“Do I inspire others? Am I doing the best job I can as a leader? Would it be ok if everyone acted as I do?” were a few of the important questions that University of Mary Washington students asked themselves as part of a presentation on ethics and leadership at the sixth annual Student Leadership Colloquium on Saturday, Nov. 10.
Senior Liz Brennan, president of the Judicial Review Board (JRB), along with Andrew Gabany, vice president of the JRB, presented on ethical standards for leaders with interactive examples and discussions. Brennan also used different moral scenarios to push students to consider the implications of their actions, such as the ethics of parking in a handicap designated space.
“Always consider the circumstances when making an ethical decision. The situation will never be black and white,” said Brennan.
Brennan’s presentation was one of eight sessions at the conference focused on different aspects of leadership, including finding one’s strengths, diversity among leaders and how to turn passions into actions.
“We can provide you the tools today to make the decision to make a difference,” said David Rettinger, executive director of UMW’s Center for Honor, Leadership and Service, prior to the sessions.
Shayda Rezazad, a senior business major and the student director of Community Outreach and Resources (COAR) has attended the conference every year since she was a freshman.
“I like that it’s a conference targeted just towards students and improving their leadership skills,” said Rezazad.
The conference was sponsored by AT&T and presented by the Center for Honor, Leadership and Service and the Student Government Association.
For more information about the Center for Honor, Leadership and Service, visit http://students.umw.edu/chls or stop by the office, located in the lower level of Seacobeck Hall.
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News release prepared by: Julia Davis