St. Cloud State University’s Office of the President, Multicultural Student Services, Center for International Studies and American Indian Center recently collaborated to host the President’s Leadership Program in Washington, D.C. in June.
A group of 36 students ranging from first-year students to graduate students from many diverse background, along with President Robbyn Wacker and St. Cloud State faculty members, participated in the inaugural program from June 19-23 in the nation’s capitol.
“Exploring things from unknown regions and factors is a hidden functionality of a leader,” said graduate student Ravi Chandra Oruganti. “We learned this in the Leadership Program in D.C.”
Some of the highlights of the trip to Washington D.C. included daily leadership sessions with President Wacker, tours of historical sites, monuments and memorials throughout Washington D.C., a presentation from St. Cloud State alumnus and D.C. lobbyist Bob Bissen ’82 discussing the political process in the nation’s capital, a personal meet-and-greet with United States Senator Amy Klobuchar, and more.
“The President’s Leadership Program was both unique and exciting, yet it was also very rewarding,” said third-year mass communications student Chandra Colvin. “While on the trip, I gained a variety of newfound skills – some as small as walking up to new people and introducing myself. We also learned valuable lessons from President Wacker about different topics pertaining to leadership which could be applied throughout the time we spent in D.C.
“For me personally, this trip was a big step in gaining confidence and beginning my journey as a leader. I’m so thankful that I was invited to go on this amazing opportunity.”
