INDIANAPOLIS — In late-June, the twenty brothers selected as the 2015 Academy Fellows traveled to Morgantown, Indiana for an intensive, distraction free, leadership retreat. The secluded setting of the Academy allowed for their unhindered growth, as they opened themselves up to new ideas and experiences.
“It’s a time to grow and a time to learn, as long as you keep an open mind” said Megan E. Taylor, Austin Peay State ’13. “It’s a group of amazing individuals who all come together for the same purpose – to better themselves and to better their chapters.” The participants enjoyed the separation from everyday life while hitting the ground running from day one, learning leadership skills, teamwork, and a new perspective on change and systems thinking.
Funded by the Alpha Kappa Psi Foundation, the Academy is an all-expenses paid fellowship to a customized, hands-on, leadership experience designed to make even the best of Alpha Kappa Psi more impactful, value-based leaders. Michael Cusanza, Louisiana State ’13, described the Academy as “the best leadership conference training AKPsi has to offer. It is a way for me to enhance my abilities as a leader and to push the envelope, to get new tools – and then go back to my chapter and use them for the benefit of the chapter.” The Academy is facilitated by professionals and provides the students the opportunity to evaluate their leadership styles, values, ethics, knowledge, and integrity.
During the upcoming 2015 Convention in Norfolk, previous Academy Fellows are able to come together once again. The newest Fellows will be able to meet those who attended in past years. The Academy creates a new-found self-awareness in the Fellows. They will all be able to reminisce about their experiences and what the Academy taught them as leaders of AKPsi.
