May 2006
Monash University has launched a unique program designed to support and inspire students as they develop their potential to be leaders of the future.
Report: Robyn Anns
Photography: Greg Ford and Melissa Di Ciero
The coastal town of Portsea, on the tip of Victoria's Mornington Peninsula, has long been a favoured retreat of some of Melbourne's leading business figures. It is perhaps fitting, then, that earlier this year it hosted 40 of Australia's leaders of tomorrow.
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Their place in the sun: (From left) Mr John Achouth, Ms Liz Goonan, Ms Non Adun, Mr Prathab Gopiraj and Ms Belinda Nisbet relax on the beach at Portsea. |
The future leaders are Monash students who have been chosen to participate in the inaugural Vice-Chancellor's Ancora Imparo Program, which bears the same name as the university's motto (meaning 'I am still learning').
Forty first-year students are chosen from Monash's Victorian campuses at the end of each year to take part in the program during their second year of studies.
At the Portsea retreat, Monash Vice-Chancellor Professor Richard Larkins introduced this year's participants to his vision for the student leadership initiative. He said the program aimed to equip students with the skills to make a difference in the community.
"Its goal is to develop the capacity of students with leadership potential to bring about constructive change in society," he said. "The desire and the ability to keep learning, to turn your life experiences into valuable lessons, is a cornerstone of the Ancora Imparo Program."
Engineering student Mr Luke Calloway said the three days at Portsea opened his eyes to the many aspects of leadership.
"It provided me with an opportunity to network with the most insightful and inspiring group of people I have had the privilege of meeting at Monash," he said.
Ms Connie Chong, a science student, agreed. "As we spent our time getting to know one another, we slowly uncovered talents, passions and personal qualities in each other, and we came to understand how we could contribute to the strength of this program's vision," she said.
Second-year arts/law student Ms Stephanie Mitchell also commended the program. "By making a difference to us, you are enabling us to make a difference to others," she said.
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Looking to the future: Students listen during a session at the residential retreat. |
Professor Larkins said the program would "foster an ethic of service, enhance students' abilities to effect positive social change and provide them with an opportunity to work with other passionate and committed peers.
"The Ancora Imparo cohort is a diverse group of individuals with some remarkable personal experiences," he said. "They are inspiring young people who were chosen so Monash could contribute to their development and because they could bring something to the program and learn from each other."
Ancora Imparo participants attend monthly meetings, where they hear from guest speakers, debate important social issues and discuss books from a reading list chosen to illustrate aspects of leadership or raise moral dilemmas.
For more information about the Ancora Imparo Program, go to the Ancora Imparo Student Leadership website.
For more information contact Ms Robyn Anns on +61 3 9905 9317 or email Robyn.Anns@adm.monash.edu.au.
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