The South Atlantic Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls kicks off their yearly leadership conference this Friday through Sunday in the George Holmes Convocation Center at Appalachian State University.

The idea is for attendees to take what is discussed at the conference back to their residence halls.

Students from all over the East Coast will be attending.

The theme this year is “W.I.L.D. Wild West,” Merrit said.

“W.I.L.D.” is an acronym for “Wanted: Intense Leadership Development.”

“The whole theme is going to cater really well to what the conference is all about,” Merrit said. “Everyone’s getting really excited about it.”

There will be 15 to 20 programs presented during the weekend, he said. All were organized by students, and went through a screening process to determine which would be suitable for the conference.

The total number of people attending the conference is 773, Merrit said, along with 150 volunteers from Appalachian.
“The spirit of the conference is overwhelming," he said.

"You would never believe 800 students could get together, be alcohol free and drug free, and have this much fun while actually learning stuff as well,” Merrit said.

Dr. Gloria Houston, a professor at Western Carolina University and Appalachian alumni, will be the keynote speaker. Vice Chancellor for Student Development Gregory S. Blimling will address the group on college resident halls and the work of student leaders.

SAACURH is a part of the National Affiliate of College and University Residence Halls, which has been around for 75 years, Merrit said. The 50th anniversary of the conference will take place in 2004.