Wellesley’s Student Leaders Return for a New Year

Two hundred Wellesley students are back on campus ahead of the new school year—they’re here to train for vital leadership positions at the College.

Student leaders heard from President Paula Johnson and Sheilah Shaw Horton, Wellesley’s newly appointed vice president and dean of students, about the importance of serving as role models and mentors to peers and first-year students in the coming academic year. Yesterday’s event in Tishman Commons launched a week of leadership training activities.

President Johnson encouraged student leaders to look to each other for support and encourage each other to grow. "Turn to your peers to help you stretch, to help you consider new ideas, and to give you opportunities to expand your worldview. And practice patience and generosity as your friends do the same. You will be better leaders!"

Student leaders encompass a broad range of positions—as resident assistants (RAs), first-year mentors (FYMs), academic peer tutors (APTs), Slater international student leaders (ISLs), athlete mentors (AMPs), college government cabinet (CG), and house presidents (HPs).

"Our student leaders embody Wellesley's original motto, Non Ministrari sed Ministrare," said Lori Tenser, dean of first-year students. "They give their time and energy to the College and especially to our newest students."