Ivy Leaguers learn how to lead

PRINCETON, N.J. -- Ivy League rivalries subsided over the weekend as students gathered from across the Northeast for the Ivy Leadership Summit at Princeton University.

The conference, which was hosted by the Ivy Council -- the overarching branch of student government for the Ivy League universities -- brought over 140 student leaders together for lectures and discussion on the theme of "Health, Economy and the International Community."

Seventeen Penn students attended the three-day conference, which aimed to raise awareness of the impact of scientific issues on policy decisions at national and international levels.

"I believe this event can spark an interest in students and motivate them to pursue avenues they otherwise wouldn't," said Ivy Leadership Summit Chairman Nick Jennings, who is a junior at Columbia University.

The conference began with a keynote speech by New York Times reporter and Princeton economics and public affairs professor Alan Krueger on "The Economics of Terrorism."

The event also featured panels and breakout sessions with distinguished guests such as John Nelson, the president of the American Medical Association.

"I want to be John Nelson's best friend," College junior Liz Spangler said, noting her respect for the work he has done in the medical field.

"Everyone was genuinely eager to be here and talk to us as undergraduates."

College junior and Student Activities Committee Vice Chairman Philip Gommels also said he was impressed by the speakers.

"They really did answer the questions and engage the questioners," Gommels said.

However, after sitting through over four hours of lectures, several students expressed desire for a more interactive setup.

"In the future, we may try to think of a way of promoting [more] discussion," Jennings said.

Nonetheless, Engineering and Wharton senior Bryan Chao said that the conference was a great way for students to apply different areas of study and extend their knowledge beyond their majors.

"I like being a Renaissance man," Chao said.

Attendees agreed that the most valuable aspect of the conference was the opportunity to interact intellectually and socially with students from other schools.

"I've met some really great friends through this," Jennings said.

Jennings added that it's also an opportunity to make connections that may be useful in the academic and business worlds.

"It's a forum of interests, personalities and imaginations," Chao said. "The point is to share them."

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