It’s rare that we get to witness such a powerful convergence of energy, ideas, and purpose as we did at this year’s SNF Ithaca National Student Dialogue. Over the course of two days starting on October 18th, 120 students from across the country came together to engage in conversations that matter, tackling some of today’s most pressing issues. Throughout the dialogue I was in awe of how well our student representatives, Charlotte Juge ’27 and Casey Scheiner ’28, rose to the occasion, engaging in critical discussions with poise and insight. Casey and Charlotte are current DCI Fellows and truly exemplified the caliber of leadership we hope to foster through our Fellows program.
The SNF Ithaca National Student Dialogue is designed to bring students together to discuss and address the challenges they encounter on their campuses, from campus protests to DEI initiatives to university policies. By sharing experiences and perspectives with peers from other colleges, students identify common struggles or obstacles and then collaborate to develop practical solutions. The ultimate goal is for participants to return to their respective campuses with a clear action plan to tackle the issues they’ve pinpointed—whether it’s creating more inclusive spaces, improving campus policies, or finding ways to foster productive dialogue around contentious topics. This collaborative approach not only strengthens connections between students across institutions but also empowers them to drive meaningful change on their own campuses.
We are proud to share Charlotte Juge ’27 represented Davidson College on a panel during the first day of the event titled, “My Story to Our Story: The Impact on Students’ Lives.” In this session, students shared their personal political backgrounds and discussed the experiences that have shaped their political identities. Charlotte’s thoughtful contribution highlighted the importance of understanding how individual stories influence broader campus dynamics, especially in today’s politically charged environment. Her perspective not only enriched the panel discussion but also showcased the kind of student leadership that the DCI strives to cultivate. By reflecting on how political beliefs are formed and shaped by personal and collective experiences, Charlotte and her peers sparked a deeper conversation about how universities and colleges can create spaces where students feel heard, respected, and empowered to express their views in constructive ways.
On the second day of the event, students took a hands-on approach to addressing the challenges they had identified on their campuses by workshopping solutions and engaging in stakeholder analysis. In small groups, they brainstormed actionable plans to tackle challenging campus issues. They also identified key stakeholders—such as administrators, faculty members, student organizations, and local community leaders—who could support their efforts. By mapping out these critical contacts, students were able to develop clear strategies for reaching out once they returned to campus, ensuring that they had the necessary resources and support to make meaningful progress in implementing their solutions. This collaborative, strategic approach not only helped students refine their ideas but also gave them the tools to turn their discussions into real-world action.
As staff, it was truly rewarding to be there in support of the DCI Fellows and students from across the country as they worked together to workshop solutions and engage in stakeholder analysis. Watching these students collaborate with peers from diverse institutions was a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from student dialogue. This event provided a unique opportunity for students to exchange ideas, perspectives, and strategies with others facing similar challenges on their campuses, while also learning from different approaches to addressing complex issues. Being part of this process allowed us to witness the students’ growth as leaders, as they not only developed concrete plans for change but also built connections that will support their efforts back on campus. It was inspiring to see them take ownership of the solutions they were creating and to see firsthand how they engaged with the stakeholder process to ensure their efforts could be effective and sustainable.
The SNF Ithaca National Student Dialogue was a truly inspiring event, bringing together passionate students from across the country to engage in critical discussions and develop real solutions to challenges on their campuses. It was incredible to see our Charlotte and Casey step up, engaging in difficult conversations with insight and maturity. Their contributions, along with those of their peers, are a powerful reminder of the potential for young leaders to drive change. As these students return to their campuses, we’re excited to see how they turn their collaborative ideas into action. To learn more about the event, check out this article from the University of Delaware that recaps the highlights and impact of the Dialogue.
