Students to See Leadership in Action as Part of Program Sponsored by Leadership Development Center at UB

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Students at the University at Buffalo will have the chance to see leadership in action on April 2 when they take part in the 5th annual Leadership Experience and Achievement Program (LEAP), sponsored by the Leadership Development Center.

Fifty-four UB students will be paired with 54 Western New York community/business leaders in a one-day program designed to expose the students to real-world leadership practices and provide them with a valuable perspective on personal leadership styles. The leaders will act as "mentors" and guide the students through a day of professional activities.

Among the mentors who will participate in the program are Douglas C. Bean, managing partner of Eric Mower and Associates; Aimee G. Brace, vice president of strategic redevelopment for the Catholic Health Systems; John P. Davanzo, president and CEO of Buffalo General Hospital; David Granville, executive director of the Buffalo Arts Commission; Tanya Perrin Johnson, CEO of YWCA of Western New York; Jodi Johnston, reporter for WGRZ-TV, Channel 2; Frank Polino, senior vice president and chief information officer for First Niagara Bank; James Pitts, president of the Buffalo Common Council, and Antoine Thompson, Masten District councilmember.

"Through this experience the student will learn leadership techniques in a 'real-world' situation," says Frank J. Ciccia, director of the UB Leadership Development Center. "The program also can benefit the Buffalo-Niagara region in that the contacts these students make could encourage them to stay in the area after they graduate."

The day will begin with students reporting to their mentor's office by 8:30 a.m. The program will conclude with a reception for students and mentors from 4:30-6 p.m. in Jacobs Executive Development Center, Delaware Avenue and North Street, Buffalo.

For more information about the program, contact Ciccia at 645-6469 ext. 118, or at ciccia@buffalo.edu.