COLLEGE INFO

Students Keep Leadership Institute Traditions Running Strong

It’s a Friday morning in late June, the air humid with the smell of an impending thunderstorm. Groups comprised of students who will make up the new freshmen class at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire pump themselves up with songs, dances and cheers. This energy will help them tackle the obstacles at the Eagle’s View Challenge Ropes Course, just before the threatening weather arrives. Nearby, a group of nine students look on with smiles, some laughing as a group of freshmen march over to cheer for their shamen.

Over a three week period during summer break, these students become mentors to hundreds of new freshmen through the six sessions of Leadership Institute. From creating a safe and stimulating environment of self expression, to addressing and understanding common stereotypes, they are leaders of their “tribes” who attain the “shaman” title.

Senior Alyssa Hollowell, an art education - art history major and student staff coordinator for the 2008 session, described the shaman role as a person that Leadership Institute participants can feel comfortable approaching with concerns and confide in. “Shamen are wise and all knowing” she said on the origin of the title.

This role also connects to one of the big goals for these student leaders which according to Hollowell, is passing down the nearly 20 year-old traditions of Leadership Institute each year.

To become a shaman, students must have attended Leadership Institute their freshman year, and go through an application and interview process. Those selected as shamen then spend about three weeks on campus running six sessions of Leadership Institute, where they can spend nearly 90 hours each week.

According to Justin Gardner, Leadership Institute Coordinator, the shaman position has been part of Leadership Institute since the program’s beginnings in 1989. Gardner said that years of dedication from student leaders have kept the program successful.

“It’s our culture that keeps it going,” he said. “Even with staff turnover every year, people are committed to continuing the program.”

Stephanie Sweeney, a sophomore organizational communications major and 2008 shaman, said that while the job brings much summer fun, one of the biggest perks is helping new freshmen start college with a positive outlook.

“We teach such important concepts (to freshmen),” she said. “Knowing that you can help them with this makes you a better person.”

Junior Information Systems major Matt Sellen said he finds it rewarding to see new shamen successfully become leaders after going through training with older shamen. Sellen also has seen personal benefits to being a shamen that transfer over to his future career.

“I’m a lot more comfortable with public speaking, more willing to take charge and I’m more responsible for my actions,” he said.

Hollowell added that both attendee and leader benefit in different ways.

“You grow more as a participant, and learn much more as a shaman,” she said.

As Leadership Institute turns 20 next year, Gardner said no plans have been set as of yet. However, he said that the program is constantly evolving each year to cater to groups of students who attend Leadership Institute.

“Generations are changing so we are constantly adjusting our programs,” he said. “Our main goal is to help students open up (to college life).”