FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2009
Contact: Susan Tams, Director of Editorial Services, 304-746-2038

 Black student leadership summit
starts Oct. 16 at Marshall University

HUNTINGTON, W.Va. - The iLead Black Student Leadership Summit is coming to Marshall University’s Huntington campus beginning Friday, Oct. 16, and continuing until Sunday, Oct. 18. 

Sponsored locally by Marshall’s Center for African American Students’ Programs, iLead’s objectives are to bring black student leaders from diverse backgrounds, locations and organizations together to disseminate leadership and personal development tools to aid leaders to better themselves while helping communities, families, organizations and ultimately institutions.

Sessions will include daily presentations by professionals in the field, break-out sessions with student leaders and professionals, team building exercises and networking.

Topics to be explored include discovering the impact today’s leaders will have on the future, networking with other student and professional leaders, exploring and developing  action plans for success and learning about current trends, methods and other attributes that are required for successful leaders.

Keynote presentations will cover a range of topics by professionals in the field of student leadership.  Those presenting are Dr. Genevieve E. Myers, professor of political science at Marshall; Steven T. Birdine, president/CEO of Affirmations in Action!; Dr. Jan E. Duncan, director of student teaching, Alcorn State University; and Mary Clarke, M.A., director of academic services at St. Louis University.

Author and Howard Law School graduate Patricia Russell-McCloud will be the keynote speaker at a banquet that will take place Saturday, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. in the Don Morris room of Marshall’s Memorial Student Center. Listed in the Top Five Business Motivators in America by Black Enterprise Magazine, she also has been featured in Ebony, Black Enterprise and Essence magazines.  She has earned a reputation as one of the top orators of today.

Carrie Cline, who is the anchor for “First at Five” on WSAZ-TV, will serve as Mistress of Ceremonies for the banquet.

Dr. Shari Williams-Clarke, vice president for Multicultural Affairs at Marshall, said the summit offers a range of prolific presenters, including “Patricia Russell-McCloud, who is absolutely the most dynamic and engaging speaker I have heard.  Her message is strong, motivating and resonates with students and the general public.  She will hold the audience captive.  We are all looking forward to an exceptional summit.”

Registration for all events is $45. There is no charge for Marshall students and high school students. Registration for the banquet only is $25 per person or $125 for a table for eight. To register, call 304-696-4677 or e-mail clarkes@marshall.edu.   

For additional information about iLead, go to www.//iLEAD.webs.com    

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