In a remarkable effort to enhance leadership skills and foster holistic development, the Office of Student Affairs organized the revival of the Retreat for Student Leaders last May 31 and June 1 at the Arrupe Convention Center. This event was a significant part of Ateneo Leadership Development Program.

Thirty-seven student leaders representing 20 student organizations attended the retreat, themed “Rejuvenating Mind, Body, and Spirit.”

The retreat was directed by Dave Daulo, a Senior Associate from the Emmaus Center for Psycho-spiritual Formation and Accompaniment. He guided the student leaders through a reflective journey designed to enhance their leadership qualities and personal and spiritual growth.

Throughout the retreat, Daulo posed inviting questions to the participants, encouraging them to introspect on their dispositions and intentions. The student leaders were prompted to recall significant experiences from the past school year, both as individuals and as leaders. They reviewed their involvement in their respective organizations’ activities, aiming to clarify and deepen their understanding of their purpose or mission as student leaders. An essential aspect of this reflection was the emphasis on putting God first in their ongoing journey as leaders at the university.

The retreat ended with the Holy Mass celebrated by Fr. Jed Anthony Peña, formator of the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary.

This retreat not only provided a platform for self-reflection and spiritual growth but also rejuvenated the participants’ commitment to their roles as student leaders. By the end of the retreat, the organizers hoped that the student leaders emerged with renewed vigor and a clearer vision for their leadership journey, equipped with insights to better serve their organizations and the university community.