By Emily Gavarny
Staff Writer
Throughout the four years of collegiate experience, students are able to gain inspiration from a variety of places – professors, fellow classmates, or even leaders on campus. This inspiration has the ability to motivate great accomplishments seen by significant figures in society. On March 21, graduate students at the Whitehead School of Diplomacy and International Relations organized “Leadership: A Dialogue” to provide a platform for the relaying of wisdom and leadership experience.
The significant event attracted students, faculty, and guests of Seton Hall University. The keynote panelist, Mr. John C. Whitehead, served as former U.S Deputy Secretary of State, founding Chairman of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, and namesake of the diplomacy school. In addition, panelists included Ambassador William Luers, Former President of the United Nations Association of the U.S.A, Major Jon Martin, Assistant professor of military science at Seton Hall, and Florence Dennis and Sunghyun (Sean) Lee, graduate students of the Whitehead School of Diplomacy and International Relations. The panelists shared with the packed crowd experiences pertaining to leadership and international travel.
Gradute students Florence Dennis and Sunghyun Lee shared their experiences interning for the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Liberia to the United Nations and the Office of the Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide at the United Nations, respectively. Major Jonathon Martin expressed his perspective on military leadership and Mr. Whitehead’s shared his experiences landing on the beaches of France during D-Day.
These speaker’s stories demonstrated extraordinary instances of leadership and provided valuable guidance for all who listened. The audience was inspired by their stories, especially Whitehead School of Diplomacy freshman Darren Di. “It was like having a mentor sitting in front of you giving advice on how to be a good leader in different and unique ways.”
From the experience and wisdom gained from “Leadership: A Dialogue,” students have gained a greater understanding of the skills and characteristics that effectve leaders possess, which was exemplified specifically by John C. Whitehead and the contributing panelists.
Contact Emily Gavarny at
Emily.Gavarny@student.shu.edu
