Clarion University - Venango Campus

Venango Vision Regional Leadership Institute Participants Present Final Projects

Participants in the first class of the Venango Vision Regional Leadership Institute presented their year-end group projects recently at UPMC Seneca Place. The leadership program, launched in September, 2005, is coordinated through the Division of Continuing Education at Clarion University–Venango Campus and is supported by the Samuel Justus Charitable Trust, the Laura Smedley Charitable Trust, and the Elizabeth S. Black Charitable Trust. It is a nine-month-long program designed to develop leadership skills through the interaction of a diverse group of youth, emerging leaders, and seasoned community leaders.

A key component of the program is the design and implementation of a project that will benefit the community. Four groups of Venango Vision participants presented their plans before members of the Discretionary Charitable Trust Committee of National City Bank, which oversees several charitable trusts. Judges were Sue Betz, Lisa Lynch, and Rodney Campbell. Each of the four groups was judged worthy of funds to implement their projects and each was awarded $1000.

“I was impressed by the understanding of our community’s needs and the ingenuity and dedication participants in the Venango Vision Regional Leadership Institute have shown to work to improve our community,” said Stephen Kosak, a member of the Venango Vision planning committee. “Mobile Sounds of Oil” was presented by Jared Bean, Theodore Bean, Stephanie Coston, Erica L’Huillier, Kelly Palma, Andrea Stiller, and Libby Williams. The project illustrated, through an interactive sound environment, the positive impact that enhanced art, tourism, and historic education has on individuals and the community.

Kathy Exley, Lindsay Johns, Deb Kapp, Ashley Stroup-McCauley, Deb Sobina, Bonnie Streyle, and Susan Williams presented “School’s Out For The Summer…Youth Rally,” a proposal to engage community youth in grades seven through twelve by exposing them to area resources in a fun and inviting environment, featuring displays of available activities and service providers and a variety of musical entertainment.

The group that selected “Leadership” as their project requested funding for three full scholarships for youth participants for the 2006-2007 Venango Vision Leadership Institute and copies of “Roberts Rules of Order” to provide students in the new class a full understanding of conducting effective meetings. That group included Betsy Kellner, Ivan Holt, Britney Schneider, and Hope Lineman.

“Community Building at Century Terrace Project” was a human services project proposed by group members Christine Breakstone, Martin Richards, Cindy Gariepy, and Kerri Bruce. It focused on increasing the involvement of Century Terrace residents in improving their community environment.

“Venango Vision is an exciting and unique opportunity for all who participate,” said Hope Lineman, Coordinator of Continuing Education at the Venango Campus. “Each month, from September through May, candidates attend half or day-long meetings, seminars and retreats. Participants are challenged to enhance their civic awareness and become actively involved with problem-solving through dialogue and interaction with community leaders. The participants also benefit from the many different points of view that emerge because of the group’s diversity: youth, emerging leaders, and seasoned leaders.”

The next class of the Venango Vision Regional Leadership Institute will begin in September. To register and to learn about available scholarships, contact Hope Lineman at 676-6591, extension 1273. Other programs offered through the campus’ Division of Continuing Education include Kids in College and SeniorLink.

Clarion University-Venango Campus, located in Oil City, PA, is the oldest regional campus in Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education. The campus provides high-quality educational programs and personalized services to help students succeed. Students can begin any of Clarion University’s 90+ bachelor’s degrees at the Venango Campus, earn an associate degree, a bachelor’s or master’s degree in select areas, obtain a one-year certificate or participate in a variety of professional development and personal enrichment courses. The campus is home to Clarion University’s School of Nursing and Allied Health and its Department of Applied Technology. Clarion University-Venango Campus is committed to serving the needs of the community.