International Student is Widener University’s 2026 ‘President for a Day’

A 20-year-old international student who first saw the Widener University campus the day she moved in – after leaving behind her country, family, language and culture and traveling to Pennsylvania from Angola in southern Africa – spent April 21 as the university’s 2026 president for a day.

The observance of the “President for a Day” tradition at Widener put Leticia Dondo in the top university job. Dondo, a double major in international relations and international business, and a triple minor in French, anthropology, and data analytics, swapped places with President Stacey Robertson. The women followed each other’s schedules through the annual Widener event that gives the “regular” president a unique perspective on student life, and the “president for a day” keen insight into the leadership role of a university leader.

Dondo, who said she was drawn to Widener by its strong sense of community and belonging, was introduced to the university completely online – through the website, social media and email communication with the admissions office. When she arrived in Chester from Angola in 2023 to begin her undergraduate studies, she was a bit frightened and feeling homesick. Then she met a student leader through Widener housing who welcomed her, answered her many questions, took her under her wing and embraced her. Literally.

“That hug kept me at Widener,” she said. Her network expanded from there.  

Today, she is the founder of the university’s International Student Association, holds jobs in the university admissions office as an ambassador who gives tours and with the Environmental Management Assistance Program researching environmental regulations. An honors student who tutors her peers in math, management and French, she has also been active in the Pride Activities Council and a senator with the Student Government Association.

President for a Day is an innovative example of the university’s commitment to experiential learning and leadership development. The process requires students to go through a competitive application and interview process before being selected as the university’s top leader.

While Dondo, who speaks three languages, held high-level meetings with vice presidents, a committee of university trustees, Admissions and University Relations officials and more, Robertson had lunch with Dondo’s friends in the school café, learned more about study abroad programs and gave a university tour to a prospective student.

“I am passionate about being president for a day because it represents the kind of leader I am striving to become – one who leads with purpose, inclusion and a commitment to making the world more just,” Dondo said. “President Stacey Robertson’s leadership at Widener, especially her focus on student success, belonging and ethical stewardship reflects the values I deeply believe in and hope to carry into my own future career.”

Robertson said she was excited to experience life as a Widener international student.
“I’m thrilled to step into Leticia’s role,” Robertson said. “Experiencing a day as an international relations and international business major and a student ambassador will give me valuable perspective on what student life at Widener is truly like. Leticia is an exceptionally engaged student who shows remarkable commitment to her academic work and to our campus community. I believe seeing Widener through her eyes will ultimately help me grow as a more effective president.”

Dondo will graduate in May 2027. She aspires to be both a diplomat and an entrepreneur. 

“I want to advocate for less-advantaged societies and contribute to building a more just, equitable world,” she said.