Wednesday, Oct 16, 2013
Rider graduate Howard Stoeckel, ’67, former Chief Executive Officer of Wawa, Inc., and a trustee for the University will work with students to offer guidance, advice, and feedback focused on professional and personal development.
by Aimee LaBrie
Great leadership skills are not absorbed simply by reading the latest best-selling book on management—they are more often learned through real life experiences. Now, thanks to fellowships offered to alumni and community members by the Center for Development of Leadership Skills in the College of Business Administration, Rider students will have the opportunity to learn valuable lessons directly from some of the most successful people in their respective industries.
The inaugural fellowship recipient is Rider graduate Howard Stoeckel, ’67, former Chief Executive Officer of Wawa, Inc., and a trustee for the University. Dr. Steve Lorenzet, dean of the College of Business Administration, explains why Stoeckel is the perfect candidate to lead this program. “Here is this very seasoned and accomplished leader who for all his success has remained very relatable. His extensive knowledge of the business world and his down-to-earth approach will give students the opportunity to learn directly from an expert in his field who is very candid about his success and challenges.”
On Thursday, November 14, 2013, Stoeckel will offer his expertise to students on the Lawrenceville campus, providing mentoring workshops for small groups followed by a presentation about his personal leadership journey starting at 11:30 AM in North Hall, Room 130. This session is open to all students as well as the broader community. During the two-year term limit, he and the other fellows will continue to work with students to offer guidance, advice, and feedback focused on professional and personal development.
The other fellows to be chosen from various professional fields among the Rider alumni population and the community will provide students with assistance on a wide-range of topics, including how to successfully transition from their senior year to their post college lives. Students will also have the chance to receive one-on-one mentorship with fellows, to set concrete goals for their leadership development and to outline specific action plans for their post-college days.
Associate Director for the Center, Laura Seplaki, views these fellowships as a much-needed component to students’ educational experience. “It is so important for students to connect and network with successful professionals, especially since so many of our Rider alumni have gone on accomplish amazing things. For our alumni and professionals in the community, this program allows them to give back and to make a real impact on students’ development as effective and confident leaders—both for today and for the future.”
For more information please send emails and inquires to [email protected].
