Cox Leadership Symposium

Actor Ben Walden joined our community on Feb. 12 and 13 to share lessons on leadership and character.

After a morning spent with students across campus, Walden delivered an evening lecture to faculty and staff about leadership and education. Using the examples within William Shakespeare's "Henry V," he demonstrated ways educators can be effective leaders in their classrooms. The king's success in the play, as Walden explained, is owed to his behavior during his "dark night." Walden broke down the scene of Henry's greatest challenge, explaining how the king showed visible leadership, maintained a private truth, took time alone, listened to his troops, unloaded his burden with a trusted confidante, acknowledged his own shadows, maintained his core values, and then, finally, was able to inspire his troops. 

In the morning lecture with students, Walden challenged the boys to recognize strengths and weaknesses in their character. He discussed the four classical elements and how they relate to character traits within each student. While discussing the earth element, he shared his experiences learning the Māori haka from two students indigenous to New Zealand. He shared this highly-respected ceremonial dance taught to him, and encouraged students to try it with him. The dance included the Māori words "Kia Ora," a way to acknowledge another's life. The boys left the talk reflecting on their heroes and values. 

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