DelVal Students Develop Leadership Skills at LeaderShape Institute

"I'm appreciative of the opportunity to get to explore such a different side of myself." 

Delaware Valley University (DelVal) students participated in a four-day, intensive leadership development program over spring break. The LeaderShape Institute and DelVal partnered to host a session of the Institute from March 9 to March 13. The LeaderShape Institute is recognized nationally as one of the premier leadership development programs for college students. 

Due to the pandemic, this year was the first time in two years that LeaderShape was able to host the program in person. Students described the experience as fulfilling and life-changing.

A gift from NJM Insurance Group (NJM) funded this year’s program for students. This is the fourth consecutive year that NJM has sponsored this opportunity for students. 

“Our partnership with Delaware Valley University and The LeaderShape Institute provides students with meaningful opportunities to experience personal growth,” said NJM’s Corporate Giving Officer, Pat Hartpence. “We are proud to our support this initiative and its continued commitment to developing future leaders.”

Rob London ‘25, a zoo science major, believes LeaderShape was the one of the best decisions they’ve ever made. London left the Institute “feeling like a completely different person”.

“Before, I had never really considered myself someone capable of leadership, but now I know that isn't the case and I'm a lot more confident in my abilities and contributions to a team,” said London. “The Institute also allowed me to meet and make meaningful connections with some really cool people I may never have met otherwise, and many of those connections I see persisting long into the future.”

The LeaderShape Institute is an intensive, energizing and unique residential, educational experience designed to prepare young adults to lead with integrity. With an active and experiential approach to learning, students explore diverse facets of leadership. Each student is challenged and supported to develop ideas and goals around an issue they are passionate about. 

Through the LeaderShape Institute, DelVal students make connections, form new friendships, build professional relationships, and explore themselves in a self-reflective way. Students also form leadership skills by evaluating their strengths and areas for development, creating a personal action plan for a cause they care about, and becoming part of a national network of LeaderShape alumni. 

“Being able to work with people who have differing opinions about things is a skill that I think is important in the workforce and within any institution, and LeaderShape helped me to realize this,” said Bridget Cornog ’24. “I’m appreciative of the opportunity to get to explore such a different side of myself.”