New Hofstra Colonel E. David Woycik, Jr. Pride Leadership Academy

Garden City NY

11 January, 2021

9:41 AM

Description

A unique new opportunity for 20 Hofstra University student-athletes, has unfolded with the support of an alumnus who walked in their steps 40 years ago. Hofstra University Department of Athletics has announced the formation of the Colonel E. David Woycik, Jr. (Ret.) Esq. Pride Leadership Academy, an initiative designed to cultivate an environment in which student-athletes have the opportunity to evolve into impactful leaders. Colonel Woycik (photo) was raised in Huntington and resides in Garden City. He is a senior trial partner concentrating on personal injury, construction, highway design and toxic torts at Sanders, Sanders Block, Woycik, Viener & Grossman, P.C., of Mineola. Colonel Woycik served in the U.S. Army in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait for Operation Desert Storm, and recently for Operation Enduring Freedom in the War Against Terrorism. He is a well-decorated soldier and has been awarded the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star and the Meritorious Service Ribbon. Prior to his military service and legal work, Colonel Woycik attended Hofstra for his undergraduate degree and then received his Juris Doctorate degree from Hofstra University’s Maurice A. Deane School of Law. He also played for the university’s men’s lacrosse program and earned a commission as a second lieutenant in the Hofstra ROTC program. For many years, Colonel Woycik has expressed his allegiance to the university and received numerous university recognitions. Donation By Hofstra Benefactor Last year, James C. Metzger of The Whitmore Agency contributed a total of six figures among five nonprofit Long Island organizations, including the Pride Leadership Academy, in Colonel Woycik’s honor. The academy promotes success by instilling Colonel Woycik’s motto (H-Honesty, I- Integrity, L-Loyalty, L- Leadership and S-Service -- the HILLS FACTOR) to selected student-athletes. The program features world-class speakers who teach values and lifelong lessons. Inaugural Academy Class The inaugural class of the Pride Leadership Academy features student-athletes who were chosen following a rigorous selection process that included an application, academic requirement, multiple rounds of interviews and letters of recommendation. Ralph Licciardi (men’s track) of West Hempstead and H. Frank Carey High School, and Jess Smith (women’s lacrosse) of West Babylon and West Babylon High School, were accepted for the first class. Student-athletes participating in the Pride Leadership Academy receive additional training and development in critical leadership areas such as personal leadership styles, strategies and tactics. Members also participate in a mentorship program, learn foundational principals of etiquette, organize and complete a community service project, take part in a networking luncheon with prominent Hofstra alumni, receive feedback from the Pride Leadership Academy Committee, and celebrate their transition to leaders of impact with an end-of-the-year pinning ceremony.