Students and staff from across the Great Lakes Colleges Association gathered at DePauw University Nov. 6–8, 2026, for the annual Students of Color Leadership Conference. Centered on the theme “Forward Motion: Strategies for What Comes Next,” the conference brought together DEIAC members and approximately 150 students for a weekend of leadership development, networking, reflection, and community-building across GLCA institutions.
The Students of Color Leadership Conference is designed to provide students and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access Committee staff with opportunities to strengthen leadership skills, expand knowledge, and build meaningful professional relationships. For students from historically underrepresented backgrounds, the gathering also offers an important space to share experiences, discuss common challenges, including racial inequities, and cultivate a stronger sense of community and belonging within and beyond their home campuses.
This year’s conference emphasized community-centric leadership, strategic connections, and preparation for next-generation challenges. Participants explored the relationship between individual leadership, institutional change, and community advocacy, while also building networks intended to support collaboration and shared growth after the conference. The event continued a long-standing GLCA commitment to creating spaces where students can learn from one another and from staff across member colleges.
The weekend opened Friday with registration, guided campus tours, dinner, and an opening ceremony, followed by an evening bowling activity designed to help students meet one another and begin building connections. Saturday’s agenda included concurrent conference sessions led by Dr. Ivelisse Rodriguez, Dr. David Evans, Bryan Cotton, and Dr. Michelle Gaines, as well as a keynote session with Miguel Avila. Participants gathered for meals in Hoover Dining Hall and an evening Pandemonium event in the Percy L. Julian Science and Mathematics Center. The conference concluded Sunday with a light brunch and recap.
One of the weekend’s highlights was a passport activity designed to encourage students to actively and intentionally connect with peers from other institutions. The activity was a huge hit, providing an engaging way for participants to meet new people, expand their networks, and build relationships beyond their home campuses. The activity reinforced one of the conference’s central goals: helping students develop meaningful connections and a stronger sense of community across institutions.
For GLCA colleges, the conference represents both a student development opportunity and a shared institutional investment in inclusive leadership. By bringing together students and staff from participating institutions, the event created a regional learning community focused on belonging, advocacy, and the practical skills needed to navigate what comes next.
As participants return to their campuses, the relationships established and experiences shared at DePauw provide a foundation for continued collaboration, leadership development, and community-building, reinforcing GLCA’s commitment to strengthening connections and shared learning opportunities across liberal arts colleges.