BGS Hosts the Winter 2005 Student Leadership Forum

In February 2005, 66 BGS student members learned more about being leaders

Beyond its moniker as the “Windy City,” Chicago has become known for many things over the years. It’s home to both the Sears Tower and deep-dish pizza. Mrs. O’Leary ran into a problem there with her pyromaniac cow. It’s where Ferris Bueller took his unscheduled, yet highly entertaining, day off. Doctors Green, Ross and Benton dramatically saved lives (at least on the small screen) in the city’s “E.R.” Macaulay Culkin was left “Home Alone” in the Chicago suburbs and the “Blues Brothers” went on their “Mission from God.” Last but not least, Chicago is home to both “Da Bulls” and “Da Bears.”

But for 66 Beta Gamma Sigma student members, Chicago will be remembered for something more important: it’s where Beta Gamma Sigma helped them become better leaders. Gathering at Chicago’s Hard Rock Hotel February 3-6, 2005, participants in the Winter 2005 Student Leadership Forum were given the opportunity to expand their leadership potential while learning more about themselves and their fellow attendees.

The Student Leadership Forum provided students with the chance to participate in a variety of hands-on activities and informational sessions. Throughout the weekend, participants were encouraged to explore their own leadership styles and abilities as well as identify their individual strengths and weaknesses as a leader. They were given the chance to look at themselves and their goals as a way to determine how best to become the successful leaders of tomorrow.

View photos from the Winter 2005 Student Leadership Forum

Because of the tremendous response on the part of collegiate chapters and student members, Beta Gamma Sigma held two Forums during the 2004-05 academic year. In the past, the Society only sponsored one Forum annually.

Among those taking home fond memories of the Winter 2005 Student Leadership Forum was C. Robin Atkins from Susquehanna University.

“I didn’t think it was possible to learn and grow so much in one weekend,” she said. “It was amazing to be surrounded by such accomplished individuals. I’ve developed networks I know I’ll use for years to come.”

Also acknowledging the Forum’s potential for self-discovery was Kurt Stuart. Stuart, a student representative from the University of Illinois at Chicago, said “the greatest opportunity of this Forum is to learn about yourself through the collaboration of others.”

Illinois State University’s Andria Moore said the Forum offered unexpected benefits.

“For a person who is shy, this Forum has allowed me to come out of my shell and meet some great friends from across the country,” said Moore. “Not only have I met new people, I rediscovered part of myself that I forgot existed.”

Also benefiting from the Winter 2005 Student Leadership Forum was Eric Lucking, a senior from Shippensburg University. While in Chicago, Lucking was named the recipient of Beta Gamma Sigma’s Nahser Leadership Award. The award, named in honor of Forum presenter F. Byron Nahser, is presented at each Forum to a participant that embodies the spirit and qualities of true leadership. For earning the Nahser Award, Lucking received a $2,500 check that can be applied to future academic pursuits.

Following the Forum, Lucking spoke highly of Nahser’s presentation, “Learning to Read the Signs: What Kind of a Leader Can I Be?”

“It was more than just a speech,” he said. “It was interactive and forced you to think. I was able to gain a great deal of insight about myself and my future.”

Lucking, who will start his professional career in January 2006 with PricewaterhouseCoopers, said the Forum has given him more self-confidence and will help him become a more ethical leader.

“Leadership is important to everyone,” he said. “Everyone must be a leader in certain situations from very small to large. I must be able to lead myself first.”

Lucking said it’s great that more students were able to attend the Forums this year than in the past.

“I would definitely recommend this experience to all students, especially students who are unsure about their future,” he said. “This Forum gives students an excellent opportunity to reflect on their values and where they want to go in life.”

That said, is it little wonder that the Windy City will hold a special place in the hearts and minds of the 66 students participating in the Winter 2005 Student Leadership Forum. For these students, Chicago will be fondly remembered not only for its sights and sounds, but for its experiences.