The Whitman School is introducing Fall 2023 and new leadership development program, geared towards undergraduates in their junior or senior year, as well as Masters-level students, has been made possible due to a large gift from one of our amazing local alums, David Panasci '80. 

The goal of this initiative is to help connect students to local business leaders in the greater CNY area, allowing those to grow their network, contribute to community building, all while enhancing leadership skills and abilities. Completing this program will help students get a head start on their careers here in CNY and completion of the full program will fulfill the undergraduate community service requirement.

This program will work in conjunction with a local organization, Leadership Greater Syracuse, offering a comparable program for students as they run for mid-career leaders. 

Students will need to apply and be accepted over the summer as the program will start during the fall 2023 semester.

There will be eight Friday’s throughout the Fall and Spring semester focusing on regional leadership, economic development, discovering and impacting local businesses, how to lead and serve, diversity, equity and inclusion in Central New York, and envisioning the future of Syracuse (full schedule will be provided at the start of the program). 

Please read more in the SU News story , and if you are interested, we highly encourage you to apply by July 31st. Click the button below to review and complete the application. Admissions will be highly selective, so please don’t delay if you would like to be considered.

 Local Leader Initiative Application

Have questions? 

Please reach out to Emily Shaughnessy, Undergraduate Career Advisor in the Whitman Career Center, eeshaugh@syr.edu