ROCHESTER, N.Y. – Sophomore Christopher Lofgren and junior Laura Persico have been selected to represent Nazareth College at the 2008 NCAA National Student-Athlete Leadership Development Conference.  The event will be held at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando from May 25-29.

Lofgren, a native of Vellinge, Sweden and graduate of Procivitas High School, is a starting midfielder on the Golden Flyers' men's soccer team.  He will be attending the conference from May 25-27.

Persico, a native of Ravena, N.Y. and graduate of Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk High School is a member on the Nazareth College women's volleyball and softball teams.  The two-sport athlete will be participating in the conference from May 27-29.

The NCAA has selected 700 student-athletes around the United States to participate in the annual conference.  The goal of the conference is to provide a diverse group of the nations top student-athletes the opportunity to participate in challenging and thought-provoking activities that will allow them to become better leaders on their campuses and in their communities.  The event encourages better communication among student-athletes, coaches, administrators, faculty and communities.

Each student-athlete selected has demonstrated a strong desire to become a leader and their notable academic standing has given them the opportunity to be recognized.  As a result of the conference, student-athletes will improve their leadership, communication, decision-making and problem-solving skills, as well as their critical-thinking and collaborative skills.