Program leads the way for future ULV leaders

Campus Times
September 24, 1999

by Vicky Martinez
Staff Writer

Freshmen can count on a leadership program whose major concern is to give them an opportunity for full participation in leadership activities.

"Emerging Leadership" is designed to give foundational leadership skills to University of La Verne freshmen.

Lura L. Poggi, director of education, leadership and transition programs, is in charge of the program's direction. She considers the involvement of freshmen in leadership activities important.

"As an alumna of ULV, I know about the need of freshmen leadership," Poggi said. "There is always room for getting people involved right out of high school."

The program's main objective is to provide ULV freshmen with the skills to assume leadership roles on campus.

This non-credit course is taught by Student Affairs professional staff, faculty and selected members of the University community.

"My main goal is to help them because maybe if we invest in them, they will invest in leadership at ULV," Poggi said.

"I would rather be a leader than a follower," said freshman Jennifer Contreras of her reasons for participating in the program. "I can gain some skills that can help in many things throughout my life."

According to Poggi, some of the most important topics to be emphasized are teamwork, leadership, communication skills, gender (as it relates to leadership), conflict mediation, group dynamics, service, and values and ethics.

Contreras said students will be able to better understand "who they are and where they fit in. She added that she hopes to serve as a Resident Assistant in the future.

There are 18 women and two men participating in the program.

"All sessions will be cognitive and experiential," Poggi said. "As a part of this course, members should join a campus organization in order to apply and test learned leadership concepts."