This post was written by Hatchet reporter Ian Redman.

Leaders in Congress, business and the University administration emphasized the need for innovators within a struggle economy in a panel organized by the Sigma Chi fraternity Monday night at the Elliott School of International Affairs.

In its first-ever path to leadership summit, the fraternity hosted Sen. Johnny Isakson, Rep. Jim Gerlach, R-Pa., Sigma Chi International Vice President Michael Greenberg and Associate Dean of Students Tim Miller in a discussion highlighting the importance of vision, determination and action.

“If ever we had a world that is crying out [for leadership] today, it’s this one.” Isakson, who has represented Georgia for more than five years, said.

Greenberg called for “enduring leaders” – those who will make an impact on others and leave an impression on history.

“I think the world today, and every generation for that matter, needs leaders, enduring leaders, people that make decisions that aren’t always going to be popular, that aren’t always going to be right, but withstand the test of time,” Greenberg said.

The speakers agreed that leaders must also accept failure as a stepping stone.

“You should always look at failure as an opportunity, because you will have many of them.” Miller said.

With the event, Sigma Chi Leadership Chair Hardy Farrow hopes to make the cultivation of leadership at GW a priority.

“I didn’t see a leadership development program at GW, and I felt that providing a diverse array of leadership examples is a great way to begin that.” Farrow, a junior, said. “It gave them tangible stories and examples of what leadership is.”