Student Life's L.E.A.D. Program Serves 'Mind, Body and Soul'

Student Life's L.E.A.D. Program Serves 'Mind, Body and Soul'

6/11/15

West Windsor, N.J. – Students at Mercer had a great way to connect beyond the classroom this semester. The Leadership Education And Development (L.E.A.D.) Program sponsored by the Student Life and Leadership Office invited students to take part in community service activities and attend seminars that addressed their lives outside the classroom.

According to Student Life’s Jeannette Clugsten, who coordinated the program, “Our goal is to offer students an opportunity to focus on personal growth and enhance their sense of self. These are skills that will serve them as leaders in any environment,” she said, adding that 11 students actively participated.

The spring semester included monthly meetings, a wellness seminar, a diversity appreciation seminar, and two community service projects. One project, a February cookie sale, raised close to $230 for the First Day of School Foundation.

Pictured at L.E.A.D.'s final meeting are, from left, Jeannette Clugsten, coordinator of the program, students Bonnie Koury, Cristian Guardado and Barbara Wethe, and Student Life and Leadership Director Danielle Garruba-Ice.

Said Bonnie Koury, an adult student who is studying Business Administration, “The L.E.A.D. program has been a nice combination of mind, body and soul. We have learned how to organize ourselves while serving others.”

Aviation student Cristian Guardado appreciated the opportunity to get more involved in student life. A busy student who commutes between the campus and Mercer County Airport, he said, “The seminars were particularly helpful, with positive messages and useful approaches to share with others.”

L.E.A.D. members were among students who took a bus trip to New York City in March to tour the Museum of Modern Art and see “The Visit” on Broadway. On April 30, group members convened one last time to have lunch and receive certificates that recognized them for their participation this semester.

Adult student Barbara Wethe, who is studying Mathematics, was happy to be part of L.E.A.D. “You can always learn more and you can grow in unexpected ways,” she said.

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