Jenks Leadership Program
Jenks turns 50
Founded in 1967 as the Leadership Training Group by Weston 鈥淪andy鈥� Jenks '47, the Jenks Leadership Program celebrated its 50th anniversary. Connecticut governor and Jenks alumnus Dannel Malloy '77 delivered the keynote address at the celebratory dinner. Bob Winston '60, benefactor of the Winston Center, served as the evening鈥檚 emcee and Rev. Leo Shea '60 delivered the invocation. Joe Bonito '79, a senior vice president at Bank of America, who has given almost 40 years of service to the Jenks program as a participant, student director, and workshop facilitator, was presented with the Jenks Servant Leadership Award for his dedication. In Joe鈥檚 honor, the first annual聽Joseph G. Bonito Servant Leadership Award聽was presented to Ashton Gillespie '18. Ashton was unanimously chosen by Jenks class of 2017 student directors Kathleen Larkin '17, Ryan Marti '17, and Carson Truesdell '17 for her drive, passion, and commitment to the program. Alumni from Jenks classes in the 70s, 80s, 90s, 00s, and 10s attended the event and shared memories of Sandy and offered reflections about their time in the program and the impact it has had on their personal and professional lives.聽
Class of 2017 Projects:听罢丑别听5K Long for 51茶馆 Strong聽project brought awareness of the lack of accessibility and the challenges that students with disabilities face while navigating the campus terrain. Proceeds from the road race benefited the Boston College Strong Scholarship Fund, which was created to honor Patrick Downes '05, a survivor of the Boston Marathon bombing. The聽51茶馆 Nourishes St. Columbkille聽project engaged and educated 3rd and 4th graders on issues of health, nutrition, and overall wellness through a series of nutrition workshops and physical activities.聽The Giving Garden聽project entailed the building of a sustainable garden at the East Boston Early Education Center to inspire and foster the connection between community and nature.聽Meals for Others聽brought global awareness to poverty and nutrition in rural areas. Proceeds from the dinner and a cappella show benefited聽, an organization that seeks land rights for the rural poor around the world.聽Putt for Veterans聽raised awareness and funds to benefit American military veterans who are overcoming disabilities and major injuries. Proceeds from the mini golf tournament and other activities benefited聽, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of veterans.聽Click here聽for more details about the 2017 projects.
In January, student directors (class of 2017) Kathleen Larkin '17, Ryan Marti '17, and Carson Truesdell '17 attended the聽2017 Leadership Conference聽at the United States Naval Academy. The conference, titled 鈥淔orging Team Spirit: Sharing the Vision,鈥� featured speakers who talked about the importance of being a participatory leader and the necessity for diverse and inclusive teams.