Author Alvert Hernandez speaks at Leadership Lunch and LLU event

By The Argo on October 10, 2022

Written for The Argo by Bailey Schilling and Morgan Clyburn

“¡Si se puede!” Yes, you can! Believing that you can is the first step to building resilience through any obstacle, according to Alvert Hernandez, the Inaugural Director of First-Generation Student Initiatives at Moravian University, author, and first-generation college student. On Thursday, October 6th, 2022 Stockton University hosted Hernandez at two on-campus events. Hernandez first spoke at the 12:30 p.m. Leadership Lunch Series, then led an author conversation in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month in an event hosted by Los Latinos Unidos at 4:30 p.m. In both presentations, Hernandez discussed the subject matter in his book 15 Consejos and offered advice to college students.

Hernandez speaks about his book, “15 Consejos.” Photo courtesy of Morgan Clyburn.

The Office of Student Development considered Hernandez’s involvement in the Leadership Lunch series a success. “I feel like this fall has had so much of a positive turnout in general and each event in the series is getting 25-30 students. It’s grown so much this semester,” said Associate Director of Student Development, Lauren Wilson. “We have covered such a variety of topics and students are really engaged. The more feedback we get will help us to cater to what students want for the future!”

One of the main takeaways from both the Leadership Lunch and the LLU event was Hernandez’s emphasis on establishing a strong and unique connection with the audience. motivating both himself and the audience “to do more and be more.”

Hernandez also encouraged students to pursue sponsorships and mentorships, claiming that he would not be in the position he is in right now if he was afraid to reach out to other mentors and go after sponsors.

Hernandez concluded his conversation with one last piece of advice. “You only have two things in this world: your name and your word. And the more you let people disrespect you, the result will be you won’t have both. So go out there and do not hide your greatness. You should be out there. If others can do it, why can’t you?”

To learn more about Hernandez and his book, visit https://www.thealverthernandez.com/.

The next Leadership Luncheon will be held on Thursday, October 20 2022 at 12:30 PM in Campus Center Meeting Room 5. All students are welcome to attend and more information is available in the event tab on Osprey Hub.