Sixteen Undergraduate Students Chosen for Select Leadership Program
Widener University has chosen 16 undergraduate students to participate in the highly
selective Oskin Leaders Program. Students in the program receive leadership training
and one-on-one coaching that guides them through identifying and developing a project
that has the potential to change the world. The program is administered by the Oskin
Leadership Institute at Widener.
To be selected for the program, students need to demonstrate leadership potential,
energy and passion, a commitment to learning and growing, the spirit of a trailblazer,
and a commitment to the concept of a team. More than 60 freshmen were nominated for
the program by Widener faculty and staff and 54 applied. The students selected for
the program include:
- Emily Batemon, a psychology major from Lumberton, N.J.
- Troy Czapor, an elementary and special education major from Richboro, Pa.
- Deshawn Gray, a biomedical engineering major from Maplewood, N.J.
- Jon Greene, a mechanical engineering major from Annapolis, Md.
- Jared Hager, an international business major from Bloomsbury, N.J.
- Dan Hartney, a management major from Scotia, N.Y.
- Shaunessy Hanrahan, a nursing major from Mullica Hill, N.J.
- Autumn Heisler, a creative writing major from Allentown, Pa.
- Margaret Karmeris, a biology major from Wilmington, Del.
- Viraga Perera, an electrical engineering major from Chester, Pa.
- Mary Rohweder, a political science major from Shillington, Pa.
- Kevin Shaddock, a psychology/pre-physical therapy major from Malvern, Pa.
- Andrea Stickley, a political science major from Norristown, Pa.
- Veronica Vasquez, a psychology major from Erdenheim, Pa.
- Sumo Yarkpawolo, a management major from Philadelphia, Pa.
- Sarah Zappulla, an international business major from Manasquan, N.J.
The students, now sophomores, have identified their leadership projects which they will begin to develop this year. Some of the projects include:
- Ending hunger through vertical farming
- Raising awareness of women's issue in Africa and Asia
- Providing resources to the homeless in Chester
- Building a maternity home in West Philadelphia
"This program offers students the opportunity to be fueled by their passion while
stepping out of their comfort zones where they can really develop the character, courage
and competencies to be effective leaders," said Dr. Arthur Schwartz, executive director
of the Oskin Leadership Institute.
Each year, the Oskin Leadership Institute asks Widener faculty and staff to nominate
freshmen students who they think fit the criteria for the program. The institute then
invites the nominated students to an information session where they learn more about
the Oskin Leaders Program. Interested students then apply to the program, and program
participants are selected after an interview with the institute staff and participating
Widener deans, faculty and staff.
The mission of the Oskin Leadership Institute is to perpetuate the university's long
and noble tradition of inspiring students to be strategic leaders and responsible
citizens who possess the character, courage and competencies to affect positive change
throughout the world.
Widener University is a private, metropolitan university that connects curricula to
social issues through civic engagement. Dynamic teaching, active scholarship, personal
attention, leadership development, and experiential learning are key components of
the Widener experience. A comprehensive doctorate-granting university, Widener is
comprised of eight schools and colleges that offer liberal arts and sciences and professional
and pre-professional curricula leading to associate's, baccalaureate, master's, and
doctoral degrees. The university's campuses in Chester, Exton, and Harrisburg, Pa.,
and Wilmington, Del., serve approximately 6,500 students. Visit the university's website,
www.widener.edu, for more information.
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