Caitlin Displays Noteworthy Leadership in Caving Club Expedition

2014 Apr 15

Caitlin Lobl, along with several club members, displayed noteworthy leadership skills during a spring break caving club expedition in Alabama.

From the Club Advisor:

Becca Holmes: Recognition for Servant Leadership
"Becca is the president of the Caving Club, and showed excellent organization, leadership, and initiative before and during the trip. At every turn, whenever I checked in with her to make sure that important steps of the planning process were in place, she had already taken care of whatever it was. She called for backup as necessary, but was on top of a complex logistical situation throughout. During the trip, she worked consistently to make things run smoothly, always stepping in to do work for the group often while others were lazing about. On the last day of the trip, Becca found a pit that we hadn't planned to explore, but several students were interested in checking it out, and so in communication with the (non-student) trip guides, she arranged for safety and led a small crew in to explore the pit. Becca's role throughout the long weekend struck me as true servant leadership -- leading by example and dedication."

Caitlin Lobl: Recognition for Tireless Work Ethic
"Caitlin is one of the less experienced member of the caving club and worked steadily on her caving skills this weekend, but that's not what I want to recognize her for. Caitlin does not hold any office in the group, but was tireless in helping out in countless ways, usually without being asked. When there were loads to be carried, dishes to be washed, or inconvenient logistics, Caitlin was right there jumping in. The other members of the club clearly noticed too. We several people joked about how she deserved an award for all her efforts, which eventually reminded me that the Merit program might serve that function well."

AJ (Ana Jeanne) Campion: Recognition for Safety and General Excellence
"AJ is the lead student rigger for the caving club, and worked with the (non-student) trip guides to establish and maintain safe conditions during our expedition. Over the course of three days, we dropped into a succession of caves, rappelling anywhere from 70' to 225' over cliffs and into caves and pits. Needless to say, maintaining safe rigging and rope management is literally a matter of life or death. AJ "worked the edge" -- setting up ropes, talking participants through hairy situations, and tending to the safety of the group. On one occasion, AJ's attentiveness was instrumental to turning a potentially dangerous situation into a merely inconvenient one. On the long drive back from Alabama, AJ led an impromptu knots and rigging class for other club members in the back of the Witt Nation van. She is dedicated to the craft of safe rope work and is enthusiastic and thoughtful about sharing her gifts."