The Leadership Program, SPA’s selective course of study for undergraduates dedicated to service, announces members of the Leadership Class of 2014. This year, 42 incoming undergraduates from 21 states and Chile were selected from a record number of applications.

Following this competitive application process, students advance together through the four-year, 15-unit course of study that culminates in a Certificate in Advanced Leadership Studies from SPA. Topics covered include theories of leadership, famous leaders, social justice, ethics, negotiation, conflict resolution, public speaking, teamwork, and community-based learning.

To be selected for the Leadership Program students must demonstrate a strong commitment to leadership development, dedication to community service, superior academic achievement, and capacity to contribute to a diverse community. This year, several of these students have already been recognized by their communities as well as national media for their contributions and accomplishments.

The Leadership Program Class of 2014:

• Zachary Baldwin, Barre VT
• Lucy Marie Bertocci, Pittstown NJ
• Evan Brown, Guilford CT
• John Caddock, Highlands NJ
• Zachary Cady, Pisgah Forest NC
• Allison Cannington, Fairfax CA
• Jean Cornell, Mount Laurel NJ
• Ki'tay Davidson, Frankfort IL
• Rachel Dockery, Fortville IN
• Sarah Durgin, Morton PA
• Alyssa Franke, Agoura Hills CA
• Cheria Funches, Dorchester MA
• Russell Gillis, San Bruno CA
• Peter Goelz, Hamel MN
• Holly Hagerty, Crofton MD
• Joshua Halpren, Owings Mills MD
• Megan Huber, San Jose CA
• Don ("Franky") Irwin, Ashburn VA
• Deon Jones, Fairburn GA
• Linnea Jordan, El Dorado Hills CA
• Dorothy Joseph, Tucson AZ
• Marissa Kibler, Gold Canyon AZ
• Julia Kinsey, Glen Ellyn IL
• Cristina Kladis, Portage IL
• Rachel Koretsky, Yardley PA
• Catalina Lillo, La Reina CHILE
• Katherine Maddente, Delafield WI
• Danielle Nispel, Malvern PA
• Malea Otranto, Shirley NY
• Michael Panek, Southlake TX
• Joseph Payne, Urbandale IA
• Francisco Ramirez, Surf City NJ
• Daniel Raymer, Stamford CT
• Liza Romanow, Bellevue WA
• Tyler Sadonis, Liverpool NY
• Philip Scranage, Halsey OR
• Nathaniel Seeskin, St. Louis MO
• David Shirbroun, Ames IA
• Melissa Stoner, Hampstead MD
• Kenneth Whitley, Marlton NJ
• Joe Wisniewski, Valparaiso IN
• Emily Yu, Fairfax VA

The SPA Leadership Program, created in 1990 and directed by Assistant Professor Margaret Marr, offers students the experience, skills, and knowledge to prepare them for leadership roles in public service and in life. The Leadership Program provides a venue for leadership development through simulations, readings, discussions, seminars, team activities, hands-on social activism, and internships - training students to think creatively, act honestly, and make constructive community-oriented decisions.