President for a Day

 

The Widener President for a Day program takes the university’s emphasis on experiential learning and leadership development all the way to the top. Each year, one student earns the opportunity to serve as president for a day, experiencing the leadership skills needed to lead a metropolitan university.

Not only does the student serve as president for a day, but President Julie E. Wollman becomes a student for a day, attending the student’s classes and reporting to any work-study jobs or extracurricular activities the student may be involved in.

All Widener University juniors and seniors are encouraged to apply.

2018 President for a Day

DeShawn Ivey, a junior finance major Ivey had the opportunity to take action on his platform as the 2018 President for a Day. During his day, Ivey attended meetings with high-level administrators, which included a conversation about capital projects at the university, lunch with a trustee, as well as a trip to City Hall in Chester for a meeting with the city's chief financial officer and councilman. He presented city officials with his idea to start a unity day between the city and university. An afternoon meeting with Commonfund, the asset management firm that manages Widener’s endowment, presented Ivey with a networking opportunity that resulted in a summer internship.

DeShawn Ivey, 2018 President for a Day

“Being president for a day has opened my eyes wider, and given me the opportunity to see how things run. It gave me the opportunity to start growing into the professional I want to be. I like this life."

Dr. Julie E. Wollman

"President for a Day is a fantastic opportunity to connect with students in their element. I get a sense of their classes from the inside, and am able to hear what's on their minds. This is a great way to demonstrate Widener's dedication to leadership training, and for me to appreciate our students' Widener experience by walking in their shoes."