UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State students in the fraternity and sorority community recently attended EMERGE, a leadership retreat held at Krislund Camp and Conference Center over the weekend of Nov. 14.
The annual EMERGE retreat, organized by Penn State’s Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life (OFSL), brought together student leaders from 40 chapters across all four governing councils. The retreat aimed to connect aspiring leaders who want to serve on their organizations or council executive boards with University staff.
Leaders attending the retreat engaged in various facilitated activities to implement strategies for achieving progress through adaptive challenges. They also explored the role of interdependence in a collective community of organizations and cultivated personal relationships across different organizations and councils.
During the EMERGE program, OFSL focused on helping students:
- Engage in large and small group discussions on adaptive leadership and collaboration.
- Connect with peers across all four governing councils to strengthen the fraternity and sorority community.
- Develop personal leadership strategies that prepare students for a future within their chapter and their future endeavors.
Erika Grant, president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., explained, “From Friday morning to Sunday evening, I was working with more than 50 fraternity and sorority members as they prepared to step into their new leadership roles. I supported the staff and group leaders in fostering meaningful conversations about teamwork, accountability, and what it truly means to be a leader of your community.”
Interdependence is the state of being mutually reliant on one another, where the success or well-being of individuals, groups or entities is interconnected. Leaders learned how to recognize and celebrate the similarities and differences among themselves and others to achieve collective betterment.
“I used to hesitate at the first step and doubt my ability to connect with others but EMERGE gave me the confidence to communicate openly and grow into the leader I’m becoming,” said Mitsuko “Mitzy” Zist, chapter treasurer of the Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority Inc. “EMERGE opened not only my confidence but my eyes to something I didn’t consider I lacked."
A combination of interactive activities and structured discussions allowed participants to explore personal and organizational challenges.
“The activities and discussions at the retreat really helped me see my own leadership style and values in action. Working with students from different councils and groups, sharing ideas, and tackling challenges together showed me how everyone’s strengths matter,” said Maura McFadden, former vice president of membership development for Delta Phi Epsilon. “I learned how my actions can make a difference and how to step up in my role as a leader. Most of all, it reminded me that leadership is about helping each other and working as a team to succeed.”
Through this emerging leaders’ retreat, OFSL aims to build a foundation for ongoing collaboration, mutual respect and shared success. Students leave EMERGE with a clearer understanding of their roles and how their actions impact the larger fraternity and sorority system and Penn State as a whole.
Leadership development opportunities for the fraternity and sorority community foster a greater connection between future fraternity and sorority leaders and campus partners, creating a stronger sense of community at Penn State.
“My main goal as a peer mentor during this retreat was to educate and share my experiences with future leaders in fraternity and sorority life” said, Carlos Bennetts. Bennetts served as the Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusions for the Penn State Interfraternity Council and is a member of the Phi Kappa Theta Fraternity. “As a fraternity leader, I served on my chapters' executive board twice, and I just finished my term on the IFC executive board. I had the unique opportunity to coach my chapters current president through leadership challenges."
By the end of the retreat, students said they gained a new perspective on leadership, learning that leadership isn’t just about titles — it’s about stepping up, supporting others, and communicating with confidence. The experience gives future leaders space to grow, connect with peers and understand the impact they can have within the fraternity and sorority community while also building connections across the councils.
About Penn State Student Affairs
Penn State Student Affairs supports holistic student success through advocacy, education, engagement and care. With more than 30 programs and units, Student Affairs helps students thrive in and out of the classroom, discover community and belonging, build leadership skills and create lasting memories. All programs and events are open to all students, regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, race or other protected class. Student Affairs is committed to building a community of belonging for all. Learn more about Student Affairs programs at studentaffairs.psu.edu.