From January 8 to 11, the 87th John O. Moseley Leadership School brought together 429 undergraduate members from 175 chapters for an immersive leadership and brotherhood-building experience in Chicago and Evanston. Over three days, participants engaged in hands-on learning to develop the skills necessary to lead effectively within their chapters, on their campuses, and beyond college.
Thursday: Laying the Foundation
The program began with an emphasis on team building and personal development. Small groups kicked things off with Name Aerobics, helping participants quickly build familiarity and ease the tension of meeting new brothers. From there, the Misstep–Mistake exercise challenged teams to navigate a maze collectively, reinforcing the idea that every individual plays a critical role in a chapter’s success.
Participants also explored Tuckman’s Five Stages of Team Development — Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing, and Adjourning, through guided readings and presentations. This session gave attendees a framework for understanding how teams evolve, overcome challenges, and ultimately perform at a high level.
Friday: Accountability and Responsibility
Friday’s sessions centered on risk management, accountability, and personal leadership. Attendees worked through the newly developed Social Event Management Guide, learning how to lead their chapters through challenging situations and uphold the Fraternity’s standards.
A powerful hazing prevention session featured Lianne Kowiak, a mother who shared the story of losing her son to hazing, offering a sobering reminder of the real consequences of harmful behaviors. This discussion equipped participants with the tools to recognize hazing and take proactive steps to prevent it.
Later, Personality Into Practice allowed attendees to analyze their personality assessment results and connect communication styles, leadership tendencies, and conflict management.
Friday rotational sessions covered key operational areas, including Recruitment, Service and Philanthropy, Public Relations and Branding, and Understanding Yourself. Participants heard from partners such as NMDP and the Lafayette Group, gaining practical insight into how chapters can tell their stories, serve their communities, and recruit with intention.
Saturday: From Campus to Career
Saturday began with a visit to the Levere Memorial Temple, where attendees explored SAE’s historic home and capped the experience with Lou Malnati’s Chicago-style deep-dish pizza.
The Leading to Elite general session featured a member of SEAL Team Six, who shared lessons from his service on teamwork, leadership, and accountability under pressure. Later, the Backpack to Briefcase session introduced participants to the eight NACE career competencies while highlighting opportunities through the SAE Mentor Program and SAE Job Board.
In small groups, participants sharpened their communication skills through interactive exercises and applied everything they learned during the weekend to a case study based on real challenges chapters have faced, developing and presenting solutions to their peers.
Sunday: Looking Ahead
Leadership School concluded with one final chapter meeting focused on reflection and action. Participants wrote SMART goals for the upcoming semester and completed an assessment on what they learned throughout the weekend. Alum Stan Strom and Ambassador Keeton Kauffman closed out the final general session, encouraging attendees to take what they learned and put it into practice back home.
The 87th John O. Moseley Leadership School reaffirmed SAE’s commitment to developing leaders of character; True Gentlemen prepared not only to lead their chapters, but to make a lasting impact in every arena of life.
