Institute for Leadership & Citizenship
In the summer after their first year, all Scholars participate in a two-week Institute for Leadership and Citizenship designed to foster a deeper appreciation for the art of leadership and the importance of citizenship. Emphasis is given to an examination of differing concepts of leadership and to developing a greater understanding of the challenges, possibilities, and difficulties inherent in the world beyond. Designed by the Foundation and held on the Grounds of the University, the Institute features in-class workshops and a service learning project.
Featured Speakers/Programs – 2008:
- Timothy Beatley from the School of Architecture led a session on urban planning and sustainability in the 21st century.
- Todd Etter (Jefferson Scholar 1990) returned for his “Improvisational Comedy” session and also created and led a second session that was a combination scavenger hunt, brain-teaser, and team-building exercise.
- Paul DeMarco (Jefferson Scholar 1985), founder of the Charlottesville Free Clinic, spoke about his work with community health care outreach at the opening dinner in the Rotunda.
- Board of Directors member Tom Baltimore (Commerce 1985, Darden 1991), co-founder and president of hotel investment company RLJ Development, LLC, spoke at the Institute’s closing dinner.
- Scholars spent one week volunteering in the Charlottesville community, in partnership with the Albemarle Housing Improvement Project (AHIP).
“The Institute for Leadership and Citizenship ended up being one of the most valuable and valued of my experiences with the Foundation. Not only did it provide important and useful information about the ways in which I could pursue leadership opportunities at U.Va. and beyond, it really served as a fantastic bonding experience for our class. I got to know everyone on a much more personal level…The Institute laid the foundation for some of the most meaningful friendships I’ve made within my class.”–Caroline Ryon
