Leadership experiences
Student Leadership
Leaders are made here.
Explore a new way of thinking and find a path to a bright future by becoming a leader at Purdue Fort Wayne. You will discover unique learning opportunities that are designed to position you for a rewarding leadership role in your chosen career path. Our level-specific programs are intended to support your progress as you advance from introductory leadership concepts to workforce preparedness.
Whether it’s a retreat or a community activity you are interested in, you have plenty of ways to develop your leadership skills at Purdue Fort Wayne.
Freshman Leadership Retreat
This is where it all starts.
If you are a freshman, you don’t want to miss the Freshmen Leadership Retreat at Camp Potawotami in Wolcottville, Indiana, in the fall. The retreat focuses on team building, knowing and understanding yourself, giving and building trust, supporting others, resiliency, and reflection. It is filled with activities, including camping (in a cabin), a ropes course, and team activities.
This all-expenses-paid trip is open to the first 45 Purdue Fort Wayne freshmen who register, and includes travel, lodging, food, and a Purdue Fort Wayne sweatshirt. Learn about yourself and others, connect to your university, experience diversity, and have fun in the process, at what many students refer to as one of the best experiences of their college career.
For more information, including dates and time, or to express interest in serving as a student leader at camp, contact Alex Backer, executive director of student engagement, at [email protected] or 260-481-6598.
Emerging Leaders Retreat
Continue your journey.
Join us for the Emerging Leaders Retreat for sophomores and juniors and actively prepare for your future at PFW. This full-day retreat, at ElectricWorks in Fort Wayne, focuses on understanding leadership, your strengths as a leader, team building, and creating your personal brand and mission.
This retreat is open to the first 40 Purdue Fort Wayne sophomores and juniors who register, and includes travel, food, and a unique Purdue Fort Wayne apparel piece.
For more information, including dates and time, contact Alex Backer, executive director of student engagement, at [email protected] or 260-481-6598.
Senior Leadership Experience
It all led you here.
Learn about leadership and prepare for life after college at the Senior Leadership Experience. Held in downtown Fort Wayne, this daylong retreat includes a tour of Parkview Field, sessions on engaging in the community as a young professional, opportunities to network, and guidance on transitioning your leadership skills from campus to the workplace. It also gives you the opportunity to engage with community speakers, including the mayor of Fort Wayne.
During this experience—for both seniors and graduate students—you’ll learn about group dynamics, workplace cultures and environments, and strategies to make connections in the community. You’ll also learn strategies for transferring your leadership skills into the community, and how to focus on career leadership strategies in your job search. This once-in-a-college opportunity is open to the first 40 seniors or graduate students who sign up.
For more information, including dates and time, contact Alex Backer, executive director of student engagement, at [email protected] or 260-481-6598.
Contact Us
Have questions?
Contact Student Leadership at [email protected] or 260-481-4150 or reach out to the executive director of student engagement at [email protected] or
260-481-6598.