Sapphire Special Events

Sapphire students benefit from the close-knit community that develops through being part of a cohort of students with a similar desire to succeed. Shortly after arriving to campus, students have an orientation program where they get to know other Sapphire students in a relaxed and fun atmosphere. In their first year, students take a Fall Sapphire cohort First-Year seminar, so they get to know their peers inside the classroom as well. These early relationships serve as a strong academic and social community throughout your education and turn into real-life networking opportunities after graduation.

Welcome/Orientation Breakfast

The Welcome Breakfast serves as a kick-off event for the new first year cohort. This gathering is students' first chance to meet and greet their Sapphire peers in a friendly atmosphere. New Sapphires will also have the opportunity to make contact with the Program’s Executive Board, the Faculty Director, Associate Dean Gus Colangelo, the Faculty and Staff Advisers, committee members and their Sapphire Mentor.  This affair generally occurs the Sunday before classes begin, thus giving the students an opportunity to not only learn more about Sapphire, but also to ask questions about any college concerns they may have.

Leadership Day

Leadership Day is an event held for all new Sapphire members to help get them acclimated with one another and learn the skills that are necessary to become a successful leader. It is run by the Sapphire Executive Board and the Leadership Day Committee.  The Faculty Director and Faculty & Staff Advisers also have a say in planning the activities.

Freshman are divided up into groups and do team building activities while bonding and creating friendships that will last throughout their entire years here at Smeal. Leadership Day is a great way for freshman to start off their year, and their college career as a member of the Sapphire Leadership Program.

Vertical Adventures

Freshman Sapphire members are offered a unique opportunity to travel to Stone Valley and defy gravity on the Vertical Adventures Course. Students are able to pick between the four difference events.  Depending on their skill level, they can choose The Odyssey III, The Carolina T-Wall, The Alpine Swing and the Team Development Course, for those who do not like heights. The Odyssey III is designed for small groups of students to share a productive, fun and educational experience 35 feet above ground. Teamwork is encouraged and necessary to complete the course which includes cargo nets, wires, platforms, and a zip-line. The Carolina T-Wall allows participants to use their strength to scale the rock wall that varies on difficulty level depending on what side is chosen. Sapphire members were taught to trust one another, by holding onto each other’s ropes and offering words of encouragement to complete the difficult task.

The Team Development Course is a great way to enhance team-building principles. Sapphire members who chose this course were able to strengthen their leadership, problem solving, communication, and planning skills while taking on different challenging activities such as a rescue mission.  Each course allowed the Sapphire Members to refine their skills necessary to work in a team centered environment, and use communication to become effective leaders.