The Daily Collegian's Board of Managers from the Business Division and the Board of Editors from the News Division met at the Nittany Winery for a one-day leadership enhancing, personal development program on the last Saturday in August 2000. The program theme was "Be Aware, Be Very Aware."

Jacquette Wade, program director for student development with AT&T Center for Service Leadership, spoke on strengthening leadership skills, expanding upon the Collegian's environment, enhancing cognitive development and building team morale.

As part of her business proposal for business manager in Spring 2000, Francine Sadiky organized the retreat along with Wade and Patricia Tisak, editor in chief in 2000-2001.

"We talked about issues for managers and how we can improve ourselves by being aware," Sadiky said.

"I thought the retreat would be a nice way to interact with news and start the year."

Debbie Rosenthal, Ocean Township, N.J., felt Wade gave an informative presentation, but the focus on leadership development could have been improved upon by engaging participants in interactive workshops.

"Lecturing isn't the most effective way to capture an audience. When people interact, they have fun and remember better."

Staff members felt the combined efforts of both divisions should continue for future retreats, depending on the goals set forth by each division. Jon Fassnacht, Ephrata, Pa., said, "If the goals are going for togetherness and leadership they should be combined, but if it is for specific parts, it would be more beneficial to have them separate."

Members also felt bringing the two divisions together was beneficial in building relations between them on a minor level.

"I made some friends from the Business Division, although I haven't seen them since that day. It was nice," Fassnacht said.

"Overall, it didn't change anything, but it got people thinking about things to improve upon."