Activate Leadership creates 32 new Freshman Positions

Last Friday, Vanguard University launched a new freshmen leadership program known as “Activate.” The program is an introduction into the leadership community “where 30 freshmen get the opportunity to serve their class and serve Vanguard, while also being mentored and attending leadership sessions,” says Kayla Holtz, the director of Activate Leadership.

In the past, the only leadership positions that were open to incoming Freshmen were that within SGA (Student Government Association), such as the Freshman Class Senator and the Freshmen Class Program Director.

However, student life saw that there was a real need on campus for more available positions in which incoming students could get involved with, helping them feel more acquainted and more like home at Vanguard.

Each year, SGA was having to turn down around 15-30+ students who were trying out for the two positions that were offered. With Activate established, there are 32 new positions available to Freshmen.

Freshman can be a part of Local Outreach Committee, Spiritual Formation Committee or the Spirit Committee. The committees are lead student leaders senior Serene Shahoud (Local Outreach);  sophomore Luke Davis (Spiritual Formation); and junior LeeAnn Mets (Spirit).

“Our goal is to really integrate the Freshman into the leadership culture here at Vanguard” says Holtz, “I want Freshman to feel comfortable and equipped in the new Vanguard environment, while also connecting with their class as well.”

Activate was launched last Friday, September 25th where current student leaders, Kayla Holtz, and the Activate team of leaders all worked together to welcome newcomers to the program. All 30 of the recruits embarked on a scavenger hunt, while wearing neon t-shirts that matched their team leader. The last stop of the hunt led the Freshmen to the beach in Newport where they worshiped together and prayed over the rest of the school year!