News

Past Presidents Council Leadership Retreat… A Reflection

07/15/10

On Saturday, June 19th, the Past Presidents Council of Cheyney University National Alumni Association sponsored a Leadership Retreat for approximately 40 participants. Past presidents present at the Retreat were, Elizabeth Berry Holmes, Clarence Williams, Barbara Daniel Cox, Darrell Henderson, James Washington, and Paul Turner. The retreat was facilitated by Dr. J. Otis Smith of Stand By Systems, II, Inc., who is also Professor Emeritus of the Psychology Department of Cheyney University, and Dr. Thomas A. Gordon of Thomas A. Gordon and Associates.

Prior to the event, participants were asked to respond to the following questions:

1. What is the new skill or new person I can bring into active participation in the alumni association?
2. What uniqueness do I bring?
3. What, specifically, does Cheyney University National Alumni Association need most?

The process was very interactive; and it was pointed out that as leaders, we should be mindful of two major ideas which were stated in the form of acronyms. The first one is “PACA” (Positive Attitude & Cerebral Energy), which means that in a leadership role, each individual must pay close attention to the energy that “people” bring to the table. The second acronym “SSS” (Serving Sustainable Success) identifies what a leader should represent to the organization.

Three work groups spent time identifying strategies to improve relationship with the President of the University; integrating young and older alumni; and recruitment and retention.

As retreat came to a close, alumni expressed great pleasure with the results of the conversation and new strategies that were developed and discussed.