The final tier in the three-tier Circles of Leadership program, Excel provides a culminating leadership experience for those students who have completed both Emerge and Engage. Throughout the fall semester, students met weekly with Sarah Potrikus and Linzy Martinez to broaden their understanding of their strengths and those of others, think critically about current social justice issues nationwide, and reflect on their leadership journeys. The program culminated in each student sharing their personal leadership story.

Claire Rondeau
Psychology, Class of 2026
Student Manager for Conference & Events Services

What is one thing you have learned about yourself through these programs?
These leadership programs have been very helpful in helping me realize my leadership potential and strengths, and how I can use those strengths in my leadership roles.

What is one piece of advice you would give to your first-semester self?
Hangout in the student center more. It’s a lot of socializing, but it’s also going to help you form connections, make friends, and get to know people better.

Read Claire’s Emerge philosophy
Read Claire’s Engage philosophy

John Beford
Public Health, Class of 2027
Dance Company officer and choreographer, Resident Assistant, Student Center Manager

What is one thing you have learned about yourself through these programs?
I’ve learned how to compensate for my weaknesses with my strengths

What is one piece of advice you would give to your first-semester self?
I would tell me first semester self “keep pushing! step out of your comfort zone, but also take time for yourself. life is a balancing act, don’t tip too far on either end.

Read John’s Emerge philosophy
Read John’s Engage philosophy

Maria Delia
Computer Science & Business Administration, Class of 2026
Math tutor, Honors Program, IT support technician and Help Desk assistant, Orientation Leader, PAL Mentor, AAFCPAs Intern

What is one thing you have learned about yourself through these programs?
Each leadership program has offered a unique and meaningful experience, helping me discover more about what I’m capable of. I’ve learned that I can accomplish far more than I initially believed by trusting myself and gradually taking on more responsibility. These programs strengthened my ability to organize my schedule, improved my communication skills through collaboration, and helped me build genuine, long-lasting relationships. Facing challenges and working through difficult moments has shown me how resilient I am, and I’m proud of everything I’ve overcome.

What is one piece of advice you would give to your first-semester self?
Be fully present in everything you do. Take every opportunity that comes your way, and approach each one with intention, to learn more about yourself and to see just how much you’re capable of achieving. Move through things with ease and trust your journey. Your reality becomes what you choose to create.

Read Maria’s Emerge philosophy
Read Maria’s Engage philosophy

Max Passarelli
Political Science & Geography, Class of 2026
Honors program, independent research projects, Delta Alpha Pi officer, Student Clinic for Immigrant Justice, professional driving instructor

What is one thing you have learned about yourself through these programs?
I think I have become a more confident person through these leadership programs.

What is one piece of advice you would give to your first-semester self?
During your time at Worcester State you will have numerous opportunities for growth. I suggest you take advantage of these opportunities, as they will not be available forever.

Read Max’s Emerge philosophy
Read Max’s Engage philosophy

The post Congratulations Fall 2025 Excel Graduates! appeared first on Campus Life.

Stevie Edwards, Assistant Director of LGBTQIA+ Outreach and Title IX Resource Provider

An avid fan of Dungeons and Dragons and originally from Duluth, Georgia, Stevie now resides with his partners in the city of Worcester and comes to us with a bachelor’s degree in Cognitive Science from the University of Georgia and a master’s degree in Higher Education and Student Affairs from New York University. As the Assistant Director of LGBTQIA+ Outreach, Stevie oversees the new LGBTQIA+ Community Center and social and educational programming for the center and campus. He also serves as an advisor for the LGBTQ+ Alliance, our major organization dedicated to supporting our queer community as well as allies, and he also advises the Drag Club. Stevie also serves on the LGBTQIA+ Advisory Committee, which is a campus-wide committee made up of faculty, staff, and students that discusses issues and provides programming for the campus community. Stevie has found the environment at WSU very welcoming since he started in April. He feels that he doesn’t need to be as stringent, as on-guard, as defensive a leader as he had to be before coming to WSU.

Stevie has already accomplished a lot in his short time at WSU. In addition to advising the student organizations, Stevie opened the LGBTQIA+ Community Center with a grand opening in September of this year, which provided an opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to check out the new space and learn more about the resources that are available through the center and his office. Developing programming specifically for the space, as well as programming for the entire campus community, is another area where Stevie has put a lot of work into since arriving in April.  His first large-scale event was Lavender Graduation in May. This nationwide ceremony is held on university campuses to celebrate seniors who identify as members of the queer community. Faculty and student speakers address the attendees and graduates with well-wishes and messages of resilience and strength, and graduating seniors receive lavender cords to wear at commencement. Consistent monthly and weekly programming as well as educational training, has also been a focus of Stevie’s this year. Programming has included the Allyship Workshop, Transgender Day of Remembrance, Queer BBQ during Welcome Week, and many queer socials held throughout the semester. Stevie also partners with Counseling Services to provide a monthly support group for students in the queer community.

Steve’s Leadership Perspective

Stevie has learned many lessons during his career as a leader. He defines a great leader as “someone who can mess up, apologize, and work to do better next time. It’s okay to make mistakes and to own them! Making mistakes is part of learning, and it will only make you a stronger leader to acknowledge and welcome your mistakes and work to recover from them.” Stevie believes that the biggest misconception of what makes a good leader is that a leader is never wrong. “We’re all going to be wrong at some point! It’s unrealistic to expect anyone to be right 100% of the time.” Stevie believes that taking ownership of decisions made, whether right or wrong, will make us better leaders as we continue through life.  

Identity and Leadership

Identity and culture play into how people define their leadership style as they progress through their lives. Identifying with the queer community has really shaped Stevie into the leader and professional that he is today. “I am a trans man, and before I transitioned, I was labeled as “annoying” and other less-flattering words. But after I transitioned, suddenly I have “leadership skills”! It’s been interesting to live on two different sides of gender and see how differently people treat me. Ultimately, I think my transness has taught me how to incorporate joy and resilience into my leadership, to celebrate the wins and small victories, and to welcome others for who they are.” Through his own personal experiences, Stevie serves as a valuable resource for students exploring and/or struggling with their own gender and sexual identities. His most valuable experiences at WSU, so far, have been with the students he works closely with through the LGBTQIA+ Community Center. “In the short time I’ve been here, I would say students trusting me with their stories has been the most meaningful experience. They still don’t know me very well, and they choose to trust me with part of themselves, which I think is a profound gift.”

Advice for Leaders

When asked if he had any advice for future leaders, Stevie focused on a message of taking in as many experiences as you can to become a better leader. “Lean in as much as you can– there is something you can learn from every experience, from every person. Even if you think you know better than someone else, chances are that they have something they can teach you, either about leadership or life or other people’s perspectives. Leadership is a skill; it takes practice. If you wait to be comfortable to be a leader, you never will be. It is uncomfortable work, but so is all meaningful work.” 

The post The Profound Gift of Trust | A Deep Dive with Stevie Edwards, LGBTQIA+ Outreach appeared first on Campus Life.

How did you get involved in campus life? What advice would you give to students who haven’t yet found their place on campus?
I got involved on campus when I was looking to make more friends. Working for OSILD and learning more about student organizations made me realize how fun it is to be involved in clubs!

Elias Nelson

How do you think you’ve changed as a leader throughout your time at WSU, and what aspects of your experience most influenced this change?
Throughout my time at WSU, I have learned how to adapt and work with different types of people, and create meaningful experiences with E-board members and students. Being able to work with other LGBTQ+ students has completely influenced my leadership development and has taught me so much as a student leader that I will bring to my future job.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned when it comes to leadership?
Listen closely to everyone, and don’t be afraid to try new things that seem scary.

What would you say has been your best experience here at WSU?
The best experience I have had at WSU would be having the opportunity to hear the heartfelt stories told to me by other members of the LGBTQ+ Alliance. Being able to hear their perspectives on life and form relationships with them through our similar struggles has been life changing.

What advice would you give to students who are just beginning to explore the type of leader, or the type of person, they hope to become?
I would tell students to start slow and don’t expect to be the perfect leader immediately. It takes time to adapt to different positions, and the best way to learn is to listen.

What are your current plans for the next few years?
I plan on going into Digital Marketing Management when I graduate and using the leadership skills I have learned at WSU!

Eli (center) and members of the LGBTQ+ Association and Drag Club at the spring 2022 Drag Show.

The post Student Spotlight | Elias Nelson appeared first on Campus Life.

Kimberly-Ann Lang at CAB’s Trunk or Treat event.

How did you get involved in campus life? What advice would you give to students who haven’t yet found their “people/place” on campus?
So funny story, I was very uninvolved when I first came to WSU. I am a commuter student so I would go to class and go home afterwards. When COVID hit I was more involved; I wish I did it sooner. The Commuter Activities Board (CAB) was the first club I joined. I barely went to the meetings in the beginning but went to them more frequently towards the end of my freshman year. I became the Treasurer and the rest is history. I would say that CAB led me to do more and explore different opportunities. Now, many say I am a bit too involved for my own good.

For those you have not found their people/place on campus, I would say not to worry. This thing takes time. If an introverted commuter can find her place on this campus you can too. I would say be proactive. Put yourself out there and get out of your comfort zone. I came from a school where I knew everyone for seven years before I came to college. I was very rusty when it came to finding my place again. Go to events like Club Kick Off or socials to help connect yourself with people. These events always have free stuff so why say no to free things and friends. On my laptop I have a sticker that says, “Your vibe attracts your tribe.” You will find your place and your people, you just need to go on an adventure.

How do you think you’ve changed as a leader throughout your time at WSU, and what aspects of your experience most influenced this change?
I am definitely more confident and vocal. I am an introverted person and saw myself as more of a follower than a leader. When I became a Treasurer, that’s when I started finding my voice and it led to more leadership opportunities. My confidence grew more as I led more. I learned from my mistakes as well as discovered what works for me as a leader. I also met many great people who helped me shape the type of leader that I am today! Leading takes time and practice. The more you do it, the better you become at it. Freshman me would barely recognize senior me.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned when it comes to leadership?
The biggest lesson I have learned from leadership is that there is no one way of leading. Even if you know your leadership style, you are constantly adjusting it to best fit the group you are leading. I’ve led many groups. While the foundation of how I lead remains the same throughout the groups, the way I lead changes based on the group I’m working with. Flexibility is always your bestie. A good leader learns and keeps learning. Biggest advice I would give to new leaders is to listen to your team. You can’t become better unless you get feedback. Feedback is not there to hurt you rather to make you better even if it hurts in the moment.

What would you say has been your best experience here at WSU?
It’s hard to say what my best experience has been at WSU. I’ve had so many to even count. I would say becoming a president of the Commuter Activities Board, creating a successful event from scratch with Presidential Student Ambassadors, and being part of a panel to help end hunger on college campuses have been top 3 experiences I’ve had at WSU. There are so many that I have not mentioned and there are still more to happen.

What advice would you give to students who are just beginning to explore the type of leader, or the type of person, they hope to become?
The biggest advice I can give to those who are exploring the type of leader or person they want to become is don’t be afraid. Fear is one of the biggest things that hinders us from reaching our full potential. I have always been afraid to make mistakes. However, I quickly learned that making mistakes helps me learn and helps shape me into the person I want to be. Being out of your comfort zone is always scary but getting out of it will help you grow. Not everything you try will be a success, but it will always teach you something new.

What are your current plans for the next few years?
Being a senior means I have to start thinking about getting a big boi job. My plan is to graduate and pass my NCLEX. Then I plan to work as an ICU nurse somewhere around Massachusetts and eventually join the Navy Nurse Corps as an ICU nurse. After that, I plan to go back to school and become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. During that time, I plan to travel anywhere my wallet will let me and volunteer around my community/hometown. But most importantly, I plan to live my best life, whatever that entails.

The post Student Spotlight | Kimberly-Ann Lang appeared first on Campus Life.

How did you get involved in campus life? What advice would you give to students who haven’t yet found their place on campus?
As my freshman year was unconventional, I decided to make the best out of my sophomore year and fully harness it. I pursued leadership roles that aligned with my interests and beliefs. For people who haven’t found where they belong or their people; my advice would be to put yourself out there and chase the opportunities presented and the rest of the puzzle will come piece by piece.

How do you think you’ve changed as a leader throughout your time at WSU, and what aspects of your experience most influenced this change?
Looking back to the leader I was and the leader I am now, I see major growth in many aspects. I think I’ve adapted to advocating for others and empowering people’s voices. What inspired this change would be the mentors I’ve been lucky to have found here at 91żě˛Ą, most importantly the Office of Multicultural Affairs.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned when it comes to leadership? 
The biggest lesson that I have learned is that to be an effective leader you truly must practice what you preach. For you to spark a movement or change you have to be at the frontline. This is a concept that I’ve been implementing in my leadership style.

What would you say has been your best experience here at WSU?
My best experience here at WSU would be having the opportunity to be an RA, this position has helped me grow as a leader. Interacting with residents on a day to day basis and helping mediate conflict has challenged and rewarded me tremendously.

What advice would you give to students who are just beginning to explore the type of leader, or the type of person, they hope to become?
If I could give any student who is just beginning to explore the type of leader they are capable of being, I would tell them to aim for the sky. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes, as they present opportunities to learn and grow

The post Student Spotlight | Ian Njihia appeared first on Campus Life.

How do you think you’ve changed as a leader throughout your time at WSU, and what aspects of your experience most influenced this change?
What I feel I have changed the most as a leader is the ability to communicate better with different people. When I first started at WSU I did not know people from so many walks of life. Once I became part of TWA and later Residents Life, I was learning more about people from all over. I made friends and had residents that had different cultures and lifestyles than my own.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned when it comes to leadership? 
The biggest lesson I have learned as a leader is to follow what you believe in. I feel as though if you know what you value as a person it will help you distinguish yourself as a leader. I believe in and value so many things but ignored them when I came to college because I felt I may have no friends or not be able to make friends. I realized that even if you have different values, your friends and family, they will still love and appreciate you. When you stand on what you believe in, it will make your different skills as a leader stand out. Not only will they stand out but the leadership skills you have that someone else may not have you can teach and make a difference in the world.

We really want to highlight the intersection of identity, culture, and leadership development. Can you share how your identity has shaped your leadership style throughout the years?
I am currently in my last semester at WSU and I am a first generation student. I have been in predominantly white schooling my entire life. I was lucky to be part of the METCO program where inner city students are bussed out to suburban areas for better schooling. As it was a challenge to get up at 5:00am to get to school which was an hour and thirty minutes away, I fought through and did it. While attending school this district, I got many leadership opportunities. In middle school I was chosen to be part of Project 351. In high school I was part of the peer helpers program for 2 years. Now I do not want to brag, but to be 1 of 5 black students selected in my entire grade and 1 of 65 out of a district of two elementary schools, one middle and one high school; this was amazing. Having all of these leadership experiences throughout 7 years has helped me realize what it looks like to be a leader. Once getting to college and attending WSU made me realize what I really do care about and value as a leader. I already knew I had leadership qualities, but my peers, mentor, and professors at WSU really helped me understand who I am as a leader and what I am capable of in this world.

What would you say has been your best experience here at WSU?
I would say my best experience at WSU was the leadership summit. This was the first time I had the opportunity to actually do something with the Office of Student Involvement other paperwork for my club. I got to attend a mini getaway trip and looked at my top strengths. Since I already knew my strengths from being an RA, this was the time to work more on them in my overall life. I looked at how my strengths make me stronger but also in ways that they weaken me. I also got to meet students from other walks of life on our campus from residents to commuters. I learned about their strengths and how our strengths may relate. I also made lots of new friends. It was a very heartfelt weekend and made me appreciate leadership opportunities way more. I wish I knew about the summit sooner so I could’ve done this every year. I recommend students try this opportunity at least once in their WSU career. Leadership is great for everyone!

What was your most meaningful experience while at WSU?
I would say my most meaningful experience at WSU is becoming an RA. This experience is a great opportunity that I wish I took part of earlier on at WSU. This experience taught me so much about being a leader and a great friend. I felt like people always made being an RA seem not fun. During my sophomore year I felt there was more to the experience of being on campus and I thought maybe applying to be an RA would help me see that, and it sure did. I made 40 new friends on campus that instantly had my back through anything. To have an amazing group of friends on campus and then make 40 more was honestly a blessing. I got to hear other students stories but also their struggles. We bonded and connected and it was like a little family. I got to make programs and make a difference on campus. I also had amazing residents that treated me so well! The best part was res life was there for me when I was mentally going through challenges. Many of the RAs worked so hard to help me and when I began to slip or fall behind in something, someone was always there to help me pick it back up. I am so appreciative and grateful for that. Even though I did not get a full year of being an RA because of Covid, what I got I very much appreciated.

What has been your biggest accomplishment since beginning your journey at WSU?
I feel my biggest accomplishment since beginning at WSU is starting as a member in TWA to being the VP my junior year. I was so nervous to join groups when I first got to WSU and felt that my voice should not be heard. I joined TWA when I was a freshman and I was really shy. Once I started attending more meetings and volunteering, I realized I wanted to have more of a say in what the group does on campus. During elections I ran to be part of the Public Relations team and I won! This was exciting for me because it related to my major and I was working on many skills that I needed if I were to do this in real life. By the end of my sophomore year I had to decide if I wanted to stay in the same position, leave or move up. My great friend convinced me to be the VP and I did it. It was a lot for myself to take on but I felt I needed to challenge myself and make it work. In the end it was great. Being in TWA has taught me so much from paper work to working on my public speaking. I also got to help put together events and programs that our campus really needed to see. I wish I could have done more but TWA has also helped me find my voice as a black woman in this world and i’ll never forget that. 

What advice would you give to students who are just beginning to explore the type of leader, or the type of person, they hope to become?
The first thing I would say is take risks! Any kind of risk that is going to give you a different experience is better than not having that experience at all. If you are interested in doing anything leadership related please do it. Do not let anyone on campus stop you from trying something out, you can gain so many great opportunities. Also remember that everyone is different too. Never forget what you value! Also give your opinion and speak up in any and every way possible. Change needs to be made and it can happen with any little ideas you have. 

What are your current plans for the next few years? I am graduating from WSU in May 2021. After that I would love to find a job that relates to my major or minor. I am currently looking into Public Relations but I would love to be in a tv studio or starting my own podcast. I am also a history minor so if I could eventually go back to school and get my Masters and then hopefully teach history. I am open to anything, I just want to be happy in my job and make change throughout the world.   

The post Student Spotlight | Imahni Bruno-Reeves appeared first on Campus Life.