RIT Hosts Connectology Leadership Conference March 31

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Keynote speaker Peter Mockaitis will kick-off the eighth annual Connectology Leadership Conference at 9 a.m. March 31 in RIT’s Student Alumni Union.

The Rochester Institute of Technology Leadership Institute and Community Service Center wants students to “dream big” at the eighth annual Connectology Leadership Conference.

Connectology’s theme and purpose aims to give students from RIT and surrounding colleges real-life leadership tools to shape their dreams into reality. The conference will be held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 31 in the RIT Student Alumni Union.

Nationally recognized motivational speaker, author and consultant Peter Mockaitis opens the conference with a keynote address at 9 a.m. Working with Fortune 100 corporations, high-growth startups, major nonprofits and assorted student groups has earned Mockaitis recognition as one of 2011’s 10 Outstanding Young People of Illinois. His address will focus on transforming leadership frustrations into possibilities.

“Students with strong leadership skills and experiences will be more prepared to succeed in their careers and communities,” says Molly McGowan, director of the RIT Leadership Institute and Community Service Center.

Throughout the day, students will attend one of six tracks, with four workshops each, that focus on a specific topic. The six tracks are Personal Success Skills, Organizational Leadership, the Real World, Peer Leadership, Service and a Bonus Track. Speakers from RIT and the Greater Rochester community will lead the 24 different workshops.

Tracey O’Dowd, a fourth-year international hospitality and service management RIT student, was so touched by her previous experiences with Connectology that she volunteered as this year’s lead communication coordinator for all conference workshop instructors.

“The conference is such a unique customized workshop,” says O’Dowd. “It attracts hundreds of students and I wanted to make an impact by getting involved.”

Students have the opportunity to receive a leadership certificate after completing the program. The Leadership Institute and Community Service Center offers programs and information sessions throughout the year. To learn more and see the conference schedule, go to the RIT Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement website.