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Regional Leadership Program Holds First
Graduation
The first graduation of the Venango Vision Regional Leadership Institute was
held on Wednesday, May 10, at Wanango Country Club.
Sonja
Hawkins, councilwoman of the city of Oil City, former Clarion University
professor, and member of the leadership institute planning committee, was the
featured speaker. Her topic was “Principles of Leadership.”
The
Venango Vision program, launched in September, 2005, is designed to develop
leadership skills through the interaction of a diverse group of youth,
emerging leaders, and seasoned community leaders. It 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.
Dr. Christopher M. Reber, executive dean of the Venango Campus, congratulated
the graduates and praised the efforts of more than 50 community members who
worked together to design the program. He also credited Stephen P. Kosak,
consultant to local charitable trusts and foundations and executive director
of Venango Area Community Foundation, as the catalyst behind the institute’s
development.
“Almost three years ago, Steve called together members of the community and
campus staff,” Reber said. “Together, an idea eventually emerged: that youth,
emerging leaders, and seasoned leaders of the community could come together,
bringing with them the diverse viewpoints, experiences, and talents of their
particular stage in life, and learn from each other. And from that sharing of
knowledge and thought-provoking interaction would come creative ideas to
overcome the challenges that face our region and the much-needed leaders of
tomorrow to turn those ideas into reality.”
Graduates included high school students Jared I. Bean and Theodore G.
Bean, Christian Life Academy; Erica A. L’Huillier, Ivan J. Holt, and Brittany
N. Schneider, Oil City Area Senior High School; Lindsay K. Johns, Cranberry
High School; and Andrea M. Stiller, Seton Home Study School.
Representing emerging and seasoned community leaders were graduates Christine
M. Breakstone, Family to Child Connections; Kerri A. Bruce, Venango Training &
Development Center, Inc.; Stephanie A. Coston, Community Services of Venango
County; Kathleen A. Exley, Classy Catering; Cynthia D. Gariepy, Venango
County Children & Youth Services; Debbra Z. Kapp, Action Auto Service; Betsy
A. Kellner, Venango Museum of Art, Science & Industry; Kelly M. Palma, Vista
at Venango Area Community Foundation; Martin C. Richards, Family Services and
Children Aid Society; Debra D. Sobina, Clarion University–Venango Campus;
Bonnie J. Streyle, Clarion\Venango Educational Resource Alliance; Ashley D.
Stroup-McCauley and Susan R. Williams, Venango Area Chamber of Commerce; and
Mary E. (Libby) Williams.
Members of the Venango Vision Regional Leadership Institute planning
committee, in addition to Kosak, Hawkins, and Reber, are Hope Lineman, Ronald
Shoup, Kelly Palma, Betsy Kellner, Ivan Holt, Sherry Kulinski, Brittany
Schneider, Emily Gill, and Jerri Gent.
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.
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