Walsh University has received a $5,000 grant from the Lykeion Fund of the Stark Community Foundation to start a new leadership development program called Ancient Greek Philosophy for Tomorrow’s Leaders. The initiative is designed to align with Walsh University’s mission of preparing students for leadership roles that focus on service and ethical principles.

The program will involve student leaders from various campus groups such as Student Government, Resident Assistants, the Student-Athlete Advisory Council, and Cavs Cor Cordium mentors. These participants will take part in a series based on classical Greek values like excellence, wisdom, justice, courage, and self-discipline. The goal is to connect these traditional foundations with current issues in ethical leadership.

A key feature of the program is the participation of Samantha Kelley, an internationally recognized speaker and founder of FIERCE Athlete Inc. Kelley previously gave Walsh University’s 2025 Commencement address and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Applied Leadership by the university earlier this year. She will lead a full-day workshop and deliver a campus-wide address focusing on her experience integrating virtue, faith, and leadership.

Additional sessions will be led by Walsh University President Dr. Tim Collins and Professor of Philosophy Dr. Joe Vincenzo. They plan to offer their perspectives on servant-leadership and Greek philosophy to help students relate enduring wisdom to present-day leadership practices.

According to the university’s announcement: “This initiative reflects Walsh University’s mission to prepare students as leaders in service to others, guided by timeless values and ethical principles.”

The Lykeion Fund was established by Professor Stephen Joseph Ondrejas, Jr., with the purpose of supporting projects that apply classical Greek ideas in modern civic, educational, and leadership settings.