St. John's News
Ozanam Scholars Gather at Iroquois Springs for Orientation Retreat Weekend
October 10, 2007
The Ozanam Scholars boarded a bus late Friday afternoon headed
for Rock Hill, New York for their first weekend retreat as a group.
This orientation experience proved to be an invaluable one for the
group. Iroquois Springs, a 200 acre facility, provided the perfect
backdrop for this unique bonding experience.
These students will be working together for the next four years
and this was an initial opportunity for them to get to know one
another. The Ozanam Scholars Program is a new program at St. John’s
and was created to provide selected students an opportunity to
study issues of poverty and social justice, through academic
research, hands-on community service, and leadership
development.
The weekend agenda was packed with a mix of ice breakers,
presentations, small group sharing and large group interaction.
Outdoor activities, including a soccer game, provided the group
with relaxation time. Presentations were given by Academic
Service-Learning/Ozanam Scholars Program staff, Dr. James M. Keane,
John D. Carrion and Lorrette Ayers. Megan Fisher, a member of
Campus Ministry, presented along with Lorrette Ayers. Topics
included social justice, Vincentian Charism and the components of
the program for this coming year. A ‘low ropes’ course helped the
students to learn the importance of clear communication and
listening to one another. Students were able to develop a
connection with other community members to support their ongoing
citizen leadership development in the global community. The
personal way in which the presenters shared their experiences
positively impressed many in the group, as is evidenced in their
comments.
“This weekend exceeded my expectations. I ended up having a lot
of fun, meeting new people and learning.”
“I am glad I had the opportunity to come on this retreat. I’m
happy to be a part of this family. It has made me more excited
about the program.”
“The bonfire was a really good bonding experience.”
“I liked how the administration opened up.”
“It was well-planned and thought out.”
The Ozanam Scholars are off to a wonderful start and with all
that they have in the upcoming months it can only get better!