APhA held our 15th annual Summer Leadership Institute (SLI) on the weekend of July 15–17. In May, I met with the APhA Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA–ASP) National Executive Committee, and they asked me, “What can student pharmacists do for the profession?” Share your stories, I said. And lead from where you are, rather than waiting to “be in a leadership position.”

SLI is about leadership. The weekend teaches leadership skills to 180 attendees—student pharmacists and advisors—that they can take back to their chapters. Supported by Procter & Gamble, SLI invites one chapter officer each from APhA–ASP Chapters and satellite campuses. Here are some highlights from the 2011 SLI.

On Friday, student pharmacists conducted approximately 60 visits to Capitol Hill with their Members of Congress and congressional staff. In my welcome address, I described how APhA is an innovative, forward thinking organization that’s historically for stuff. Then breakout sessions focused on fundraising 101, membership recruitment, and working with local organizations. That evening, there were tours of APhA headquarters—including a barbecue dinner on the terrace—and a late-evening scavenger hunt on the National Mall.

That’s right! An old fashioned scavenger hunt with a new twist or two. After the barbecue, each National Executive Committee (NEC) member led students from one or two APhA–ASP Regions on a photo scavenger hunt of the national monuments. The result was some great mingling and team building within each group.

There were multiple recognition categories for the hunt, including the following:

• Enthusiastic: entire team jumping in front of the Lincoln Memorial
• Professional: most creative pharmacy-related picture
• Creative: spell out a pharmacy word, bonus points for the most letters
• One Team: as many people as possible in a human pyramid
• Patriotic: with someone in uniform
• Attention to Detail: with the most unusual animal possible

Sara McElroy, APhA–ASP National President, sent me a couple of photos that I thoroughly enjoyed. I especially liked the one in which Region 3 student pharmacists spelled out “hydrochlorothiazide,” which won in the Creative category. Members of this team were also very proud that the drained reflecting pool was in the background, representing HCTZ's diuretic effect.

On Saturday, returning presenter Sheryl Benzon of Dream Ventures, Inc., provided an all-day leadership development training seminar that included lessons on leadership skills, interpersonal communication, and getting results. There was also a chapter advisor meeting and regional networking sessions. On Sunday, the five members of the APhA–ASP NEC presented on education, communications, policy and advocacy, awards and scholarships, and updates for the coming year.

I’m privileged to work with the incredibly motivated and talented APhA staff who put together SLI with the student leaders. Through our Association’s investment in APhA–ASP, our profession is dedicated to the success of student pharmacists as our new generation of leaders. For these leaders, and for all of you, I share an old Irish blessing: May you go forward with the strength of three!