Noted author/activist Tramuto to open student leadership events

Author, global health activist, philanthropist and Chautauqua County native Donato J. Tramuto will lead a panel discussion and help kick off a student leadership roundtable and e-board recruitment event at SUNY Fredonia on Wednesday, Sept. 7.

Serving on the panel, whose theme is “Creating a Compassionate Well with Empathy in Action,” will be SUNY Fredonia President Stephen H. Kolison Jr.; Village of Fredonia Mayor Doug Essek; City of Dunkirk Mayor Wilfred Rosas; Mike Tramuta, a life coach; and Mr. Tramuto. Panelists will share their insights on how compassion plays a role in leadership skills. Department of Theatre and Dance Associate Professor Paula Peters will moderate.

The panel discussion, to be held in the Williams Center Multipurpose Room from 3 to 4 p.m., is collaboratively organized and sponsored by Writers@Work and the Office of the President. All events are free and featured events are open to the public.

Tramuto is widely recognized for his commitment to social change and transformational leadership in healthcare innovation. He has received numerous awards for his commitment to social justice including the prestigious Robert F. Kennedy Ripple of Hope Award in 2014 and the RFK Embracing His Legacy Award in 2017.  Tramuto is also the founder and chairman of the TramutoPorter Foundation and Health eVillages, which advance young people’s rights to education and healthcare access and combat human rights violations.  He is the author of two books, including his most recent book, “The Double Bottom Line: How Compassionate Leaders Captivate Hearts and Deliver Results.” Tramuto has received honorary doctorate degrees from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell, Lasell University, Thomas Jefferson University, St. Joseph’s College and Regis College. 

Following the panel discussion, attendees are invited to a reception and book signing of “The Double Bottom Line: How Compassionate Leaders Captivate Hearts and Deliver Results” at the adjacent Blue Lounge at 4 p.m. A limited number of books will be available. 

An inspirational address by Tramuto will open the Student Leadership Kick-off event at 5 p.m., also in the Multipurpose Room. A student leader roundtable will follow at 5:30 p.m. with veteran student leaders discussing leadership opportunities, what it means to be a student leader, what e-board roles are available and how to balance school and leadership. New and current students can then visit tables staffed by the Student Association and Campus Life groups that have e-board openings at 6 p.m. Dinner (tacos-in-a-bag) will be available. Students and clubs in attendance will also be eligible for multiple raffle prizes, including $100 in Faculty Student Association funds.

Tramuto will visit health professions and organizational communication classes and make brief remarks on Thursday, Sept. 8.

Additional sponsors of the student leadership kick-off event include: Faculty Student Association, Carnahan Jackson Fund for the Humanities of the Fredonia College Foundation, the Fredonia Honors Program, Campus Life, Student Association and the Steinberg Honors Endowment of the Fredonia College Foundation.

Writers@Work is an alumni writers-in-residence series featuring both well-established and emerging writers, content creators and editors, and publishers in a range of professional and creative genres. The series seeks to connect Fredonia’s alumni, students, faculty, and community members while bringing attention to the diverse ways writing and the humanities make a difference in the world. For more information about Writers@Work, visit online.