Leaders stress community to CSI elite
Well-known Island activists, police official dispense guidance on
service at college program
Staten Island Advance - January 21, 2005
Students participating in the College of Staten Island's "Emerging
Leaders Program" received some helpful advice last night from three
of the borough's top leaders.
"I started as a road activist," said Dr. Mohammed Khalid, who now
serves as president of both the Iron Hills Civic Association and the
Pakistani Civic Association.
Khalid told those gathered in the Green Dolphin Lounge of the Campus
Center that when he moved to the borough, he was only a dentist.
But, after a pothole in his neighborhood popped his car's tires
numerous times, he took it upon himself to make a change for the
better. He requested that the Department of Transportation repair
the road hazard -- which it did after one month of his persistence.
"Leadership lies within your own self," he said.
Khalid noted that when he immigrated to the United States 33 years
ago, he had only $250 in his pocket.
Now, "It is my honor and privilege to give back," he said.
Charles LaGanga, managing director of Direct Access Partners LLC and
a 2004 recipient of the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor, was
the next speaker, describing his "passion" to help his community and
make a difference in someone's life.
LaGanga stressed the importance of volunteerism and involvement,
telling the crowd to attend community board and precinct community
council meetings, and to join civic associations.
"You can make a success by joining" a group, said LaGanga.
Lastly, Deputy Inspector Richard Bruno, newly named commanding
officer of the North Shore's 120th Precinct, outlined the traits of
leadership as confidence, compassion and courage.
Bruno emphasized respect, saying that leaders "get things done" and
are "in it for the long term."
"Leadership is the courage to go against the grain," he said.
The "Emerging Leaders Program" allows selected students with a 3.0
or higher grade point average to explore leadership skills through a
series of workshops, said Carl Stiles, associate director of Student
Life at the Willowbrook college. The program concludes with a
leadership project, which is a community service-oriented activity.
Also on hand were Dr. Carol Jackson, CSI's vice president of student
affairs, and Dick Truitt, vice president of college advancement.
By Doug Auer
Reprinted here with permission from the
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