Clarion University President Joseph Grunenwald received the Director's Award from the Robert D. Lynch Student Leadership Development Institute (SLDI) of the Pennsylvania Black Conference on Higher Education. The award was presented at the organization's 23^rd annual conference held in Altoona.

 

Front row left to right:  Sad'e Criswell, Chelsey McCoy, Julia Madison, DeAnne Perry, and Jasmine Belton; and back row left to right: Dr. Brenda Dede, Deepam Mistry, Brian Wankiiri, Lorenzo Lopez, Rogers Laugand, and President Joseph Grunenwald.

           SLDI Director Albert Jones said Grunenwald was selected for this award for his many years of support for SLDI and students in their pursuit to become future leaders. Grunenwald was unable to attend the conference and Dr. Brenda Sanders Dédé, assistant vice president for academic affairs, accepted on his behalf.

            Dédé and 25 Clarion University students attended the conference. When they returned to campus Dédé and several of the students visited President Grunenwald's office to present him with the award.

            The theme of the Institute was "From King to Obama and Beyond:  Preparing for 40 more Years of Leadership." Dédé and graduate student DeAnna Perry presented during the Institute on the topic "Succeeding Against the Odds." Graduate student Deepam Mistry assisted them with the presentation.  There were more than 25 workshop sessions for the 175 students from throughout Pennsylvania to attend during the weekend of activities.

            Two of the Clarion University students, Sad'e Criswell and Lorenzo Lopez were attending the Institute for the third time. Because of their seniority, they were a part of the "Leadership Team" for the weekend and had an active part in the program. Criswell introduced the closing speaker, Dr. Laurie Cannady and Lopez, gave the Sunday morning opening prayer and blessing of the food.

            The PBCOHE Student Leadership Development Institute gives students an opportunity to participate in workshops that examine effective leadership skills, cross-cultural communication, interpersonal relations, building inclusive environments and fostering cultural awareness. In addition to providing an opportunity for the development of future leaders, students who are active campus leaders have a forum to exchange ideas and to network with each other, as well as Institute faculty and staff.

            Clarion University students attending were:

            Jasmine Belton, a freshman finance major, a daughter of Stephanie Holloman of Verona, and a graduate of Penn Hills High School.

Brandi Cox of Pittsburgh, a sophomore psychology major and a graduate of Carrick High School.

Sad'e Criswell, a senior rehabilitative science major, a daughter of Pauline Criswell of Pittsburgh and a graduate of Brashear High School.

            Brandy Daye of Rankin, a sophomore early childhood/special education major and a graduate of Woodland Hills High School.

            Tasha Eldridge, a freshman psychology major, a granddaughter of Bernice Jones of Latrobe and a graduate of Derry High School.

            Jonathan Folks, a freshman rehabilitative sciences major, a son of Jamie Folks of Harrisburg and a graduate of Susquehanna Township High School.

            Jherconna Ford, a sophomore early childhood education major, a daughter of Alisa Ford of Washington, D.C., and a graduate of Thurgood Marshall Academy.

            Sasha Gardiner, a graduate student seeking a master's degree in speech language pathology and a daughter of Slfreda Gardiner of Nassau, Bahamas.

            Destini Hodges, a sophomore political science major, a daughter of Chloe Morris-Hodges of Harrisburg and a graduate of Harrisburg High School.

            Adara Jackson, a sophomore political science major, a daughter of Nicole Hamilton of Harrisburg and a graduate of Harrisburg High School.

            Lorenzo Lopez, a senior communication major, a son of Maria Kershaw of Harrisburg and a graduate of Central Dauphin High School.

            Julia Madison, a graduate student seeking an master's degree in business administration and a daughter of Mary Madison of Willow Spring, N.C.

            Chelsey McCoy, a junior international business major, a daughter of Jean McCoy of Pittsburgh and a graduate of Pittsburgh High School for the Creative and Performing Arts.

            Quintas McCorkle, a freshman communication major, a son of Sampson McCorkle of Alexandria, Va., and a graduate of T.C. Williams High School.

            Deepam Mistry, a graduate student seeking a master's degree in communication, a son of Drew Mistry of West Haven, Conn., and a graduate of Hill Regional Career Magnet High School.

            Sarita Morrison, a junior English major, a daughter of William and Karen Morrison of York and a graduate of Central York High School.

            DeAnne Perry, a graduate student seeking a master's degree in education, a daughter of Etta Perry of Louisville, Kent., and a graduate of Dupont Manual Magnet High School.

            Sharae Powell, a senior psychology major, a daughter of Nicole Pugh of Pittsburgh and a graduate of Taylor Allderdice High School.

            Jafra Ritter, a junior sociology major, a niece of Nancy Ritter of Harrisburg and a graduate of Central Dauphin East High School.

            Shana Smith, a junior elementary education/special education major, a daughter of Susan Smith of Beaver Falls and a graduate of Beaver Falls High School.

            Alizah Thornton, a freshman communication major, a daughter of Helen Thornton of Harrisburg and a graduate of Harrisburg High School.

            Jalyssa Walker, a sophomore finance major, a daughter of Michelle Walker of Harrisburg and a graduate of Harrisburg High School.

            Brian Wankiiri, an international student from Uganda, who is seeking a master's degree in business administration.

            Aisya Washington, a sophomore sociology/philosophy major, a daughter of Harriett Washington of Shippingport and a graduate of Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School.

Alexis Williams, a junior political science major, a daughter of Clarissa Williams of Harrisburg and a graduate of Harrisburg High School.

            Clarion University is the high-achieving, nationally recognized, comprehensive university that delivers a personal and challenging academic experience.