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Emerging Public Leaders

Emerging Public Leaders

The Riley Institute’s Emerging Public Leaders program is in hiatus 
and applications will not be considered.


Over the past fifteen years, 260 young people have emerged as community leaders with the
support of EPL, bringing fresh energy and commitment to their schools and communities.


Our great thanks to them, the program directors and to the many Furman professors and
leaders from across the state who have served as faculty members.
 

EPL in the News

News stories about Emerging Public Leaders (EPL) participants are grouped together by the year in which they
participated in the EPL program. If you click on the year, the link will take you to that year's homepage. 


2019-20

Emerging Public Leaders 2019-20 winners and awards announced. Furman News
 

2018-19

Bayan Abunijem, a senior at Greenville Tech Charter High School in Greenville, has organized a self-defense workshop to help lower domestic violence rates in South Carolina. Read more

Blanton Newman, a senior at J.L. Mann High School in Greenville, has organized a “Festival of Friendship” to bring together the “abled” and “differently abled” in our community. Read more

Winners and awards of the 2018-19 EPL class are announced. Read more

Program Sponsors

Emerging Public Leaders' Sponsors 
 

Emerging Public Leaders (EPL) , a program of the Riley Institute at Furman, is made possible with generous support from the following individuals/organizations. 

Many thanks to all of you!

Emerging Public Leaders Class of 2019-20

The Riley Institute at Furman welcomed the 2019-20 Emerging Public Leaders (EPL) to Furman's campus June 16-20, 2019 for a week filled with activities and opportunities to learn about public leadership.

Eighteen rising high school seniors from across South Carolina have been accepted for EPL's 17th class, bringing the total number of students who have participated in the program to 267. For the Schedule of Activities, click here.

Sophie Anderson
(l-r) Vee Edlund, Faith Eberflus, Ellie Toler, Alecia Williams and Sophie Anderson
Madison Pollock speaking
Madison Pollock speaking
(l-r) Alecia Williams, Sophie Anderson, Dustin Tant, Ariel Meriwether
Kell Runnion speaking
(l-r) Natalie Geiger and Secretary Riley
(l-r) Alecia Williams and Sophie Anderson
Ellis McLarty speaking
Ellis McLarty speaking
Mackenzie Brady speaking
(l-r) Mackenzie Brady, Natalie Geiger and Kell Runnion
Ariel Meriwether speaking
Nayha Hussain
Natalie Geiger speaking
Alecia Williams speaking
Faith Eberflus
The 2019-2020 Emerging Public Leaders class
EPL students with Secretary Riley, counselors and staff
The 2019-2020 Emerging Public Leaders class with their sponsor State Farm
Secretary Riley with a State Farm representative
Dr. Danielle Vinson, professor of political science, speaking to the group about "Real vs. Fake News"
Students visiting YouthBase and PMAC
Students working on craft projects with the kids at YouthBase and PMAC
Students working on craft projects with the kids at YouthBase and PMAC
Students at the Spartanburg Soup Kitchen
Students at the Spartanburg Soup Kitchen
Lunch with the Greenville Greeters

Emerging Public Leaders Class of 2018-19

The Riley Institute at Furman welcomed the 2018-19 Emerging Public Leaders (EPL) to Furman's campus June 17-22, 2018 for a week filled with activities and opportunities to learn about public leadership.

Sixteen rising high school seniors from across South Carolina have been accepted for EPL's 16th class, bringing the total number of students who have participated in the program to 249. For the Schedule of Activities, click here.

Secretary Riley visiting with the 2018 EPL students
Secretary Riley visiting with the 2018 EPL students
The EPL students with the Riley mascot, Henry the Boxer!
The EPL students at Falls Park
Silly mode!
(l-r) Mae Webster and Cate Tedford
A visit to Frazee Dream Center
Dr. Erik Ching, Professor of History, speaking to the students about Global Poverty and Evidence Based Leadership
Arnav Lal
(r-l) Lauren Garrison, Lilly Rowan, Madison Brawley
(l-r) Blanton Newman, Olivia Reichenbach, Cate Tedford, Andrea Kimpson, Elliott Marron
(l-r) Olivia Reichenbach, Elliott Marron and Andrea Kimpson at the Spartanburg Soup Kitchen
(l-r) Bayan Abunijem and Arnav Lal at the Spartanburg Soup Kitchen
(l-r) Olivia Reichenbach, Lily Rowan, Diana Oxner (counselor), Bayan Abunijem, Claire Derakshan at the Spartanburg Soup Kitchen
Emerging Public Leaders Class of 2018-19
Cathy Stevens, Program Director, White-Riley-Peterson Afterschool Policy Fellowship, speaking about Diversity of Disability
Melanie Armstrong speaking with Bayan Abunijem
Dr. Cynthia King, Furman Professor of Communication Studies, presenting on "Homing Your Presentation and Public Speaking Skills"
(l-r) Melanie Armstrong, Director of the Emerging Public Leaders program, with Madison Brawley, Blanton Newman at the Spartanburg Soup Kitchen
(l-r) Andrea Kimpson, Lillian Holland, Elizabeth Armstrong at the Spartanburg Soup Kitchen
Serving the community at the Spartanburg Soup Kitchen
The EPL students with Glenis Redmond, Poet in Residence at the Peace Center

Emerging Public Leaders Class of 2017-18

The Riley Institute at Furman will welcome the 2017-18 Emerging Public Leaders (EPL) to Furman's campus June 18-23, 2017 for a week filled with activities and opportunities to learn about public leadership.

Eighteen rising high school seniors from across South Carolina have been accepted for EPL's 15th class, bringing the total number of students who have participated in the program to 228. For the Schedule of Activities, click here.

The 2017-18 EPL students in front of Furman's iconic Bell Tower: Row 1 Ronak Malde; Row 2 (l-r) Queen Trapp, Vinita Cheepurupalli, Ellery McNeil, Melody Moorehead, Farehaa Hussain, Kirsten Fisher, Erica Daly, Mitchell Beard and Jack Bingham
These students can be silly!
Breakfast and ethics discussion with Dr. Don Raber, Presbyterian College
Olivia Nelli and Ellery McNeil listening to Dr. Raber
Dr. Don Raber
Melody Moorehead asking Dr. Raber a question
Manning Snyder listening to Dr. Raber
Ronak Malde asking Dr. Raber a question
Avi Mahoney
Erica Daly asking Dr. Raber a question
Dr. Beth Pontari, professor of Psychology at Furman, discussing "Psychology, The Power of Expectations: Thinking Critically About the Way We Perceive Our World"
Kirsten Fisher
Mitchell Beard
(l-r) Melody Moorehead, Mary Laurel Patrick and Olivia Nelli
Lunch and social etiquette with Shannon Wilkerson Wilson
Shannon Wilkerson Wilson speaking about business etiquette
Emerging Public Leaders Class of 2017-18
More on business etiquette
Students enjoying lunch and practicing their new skills
Dr. Cynthia King, professor of Communications Studies at Furman, speaking about "Honing Your Presentation and Public Speaking Skills"
Mary Laurel Patrick
Vivian Karamitros
Farehaa Hussain
Queen Trapp
Vinita Cheepurupalli
The students visit Frazee Dream Center
Learning more about the community work being done at the Frazee Dream Center
Avi Mahoney (r)
A visit to the Triune Mercy Center
Pat Parker, Associate Director, welcoming the students to the Triune Mercy Center
Pat Parker talking to the students about "Understanding Poverty and Homelessness"
Dr. Erik Ching, professor History at Furman, discussing "Global Poverty and Evidence Based Leadership"
Dr. Erik Ching
It has been a long and busy day! Students now enjoying an evening at White Oaks for swimming and a cookout
Students at White Oaks
Students at White Oaks
(l-r) Vinita Cheepurupalli, Queen Trapp, Kirsten Fisher and Tejas Patel
The students gather to hear Carol Goldsmith, WYFF News Channel 4, speak about "Real News vs. Fake News and How to Publicize your Service Project in the Press"
Carol Goldsmith
Dawn Dowden, Chief Operating Oficer at Homes of Hope
Dawn Dowden speaking about "All is Not Lost"
The students in the Greenville City Council Chambers learning "How Does Government Work?"
Greenville Councilman George Fletcher
Students listening to Glenis Redmond, Peace Center Poet in Residence, speak about "Diversity in Poetry"
Glenis Redmond and Mary Laurel Patrick
Glenis Redmond
(l-r) Tejas Patel, Melody Moorehead and Glenis Redmond
(l-r) Manning Snyder and Olivia Nelli
Lunch at the DH!
Cathy Stevens, Program Director of the White-Riley-Peterson Afterschool Policy Fellowship
Cathy Stevens speaking about "Diversity of Disability"
Students learning more about "Diversity of Disability"
Dr. Liz Smith, professor of Politics and International Affairs, speaking about "Lessons from Charleston"
Elliott Epps speaking to the students about "Linking Your Passion to Service Projects"
Elliott Epps speaking to the students
Elliott Epps leading the students in an EPL cheer
The amazing 2017-18 Emerging Public Leaders
The Emerging Public Leaders with their counselors
(l-r) Kenny Nyugen, Lucas Paquette, Katherine West, Queen Trapp, Drew Davis, Lydia Fink and Lucy Lansing

Emerging Public Leaders Class of 2016-17

The Riley Institute at Furman welcomed the 2016-17 Emerging Public Leaders (EPL) to Furman's campus June 19-24, 2016 for a week filled with activities and opportunities to learn about public leadership. This year's participants came from various high schools throughout South Carolina. For the Schedule of Activities, click here.

To view each student's project description by region, click here.

Emerging Public Leaders Class of 2016-17
EPL students with Secretary Riley
Emerging Public Leader Dipali Patel with Secretary Riley
Emerging Public Leader Daniel Bacheschi with Secretary Riley
Emerging Public Leaders Program Director Melanie Armstrong
Emerging Public Leaders at Welcome Luncheon
EPL Director Melanie Armstrong greets EPL alums, Welcome Luncheon
Riley Institute Research Associate Sally Morris with EPL students, Welcome Luncheon
EPL Director Melanie Armstrong offers opening remarks, Welcome Luncheon
EPL Director Melanie Armstrong offers opening remarks, Welcome Luncheon
Riley Institute Executive Director Don Gordon, EPL Welcome Luncheon
EPL alum and counselor Lucas Paquette
EPL alum Andrew James
EPL alum Jeremiah Drummond
Secretary Riley, EPL Welcome Luncheon
Emerging Public Leaders Class of 2016-17
Emerging Public Leader Caroline Farrell
Emerging Public Leaders, Welcome Luncheon
Secretary Riley speaks with counselor Kaitlyn Pugh & Bhumika Jakkaraddi, Welcome Luncheon
Secretary Riley offers his remarks, EPL Welcome Luncheon
Secretary Riley offers his remarks, EPL Welcome Luncheon
Secretary Riley offers his remarks, EPL Welcome Luncheon
Secretary Riley offers his remarks, EPL Welcome Luncheon
Emerging Public Leader Daniel Bacheschi introducing himself to Secretary Riley
Emerging Public Leaders Tazaya Caesar and Stephanie Gonzalez
Emerging Public Leader Jessica Cole introducing herself to Secretary Riley
Emerging Public Leader Mary DeVenny introducing herself to Secretary Riley
Emerging Public Leader Travis Dias introducing himself to Secretary Riley
Emerging Public Leader Catherine O'Leary introducing herself to Secretary Riley
Emerging Public Leader Varsha Gopal introducing herself to Secretary Riley
Emerging Public Leader Bhumika Jakkaraddi introducing herself to Secretary Riley
Emerging Public Leader Tyrese Lawson introducing himself to Secretary Riley
Emerging Public Leader Caroline Warren introducing herself to Secretary Riley
Secretary Riley offers his remarks, EPL Welcome Luncheon
Emerging Public Leader Brandon Jackson with Secretary Riley
Emerging Public Leader Stephanie Gonzalez with Secretary Riley
EPL students with Furman psychology professor Dr. Beth Pontari
EPL students work with Liz Seman, Furman's Executive Director for Corporate Engagement
EPL students Travis Dias and Mary DeVenny brainstorm ways to fundraise for their projects
EPL students Daniel Bacheschi and Tyrese Lawson brainstorm fundraising ideas with Liz Seman
EPL students Olivia McGuirt and Catherine O'Leary brainstorm fundraising ideas
Emerging Public Leaders LaDeja Bell and Brandon Jackson working during a fundraising simulation
Emerging Public Leader Stephanie Gonzalez
Emerging Public Leaders work on their public speaking skills
Emerging Public Leader Catherine O'Leary works on her public speaking skills
Emerging Public Leader Daniel Bacheschi works on his public speaking skills
Emerging Public Leader Tyrese Lawson works on his public speaking skills
Emerging Public Leader Caroline Farrell works on her public speaking skills
Emerging Public Leader Emma Grover works on her public speaking skills
Emerging Public Leader Caroline Warren works on her public speaking skills
Emerging Public Leader Bhumika Jakkaraddi works on her public speaking skills
Emerging Public Leader LeAnne Davison works on her public speaking skills
Emerging Public Leader Lauren Xu works on her public speaking skills
Emerging Public Leader Mary DeVenny works on her public speaking skills
Emerging Public Leaders learning about ethics from Dr. Don Raber
Emerging Public Leader Tazaya Ceasar works on public speaking
Pool party at White Oaks, residence of Furman's president Elizabeth Davis
Pool party at White Oaks, residence of Furman's president Elizabeth Davis
Pool party at White Oaks, residence of Furman's president Elizabeth Davis
Pool party at White Oaks, residence of Furman's president Elizabeth Davis
Pool party at White Oaks, residence of Furman's president Elizabeth Davis
Pool party at White Oaks, residence of Furman's president Elizabeth Davis
Pool party at White Oaks, residence of Furman's president Elizabeth Davis
Pool party at White Oaks, residence of Furman's president Elizabeth Davis
Emerging Public Leaders volunteering at the Frazee Dream Center
Emerging Public Leaders volunteering at the Frazee Dream Center
Emerging Public Leaders volunteering at the Frazee Dream Center
Emerging Public Leaders volunteering at the Frazee Dream Center
Emerging Public Leaders learning about the origins of global poverty with Furman history professor Dr. Erik Ching
EPL meeting with city councilwoman Amy Ryberg-Doyle
Emerging Public Leader Abby Askins in the mayor of Greenville's seat
Emerging Public Leader Caroline Warren in the mayor of Greenville's seat
Emerging Public Leader Catherine O'Leary in the mayor of Greenville's seat
EPL counselors as city councillors
Emerging Public Leader Emma Grover in the mayor of Greenville's seat
Emerging Public Leader Jessica Cole in the mayor of Greenville's seat
Emerging Public Leader Lauren Xu in the mayor of Greenville's seat
Emerging Public Leader LeAnne Davison in the mayor of Greenville's seat
Emerging Public Leader Litzel Martinez-Garcia in the mayor of Greenville's seat
Emerging Public Leader Travis Dias in the mayor of Greenville's seat
Emerging Public Leader Tazaya Caesar in the mayor of Greenville's seat
Emerging Public Leader Stephanie Gonzalez in the mayor of Greenville's seat
Emerging Public Leader Tyrese Lawson in the mayor of Greenville's seat
Emerging Public Leaders enjoying an ettiquette luncheon
Emerging Public Leaders enjoying an ettiquette luncheon
EPL learning about art in the community with Sarah June Goldstein of the SC Arts Commission
EPL learning about art in the community with Harriet Green of the SC Arts Commission
EPL learning about art in the community with Harriet Green of the SC Arts Commission
EPL learning about art in the community with Furman music professor Ross McClain
EPL Group photo
EPL learning about leadership and the history of the civil rights movement in South Carolina with Furman history professor Dr. Steve O'Neill
Learning about poetry and diversity with famed poet Glenis Redmond
Learning about poetry and diversity with famed poet Glenis Redmond
EPL learning about diversity and disability
Riley Institute's Cathy Stevens teaching EPL students about diversity and disability
EPL learning about lessons from the Charleston 9 massacre of June 2015 with Furman professor of political science Dr. Liz Smith
EPL learning about lessons from the Charleston 9 massacre of June 2015 with Furman professor of political science Dr. Liz Smith
Learning about the life of Senator Clementa Pinckney, one of the Charleston 9 victims, from his close friend Elliot Epps
Rep. Chandra Dillard speaks to EPL students about diversity leadership
Panel discussion with Rep. Chandra Dillard, Jessica Sharp (Diversity Coordinator at Greenville Health System), Adela Mendoza (Director of the Hispanic Alliance), and Darian Blue of the Phillis Wheatley Association) speak to EPL students about diversity leadership
Adela Mendoza, Executive Director of the Hispanic Alliance
Jessica Sharp, Diversity Coordinator at Greenville Health System
Riley Institute Manager of Diversity Programs Megan Dodgens presents on examples of effective projects
Teambuilding activities with EPL students
Teambuilding activities with EPL students
Teambuilding activities with EPL students
Teambuilding activities with EPL students
Teambuilding activities with EPL students
Teambuilding activities with EPL students
LeAnne Davison presenting her TOPSoccer project
Abby Askins presenting her Brockman Elementary Mural project
Elizabeth Armstrong presenting her The Love of Giving project
Varsha Gopal presenting her project, which helped children at A Child's Haven
Brandon Jackson presenting his project, which connected middle school students to law enforcement mentors
Catherine O'Leary presenting her Chapin Cares project
Jessica Cole presenting her Booked for Success project
Dennis Patterson presenting his Special Education Prom project
Dipali Patel presenting her Caring Hearts project
Elizabeth Dunn presenting her project, which helped Frazee Dream Center students create their own short stories
Emma Grover presenting her Upstate Crop Hunger Walk project
Caroline Farrell presenting her project, which assisted senior citizens in learning how to maximize their technology
Jenn Griggs presenting her Care Bears & Bingo project
Lauren Xu presenting her Reedy River Cleanup project
Litzel Martinez-Garcia presenting her Asegurando Un Futuro/Ensuring a Future project
Olivia McGuirt presenting her Winter Clothing Drive project
Travis Dias presenting his Tiger Turors project

Emerging Public Leaders Class of 2015-16

The Riley Institute at Furman welcomed the 2015-16 Emerging Public Leaders (EPL) to Furman's campus June 22 - 26, 2015 for a week filled with activities and opportunities to learn about public leadership. This year's participants came from various high schools throughout South Carolina. For the Schedule of Activities, click here.

Icebreakers, Emerging Public Leaders 2015
Icebreakers, Emerging Public Leaders 2015
Emerging Public Leaders Celine Crum & Emma Gross
Icebreakers, Emerging Public Leaders 2015
Emerging Public Leaders Drew Davis & Alexis Wright
Emerging Public Leader Elizabeth Marron
Emerging Public Leaders Desmond Brown & Elizabeth Marron
EPL Counselor Jonathan Kubakundimana speaks to EPL students
Emerging Public Leaders 2015
Emerging Public Leaders Rhett Baker, Mira Carroll, Alexis Wright, & Elizabeth Marron
Emerging Public Leader Emma Gross
Emerging Public Leaders 2015
Elizabeth Marron, Mira Carroll, & Andrew James, Emerging Public Leaders 2015
Emerging Public Leader Kehler Bryant
AJ Alford & Andrew James, Emerging Public Leaders 2015
Jeremiah Drummond, Emerging Public Leaders 2015
Kaitlyn Sain & Tori Jabber, Emerging Public Leaders 2015
Emerging Public Leaders 2015 Director Melanie Armstrong
Emerging Public Leaders 2015
Emerging Public Leaders 2015 work with Victoria Justice on public speaking
Emerging Public Leaders 2015 counselors Delaney Dalton and Anna Flynn
Pool party at White Oaks, Emerging Public Leaders 2015
Surprise birthday cake, Emerging Public Leaders 2015
Surprise birthday cake, Emerging Public Leaders 2015
Emerging Public Leaders 2015 luncheon
Emerging Public Leader Kehler Bryant
Emering Public Leaders Kaitlyn Sain and Tori Jabber
Emerging Public Leaders 2015 luncheon
Emerging Public Leaders 2015 luncheon
Alum luncheon, Emerging Public Leaders 2015
Emerging Public Leaders alum Imani King
Alum luncheon, Emerging Public Leaders 2015
Emerging Public Leader Brianna Brunson
Emerging Public Leaders 2015 luncheon - Mira Carroll and Anna Flynn
Emerging Public Leaders 2015 luncheon
Emerging Public Leader Khalil Gamble
Emerging Public Leaders 2015 luncheon
Don Gordon, Emerging Public Leaders 2015 luncheon
Secretary Riley at alum luncheon, Emerging Public Leaders 2015
Secretary Riley, Emerging Public Leaders 2015 luncheon
Emerging Public Leader alum Lucas Paquette with Jacki Martin
Emerging Public Leaders 2015 luncheon
Emerging Public Leaders 2015 luncheon
Megan Dodgens and Cindy Youssef, Emerging Public Leaders 2015 luncheon
Secretary Riley and Don Gordon, Emerging Public Leaders 2015 luncheon
Students speak with Secretary Riley, Emerging Public Leaders 2015 luncheon
Emerging Public Leaders 2015 luncheon
Emerging Public Leaders 2015 luncheon
Emerging Public Leaders 2015 counselor Delaney Dalton
Emerging Public Leaders program director Melanie Armstrong
Riley Institute Executive Director Dr. Don Gordon, 2015 Emerging Public Leaders luncheon with Secretary Riley
Riley Institute Executive Director Dr. Don Gordon, 2015 Emerging Public Leaders luncheon with Secretary Riley
Secretary Riley speaking to the 2015 Emerging Public Leaders
Secretary Riley speaking to the 2015 Emerging Public Leaders
Secretary Riley speaking to the 2015 Emerging Public Leaders
Emerging Public Leaders 2015 with Secretary Riley
Emerging Public Leaders 2015 (and counselors) with Secretary Riley
Emerging Public Leaders 2015 with Secretary Riley
Emerging Public Leaders 2015 with Secretary Riley
Emerging Public Leaders 2015 with Secretary Riley
Emerging Public Leaders 2015 with Secretary Riley
Emerging Public Leaders 2015 with Secretary Riley
Secretary Riley with Riley Institute intern Kaitlyn Pugh
Emerging Public Leaders 2015 with Secretary Riley
Emerging Public Leaders 2015 with Secretary Riley
Working with Dr. David Fleming on public policy, Emerging Public Leaders 2015
Emering Public Leaders meet with Greenville City Councilwomen Amy Ryberg-Doyle and Jil Littlejohn
Jeremiah Drummond in Greenville City Council, Emerging Public Leaders 2015
Celine Crum in Greenville City Council, Emerging Public Leaders 2015
Emerging Public Leader Jeremiah Drummond speaks with Councilwoman Jil Littlejohn
Emerging Public Leaders Celine Crum, Tori Jabber, & Kaitlyn Sain on the Liberty Bridge, Falls Park
Emerging Public Leaders 2015 on Liberty Bridge at Falls Park
Emerging Public Leaders 2015 speak on the Charleston tragedy with Elliot Epps
Emerging Public Leaders 2015 speak with Riley Institute manager of diversity programs Megan Dodgens on diversity blind spots
Small group discussions, Emerging Public Leaders 2015
Emerging Public Leader Kehler Bryant
Emerging Public Leader Mira Carroll
Emerging Public Leader Drew Davis
Emerging Public Leaders Brianna Brunson and Celine Crum
Emerging Public Leaders Kehler Bryant and Elizabeth Marron
2015-16 Emering Public Leaders with judges at presentation day
Alexis Wright (Greenville High School) presenting her project, which focused on mentoring young African-American girls
Andrew James (Greenville High School) presents. Andrew's project was ROOTS Serves, in which student volunteered for service each month
Celine Crum (Mauldin High School) created a mural, which was painted on the Mauldin Cultural Center
Desmond Brown (Scott's Branch High School) presents his project, which distributed books to children in need in the Summerton community
Elizabeth Marron (Greenville High School) presents her project, which provided supplies for the Frazee Dream Center
Emma Gross (St. Joseph's High School) presents her project, which supported the Greenville Area Interfaith Hospitality Network (GAIHN)
Co-winner Jeremiah Drummond's (Dorman High School) project took holiday photograph portraits for families in need
Thanks to our wonderful judges - Joey Espinosa, Cindy Youssef, Jonathan Kubakundimana, and Brittany Joyce
Kaitlyn Sain (Clover High School) presents her Clover Smiles project, which collected and distributed dental supplies in the Clover community
Co-winner Kehler Bryant's (Blue Ridge High School) project created health awareness PSAs and a running club for elementary school students
Khalil Gamble's (Byrnes High School) project did improv comedy skits at retirement homes in the Moore community
Mira Carroll's (Southside High School) project Share Our Stories collected oral histories from the homeless in Greenville
Rhett Baker (St. Joseph's High School) gathered high school students to volunteer and mentor at the Frazee Dream Center

Emerging Public Leaders Class of 2014-15

The Riley Institute at Furman welcomed the 2014-15 Emerging Public Leaders (EPL) to Furman's campus June 22 - 28, 2014 for a week filled with activities and opportunities to learn about public leadership. This year's participants came from various high schools throughout South Carolina and North Carolina.

For the Schedule of Activities, click here.

To read about this program in the  Furman Edge, click here. 

Secretary Riley enjoys meeting all of the students. Here he is shaking hands with Luke De Mott
Secretary Riley shaking hands with Alexis Adams
Secretary Riley shaking hands with Tre' Dessa Smalls
Secretary Riley walking with one of the EPL counselors, Miller DeVenny
EPL students: Row 1 (l-r) Nikhalia Cheepurupalli, Juejie Liu, Susannah Pazdan, Secretary Riley, Jo Baslot, Tre' Dessa Smalls, Mani King; Row 2 (l-r) Lydia Fink, Brittany Joyce, Alexis Adams; Row 3 (l-r) James Wiley, Natrone Davis, Mary Beth Grant, Lucas Paquette, Westin Hardesty, Luke De Mott, Kenny Nguyen
EPL students with counselors in the front row (l-r) Alexis Sprogis, Olivia Baddley, Brian Buehler, Sarah Katherine DeVenny and Miller DeVenny
Furman's new president, Dr. Elizabeth Davis, joins the EPL students for a cookout at White Oaks
President Davis joining in on the fun while the students are swimming at White Oaks
A perfect evening for a swim
Furman Professor of History Erik Ching talking to the students about "The Historical origins of Wealth and Poverty in the World"
A visit to the Frazee Dream Center
Orientation with Frazee Dream Center staff
Yoga with the students at Frazee Dream Center
Yoga with the students at Frazee Dream Cente
EPL group at Frazee Dream Center
Sarah Katherine DeVenny intently listening to a student at the Frazee Dream Center
Parachute games with students at the Frazee Dream Center
Parachute games with students at the Frazee Dream Center
Mani King playing an egg balancing game with the students at Frazee Dream Center
Natrone Davis playing an egg balancing game with the students at Frazee Dream Center
Lunch at the Frazee Dream Center
Playing games with the Frazee Dream Center's students
The EPL students head downtown Greenville. They are on the Liberty Bridge at Falls Park on the Reedy River
Getting ice cream at Spill the Beans
Enjoying the camaraderie!
and the ice cream!
Jo Baslot
A visit to the Greenville City Council Chambers. (l-r) Miller DeVenny, Lucas Paquette, Brian Buehler and Sarah Katherine DeVenny
Councilwoman Amy Ryberg Doyle (right) and Councilwoman Jil Littlejohn (left) speaking to the students in the city council chambers
Debriefing at Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough in downtown Greenville
Students getting ready for discussions with Furman Professors
Dr. Glen Halva-Neubauer, Political Science Professor at Furman, talking about a "State and Local Government Lesson"
Melanie Armstong introducing Dr. Liz Smith, Political Science Professor at Furman
Dr. Liz Smith speaking about a "National Government Lesson: Purple Land Hypothetical"
The students meeting SC Governor Nikki Haley at the State House
Governor Nikki Haley speaking to the students
Photo opp with the Governor
Photo opp with the Governor, Melanie Armstrong and counselors
EPL student Luke de Mott presents, Spring Presentations 2015
EPL student Luke de Mott presents, Spring Presentations 2015
EPL student Mani King presents, Spring Presentations 2015
EPL student Mani King presents, Spring Presentations 2015
EPL student Westin Hardesty presents, Spring Presentations 2015
EPL student Westin Hardesty presents, Spring Presentations 2015
EPL student Susannah Pazdan presents, Spring Presentations 2015
EPL student Susannah Pazdan presents, Spring Presentations 2015
EPL student Mary Beth Grant presents, Spring Presentations 2015
EPL student Mary Beth Grant presents, Spring Presentations 2015
EPL student and co-winner Lucas Paquette presents, Spring Presentations 2015
EPL student and co-winner Lucas Paquette presents, Spring Presentations 2015
EPL student Kenny Nguyen presents, Spring Presentations 2015
EPL student Kenny Nguyen presents, Spring Presentations 2015
EPL student and honorable mention James Wiley presents, Spring Presentations 2015
EPL student and honorable mention James Wiley presents, Spring Presentations 2015
EPL student and honorable mention James Wiley presents, Spring Presentations 2015
EPL student Jo Baslot presents, Spring Presentations 2015
EPL student Jo Baslot presents, Spring Presentations 2015
EPL student and honorable mention Tre'Dessa Smalls presents, Spring Presentations 2015
EPL student and honorable mention Tre'Dessa Smalls presents, Spring Presentations 2015
EPL student and co-winner Brittany Joyce presents, Spring Presentations 2015
EPL student and co-winner Brittany Joyce presents, Spring Presentations 2015
EPL student Nikhila Cheepurupalli presents, Spring Presentations 2015
EPL student Nikhila Cheepurupalli presents, Spring Presentations 2015
EPL student Natrone Davis presents, Spring Presentations 2015
EPL student Natrone Davis presents, Spring Presentations 2015
EPL Awards Luncheon 2015
Reverend Michael Bond was the keynote speaker, EPL Awards Luncheon 2015
Reverend Michael Bond was the keynote speaker, EPL Awards Luncheon 2015
EPL Awards Luncheon 2015
Reverend Michael Bond was the keynote speaker, EPL Awards Luncheon 2015
Reverend Michael Bond was the keynote speaker, EPL Awards Luncheon 2015
Melanie Armstrong, Director of EPL
EPL Jessica Sharp announces the winners, EPL Awards Luncheon 2015
EPL Jessica Sharp announces the winners, EPL Awards Luncheon 2015
EPL honorable mention James Wiley, EPL Awards Luncheon 2015
EPL honorable mention Tre'Dessa Smalls, EPL Awards Luncheon 2015
EPL honorable mention Tre'Dessa Smalls, EPL Awards Luncheon 2015
EPL Award co-winner Lucas Paquette, EPL Awards Luncheon 2015
EPL Award co-winner Lucas Paquette, EPL Awards Luncheon 2015

Emerging Public Leaders Class of 2012-13

The Riley Institute at Furman welcomed the 2012-13 Emerging Public Leaders (EPL) to Furman's campus June 24 - 30, 2012 for a week filled with activities and opportunities to learn about public leadership. This year's participants come from various high schools throughout South Carolina. To view the Schedule of Activities, click here.

Welcome the 2012-13 student participants:

Dr. Liz Smith, Political Science Professor at Furman presenting a "National Government Lesson: Purple Land Hypothetical"
Students visiting the Greenville City Council Chambers to learn how city government works. (l-r) Adia Louden, Miller Thompson, Karthik Chandrasekar, Ken Krupa, Seth Hanna, Ashley Donaldson, Tammy White
Students at the Greenville City Council Chambers. (l-r) Punam Mulji, Mona Clifton, Ellie Fowler, Nandita Karambelkar, Joey Baldwin, Alex Garland
The students with (l-r in the center) Councilwoman Jil Littlejohn and Councilwoman Amy Ryberg Doyle
Emerging Public Leaders Director Dr. Brooke Culclasure presenting the introduction of reflection tool and reflection time
Dinner at Barleys: (l-r) Tammy White, Alex Garland, Olivia Baddley, Ashley Donaldson, Karthik Chandrasekar, Ken Krupa, Joey Baldwin
Ice Cream at Spill the Beans: (l-r): Nandita Karambelkar, Ellie Fowler, Adia Louden, Keda Dubard
Ice Cream at Spill the Beans: (l-r) Tammy White, Seth Hanna, Mona Clifton, Punam Mulji, Alex Garland, Joey Baldwin, Ashley Donaldson
Dr. Erik Ching, Professor of History at Furman, presenting "The Historical Origins of Wealth and Poverty in the World"
Students listening to the presentations
Seth Hanna at The Generous Garden Project
The visit to The Generous Garden Project was part of the students' service project. The students are building supports for the tomatoes.
Miller Thompson building supports for the tomatoes
The students are hard at work!
They are proud of their accomplishments at The Generous Garden Project
Lunch at Tommy's Ham House and Joey Baldwin is providing some entertainment
To understand poverty and homelessness, the students stop at the Triune Mercy Center to meet with Ms. Pat Parker, Associate Director
Dr. Donald Raber, Dean of Academic Programs and Associate Professor of Political Science at Presbyterian College, presenting on the issue of ethics
Mr. Jake Knight, Pure Ink Marketing, presenting on social media
During the trip to Columbia, SC, the students visited SCETV
A SCETV representative providing a tour of the facility
(l-r) Tammy White, Adia Louden, Joey Baldwin
Kelly Cooper speaking to the students about fundraising and working with the community
Lunch with Secretary Richard W. Riley, former Governor of South Carolina and US Secretary of Education
Olivia Baddley
Secretary Riley and Nandita Karambelkar
Tammy White and Miller Thompson
Secretary Riley
Mona Clifton
Miller Thompson asking Secretary Riley a question
Secretary Riley and the 2012-13 Emerging Public Leaders
2012-13 Emerging Public Leaders with Secretary Riley
Spring Presentations took place on April 12-13, 2013 at Furman University
Olivia Baddley, First Place winner. Olivia started a program called “Beyond the Mountaintop,” a camp specifically for foster children, in an effort to build their self-esteem and expose them to an active lifestyle outdoors.
Nandita Karambelkar, Second Place winner. Nandita had a desire to inculcate a love of reading in children in her community and established the “Bright Smiles Reading Program” to achieve this goal.
Karthik Chandrasekar. Karthik worked with the organization “Generous Gardens,” an organization that seeks to fight hunger in South Carolina by providing locally grown produce to charities.
Punam Mulji, Honorable Mention. Punam’s project, the District Six Tutoring Enrichment Program, aimed to provide outof-class tutoring opportunities to students in local elementary schools.
Ken Krupa. Ken started a club at his school, “Ken’s Club for Kids,” and partnered with the Columbia City Kids Marathon to raise awareness about childhood obesity in his high school and community.
Ellie Fowler, Third Place winner. Ellie coordinated a program, “Love a Pet,” for high school volunteers to spend their time assisting local animal shelters.
Joey Baldwin. With an interest in preserving the history of his town, Joey worked with the Arts and Heritage Center of North Augusta on the “North Augusta Legacy Project” to educate students about film techniques that would then be applied to interviews of citizens in the community.
Alex Garland. Alex saw that a number of students in his high school were struggling with their normal coursework, and saw an opportunity to provide after-school tutoring by working with his fellow students and his school’s chapter of the National Honors Society.
Jacki Martin, Associate Director of the Riley Institute at Furman, welcoming parents and EPL participants to the awards luncheon
The Awards Luncheon
This year's guest speaker at the luncheon was Nika White. Nika has spent her career working as a marketing professional and a diversity and inclusion practitioner.
Nike White
(l-r) Punam Mulji, Ken Krupa, Nandita Karambelkar, Alex Garland, Ellie Fowler, Karthik Chandrasekar, Joey Baldwin and Olivia Baddley
(l-r) Olivia Baddley, First Place winner; Nandita Karambelkar, Second Place winner; Ellie Fowler, Third Place winner; and Punam Mulji, Honorable Mention
All seem to be enjoying the camaraderie!