Thursday, May 4, 2012 the Center for Leadership held its annual Cannon Celebration, a night honoring the achievements and accomplishments from the four phases of the Isabella Cannon Leadership Program (ICLP).
During the event the graduating Phase IV members displayed their legacy, a culminating project and capstone assignment. Each of the legacies signified the students’ vision and development throughout the years.
In the spirit of legacy and a time of reflection, alumni Mike Donofrio (’08) challenged the students to continually practice their leadership, but to be humble and work to hone their listening and collaboration skills. Mike now works in the Department of Defense in the Pentagon as a Foreign Affairs Specialist. Mike says that the Center for Leadership and the Isabella Cannon Leadership Program gave him the skills necessary to compete in the highly competitive world of federal work, which demands a solid foundation of leadership experience.
Following dinner, the Hilaire Pickett ‘08 Leadership Grant was presented. The grant is awarded to two students in the Isabella Cannon Leadership Program to assist in pursuit of leadership internships or legacy efforts. The students must demonstrate significant commitment to their organization and academics, and be active in contributions that have had a positive impact on the Elon community. This should be evidenced by sustained and progressive involvement and exemplary membership in the Isabella Cannon Leadership Program.
Alyssa Dilly (’13) will put the money toward a summer program with Elon’s Chapter of Global Medical Bridge. Alyssa will be traveling to Honduras and volunteering to deliver medical services, treating patients, performing triage, and medical consultations. The group expects to serve over 1,000 patients and Alyssa anticipates “making life-changing, life-saving, invaluable contributions throughout the trip.”
Mackenzie Mann (’14) will put the money toward an unpaid internship with First Peoples Worldwide, a non-profit organization based in Fredericksburg, Virginia, this is dedicated to protecting and defending the assets of indigenous communities worldwide. Her responsibilities will be translating Spanish documents and conducting research regarding indigenous concerns and the encroachment on indigenous lands and rights in Latin American.
The evening closed with a reflection from Leadership Fellow, Stephanie Pinch ’12. Pinch’s closing reflected on her time in the program and the friendships she established. But most importantly, Pinch’s speech reminded students of leaders’ responsibility to be strong and to act in accords with ones values and beliefs.