Creating waves of change: 20th Annual Student Leadership Conference
The University of Houston-Clear Lake hosted its 20th Annual Student Leadership Conference Saturday, Nov. 5.
Free registration was offered to all UHCL students. The one-day conference offered nine workshops, a keynote speech and meals for participants.
Participants were asked to bring a canned good for the Galveston County Food Bank in an effort to promote community engagement.
“It was a sense of community,” said Sandy Samaan, biology major. “It was awesome seeing all the different schools joined in belief that effective leadership is something we can all care about and work towards.”
The Student Leadership, Involvement and Community Engagement (SLICE) program from the Student Life Office organized the conference.
“The SLICE team began planning for the conference in early July,” said Kanalyn Jackson, coordinator of student life. “We wanted to create a conference that would get students excited about leadership on their campus. “Creating Waves of Change” is the embodiment of this idea.”
This year’s 20th anniversary conference included special guest Sue Fellman, founder of the UHCL Student Leadership Conference.
Fellman, who retired from UHCL in 2006, was heavily involved with campus leadership organizations, committees and activities as a graduate student at UHCL. She was hired as Coordinator for the Student Life Office in 1992 and then promoted to assistant director where she was in charge of student organizations, the Student Government Association and leadership development programs for students.
“Sue Fellman did an exceptional job in creating a student leadership conference from nothing that very quickly became well known across the state,” said David Rachita, dean of students.
The conference was open to all colleges and universities around the country with a $50 registration fee.
“The conference was exciting,” said Andrew Reitberger, director of student life. “In addition to our own student leaders, we had students from other parts of the state and Louisiana. It was exciting on our 20th anniversary to see so many former student leaders and employees come back and both attend and present workshops. It really shows what a longstanding reputation the conference has in this region.”
Student participants had opportunities to network, learn and engage as developing leaders.
“I had the chance to meet a lot of people from different schools who I was able to build new friendships with,” said Maian Cao, healthcare administration major. “Overall, I had an amazing experience and am looking forward to going again next year,”
This year, former UHCL Assistant Professor of Communication Susanne Gaddis, CEO of The Communications Doctor, returned as the keynote speaker.
Gaddis was a guest speaker at the first Student Leadership Conference 20 years ago. This conference marked her third time presenting at UHCL.
“Returning to UHCL felt like I was returning home,” Gaddis said. “I’m so happy to see how the conference and the university have continued to grow.”
Gaddis presented on embracing the power of positive communication.
“My goal is to provide leaders with communication tools and strategies that they can immediately use to improve their relationships,” Gaddis said. “Having a positive mental attitude and an ability to motivate and engage others is key to a leader’s success in any organization.”
Approximately 200 participants attended the conference.
“This year’s Student Leadership Conference was quite extraordinary from the inspiring keynote speaker to all of the different styles of speakers at the educational sessions,” said Erica Bermea, mathematical science major.
Throughout the years, the Student Leadership Conference has offered leadership development experiences to over 3200 college students.
