"Once Upon a Time" at the PossePlus Retreat

Each year, The Posse Foundation and Posse Scholars host the annual PossePlus Retreat—a dynamic, weekend-long experience that brings together students, faculty, and administrators to engage in meaningful dialogue around an important campus issue identified by the Scholars themselves.

This year’s retreat, themed “Once Upon a Time: Fables, Fictions, and Facts,” invited participants to explore the powerful stories that shape our identities, beliefs, and campus culture. Held at Rutgers University, the retreat welcomed 90 attendees, ranging from first-year students to seniors, along with dedicated staff and community members.

Throughout the weekend, participants connected across class years and roles, sharing thoughtful stories, engaging in courageous conversations, and reflecting on the narratives—both real and imagined—that influence how we see ourselves and one another. The retreat created a vibrant space for dialogue, understanding, and community-building, strengthening bonds across campus and reaffirming a shared commitment to inclusion and authenticity.

The Rutgers PossePlus Retreat was not just a weekend event—it was a powerful reminder of the impact storytelling has in shaping a more connected and compassionate campus community.