World Campus hosts annual Student Leadership Conference

Three students flank the sign "Penn State World Campus Student Leadership Conference"

Students traveled to University Park for engagement sessions, networking, and more.

October 18, 2023

More than 20 students attended the sixth Penn State World Campus Student Leadership Conference, which was held on October 15 and 16 on the Penn State University Park campus.

During the conference, students attended sessions about leadership, networked with their peers, and enjoyed in-person activities. There was also a panel discussion of four Penn State World Campus alumni.

"There was something really special about being here, and making some connections that I think are going to last a lot longer than just this conference," said Laura Glotzbach, a student in the Master of Professional Studies in Psychology of Leadership program. "I'm glad I took the time to commit to come. That experience was worth it."

Check out scenes from the conference below.

Two women seated at a table have a conversation.

Master of Business Administration student Lauri Accardi listens to another student on the second day of the conference. Students practiced active listening in this exercise during the closing session.

Hannah Pollock

Laura Glotzbach is studying in the master's in psychology of leadership program. She attended the conference and presented on the topic of "The Art of Giving Feedback." She said she made connections at the conference that she thinks will last a long time.

Mike Dawson

A group of people pose on a stage in front of a presentation screen.

Attendees made personal and professional connections with fellow Penn State students, alumni, faculty, and staff members.

Hannah Pollock

Three people sit while using virtual reality headsets.

Students KashmirPaige Capenos Paolucci, Erica Armstrong, and Daniel Serfass test virtual reality headsets during a session on leading in virtual worlds.

Hannah Pollock

A woman take notes while sitting at a table.

Master's in higher education student Holly Hawkins attended Monday's sessions, which focused on fostering diverse and inclusive environments, effective communication, storytelling, and mindfulness.

Hannah Pollock

Dan Yesenosky stands in along a balcony HUB-Robeson Center

Dan Yesenosky teaches in the digital journalism and media bachelor's program. His presentation at the Student Leadership Conference was about career transitions. "It's not a straight path to get a successful position," he said.

Mike Dawson

Alumni Adam Caimi, Melissa Reichard, Leah Carraway-Justice, and Sean Walsh joined Marcia Kimler (associate director of alumni relations) for a panel. The group shared about their academic journeys, career paths, and leadership tips with students.

Hannah Pollock

A woman speaks to a man seated at a table.

Psychology student Laura Gamble was excited to attend the conference, where she met and spent time with her peers in person.

Hannah Pollock

Danielle Henry-Casantini was among the more than 20 students and alumni who attended the conference. Henry-Castantini is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership.

Hannah Pollock

Media Contact:

Mike Dawson

•[email protected]

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