Approximately 40 students, faculty and staff honed their leadership skills at Southern Methodist University’s Crain All-University Leadership Conference in the Hughes Trigg Student Center Friday, Feb. 6 and Saturday, Feb 7.

Among the guest speakers, SMU head football coach Chad Morris stressed the importance of relationships and the leadership that stems from them. “Leadership and relationships work hand and hand,” Morris said. “You’re going to have to help people along the way.”

The conference helps SMU students enhance their leadership skills to better the world around them. This year’s theme, “ignite”, was meant to inspire and motivate the leaders of tomorrow by getting the students to work together.

The events that took place included various case studies examining leadership scenarios and group sessions. At the end of the first day, students engaged in fun activities including laser tag.

After going to the conference last year, SMU senior Monica Estrada was looking forward to benefitting again from the program. “I learned how to work in groups and how to work on a team,” remarked the Colombian born student.

Additionally, SMU Vice President of Student Affairs Lori S. White emphasized how crucial a community is to a brighter future. “There is so much power in community,” remarked White. “Become the SMU community that we all imagine.”