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Institute for Leadership & Citizenship

Scholars participate in a workshop during the 2010 Institute for Leadership and 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.

Institute for Leadership and Citizenship

Featured Speakers/Programs – 2010:

  • Mike London, head coach of the U.Va. football team, met with scholars to discuss his leadership style and methods for building community.
  • 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.
  • Amanda Morrow-Jensen (Jefferson Scholar 1999), a current faculty member of Henley-Putnam University’s Terrorism and Counterterrorism Studies Department and a former career diplomat whose work for the Department of State earned her numerous awards offered remarks at the Institute’s opening dinner.
  • Professor Ed Freeman and and Lauren Purnell (Jefferson Scholar 2003) of the Darden School of Business led a session focused on ethical leadership.
  • Marcia Pentz, a professor in the McIntire School of Commerce, taught a week-long public speaking course.
  • Unite States Attorney of Virginia’s Western District Tim Heaphy (College 1985, Law 1988) 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).

Scholars attend a course on etiquette in the Dome Room of the Rotunda

Scholars take a brief break from replacing the roof of a house in Charlottesville.

“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

Members of the 2013 Jefferson Scholars class work to replace a roof during the service component of their Institute for Leadership and Citizenship.