LEAD Letter

FALL 2014Volume 15, Issue 1

Thank you for picking of the newest edition of the Lead Letter. I hope that the news and stories from the Central Michigan University Leadership Institute excite you, fill you with hope, or bring a special memory to the surface.Lately I have been in a reflective mood. New to my desk this year is a clock bearing an inscription that thanks me for ten years of professional service to the university. To be honest, I was surprised by its arrival. I like to think that it was only a few years ago that I was moving into Barnes Hall to begin my ad-ventures as a member of the newly created Leader Advancement Scholarship program! In September I watched two school bussed depart from the Adventure Learning Center at Eagle Village. I was instantly transported back to my sophomore year at Central. I was riding the big blue bus home from

Eagle Village. I became unusually conscious and aware of my surroundings. I was on the driver’s side of the bus, four seats from the rear when I had a thought, “this is my last time at Eagle Village.” At the time I did not know that I would make that trip again the next year as a LI student assistant and then again for the next twelve years.My time with the Leadership Insti-tute has yielded countless memories, more success stories that we could have imagined, and friendships that are true treasures. Despite the wonderful memories, I have a strong belief that the best days for our program are in the near future. This fall saw unprecedented enrollment for Leadership Safari, waitlists for both the Alpha Leader-ship Experience and Connections Leadership Conference, and our most competitive Leader Advancement Scholarship competition to date.

Each of these is evidence that the CMU community is realizing a fundamental truth: leadership matters. As you read the pages of this edition of the Lead Letter I think you’ll agree, leader-ship does matter, and the CMU Leadership Institute is doing something special to ensure that campus takes note.

A Letter from the Director

Daniel M. GakenCMU Leadership Institute Director

Table of Contents

5-6 Meet the LI Staff

8 What Can a LeadershipMinor Do For You?

10 Outstand Alumni Awards

3

7On the cover: Leadership Institute Students Tamika Hawkins and Jennifer Drum served Leadership Safari guides in 2014. Photo courtesy of Steve Jessmore/ University Communications.

Fresh cut grass, hotdogs on the grill, and an echo of the seventh inning chant. This June, Central Michigan University’s Leadership Institute took a trip to Detroit to enjoy America’s favorite pass-time; baseball. The trip served as a fun kickoff to the 2014-2015 school year, bringing together members of the Leadership Institute from all different classes. Sophomore, Sarah Lemanski, viewed the trip as a lot more than just a baseball game. “I think trips like these are very important to the growth and development of the Leadership Institute. It was

a great bonding experience for every-one to hangout off campus, especially at such a fun event like a Tiger’s game. And it was one of the first times we were able to interact with the class of 2014 and welcome them to the family.” The Leadership Institute is home to students from all backgrounds and

experiences; for some students this was their first Tiger’s game. Senior Elliot Maksout, has been attending games since he was a child and loved sharing the experience with the ‘newbies’. “Some kids have never been to a Tiger’s game before, so it’s awesome to see them experience it for the first time.

We are such a di-verse group coming from different places and backgrounds so events like these allow us to learn about each other.” By the end of the night the Tiger’s hit their way to a victory and the Leadership Institute was becom-ing closer than ever. Eat em’ up Tigers!

Is it possible for students who are in the midst of learning how to become great leaders successfully teach others how to lead as well? I believe if you were to ask the students of Sturgis High School, their answer would be a resounding yes. A few weeks ago, at the end of August, the Leadership Institute sent a group of seven of it’s own Chips to Sturgis, Michigan, to teach a group of Sturgis High School juniors and seniors how to effectively facilitate leadership and team bond-ing activities. During their short time there, facilitators Katie Rae and Alyssa June both found the experience eye-opening, a bit nerve wracking, and overall, very rewarding. All of the students who went on this trip volunteered not only willingly, but with a great amount of enthusiasm as well. “I have been through hundreds of facilitation opportunities through high school and college but nothing like this.” Sophomore Alyssa June said of their trip, “We got to experience the other side of facilitating, and we were even able to watch what we taught the high school students come to life as they facilitated the exercises to freshman the very next day.” You would think it would be a bit intimidating for a small group of college students to have to teach a much larger group of high school students how to be effective leaders

in such a short amount of time. However, for Sophomore Katie Rae, the task was not so much a stressful job, but rather a very rewarding opportu-nity. There was a consen-sus between both June and Rae that the best part of their time at Sturgis was being able to watch the high school students become even more effective, patient leaders practically overnight. “They were nervous about facilitating the next day with their own groups of freshman, but when I checked on them the following day, they were all doing really well.” Rae said of the Sturgis High School upperclassmen, “They were patient, excited, and confident. They helped the incoming freshman feel comfortable in their new environment.” June agreed, “The most impactful thing was seeing the leaders group up with the freshman to facilitate the activities. Seeing my group and other groups step up and lead a group as the freshman’s first view of high school was empowering.” So as you can see, even though the majority of Central Michigan University students sent on this trip are all currently leaders in progress, they were still able to effectively teach others how to find, and in some cases refine, the leadership qualities within themselves. This trip not only showed the importance of equipping others with the skills needed to lead and facilitate, but it also proved once again that effective lead-ership is about empowering others so that they can go out and teach others to do the same.

Leaders in Progress Empowering Others

LI at Comerica

The Leadership Institute welcomed the Leader Advancement Scholar (LAS) Class of 2014 Central Michigan University’s campus this fall semester. These 44 students were the recipients of the Leader Advancement Scholarship, an award based on community service and leadership throughout their time in high school, as well as their future promise of outstanding leadership as a Chippewa and beyond. These 44 leaders were selected as finalists out of nearly 2,000 applicants nationally after two rounds of selection. The Leader Advancement Scholarship awards recipients 8,000 dollars over four years. The Leader Advancement Scholarship Cohort is given the opportunity to live together in the leadership residential college in Barnes Hall. In addition, Leader Advancement Scholarships expand their leadership skills and knowledge by completing the requirements LAS protocol. The 44 will take special sections of university requirement courses with a special focus in leadership, attend several leadership activities, and reflect on their experiences in an leadership-oriented electronic portfolio.

Most of us may be familiar with the word, “ohana.” This word was made famous by the Walt Disney Pictures movie, Lilo & Stitch. Many began to see how important the idea of “family” is to the Leader Advancement Scholars (LAS) at Central Michigan University’s Leadership Institute. Upon acceptance of the LAS Scholarship an incoming freshman is assigned to a sophomore, who is also an LAS Scholarship recipient, who acts as their mentor. It is the mentor’s job to make sure that their mentee, or the freshman they were assigned, becomes properly acclimated to college life and the culture at Central Michigan University. Using their network, the sophomore acts as a “launch pad” for the freshman in assisting them in getting the most out their first year at CMU. The LAS picnic is the perfect opportunity for the freshmen to get connected with their cohort, their mentors, and even the individuals that had the opportunity to mentor their mentors. Leaving home for the first time can be scary. It is something that most people really haven’t done until after they graduate high school. Therefore, coming to college could be very intimidating and maybe even frightening for some people. LAS freshman Lauren Lyon explains, “I was nervous at first to be alone and make my own choices.” Once she was at CMU and began getting involved with the Leadership Institute her whole view and outlook about college life changed. “It’s cool to see that other students were in a similar position that I am currently in. They understand what I am going through, and they’ve always been there to support me. My mentor, Cassandra Daoust, has

been a great help by simply just being there for me.” Lyon had a great opportunity to expand her own network, while getting to know her Mentor’s network, at the LAS picnic. The picnic is not just a gathering; it’s an opportunity for LAS freshman to begin creating their network with

other students who are always passionate about leadership. However, it’s not just important for freshman, it’s also important for sophomores. After a year in the LAS program, Gabe Heidbreder explains why he believes that the LAS picnic is also important for other LAS students and not just the freshman. “At first, I didn’t know how important the idea of ‘family’ was to the LAS program. However, after a year I can see that it wasn’t just about the [scholarship] money, it’s about coming together and being with people who appreciate and understand the value of leadership.” Heidbreder believes that the LAS Picnic is

important for all LAS students simply because it allows them to get to know each other and continue the bonds of family that have been established before us. In the end, the LAS Picnic is not just gathering. It is, in a way, a family reunion. A time when LAS students can come together, get reunited, share experiences, and become closer as friends, but more importantly as family members. It’s just like Stitch said, “Ohana means family. And family means no one gets left behind or forgotten.” The LAS scholarship recipients have taken this idea to heart, and that’s the beauty of the LAS scholarship program. At the end of the day, they are not in the program for the money; they are in the program for each other.

Ohana In The Pleasant Mountain

“Inspire others selflessly” -Hannah Rickers

“My passion is helping others reach their full potential.” -Sam Feldpausch

“The best example of leadership is leadership by example.” -Alejandro Castillo

Moving on to Central Michigan University’s campus for the first time in August is an exciting experience for freshman and transfer students. Add safari vests, an animal group name, dynamic speakers, and the opportunity to bond with over 2,000 fellow Chippewas, and you have CMU’s Leadership Safari. The 18th annual Central Michigan University Leadership Safari was held from August 16 to Au-gust 20 this year. By bringing new CMU students to campus a week before classes start, Leadership Sa-fari allows them to get acclimated to campus, meet other new students, and build there confidence as a young leader on campus. Each Leadership Safari participant is placed in a team (cleverly names after an animal ranging anywhere from mongoose to unicorn). To bring their teams together and lead the way, each group is assigned a Safari Guide. Guides are a group of passionate leaders working together to push their participants to venture out of their comfort zone and inspire them to grow in their leadership skills. Guides can be seen sporting a safari vest and cheering on their team with no lack of enthusiasm, dance moves, or motivation. Senior and three-year Leadership Safari Guide Veteran, Caroline Powers had the chance to experience every leadership role that Leadership Safari had to offer. “[If I could change anything about Leadership Safari, it would be] that it would run multiple times a year so I could be involved in it one more time,”

said Powers. Guides have a very important role in the Safari experience for new students, and they are carefully selected through several rounds of applications and interviews. After Leadership Safari guides are chosen, they are required to attend several training programs in which they improve their leadership facilitation skills, learn to better relate to their future participants, and plan Safari programs and reflections. Within Safari there are many different leadership roles one can take after being a participant. In ad-ditional to regular guides, the Leadership Safari pro-gram also accepts upper-classmen as core guides. Core guides play a pivotal role in the training of Safari guides and the logistics of Leadership Safari. “Being on core staff was my favorite part of safari” Powers said. “Getting to train all the new guides and then getting to step back and watch them make a difference on their individual teams was so incredible to see.” Core guides have the responsibility of training all the individual safari guides who in tern work directly with their Leadership Safari participants. “What Safari offers is unlike anything else; you

get to learn so many different things not only as a participant but as a guide as well.” Guides get the opportunity to work with students one on one but also in a group setting, leaving Safari as not only a mentor but a friend as well. It is important for a guide to inspire and connect with their group. “My Safari guide became my friend, he was also always there to answer any of my questions if I had any. Shout out to Matt Maas,” said Freahman Ballal Ammar. With a record number of students participat-ing in Safari this past August, one can see how

big of an impact Safari has had on the incoming classes over the years. Freshman continually look back at their Safari experience and reflect on the opportunity to be involved in something so special and unique. “There is no better way to start a big transition than Safari,” said Powers. It prepares students for the upcoming year, and no matter if you liked Safari or not, you wont be upset that you did it. It just reinforces why you chose CMU in the first

place.” Being a guide not only makes you grow as a leader in the moment but you acquire skills that will stay with you for life. Learning to work with different kinds of people and leaders with all different personalities is a big part of being a guide. “Safari is unlike anything you will ever be apart of. It is a once and

a lifetime experience that gives you the choice to be a new person. It gives everyone an opportunity to start fresh in college and be who they want to be,” said Powers. The guides truly care about their participants and the amazing things they do is apparent for years, shining through the people they have inspired through Leadership Safari. Through Safari, students will learn and grow with their group and their guide. Participants and guides alike are left with improved leadership skills and understanding, memories, and Chippewa pride. The Leadership Safari program inspires new students on campus to be an ethical leader and active student on the campus of Central Michigan University. Leadership Safari is just one more way Central Michigan University continually proves that they care about cultivating leaders.

Leadership Safari: 18 Years of Leadership Development

Every year five males and females are nominated to compete for the title of Homecoming Ambassador. Of the ten finalists, three are members of the Leader Advancement Scholarship program and a majority of the finalists have participated in other LI programs.

"The Leadership Institute provided the foundation I needed to become the student, the leader and the man that I am today. Many of my accomplishments could not have been made possible without the friends, mentors and support that the

Leadership Institute has provided since first choosing CMU. I am thankful for the opportunity to have been guided down various paths to success.”

Homecoming Ambassadors Leading the Way

“The LI has taught me how to facilitate, identify unique leadership styles, live with integrity, have a healthy disregard for the impossible, challenge society, and develop a love for selfies. These lessons cannot be learned by sitting in a class and the Leadership Institute offers a variety of programs that will guide students to develop-ing these skills, that they will use for the rest of their lives. The largest aspect of the Leadership Institute that has positively affected my time at Central, is the sense of community, the family and love of everyone who is involved in the LI.”

Josh Palmer Lydia MillerJennifer Drum"The Leadership Institute has given me countless opportunities to grow as a leader and a person, as well as make many connections. I have met some of my best friends through the various programs that the L.I. has to offer and I am forever grateful for that."

Director Dan Gaken

Assistant Director Jesi Parker

Administrative SecretaryJeremy Heinlein

Sam StrahlLI Intern

What’s your why statement?“Why not?”

Levi HansonLI Intern

What’s your why statement?“I am a part of the LI to meet incredible people, improve my professional skills, and help those around me grow while they, in tern, push me to be better.”

Dan YatsOffice Assistant

What is your favorite quote about leadership?“I like to think that leadership, in the universal sense, is about work-ing together and impacting the people around you in a positive way to make their lives better.”

Jennifer DrumOffice AssistantAlpha Leadership Experience

Who is your favorite leader? Why?“My favorite leader is Ellen DeGeneres. Although she may not be seen as a leader, I believe she is a person that is able to create a caring community and is very accepting of all people.”

Josh PalmerSocial Media Coordinator

What is your favorite thing about the LI?“My favorite thing is that every single student and faculty member involved with the office shows a care for students that I’ve never seen before.”

Kimbrely SampsonLEAD Letter Editor

What’s your why statement?“Find potential. Find pasion. Capitalize ambition.”

Jon BlackwellIgnite Leadership

Who is your favorite leader? Why?“C.S. Lewis because he took the bold steps needed to make change happen, even whenit was not popular.”

Liz EllerIgnite Leadership

What is your favorite thing about the LI?“I love the way the LI brings so many different people together to bcome amazing studetns, leaders, and individuals.”

Leadership Institute Staff

Caroline PowersAlpha Leadership Experience

What is your favorite quote about leadership?“If you do what is right you will never go wrong.”

Alexandra BunceConnections Conference

What is your favorite quote about leadership?“Become the kind of leader that poeple would follow voluntarily, even if you had no title or position.”

Danielle CywkaThe LeaderShape Institute

What is your favorite thing about the LI?“We are a diverse community that welcomes anyone and everyone, and believes that every student has the potential to be a leader.”

Erin MillerThe LeaderShape Institute

What is your favorite quote about leadership?“If it doesn’t make the world better, don’t do it.” -Kid President

Anthony CavataioConnections Conference

What is your favorite quote about leadership?“It’s not about what happens to you, it is about how you react.”

Samanths JohnsonConnections Conference

What is your why statement?“...to inspire other to be the best that they can be.”

Kelly GuardzinskiLAS Lead Team Coordinator

What is your favorite thing about the LI?My favorite thing is the variety of opportunities the programs have provided me... the professional and personal growth I have experienced being involved with the LI is invaluable.”

Rachel RoeLAS Lead Team Coordinator

What is your favorite thing about the LI?“My favorite thing about the LI is the atmosphere it produces- bringing the ‘home’ to CMU.”

Hallie BillsK-12 Program Coordinator

What is your favorite thing about the LI?“There is a place for everyone here, and once you get a taste, you’ll keep coming back for more.”

Ashley FlickengerK-12 Program Coordinator

What is your favorite thing about the LI?My favorite thing is all of the programs that they put on and all of the hard work that they put into each one.”

2014-2015

A weekend of fun, bonding, and leadership. In early September, Central Michigan University’s Leadership Institute hosted their longest annual tradition for recipients of the Leader Advancement Scholarship (LAS) – The Mentoring Retreat. This two-day retreat, hosted at Eagle Village Retreat in Evart, MI, is designed to give the incoming freshman class of LAS recipients a chance to bond and interact with their sophomore LAS mentor, but it is also a chance for the two cohorts to experience what leadership is all about at CMU. During the retreat, members were involved in various exercises, such as high ropes courses, that challenged their teamwork skills and stretch their personal comfort zone. In all activities, members had to work together and encourage everyone to step up and do their best. The first day ended with a relaxing bonfire where everyone had the chance to share their experiences of the day and explain why they believe being apart of LAS is a life changing experience. “The activities are designed for students to rely on each other for support and strategy,” said Jesi Parker, Leadership Institute Assistant Director. “I believe the retreat not only provides opportunities for our students to develop their personal leadership skills, but it also helps reinforce the balance of knowing when to lead and when to follow.” The retreat depends a lot upon attitude and guidance of the sophomore mentors. They went through the same experience last year as freshman and now it is their turn to lead the way for the new freshman members. “Going through the retreat weekend as a mentor was a lot different than it was last year as a mentee. This year I had a greater appreciation for LAS as a whole and all of the opportunities the Leadership Institute has given us,” said sophomore mentor, Hannah McGoldrick. The experiences during the retreat give the new freshman mentees a chance to see what being a part of the LAS has in store for them. They see that everybody is there for one another and that everyone cares. Next year, it will be their turn to be the mentor and they will be the ones who are looked up to. “We [freshman] don't just look up to our own mentor, but to all of the mentors in LAS”, said freshman Evan Oltman. “Being there for everyone, not only your mentee, will be something I will bring with me next year as a mentor.” This retreat is just the beginning of an incredible year that not only these 80 individuals, but also the entire Leadership Institute, has in store for them. It has set up the foundation for the year and it is now up to the members to show how important leadership is on CMU’s campus and how they are going to be the difference and lead Central into the future.

The Beginning of A New Year of LeadershipCMU Leadership Scholars Come Together at Annual Retreat

In the cutthroat world of post-graduation job hunting, employers scour through hundreds (perhaps thousands) of resumes. They are searching for potential employees that have unique and useful assets that can be molded to fit the inner workings of their particular company or organization. For some students that are fortunate enough to attend Central Michigan University, the Leadership minor will become that invaluable asset that employers are looking for. The Leadership minor is completely interdisciplinary, able to be paired with any major that CMU has to offer. It also features a capstone project (titled LDR 402) that can be shaped to compliment the individual student’s field of interest. The Lead Letter has obtained inside information about what it’s like to minor in Leadership for real-life students studying vastly differ-ent subjects here at CMU.

Taylor Tyson, Senior

Major: Online Journalism Minor(s): Public Affairs and Leadership

Q: What is your future career path?A: Something in PR, Communications, or Online Publication.

Q: How do you plan to use the knowledge you have gathered through completing the Leadership minor coursework in your future, career and otherwise?A: The Leadership minor helps me stand out in my abilities to communicate and work with groups. I notice it when I work with people who have not completed a leadership minor; they’re skills often just aren’t as developed. It also helps me with problem solv ing and working in teams.

Q: Is there anything at CMU that you would never have got involved in if it were not for your Leadership Minor? A: (laughs) I wouldn’t be Greek. I wouldn’t have had the ability to secure a job in the Office of Student Conduct on campus. I wouldn’t have had the confidence to start my own photography business or run for the Panhellenic Executive Board.

It is rare to find a minor that can be so easily applied to virtually every single area of academic study. It is quite obvious that the students above are entering vastly different fields upon graduation. However, they all have one thing in common: each of them has obtained the skills necessary to become a leader in their discipline. They will be implement-ing those skills to contribute more to their academic areas of interest than others that came before them. Other majors and minors on campus focus on making you ready to work in their field. But by giving you the skills to aim higher and achieve more, the Leadership minor can make their field work for you.

What Can a Leadership Minor Do For You?

Bryan Wallace, Senior

Major: PhysicsMinor(s): Math and Leadership

Q: What is your future career path?A: Next fall I plan to be working on my Masters degree in Nuclear Engineering. After which, I would like to go into the nuclear energy field.

Q: How do you plan to use the knowledge you have gathered through completing the Leadership minor coursework in your future, career and otherwise?A: Through the leadership minor I have attended quite a few programs. In these programs, I have defined a life goal. A singular purpose that if I do nothing else, I will still have made an impact on society. This goal is an accumulation of my desires and passions. Though it's always been there, it took the leadership program for me to define it. This knowledge fuels my career choice and the path to get there.

Q: Why do you believe that other CMU students should consider adding a Leadership minor to their degree? A: In so many of our classes we learn about other people, other things, or other ideas. In the leadership minor courses we learned about all of that, but we also learned how we can apply it to ourselves. The minor has a large focus on the individuals involved. All of my professors and advisors have a genuine interest in each student that comes through the program. Their goals are your goals, to become a better leader and apply it in your field. Adding a leadership minor has helped me stand out as well. In many interviews, the first thing employers ask about is my leadership minor. It's so unique. They want to know what it is, what I've learned from it, and how I can use that knowledge in a scientific field.

This past summer, Central Michigan University released an article in its Centralight magazine recognizing ten outstanding alumni who have graduated in the last ten years. These alumni have accomplished great things and have continued to represent Central Michigan University in a most honorable manner. Three of the individuals featured within Centralight’s article also shared a common passion as students and later on as alumni: leadership. Michael Waas, Andrea LaFontaine, and Daniel Gaken were all active in the Leadership Institute during their time at CMU and have turned into leaders in their respective fields. Michael Waas was a political science major and member of the Leadership Advancement Scholar class of 2001. He put his leadership skills into practice by working to help get the successful company TerraCycle up and running. Waas is quoted in the Centralight article as saying, “If you’re

going to live in this world you should be engaged in it.”

As the global vice president of business development and client services in TerraCy-cle’s headquarters in Trenton, New Jersey, Waas definitely keeps himself engaged.

Over in Lansing, you’ll find Andrea LaFon-taine leading others as the youngest mem-ber of Michigan’s House of Representatives. During her time at CMU, LaFontaine earned

a Leadership minor, and has since visited the Leadership Insti-tute as a guest speaker for our Leadership Recognition Dinner. After working for nine years as server in a restaurant, LaFontaine learned the value of a very important leadership skill: listening. “In order to truly represent people, I need to listen to all of them whether I agree with them or not.” LaFontaine said in her Centralight interview. As a leader who is serving to represent a great number of Michigan’s residents, listening is an incredibly essential skill for success. You don’t have to look too far from campus to find CMU graduate Dan Gaken. As part of the second class of Leadership Advancement Scholars, Gaken not only learned how to lead here at Central, but he now teaches others how to inspire those around them through leadership. “Leadership is less about a single person than it is about empowering others,” Gaken said in his Centralight interview. Now that he serves as the director of CMU’s Leadership Institute, this statement couldn’t be more appropriate for his position. Every week, Gaken leads a class of freshman Leadership Advancement Scholars; essentially trying to direct and help the leaders of tomorrow grow and mature in their own unique leadership style. Central Michigan University produces leaders, and these three individuals are brilliant examples of the kinds of people the Leadership Institute strives to send out into the world.

Centrallight’s 10 in 10: Recognizes Leadership Legacy

Photo Credit: GOPHouse.org

Favorite quote: "I can accept failure, everyone fails at something. But I can't accept not trying.” - Michael Jordan

Goal: To become the President of Central Michigan University

Hobbies: Watching and playing sports, playing games like Mario Kart and Super Smash Bothers, drawing and graphic design

Goal as LI staff member: My goal as a staff member is to be as involved as possible. The LI experience is unlike anything else on this campus or any other campus in the United States, and I want to experience as much of it as possible.

Why the LI? Jeremy joined the LI because he wanted to work somewhere that he could make an impact and be a positive influence on the lives of students. He believes the Leadership Institute is special because everyone involved with the LI cares for one another, and wants the absolute best for everyone.

“I enjoy being around people, and welcome everyone to come visit the office. Whether you just want to chat, hangout, or play jenga; my door is always open.”

Jeremy HeinleinGet to know the LI staff’s newest member

•How did you get involved in the LI? I was always interested in the LI because I have a lot of friends that were involved in it. To be honest, Greek Life really opened me up to the LI because there were many LAS in my fraternity. I also got involved through being an Academic Orientation Mentor because Jesi Parker worked as an advisor. •How has the LI helped you develop as a leader? It has broadened my horizons to different aspects of leadership. Surrounding myself with individuals who want to grow and better themselves is also another way I have developed as a leader. The LI also does a great job reaching out to individuals who are not involved in the LAS program, which enables a broad array of people.

Allan Sulier

•How has the Leadership Institute helped you develop as a leader? I think the LI has developed me as leader by showing me the importance in getting involved and making the best of every situation you are in. The LI has also pushed me to do things I might have often considered out of my comfort zone. •How has Greek life helped you develop as a leader? Being a sister of Alpha Gamma Delta and the Greek community at CMU has greatly impacted me. I think the biggest thing that AGD has given me is a community the endlessly supports and encourages you to achieve and succeed.

Alyson Beland

Libby Siecinski

Greek Life LeadersThe Leadership Institute has always had a strong tie with Greek life at Central Michigan University. Many campus leaders are active membres of both the LI and their Greek organizations.

•What LI programs you're involved in? I was on the Connections Committee for two years (sophomore and junior year working registration). I participated in Alpha Leadership as a freshman and have been on multiple lead teams as a participant. One of my favorites was the Relay for Life Lead Team. •How has Greek life helped you develop as a leader? Greek life has helped me develop into a leader because the skills I have learned as a LAS scholar have allowed me to use them within my chapter. Greek Life has taught me how important it is to be a role model for the underclassmen and to treat each other as not only sisters, but as family in the Greek community.

The Alpha Leadership Experience is a five-week course offered by the CMU’s Leadership Institute. Over the five-week program, participants are afforded the opportunity to explore personal and team leadership theory and discern their own leadership style. An engaging assortment of initiatives allows participants to learn to effectively communicate, develop problem-solving abilities and understand the need to be culturally aware as a leader. The program also makes concerted efforts to connect participants to campus resources to ensure their continued success. Thursday marked the first session of the Leadership Institute’s Alpha

Leadership Experience. Throughout the duration of the session, students met their facilitator, got acquainted with their team and developed a personal definition of leadership. “Alpha was the best thing that has happened to me here at CMU,” said sophomore Joshua Gostlin. “The program brought out my understanding for leadership as well as my own personal style.” Gostlin attended Alpha last semester and is honored to return as one of our facilitators. He joins 13 other student volunteers that spend their Thursday nights making the students of our campus better leaders.

The fun doesn’t stop at the completion of the program. Students resorted to their personal Twitter accounts to tweet at @CMU_Leadership with the tag #AlphaLead with photos and statements of pride for their Alpha team. “I’m excited to get to know other leaders across campus and to push myself outside of my comfort zone,” said freshman Leader Advancement Scholar Megan Durgan. Didn’t get a chance to register for this semester’s session? Registration for the spring’s program will begin on OrgSync in December.

Students discover their leadership style with the Alpha Leadership Experience

Over 70 participants discover their leadership style, network with others, & explore their leadership potential.

Earlier this month, two members of the Leadership Institute family, and Leader Advancement Scholars were recognized as recipients of Central Michigan University’s Alumni Award winners. These prestigious honors are given annually to the ‘alumni and friends who have made significant contributions of their time, talent or financial resources to help advance and bring positive recognition to Central Michigan University.’ Recipients were invited to attend an award banquet in their honor, and they were given the change to thank those that contributed to their success in their acceptance. Laura Cochrun, a 2009 graduate, was awarded the Outstanding Recent Graduate Alumni Award. Laura is the Community Development Specialist for the Arajuno Road Project, a community nonprofit organization that focuses on supporting the children and families living along Ruta Arajuno in the Upper Amazon Basin of Ecuador. While at Central, Laura received her Bachelor’s of Science in Dietetics and Leadership. Laura is practicing the leadership skills she developed with CMU’s Leadership Institute to impact the world in an important way. Since graduating from Central Michigan University Laura has worked as a Community Dietitian in Washington, D.C. In her current position, Laura is helping to bring nutrition education to Ecuadorian families as well as working with professionals of Buenos

Aires to help them overcome language barriers. Nathan Tallman was awarded the Distinguished Young Alumni Award (the highest level achievable by a young alumnus of CMU). Nathan earned his Masters of Arts in Educational Leadership and his Bachelors of Science Degree in History and Leadership from Central Michigan University. Tallman currently is the Corporate Development Director for Metro Wire & Cable. Additionally, he gives lectures for Central Michigan University various subjects related to leadership and management. In his acceptance speech, Tallman attested to the role the Leadership Institute has played in his success. He stated, “More than anything however, I thank my parents for allowing me the opportunity when selecting a college or university out of high school the freedoms to select what I felt best for me. My choice was made easy when I met the former Director of CMU's Leadership Institute Dyke Heinzeand current director Dan Gaken, both of whom

are here this evening. Dyke and Dan portrayed an accurate picture ofCMU and the opportunities it would allow for me to explore and heights I could reach if I did my part. I like to think I did my part, but these two gentlemen and the Leadership Institute did more than their fair share to develop me as a man, leader, and pro-fessional. I would be not where I am at today if it was not for Dan, Dyke, and the LI.”

Outstanding Leadership Alumni Awarded

Contributors Editor: Kimberly Sampson

Seve Moralez Amanda Yats Jordyn Salerno Hannah Long Megan Durgan Rene Osorio Islas Josh Palmer James Wilson Allura Malcolm Connor Ewald Emily Cross

CMU Leadership Institute Twitter: @CMU_Leadership Phone: (989) 774-5323 cmich.edu/cmulead