By Alyssa Bartlett

September 9, 2014

 

Presidents from the multitude of clubs on campus gathered in SUB7 last Saturday to learn the importance of being an attentive leader, of working with each other to schedule events and of reaching out to as many students as possible. These monthly meetings serve to eliminate the competitive element that has arisen between clubs in the past, as well as allow the leaders to make connections, get new perspectives and share ideas.

 

Each meeting consists of lunch and a speaker chosen by Graduate Assistant of Campus Activities, Garrett McDonald. McDonald hopes that these meetings will increase leadership and encourage all students to get involved, including new ones, in order to be able to continue the legacies the clubs aspire to leave behind.

 

"The presidents are working hard to do whatever they can to make students feel welcomed into their clubs. A lot of work goes on behind the scenes to successfully plan events that students enjoy," McDonald said. This hard work is not in vain, as Milligan College is known for its unique activities and student participation in community events.

 

Senior Keara Palpant, president of Apostolos, found the first meeting useful for learning the rules and regulations of leading a club. Due to the fact that Palpant joined the Apostolos Club as a freshman, she understands the importance of investing in others and training them up so that they may advance in leadership and confidence.

 

"Milligan has clubs for everyone; there's no room for excuses when it comes to getting involved, stretching yourself, and growing as a leader," Palpant said.

 

Student Government president Brittany Shaffer is fond of the idea of the Presidents Club because she believes it is important to help each other out, form a community, and brainstorm ideas within that community.

 

"The key to being an effective leader is time management. You have to enjoy what you do and stay involved in order to develop other leaders," Shaffer said. Clubs give students a place to belong and the opportunity to get involved in something they are passionate about, and without the work of these leaders, that would not be possible.