Western Connecticut State University (WestConn) honored nine students who participated in the Hancock Student Leadership Program (HSLP).
The program, designed to inspire students to become stronger leaders, requires participants to spearhead a project which positively enhances the WestConn community.
Those awarded included Adaobi Ogbenta, Alanna Katz, Alexandria Almeida, Brianne LaCombe, Daniel Ravizza, Diana Frascone, Kayana McCalla, Laurie Lawless and Susan Akoth Owino.
Vice President of sorority Delta Gamma Phi, Alexandria Almeida, wanted her project to “bring a more positive image to Greek life” in spite of the negative media portrayal they have received in the past.
Almeida was able to coordinate an open forum about Greek life to help spread knowledge about the charities and community services that her sorority participates in.
“I learned a lot about myself as a leader,” Almeida said, “You have to be able to self-reflect and learn from your mistakes.”
Program participant, Danny Ravizza, took a more political approach to his project and organized a group of Connecticut State University students to lobby in Hartford against proposed cuts to the Connecticut State University System.
“Leaders need to be able to respond to outside elements,” Ravizza said, “They have to keep moving and be fluid.”
Vice President of Student Affairs, Committee Co-Chair, Dr. Walter Bernstein expressed that the world needed more of two things: “Love and leadership.”
- Mike Medeiros
Staff Writer
