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"The Gilbert Leadership Conference exists to serve the students of Texas A&M University by providing freshmen the opportunity to develop themselves as leaders, to network and interact with one another, and to understand the leadership opportunities that are available across campus during their time at Texas A&M. In keeping with the traditions of the Student Government Association and Texas A&M University, the conference focuses on the values of character, service, and involvement, as well as the betterment of the Texas A&M student body."
The Gilbert Leadership Conference, founded in 2006, has evolved into an interactive seven week leadership development program. Each fall, 40 freshmen delegates are selected through an interview and application process. All delegates attend weekly meetings to learn about character, service, involvement, and how they can incorporate these values into their lives starting their first semester on campus. The first 10 years of the conference took place in Houston, Texas. However, the 2016 conference began a new chapter and incredible transition by hosting the four-day conference in Dallas, Texas, where it will take place going forward. Throughout the conference and leadership development program, delegates hear from qualified speakers, participate in service projects, build lasting relationships with other delegates, and get to know the Gilbert family personally.
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Character
Character is the reaction to a situation that defines you as a leader. During GLC, we focus on building delegates into the future leaders of tomorrow.
"Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are."
- Former UCLA coach, John Wooden
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Service
Another pillar of GLC is service. Service is portrayed through projects and volunteering in both the College Station and Dallas areas. It is important for delegates to realize the need for help in local areas and places outside of Texas A&M. When the delegates and staff both help in the service projects, our common interests help us connect closer as a group while impacting the people around us.
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Involvement
GLC emphasizes the importance of involvement during a student's four years at A&M. We encourage delegates to find their passions and get plugged in to one of the many student-run organizations Texas A&M has to offer. We recruit delegates who represent all aspects of the student body, so that organizations across campus will be run by leaders with these values.