Ann Merrifield

Ann Merrifield presents on the topic “What’s your style? Capturing Your Communication Potential” at the 2016 #CCLeads Student Leadership Conference.

Evolve. Connect. Communicate.

That was the theme of this year’s #CCLeads Student Leadership Conference that saw 60 highly engaged students participate in a variety of programs designed to develop leadership skills. The event was presented by the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership Development in cooperation with the CC Student Leadership Conference Ambassadors.

“We wanted a way to provide leadership development to day and evening students on campus,” says Stephanie Sanders-Cagle, director of Student Engagement and Leadership Development. “We studied a lot of materials from other institutions and decided that we needed help from a variety of departments around campus to make this idea a reality.”

The morning session kicked off with a welcome from Columbia College President Scott Dalrymple and a keynote address from the owner of a burgeoning local business, Michael Urban of Harold’s Donuts.

Michael Urban

Harold’s Donuts founder Michael Urban served as the key note speaker for the event.

Held at the Woodcrest Church in Columbia, students had the opportunity to interact with area professionals about topics ranging from “Capturing your Communication Potential” to “Becoming a Valiant Leader” in 15 breakout sessions that encouraged dialogue amongst students.

“The Student Leadership Conference was very helpful,” senior Jennifer Hoch said. “I learned valuable leadership skills and bettered my understanding of what it takes to be a leader. Not all leaders are extroverts.”

The day wrapped up with three “CC Talks,” whose format followed the popular TED Talks, led by three staff members from the college on topics such as “Leading from the Middle,” “You do You,” and “Being your Authentic Self.”