CIC’s Presidential Renewal program, now in its second year, is designed to support the personal revitalization of experienced member presidents at CIC institutions so they may continue to serve in the vital role of the college presidency. Eleven long-serving CIC member presidents participated in the Summer Seminar, June 16–19, 2024, in Olympic Valley, CA, near Lake Tahoe.
The in-person summer seminar was preceded by an introductory webinar on May 29, also led by Michael Le Roy, president emeritus of Calvin University (MI), and Celeste Schenck, president emerita of the American University of Paris, who serve as co-directors of the Presidential Renewal program.
The experiential program models personal wellbeing for presidents and their spouses and partners, who are also invited to participate.
Said Goshen College (IN) President Rebecca Stoltzfus, “The Renewal Program was the most supportive environment that my husband and I have experienced in our roles as president and spouse. The facilitators set a humane pace, inviting us into deep reflection while embodying the habits of sustainability and health that we were all longing for. I arrived in need of friendship, safety, and laughter, and I found all three. I left with clarified goals for myself and my presidency, and friends to accompany me.”
The program is carefully planned to allow for a balance of discussion about relevant and engaging content, rest and meditation, and time for reflection as a group, as a couple, and independently. Group sessions included “The Non-Negotiables of Personal Leadership Renewal,” “Renewal as a Daily Restorative Intentional Practice”, and “Saying NO to Say YES.”
Presidents participated in concurrent sessions such as “Taking Deliberately Structured Retreats from the Fray” and “Set up Your Personal Renewal Board; Redesign Your President’s Office Support,” while their spouses and partners participated in concurrent sessions such as “Imagining Renewal for the Presidential Spouse/Partner” and “Accountability and Mutual Support.” The group also had a choice of afternoon renewal practices including relaxation yoga, “Terra Divina” walks through the Alpine Valley, introspective writing prompts, and physical exercise.
Participants will continue their renewal journey with a fall webinar and a second in-person seminar immediately preceding the 2025 Presidents Institute. A third cohort of presidents will be invited to apply this fall for the 2025–2026 program year; details will be posted on the CIC Renewal Program website.
“When applying for the CIC Presidential Renewal Program, I didn’t fully know what to expect … Looking back on the experience I am thankful. I have a new group of thought partners. I gained new skills and ways of not only thinking about how to sustain multiple facets of my life, but actually moving from a mindset of productivity to sustainability. I encourage any president who is finding it challenging to recharge to give CIC the opportunity to support them,” said Richard Dunsworth, president of the University of the Ozarks (AR).
CIC is grateful to Lilly Endowment Inc. for its ongoing support of the Presidential Renewal program.