About the College of Leadership and Service

Welcome to Stony Brook University's College of Leadership and Service! This is your gateway to career success and life satisfaction.

So what are leadership and service, and what do they have to do with one other? You probably have your own definition of leadership. To me, it is creating and communicating a vision, gaining others' commitment, being a role model, organizing and delegating tasks, and, to put it simply, making things happen. Leadership is vital in all careers, whether in business, government, or not-for-profit organizations. On campus, you can learn about leadership, develop your leadership skills, and become a leader in student government, a club or activity, an honor society, or just a group of friends.

Of course, leadership is important in volunteer efforts that help others. This is where service comes in. Community service is a chance to learn to be a leader while serving others. Service can be helping the indigent, raising money, sponsoring a walk, building a house for Habitat for Humanity, holding an event to support cancer survivors, cleaning up a beach, or saving trees. On campus, you can be a Student Ambassador, volunteer for campus clean up day, volunteer in the hospital, or organize a concert to raise money for a charity, to give just a few examples.

This is your chance to be creative, explore a passion, and follow your ambition. Discover your potential as you participate in fun and challenging activities. In the process, you will make a name for yourself. Faculty will get to know you so well that they will be thrilled to write a recommendation for you.

Many exciting opportunities and activities await you within the College of Leadership and Service. You will attend a freshman seminar in the Fall to learn about the university. In the spring, you can enroll in a small seminar taught by senior faculty. You will have the opportunity to assess your own leadership in order to test your skills and get feedback for development, and projects with a host of community groups. We have guest speakers on leadership. You can take tours of organizations and community service agencies and meet top leaders in their fields. There will be informal dinners with faculty and community leaders. Of course, you will have personalized advising to be sure you are doing as well as you can do in your courses and to plan your future. Our dedicated staff--faculty, Academic Advisors, and Residence Hall and Community Student professionals will be here to help you.

Again, welcome! Don't hesitate to contact me or Kathleen Gillon, the College Academic Advisor, or Cindy Lake, the H Quad Director. So, have fun, make friends, and learn about your potential as you gain valuable experience and help others.

Sincerely,
Manny London, Faculty Director
College of Leadership and Service