Wiley College student leaders gave up the last week of summer to attend the annual Student Leadership Retreat Aug. 15 through Aug. 17.

During the retreat, student leaders learned their responsibilities and duties as leaders on campus for the 2007-2008 academic year and received accolades at the concluding awards banquet hosted by prominent Shreveport attorney, Billy R. Casey.

"The Student Leadership Institute is a great primer for students who aspire to be leaders not only in college, but also in life," said Kabamba Kiboko, Student Government Association president.

"The institute is held so that each student knows exactly what is expected and required of student leaders at Wiley College."

The plenary sessions include topics such as parliamentary procedure, professional etiquette, stress management and dressing for success.

These students are officers for organizations on campus such as the Student Government Association and the various class officers.

Also included in the institute are student resident assistants who monitor the residence halls.

Students participating in the residence assistant develop program, leadership camp and student leadership retreat were among the honored guests at the Attorney Billy R. and Patricia Casey Awards Banquet.

This annual banquet held at the University Club in Shreveport, La., gave student leaders an opportunity to interact with members of the Wiley College board of trustees. Casey, whose practice is in Shreveport, is chair of the board.

"It is an honor for Patricia and me to host this banquet each year," said Casey.

"We are committed to the work of the college and its outstanding administration. This is an opportunity for us to give back and to show the students that with hard work, faith and determination, they can achieve anything."

Serving as keynote speakers were the winners of the oratory contest.

During the summer, student leaders were given an opportunity to develop a student creed and present it at the retreat's opening banquet.

Marissa Jones received first place for her creed which included statements of faith, leadership and citizenship. Ashley Phillips, Miss Wiley College 2007-2008, came in second and Derrick McGilbra finished third.

"Although these students did not know what to expect from this oratory challenge, they did an outstanding job of conveying the Wiley College ideals of student performance and involvement, said Dr. Joseph Morale, vice president for Student Affairs and Enrollment Services.