Advancing the strategic themes of leadership development and Lasallian mission integration through co-curricular learning, 50 students participated in a retreat this past weekend on the Winona Campus. The retreat focused on learning and reflecting on the foundation and development of servant leadership. It was led by Daniel Pearson, assistant men’s basketball coach for Canada’s University of Calgary Dinos, 2018 national champions. Pearson has traveled extensively to learn about servant leadership through interactions with Jean Vanier, Canadian Catholic philosopher, theologian, humanitarian, and founder of the L’Arche community; and the Sisters of Charity, the religious community of Mother Teresa.
The Saint Peter and Teresa Leadership Clubs (SPTLC) at Saint Mary’s collaborated with Campus Ministry to present this retreat. Outgoing SPTLC officers Jacob Mencacci and Mari Morales-Lozano were student leaders in this experience which served as an intentional student leadership opportunity. Campus Ministry leaders, Athletic Advisory Council members, and SPTLC members were all present at the retreat, made possible by a grant from the M & M Flynn Charitable Gifting Fund of the Catholic Community Foundation.