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TRiO students and staff attended two major
student leadership conferences during 2004-2005.
The first was the Mid-America Educational Opportunity Program Personnel (MAEOPP)
Adult Student Leadership Conference in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. TRiO students
Helen Hurry, Jerri Johnson, Nadia Lawes, Marco Martinez, Steven Panenka, Janetta Pegues,
and Pauline Ziemann attended along with staff members Alison May, Kristine Panopio, and Evanthia Rosati.
The theme of the conference was “Celebrating Leadership.” It was kicked off with a bang on
Friday night by opening keynote speaker Dr. Pamela Bellamy, who was introduced by student leader Helen.
Dr. Bellamy spoke about an amazing, uphill academic battle that was fought and won by an inspiring
individual who repeatedly beat the odds against her: It turned out that it was Dr. Bellamy herself!
She also highlighted critical leadership qualities such as thinking about others and not burning your bridges.
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She added, “It doesn't say on your resume how long you've worked on your degree, just that you've earned it.”
The next morning, students and staff were entertained, albeit loudly and
very early, by the Isaac Joseph Band. They sang and performed their words of inspiration and talked
about some very difficult issues such as moving on after surviving abuse. On a lighter note, Pauline
Ziemann was asked to come up and dance with the band, which she happily and gracefully agreed to do.
That same day, Student Leader Janetta moderated a conference session entitled “Facing Fears and Finding
Freedom.” Her poise with both this task and in singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing” before the closing
dance/reception were impressive! Speaking of the dance/reception, everyone marveled at all of
Nadia’s dancing!
Jerri Johnson, Steven Panenka, and Pauline Ziemann were kind to share feedback on the conference. One of them emailed, “I really enjoyed the conference and it helped me on many different levels.
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