Five students from Clemson University will travel to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for the 2023 ACC Leadership Symposium, held at the University of Pittsburgh from Feb. 17-19. The symposium brings together students from each Atlantic Coast Conference institution for leadership training, professional development and networking opportunities.
“The symposium will expose our students to different ways of thinking about leadership,” said Chris Spellman, assistant director of student leadership development in Clemson’s Center for Student Leadership and Engagement. “You can have the academic knowledge and theory to be successful in your career, but when you have leadership skills it equips you to be more successful at a more efficient rate. When you think about a potential career you’re trying to pursue, leadership skills are a common trait that can set you apart from others. Leadership is essential for making positive impact on the lives of others.”
Spellman will accompany Joi Albert, Addison Langston, Daniella Lopez, Aster Oliver and Alex Sauer on the weekend of Feb. 17-19 in Pittsburgh. Snapshots of the students who were chosen to represent Clemson at the 2023 ACC Leadership Symposium are below.
Joi Albert
• Junior
• Majoring in finance
• Native of Columbia, South Carolina
• Member of council of diversity affairs with Clemson Undergraduate Student Government
• Vice president for Sister 2 Sister and Collegiate Curls
• Served as Orientation Ambassador in 2022 and named a team leader for 2023
• Works with transitions team in Center for Student Leadership and Engagement
Albert’s take:
“Even though I’m very involved on campus, it’s good to gain other perspectives. Meeting students from other schools and learning how they’re improving their campuses, bringing that back and improving what’s around me in my organizations (is important).”
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Addison Langston
• Senior
• Majoring in biochemistry, minoring in biological sciences and history
• Native of Greer, South Carolina
• Resident assistant at Lever Hall will serve as a community leader in 2023-24
Langston’s take:
“I want to be a pharmacist and will be applying to schools this summer. When my schooling is done, I know I’ll need to interact with other pharmacists and doctors and patients. You’ve got to have leadership qualities. Knowing how to coordinate things and making calm, rational decisions in hectic situations is important. Plus, a lot of these skills translate into your day-to-day life.”
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Daniella Lopez
• Sophomore
• Majoring in parks, recreation and tourism management
• Native of Miami, Florida
• Mentor in the CONNECTIONS program
• Member of Clemson University Guide Association, Black Student Union and club rugby team
• Works with U-NITES! program in Center for Student Leadership and Engagement
Lopez’s take:
“I’m most looking forward to meeting the students in our cohort so far and the aspects we bring as different leaders on campus. It will be amazing to travel to Pittsburgh and develop connections and networking opportunities.”
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Aster Oliver
• Senior
• Majoring in geology
• Native of Lexington, South Carolina
• President of Under the Umbrella
• Secretary of the Residence Hall Association
• Orientation Ambassador in training
• Completed Certified Student Leader program in Fall 2022
Oliver’s take:
“I’m interested in studying the field of student affairs. Leadership opportunities such as this will help prepare me for that type of experience in the future.”
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Alex Sauer
• Junior
• Majoring in finance and management, minoring in accounting
• Native of Johnstown, Colorado
• Vice chair of the infrastructure and operations committee of the Undergraduate Student Senate
• Chapman Leadership Scholars program
• Finance Student Advisory Board
Sauer’s take:
“We’ll be able to make close connections with students our ages. It’s less than 100 people total, so it will allow us to make meaningful connections. We’ll see selfless leaders working across the country and I’m excited to share in our different experiences.”