Student Leaders Gather for Cross-Department Student Leadership Retreat

On Saturday, May 3, 2025, student leaders from across Seton Hall University gathered for the first annual Balance, Live and Thrive Leadership Retreat — an all-day event that brought together tutoring and mentoring staff from the Academic Resource Center (ARC), Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), Math Learning Lab, Academic Support Services for Student-Athletes, and Peer Advisors from the Center for Academic Success.

Workshops, Teambuilding and Self-Care

The day began with a morning workshop titled “Volunteering as Self-Care,” where students explored how giving back can serve as a powerful tool for mental wellness, physical health and personal growth. Participants then put this idea into action by assembling blessing bags for people experiencing homelessness, decorating cards for hospitalized children and creating appreciation notes for faculty and staff across campus.

Following the morning of reflection and service, attendees focused on team building. Teams tested their critical thinking skills in a riddle-solving challenge with rounds of increasing difficulty. The retreat also offered time to relax with chair yoga sessions or unwind in a cozy craft room stocked with painting and journaling supplies. A special highlight of the day was the visit from therapy dogs Blue and George, who provided comfort and connection during this stressful time of the year.

Keynote Speakers

The afternoon session featured a dynamic workshop facilitated by the founders of Trill or Not Trill, Jeff Dess and Lenny Williams. Trill or Not Trill was founded in 2015 as a social media initiative and quickly evolved into a national platform merging pop culture with leadership education. The duo are co-authors of We Wear Kicks to Work, a book that blends theory, practice and lived experience to create inclusive, culturally responsive approaches to leadership. Their thought-provoking session challenged students to reflect on their personal leadership journeys, understand their origin stories and inspired them to bring authenticity and creativity to their campus roles.

Awards and Recognition

The retreat concluded with an awards ceremony celebrating the accomplishments of the university’s peer academic leaders. May 2025 graduates were recognized for their dedication and impact on the student experience, and several peer tutors and coaches were honored with Level 1 and Level 2 College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) certifications — nationally recognized credentials that signify excellence in peer education. Nicole Paternoster, director of the Academic Resource Center, said of the event, “This retreat was a day of reflection and celebration — a chance to honor the incredible work our student leaders do every day to support their peers. Watching them grow, connect and recharge reminds us just how vital they are to the heart and soul of our community.”

This collaborative event, rooted in well-being, service and growth, served not only as professional development but also as a powerful reminder of the community fostered through peer support. Organizers hope this marks the beginning of an annual tradition that continues to uplift and empower student leaders across campus. ARC Program Coordinator, Ted McCulloch, summed up the day, “The retreat was a wonderful day of reflection, self-care and inspiration. Our tutors were able to connect with their peers in a fun environment dedicated to celebrating their achievements and helping them grow as student leaders. The guest speakers, Jeff Dess and Lenny Williams, were incredible. They taught our tutors that they bring value to Seton Hall by being authentically themselves. I speak for everyone when I say none of this could have happened without Nicole Paternoster’s vision and leadership. She planned an amazing event that our students appreciated, and I can't wait for next year.”

Categories: Campus Life, Education