June 13, 2008

JOHNSTOWN, Pa.--University of Pittsburgh student-athletes gained insight on leadership, communication, teamwork and confidence building while they attended the annual Panther Leadership Conference, held at Pitt-Johnstown campus, last week.

As a part of the Panther Leadership Conference, student-athletes participated in a series of conversations and activities that focused on communication. Pitt's Director of Life Skills Penny Semaia and Assistant Director of Life Skills Charles Small served as facilitators.

Working with the student-athletes were former student-athlete leaders John DeGroat and Morgan Howard, as well as, facilitators from the University's Emerging Leaders program. Also joining Pitt student-athletes was featured keynote speaker Jeff Jansen.

"Our goal is to provide student-athletes with the skill sets necessary for effective leadership," Semaia said. "We want to make it interactive, fun and educational. This year's conference theme was `Communication.'"

The weekend began with a bus ride to the Johnstown campus, where the student-athletes were able to connect with their fellow peers and discuss leadership qualities.

The student-athletes were then addressed by renowned author and speaker Jeff Jansen about confidence and the importance of positive guidance. Multiple activities such as "Waste Basketball" and the "Hoola-Hoop Ring" were implemented to highlight the important qualities of teamwork and cooperation.

"I had a great time," senior Nicole Taurence of Pitt women's volleyball team said. "It was exciting to get to know athletes from other teams and learn the necessary traits of a leader."

Through collaboration with the University's Emerging Leaders program, the Panther Leadership Conference was created in the summer of 2005. In the fall of 2006, the Panther Leadership Academy was established to provide more opportunities for Pitt student-athletes to develop leadership skills and to set a standard of leadership among all the athletic teams.