On Saturday Feb. 9 Sacred Heart University's 5th Annual Leadership Conference took place for the aspiring leaders on campus. The guest speaker this year was Tom Pesce, well known entertainer and Sacred Heart alumni.

Each year the leadership conference is held in order to give students the opportunity to expand and improve on their leadership skills. The day-long event included a complimentary breakfast, guest speaker, and back to back educational sessions that were concentrated on leadership.

The morning presentation began with Pesce's question, "What is leadership?" With the help of the audience he came to the conclusion that "Wherever you are in life, if you're helping someone else; you're a leader."

During his hour long presentation Pesce taught skills that a person needs in order to be a leader. His experience at Sacred Heart allowed him to closely relate to current students.

"I try to select interactive and relatable speakers. This year's presenter Tom Pesce graduated from Sacred Heart in 2003 and was a student leader during his tenure at the University. It was great to have an alumni speak to current students," said Jane Sanders, director of leadership programs.

"As a leader, we have to make an impact, not just an impression," said Pesce.

His act made an impression on the students due to his interaction with them as well as his relatable examples and experience.

"He wasn't just telling us how to be a leader, he was showing us how," said sophomore Jackie Massella.

Sophomore class president, Katie Higgins, participated in one of Pesce's exercises. She was presented with the choice to choose a bag with a ten-dollar bill inside, or to choose a mystery bag, which represented the future.

In Higgins' mystery bag was a lemon. When Pesce cut the lemon in half, the ten-dollar bill was inside. This exercise demonstrated to the audience Pesce's motto, "When life hands you lemons, make lemonade."

The use of music and magic helped to grab the attention of the students so that it was not only a lecture, but an exciting learning experience.

"He was really inspiring. He did a great job capturing our attention so early on a Saturday morning," said sophomore Alex Vicchio.

Pesce's presentation not only encouraged skills for great leadership, but also skills for a healthy and well-rounded college lifestyle.

"As a leader you need to be open to learning," said Pesce.

The current and future leaders that attended this conference took away valuable information and lessons that they can use in their everyday clubs and activities.

"I think that Tom Pesce's enthusiasm inspires others to do their best and to reach their true potential," said sophomore Vanessa Ouellette.

The second half of the conference was back-to-back classroom sessions that taught different leadership skills. Faculty leaders as well as student leaders taught the sessions.

Sessions included themes such as team development and ethical leadership all the way to dealing with issues such as roommate conflicts.

"The conference is going to be very beneficial to the Sacred Heart community because the students that attended can pass on what they learned in the sessions to others," said junior Mary Beth Ingram.

The conference was an experience that could help new leaders to develop valuable skills. It also had sessions for experienced leaders to improve on their already developed skills.

"I think the conference will bring a better understanding of what we need to accomplish and how to accomplish it effectively," said Vicchio.

The conference takes place each spring and is open to all undergraduate students. New and old leaders are encouraged to attend so that they can help to improve their clubs and organizations.

"It is my goal to have students who participate in the conference to walk away feeling motivated and energized. I feel that the lessons they walk away with can be applied to their everyday lives," said Sanders.