Keynote speaker Freddy Shegog will present to Clark State students at the “What is your Legacy?” Student Engagement Conference on Sept. 12.
As the new academic year begins, Clark State College continues to focus on student success with a Student Engagement Conference themed “What is your Legacy?” This one-day conference is designed to spark inspiration, open doors to new opportunities and empower students to reflect on their purpose, passion and potential, both on campus and in their daily lives.
Nina Wiley, assistant vice president of student affairs at Clark State says, “The Student Engagement Conference grew out of suggestions and conversations with student leaders and staff who wanted to bring students together to grow, learn and connect. But most importantly, this is an opportunity for students to be empowered.”
The highlight of the event will be with keynote speaker Freddy Shegog whose personal story is a powerful lesson in keeping with the conference’s theme of “What Is Your Legacy?”
“We were very intentional inviting Freddy Shegog as our keynote speaker,” says Wiley. “His excitement and enthusiasm for helping others and empowering them to make healthy choices and move forward in a positive way, is remarkable.”
A nationally recognized motivational speaker, storyteller and founder of The Message LLC, and a graduate of West Chester University, Shegog’s life story is powerfully inspirational. Overcoming addiction, homelessness and mental health challenges, he took control of his future and shaped his legacy.
Shegog’s message “it’s not how you start; it’s how you finish,” has inspired national and international audiences at events including the Achieving the Dream Conference and National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development and the Africa-Back Psychiatrists of America Conference in Nairobi.
“You’re not in school just for a degree,” Shegog stresses. “You’re here to change as a human. You’re here to build a foundation in order to leave a legacy in the world. While you’re here, it’s not just about the GPA, it’s about changing as a whole and becoming a better person.”
“School changed my life,” Shegog continued. “It took me from homelessness to literally travelling around the world. I was able to start a company, became a husband, a father, a family man and a granddad. You’re here to become a whole person. If we look at school like that it doesn’t get boring and it doesn’t get monotonous because you’re working on something bigger than you.”
Free of charge and open to all Clark State students, the conference will be held on Friday, Sept. 12 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., on the Leffel Lane campus in LRC 207/209.
The conference includes free breakfast and lunch, ice-breaker activities, multiple break-out sessions with members of faculty and staff, as well as t-shirts and giveaways for student participants. Students will also be able to make valuable connections to campus organizations and clubs, activities and the campus community.
For more information about the “What is your Legacy?” Student Engagement Conference, please contact Nina Wiley at wileyn@clarkstate.edu.