Certified Leadership
Sophomore biomedical engineering major Shannon Mowbray says she is a "type A" personality whose true north is ambition. As a leader, she wants to maintain her integrity by being honest in everything she does, and she wants to be empathetic and caring to people on her teams.
"I will always have the goal right in front of me, but my most effective self allows love and honesty to dictate as well," she said.
After reflecting on many layers of self-awareness, Mowbray coined a personal philosophy: Let love and honesty be your east and west.
Mowbray shared her philosophy last week when she spoke at one of several leadership certificate ceremonies held at the Oskin Leadership Institute. Nearly 60 students received their framed certificates after completing the program this semester.
For Mowbray, who serves as vice president of the Society of Women Engineers chapter, and is a member of the Biomedical Engineering Society, she viewed the chance to earn a leadership certificate as a valuable advantage in preparation for a successful career.
"This will differentiate me from my engineering counterparts who do not have experience outside of their discipline," she said. "Especially in such a team-oriented field, having an employee who is versed in leadership and who values the professional growth opportunities it can offer is a huge asset."
Employers want to know the people they hire have integrity, take initiative, and can work well in teams, said Arthur Schwartz, founding director of the institute and professor of leadership studies. The certificate program is open to all undergraduates, not just those who fall under other campus leadership headings, such as student government or the Presidential Service Corps/Bonner Leader Program.
"Students who earn their certificate consistently demonstrate that they possess the mindset and skills to lead others," Schwartz said. "It is so gratifying to hear from students who tell me they differentiated themselves from other candidates after sharing with the hiring manager their leadership philosophy. The Oskin Institute's program truly sets Widener apart."
The institute works to inspire and prepare students to become strategic thinkers and responsible citizens. The institute, which opened in 2011 through a generous gift from David Oskin, former chair of Widener's Board of Trustees, provides opportunities that encourage Widener students to lead outside of their comfort zones.
The 57 students who received their Widener leadership certificate last week brought the total number of certificates granted by the institute to 317, since it first began awarding them in the spring of 2014.
