Excelling Leaders Institute

To cultivate a community of empowered, engaged student leaders.

About Us

The Excelling Leaders Institute (ELI) is an undergraduate leadership program that brings together students, beginning with a pre-orientation retreat and continuing through a sustained, community-centered experience. ELI emphasizes strengths-based development, mentorship, academic support, and access to campus resources. Through a focus on leadership, character, and community engagement, ELI prepares students to thrive at the University of Denver and beyond.

Mission: The Excelling Leaders Institute (ELI) cultivates a close-knit community of emerging undergraduate leaders at the University of Denver. Through a structured journey from first year to graduation, ELI offers pre-orientation, mentorship, access to leadership opportunities, and increased awareness of campus resources.

ELI Goals
Within ELI we aim to:
1. Expand mentorship opportunities to deepen connection, learning, and support.
2. Strengthen community engagement to develop leadership skills for diverse personal and professional contexts.
3. Broaden leadership development to include key competencies for academic, personal, and career success.

ELI Values

Our ELI Leaders, live by and guide their work through the following:

Leadership
Community
Success
Empowerment
Inclusivity

1st YEAR

Foundations & Exploration

Guiding Question: Who am I?

Students begin with a four-day pre-orientation retreat designed to ease their transition to DU and introduce them to campus leaders, resources, and the ELI community. Supported by peer leaders and mentors, first-year students engage in quarterly experiences that help them explore their goals, strengths, academic interests, and leadership potential.

3rd Year

Applied Leadership & Impact

Guiding Question: How do I lead?

Students actively practice leadership through meaningful roles and projects while exploring career interests and strengthening community connections. This year emphasizes translating leadership into action across campus and beyond.

2nd Year

Engagement & Growth

Guiding Question: Where do I lead?

Building on their first year, students are encouraged to take on leadership roles and actively contribute as change agents. They further develop collaboration, communication, and leadership skills while broadening their understanding of community impact and belonging.

4th Year

Legacy & Transition

Guiding Question: What’s next—and how do I give back?

In their final year, students focus on launching their careers or graduate education while refining their leadership identity. They engage in networking, career preparation, and reflection on their impact. Graduates are celebrated and welcomed into the ELI alumni network as ongoing leaders and ambassadors.

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Members Benefits

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Events & Activities

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Exclusive Resources

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Connnections

Meeting new students with shared interest and connecting with a huge alumni network.

Our Team

Vy Nguyen

Stevie Lee

Kristin Deal

Vanessa Cepeda

Aaliyah Berry

Wan Ju Yang

Namugga Nakayiza

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Excelling Leaders Institute

2199 S University Blvd
Denver CO 80208
United States