2023 Leadership Retreat | The Wright State University
On Aug. 13-15, student leaders came together during the Established Leadership Retreat to improve leadership skills through team-building activities and collaboration.
Overview and advice
At the Established Leadership Retreat hosted by the Student Involvement and Leadership Center, over 100 students from different organizations across campus came together to learn more about leadership using experiential-based learning.
Although many students were there for a specific organization, the retreat leaders separated students into different teams across organizations to promote collaboration. Many different group activities occurred, such as a challenge course, collaboration project and workbook activities.
“It really helped you get to know people on campus and other groups that you could work with,” Jedd Rismiller, Music Director at WWSU, said.
Ashley Greene, president of Miracle Makers, shared this sentiment.
“It was a really great opportunity to get to know other student leaders better, and I definitely think it has opened the door for collaboration,” Greene said.
Matthew Correll, member of Chi Alpha, small group leader and President of National Residence Hall Honorary, especially enjoyed growing connections with other students on campus.
“A big part of that experience was learning to rely more on collaborating with others to help us achieve greater things than trying to do stuff by ourselves,” Correll said.
Inspire a shared vision
Throughout the retreat, the phrase “inspire a shared vision” was the topic of discussion.
According to Greene, this is especially important as the president for Miracle Makers. At the completion of the fundraising goal ($56, 225), the organization will have raised half a million dollars for Dayton Children’s since 2013; Greene will need to help create the organization's shared vision of this goal.
For those considering taking on leadership roles, Greene suggests finding an organization that brings personal passion. Rismiller provided another piece of advice as well.
“Don’t be afraid to try new things,” Rismiller said.
Correll explained that connecting with others is a crucial part for new leaders and anyone else who wants to make the most of the college experience and build community.
