August 2025 Dinner Seminar Recap
Reconvening after a busy summer and rooting ourselves in leadership!
The Caldwell Fellows launched the 2025–2026 academic year with a joyful dinner seminar that reconvened friends and highlighted the individual activities done over the summer. After a warm welcome from Dr. Odom, Class of 2027 fellow Lelani Williamson opened the evening with words of gratitude for the program. Her reflection set the tone for an event grounded in appreciation for the opportunity to learn, grow, and serve alongside other servant leaders.
In preparation for the seminar, each attendee submitted a photo from their summer activities, which the dinner team printed and placed at the tables to mark seats. Alongside the photos were discussion prompts designed to spark reflection on their experiences. Fellows shared stories of challenges they faced, moments of growth, and insights they hoped to bring back into the program.
Through several table rotations, everyone had the chance to connect with peers and learn about the remarkable ways Fellows spent their summers, from traveling across the globe to Japan to working in meaningful positions at local organizations. These conversations encouraged not only storytelling but also deeper reflection on how summer experiences shape leadership and community impact. For those who want a closer look, our website features recent posts highlighting some of these inspiring fellow stories.
The evening closed with announcements about upcoming program activities, including Book Club, the medieval-themed Feast of the Fellows, and sign-ups for the May Camino Trek. The highlight of the night, however, was the unveiling of this year’s program theme: Rooted in Leadership. This theme invites Fellows to reflect on how their personal histories and backgrounds shape who they are as leaders, and how diverse perspectives strengthen the group as a whole. Everyone marveled at the new logo for our Rooted theme, beautifully designed by Quinn Weidner (Class of 2028). We look forward to our upcoming September Dinner Seminar, which is being held at a mystery location!
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