Abington Native Joins Social Justice Student Leaders at Ignatian Solidarity Network Leadership Summit

BALTIMORE, MD (01/23/2012)(readMedia)-- Leah Rosenzweig, '13, an Abington, Pa. native, joined student leaders from Jesuit and other Catholic universities across the country to represent Loyola University Maryland at the Ignatian Solidarity Network's (ISN) second annual University Leadership Summit from January 13-15, 2012.

The Summit invites emerging leaders in social justice to spend a weekend strengthening their capacity to effect positive social change while deepening their understanding of the relationship between faith and justice emphasized in the spirituality of St. Ignatius of Loyola. Throughout the weekend students explored the "Social Change Model of Leadership," examined the life of St. Ignatius of Loyola and his call to become "men and women for others," engaged with fellow campus leaders, and with the support of experienced facilitators, developed personal action plans to translate leadership skills into programs on campus.

"ISN is committed to developing emerging leaders for solidarity and justice," said Christopher Kerr, executive director of ISN. "The university students who attend the Summit each year bring tremendous passion and desire to be leaders. The Summit provides them a community of peers to gain energy from and stay networked with long after the program ends."

Rosenzweig will work with a campus mentor to bring skills and ideas back to Loyola University Maryland. ISN provides support for students and mentors when they return to campus that includes regular conference calls and opportunities to share their efforts on campus via ISN's blog and publications.

At Loyola, Rosenzweig was chosen by the Center for Community Service and Justice and Campus Ministry to join fellow students from other Jesuit institutions at the Ignatian Family Tech-In for Justice last fall. The gathering focuses on faith in action and social justice issues including immigration reform, environmental justice, peacemaking, and fair trade. She is also a volunteer site leader for Spring Break Outreach, a week-long service experience at one of a selection of sites throughout the eastern United States. In that capacity, Rosenzweig is responsible for organizing a number of activities meant to challenge and educate the 120 students, faculty, and staff from the Loyola community who attend each year.

About ISN:

The Ignatian Solidarity Network promotes leadership and advocacy among students, alumni, and other emerging leaders from Jesuit schools, parishes, and ministries by educating its members on social justice issues; by mobilizing a national network to address those issues; and by encouraging a life-long commitment to the "service of faith and the promotion of justice." ISN is an independent 501c3 non-profit organization. Additional information can be found at: www.ignatiansolidarity.net.

About Loyola University Maryland:

Established in 1852, Loyola University Maryland is a Jesuit comprehensive university comprising Loyola College, its school of arts and sciences; the Sellinger School of Business and Management; and the School of Education. Loyola enrolls 3,800 undergraduate and 2,300 graduate students from across the country and around the world. More information is available at www.loyola.edu.