the students in attendance to become the leaders that will be champions for the campus and help it to move forward. She emphasized that all students should take pride in their work, saying, “believe that the work you do is important, because the mission of your organization is important.”

 

One of the last presentations was given by SGA President, Moustafa Elhadary, and Vice President, Hansel Lobo, about avoiding collective stupidity in clubs and organizations. In their interactive presentation, they spoke about the best techniques to nurture organizations and encourage healthy conflict that will bring about change.

 

A vital part of their presentation was a video from the popular TV show, “Brain Games.” The small snippet from the social conformity episode showed a social experiment where patients in a sitting room began following social norms without any reasoning behind them. Elhadary and Lobo used this funny and interesting video to start a riveting conversation about how norms and conformity are inhibiting us from becoming the best organizations we can be.  

Each year, the conference allows students to gain leadership experience and guidance towards a successful academic year and future. The conference offers helpful advice to students who strive to get involved on campus as well as outside the Behrend community. Students and staff who attend develop better leadership skills that benefit opportunities for their future.