LEAD Letter

Winter 2014Volume 15, Issue 2

A Letter from the Director

For generations, America’s political scene has been divided primarily into two large factions: the Democrats and the Republicans. Mainstream me-dia would lead one to suppose that on the large scale, these two parties are eternally at odds with one another. But in our more immediate surround-ings, can the same thing be said? This LEAD Letter contributor decided to interview the President and Vice President of each party’s political RSO on cam-pus here at CMU. All four also happen to be Leader Advancement Scholars. Hayley Alderman and Sam McNerney served as the President and Vice Presi-dent of the College Democrats Association in the fall of 2014. Trino Schincariol and Anna Prielipp hold the same positions for College Republicans. When asked what they believed to be the biggest

issue facing our generation, Prielipp and Schinca-riol were in agreement with one another. “I think the biggest issue facing our generation would be the ability to find and hold a job after graduating college,” Schincariol said. Alderman and McNerney felt that apathy is our generation’s biggest issue. “Less than 20% of college aged Americans turned out to vote in this past election. And that is an absolute shame, because we currently outnumber any other age demographic. This means we have the power to change the game, to make our voices heard, to push change, equality, and progress; but instead, we’re just letting our chance slip through our fingers,” Alderman stated. Though there was some answer variation on topics, it was amazing to see how unified the

Student Leaders TodayPolitical Leaders of Tomorrow

I love spring in the Leadership Institute. The semester is characterized by some of our most important work. At February’s end we will welcome more than 70 of the nation’s best high school leaders to campus to compete for the prestigious Leader Advancement Scholarship. This year’s competition received more than 2,200 applications from 32 states. The scholarship competition is of paramount importance, for the competitors, and the Leadership Institute. For those interviewing, admission to the program can quite literally change one’s life. For the Institute, the next cohort of 40 scholars plays a large factor in our trajectory for the next four years. It’s exciting, heartbreaking, and dramatic at all once. Amidst the excitement during the scholarship competition we continue with our programming sequence. Another outstanding group of Alpha Leadership students has been welcomed into the LI family and Ignite Leadership will connect some of Central Michigan University’s most advanced leaders. In May CMU will host the LeaderShape Institute and be part of a nationwide movement that seeks to create a just, caring, and thriving world where everyone lives with integrity. I am particularly excited about the partnership Central Michigan University is forming with a consultant or firm to reimagine leadership on this campus. University President George Ross is fond of saying “At the end

of the day, CMU graduates leaders.” We are forging a relationship that will provide a framework that ensures every single student who earns a degree will have the opportunity to demonstrate leadership. Central Michigan University is looking to become the first college or university in the nation to provide every student a leadership experience. The same way we require proficiency in math or English, we will say that to earn a college degree you need to be able to lead and be an active citizen. It’s a bold statement. It’s an exciting time for leadership at CMU. Most importantly, in the spring we prepare for the most important day of the year on a college campus: commencement. For CMU and the Leadership Institute our only true measure of success is the quality of our graduates. Looking at the seniors who will wear Leadership Institute medals as they walk across that stage, I’m proud of where we are. Enjoy this issue of the Lead Letter, and have a wonderful spring term!

thoughts of all four leaders became on the last sev-eral issues addressed in the interview. They were all in agreement that it is very important for young adults to become more politically active. “I know I’ve spoken with Hayley, Sam, and Trino about this issue and it’s something we’re all pas-sionate about,” Prielipp assured. “Politics matter. These issues affect everyone whether they like it or not. We’ve spoken to so many young people who simply “don’t care,” but also are dissatisfied with current politicians and laws being put into place. I don’t care if people choose to vote to the left or right (I may have a preference) but the issue that I’m most concerned with is that individuals are making informed choices that they can feel positive about,” she added. When asked if it was more important to vote for the most qualified candidate or the candidate that represents your political party, all four were once again in agreement. “The Democratic Party, in my opinion, is the party of equality, inclusion, and the middle class,” stated Alderman. “These are things that I hold in high regard. But if a candidate from another party genuinely upheld those ideals, then of course I would cross party lines and vote for that individual.” “I didn’t vote straight ticket in this last election. I think it’s important to see how the candidate stands on issues and what their qualifications are rather than one that is representing your party. You need to remember that this person is going to be making decisions that affect you directly,” Schinca-riol insisted.

When asked about how the four of them interact when they are together, they all answered in a positive way. “Even though our views on many issues are as different as different can be, that does not keep us from being close friends and enjoying the time we spend together. Even when you disagree, it is nice to work with people that are just as passionate as you are,” McNerney said. “In fact, during a political fair, we played Frisbee with one another to pass time. We enjoying talking together and cracking jokes,” Schincariol added. According to all four student leaders, facing the diverse political and philosophical views held by other Leader Advancement Scholars in their cohorts has also greatly impacted them. “I really appreciate hearing the thoughts and opinions of fellow Leader Advancement Scholars. Hearing different perspectives is important; it often helps me strengthen my own beliefs, while learn-ing to be sensitive to those of others. There is a great deal of respect among everyone in LAS; we’re very fortunate to have a group of such open mind-ed leaders,” Prielipp remarked. Though they belong to rival parties and hold some drastically different views from one another, it is refreshing to see young minds come to agreement on many important issues facing our society. Leaders that are willing to reach across par-ty lines and collaborate amiably is what our coun-try desperately needs, and proof that this is possi-ble should give us all hope for a brighter future.

ConnectionsConference

The annual Connections Leadership Conference is a two-day, one-night conference that focuses on student leaders networking and expanding their leadership skillset. The Leadership Institute at Central Michigan University facilitates the conference during one weekend in November each year. The Connections Leadership Conference is hosted at Traverse City’s Great Wolf Lodge. The 2014 Connections Conference was held November 8-9. Over 170 participants traveled from CMU’s Mount Pleasant campus to the beautiful northern Michigan. The conference facilitates opportunities for student leaders to connect with each other as well as university and community leaders. Attendees are encouraged to discuss relevant issues with the intent of making a positive impact on campus and the greater community. This year’s theme was ‘Built to Last’. The theme reienforced the goal of the conference of making conections that will travel back with students to CMU’s campus, the Mount Pleasant Community, and throughout their future. The Connections Leadership Conference focuses on fostering meaningful discussion

that will lead to active change on campus. Participants are given the opportunity to choose from 16 different workshop sessions to attend throughout the day. There were several interesting and enlightening workshops at this year’s event. Erin Smith-Gaken offered a workshop on ‘The Dirty Dozen” excuses and phrases that deter leaders from making ethical choices. The session “Missions, Goals, and Objectives: The Essentials of Your Toolbox” was hosted by Georgina Main & Kaela Humm. The Leadership Institute Student Interns facilitated a session to conference-attendees for a unique peer experience. Between workshops, students are treated to meals catered by the Great Wolf Lodge event staff. They are seated with other students as well as speakers and other Central Michigan University staff and faculty. These meal times served as an excellent networking opportunity as conversation grew. During the evening hours, those attending the connections conference were given the opportunity to mingle and connect as they took advantage of the indoor waterpark.

One of the most unique features of the Connections Leadership Conference is the student-led committee who plans the event annually. Students wishing to further develop their leadership and event-planning skills by sitting on the committee are given the opportunity to apply in the previous spring. This year, Junior Anthony Cavatiao and Seniors Samantha Johnson and Alexandra Bunce served as committee coordinators. Seven committee members supported them: Katie Neu, David Walter, Pat Salo, Lauren Czaenowczan, Shelby Harris, Alyssa June, and Cassy Daoust. Leadership Institute Assistant Director, Jesi Parker closely coordinates staff efforts with the student committee. The committee planned an inspiring and fun conference for all. The 2014 Connections Leadership Conference was a success. The network of Chippewa leaders was expanded, and nearly 200 student left with a stronger leadership skillset to take back to campus. Friendships were formed and everyone left with lasting workshop and waterpark memories.

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Central Michigan University’s Leadership Institute and its student leaders are continually noted for their large presence on campus. In the same way, Special Olympics Michigan continually partners with the Chippewa community because of their state-wide office located on campus. While several students from the Leadership Institute have volunteered and worked with Special Olympics Michigan for years, this fall marked one of the first joint-effort partnerships between the two organizations. Last fall, Special Olympics Michigan hosted the inaugural state fall games from September 26-28. For the first time ever, the organization made the decision to combine their state fall tournaments into a weekend event. It was their hope that the fall

games would be a more attractive

alternative by modeling it

after the success of the state

summer and winter games. To further the success of this new event, Special Olympics Michigan reached out to the Leadership Institute. In order to gather a group of student leaders and train them to help facilitate events at the fall games, the leadership institute developed a ‘Lead Team’ comprised of Leader Advancement Scholars in the spring of 2014. This group, headed up by Lead Chair Kia Groya, worked closely with Special Olympics to create event protocols and site logistics, develop volunteer trainings, and develop appropriate leadership activities to facilitate. The Special Olympics Lead Team organized an inspiring and inclusive Project UNIFY Rally. The Special Olympic Project UNIFY initiative is a program which works to pair special needs athletes with students from mainstream classrooms. The Leadership Institute brought exciting challenges that could be adapted to students of all levels of ability. Throughout the rest of the weekend, leadership students spent time volunteering at events including flag football, soccer, cycling, softball, and golf. They promoted the shared values of the Leadership Institute and Special Olympics Michigan of leadership, inclusion, and opportunities for all.

“By partnering with the CMU Leadership Institute, we are able to offer some great leadership training programs to the Project UNIFY school students we are working with from around the state. I had the opportunity to see the CMU Leadership students in action in two settings. They come with so much enthusiasm and energy, it is really fun to watch and be a part of it. Thank you CMU Leadership Institute!”-Lois Arnold President and CEO Special Olympics Michigan

Lead Unified.

“I could not be happier to call Special Olympics Michigan a partner in our move-ment. At its heart, their mission is the same as ours: we are both working to create a better world, an inclusive world, a world where everyone can be a contribution. I believe that our collaboration truly benefits both organizations. I love to see the joy on the faces of our students and the athletes. For us, it might be a day away from campus, for the athlete it’s a reminder that they’re valued. For both, we get more from the experience that we put in – it’s synergy!” -Director LI Dan Gaken

On November 12th, 2014 a group of student leaders head-ed to Detroit’s Fisher Magnet Upper Academy to facilitate inclusion and leadership activities for students involved in Special Olympic’s Project UNIFY Program. Special Olympics Michigan reached out to the Leadership Institute for students to faciliate with the program after their earlier partnership at Special Olympics Fall State Games was such a success. Participating Project UNIFY schools in the Detroit area were in attendance for a high energy rally to promote inclusion and friendship. The Leadership Institute student facilitated leadership activities and initiatives with their group throughout the day. Facilitators took time to debrief with their group, asking questions about the activities and how it related to their school environment. As a facilitator for Project UNIFY, the Leadership Institute students acted as a role model for their groups while fostering an environment that made all students feel comfortable with those around them.

“The thing that stuck with me most from project unify is the complete joy on the faces of the students we worked with,” said Sophomore Facilitator Hannah McGolderick. “They were so eager to learn and be apart of the activities, it was an

incredible experience to be apart of. So often as college students we forget how fortunate we are to be able to attend college and receive an education. Seeing how excited those students were to learn and hear what we had to say reminded me how lucky we are and how we should continue to support the younger generations to strive to continue that attitude of wanting to learn.” The rally was lead by the Director of the Leadership Institute, Dan Gaken. The students played pairing games and races, giving the students not only a chance to work with their animal family but with other students from different schools as well. The activities and debriefs were shaped around how to successfully make inclusion possible. Facilitators dis-cussed inclusion in their groups and helped open discussion on how the Project UNIFY students were going to do to make it possible in their schools. “At snack time we sat down and talked and I had a little girl ask how I got to be apart of the Leadership Institute and how she wanted to do that when she grew up,” said Freshman Facilitator, Jordyn Salerno. “I told her that she is already being an amazing leader being apart of Project Unify and promoting a positive change at her elementary school.oject UNIFY rally proved to be a learning experience for Leadership Institute facilitators, Special Olympic athletes, and Project UNIFY partners alike.

Live Unified.

Central Michigan University’s Leadership Institute’s K-12 program is designed so that students across the state of Michigan can participate and engage in lead-ership activities. Each program is geared towards the wants and needs of the school and the students that will be participating in the workshops. The Leader-ship Institute’s K-12 coordinators survey their needs, goals and expectations of the program and then a curriculum and agenda is created to facilitate during the workshop. The workshops work to promote the vision of the Leadership Institute- to prepare the next generation of ethical leaders- to younger students.

The K-12 program provides opportuni-ties for college stu-dents and facilitators to work with students across Michigan in effort to improve the leadership skills of everyone involved. These workshops pro-vide a learning envi-ronment for students as well as real-word facilitation experiences for CMU

Chippewa studying leadership. If you or someone you know would like for the Leadership Institute to put on a workshop at your school just contact the Leadership Institute for more information. If anyone is interested in being a facilitator for any of our programs or learning more about this program they can contact the Leadership Institute or K-12 Program Coordinator Ashley Flickinger.

K-12 Learning Leadership

The 2015 Central Michigan University LeaderShape Institute will be held May 10-15. The LeaderShape Insti-tute is an intensive, ener-gizing, six-day education-al experience designed to equip young adults to become extraordinary leaders. The LeaderShape Insti-tute helps participants explore not only what they want to do, but who they want to be. We believe integrity is at the heart of leadership. As a result, the Institute creates space to identify core values and explore how individual choices have an impact on congruence and how we are perceived as leaders. The LeaderShape Institute works to help partici-pants achieve four primary outcomes:•To increase their commitment to acting consis-

tently with core ethical values, personal values, and convictions.•To increase their capability to devel-op relationships and increase their commitment to respecting the dignity and contribution of all people.•To embrace the belief in a healthy disregard for the impossible.•To develop the capability to produce extraordinary results. Participants work together, form close friendships, and benefit from

new perspectives. Each person works to define a personal vision — an extraordinary commitment to changing or contributing to the world in a positive way.

The application will be up on Feb 16th and close on March 31

LeaderShape Your Life

As part of the LeaderAdvancement Scholarship re-quirements, there are certain classes that the scholars have to take. These classes are designed to be taken together as a cohort, and are meant to further develop are skills as leaders. Freshman scholarship recipients are required to take Intro to Leadership Education, Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Debate, Introduction to Leadership, and American Experience. The two different leadership classes are put in the protocol for obvious purposes, but one might question how some of the other classes pertain to leadership. Psychology is essen-tially the study of the mind, and it’s crucial for effective leaders to be able to understand the minds and mental processes of those that they are trying to lead. It’s also very important to be able to present one’s point of view and have civil discussions with others as a leader. It’s inevitable that one’s own personal views will not always match those of another, so that’s why we are required to study debate as developing leaders. The study of debate teaches students to not only present their own argument, but it teaches them how to really listen to what the opposing side, or other person, has to say in return. It’s also fundamental for leaders to learn about the history of those who have previously led before

them. This can help ensure that the mistakes of leaders past will not be repeated. The sophomore year protocol for the LAS scholarship also requires recipients to take a handful of classes together as a cohort. In the fall semester students take Roots of Oppression and Moral Problems and during the spring semester sophomores take Social Problems and Seminar Leadership & Communication. These classes are all designed to improve the leadership ability of students as well as make them aware of the wide variety of the difficulties and past issues that those looking to lead have or may encounter in the future. There are no classes that LAS scholars are required to take together their junior or senior year, however, if these students or any other student on campus are interested in a Leadership minor, then there are more classes they will need to take. A few of those required courses include: Communication in Leadership, Applications of Leadership, Ethical Theories, and Business Ethics. A full list and layout of the Leadership Minor courses can be found in the Undergraduate Bulletin.

Learning as Leaders

On Monday, November 24th, Central Michigan University president Dr. George Ross vis-ited with freshmen recipients of the Leader Advancement Scholarship in their LDR 100 class. During class, President Ross took time to skype a classmate who could not be present for his speech.

It seem like not a day goes by that something fun and exciting isn’t happening in the Central Michigan Uni-versity Leadership Institute office. Currently there is a very exciting mood through the office as we prepare for Competition Day 2015, the day we select our new incoming class of 40 Leader Advancement Scholars. Phones are ringing off the hook with potential candidates calling to make their reservation, and ask questions of all

kinds about this once in a lifetime opportunity. Overall, it is very evident that the Leadership Institute office is the place to be. You can always catch students coming in to take a break and have an always-entertaining chat with LI Secretary Jeremy Heinlein. Sometimes, if you’re lucky, you may even catch

the staff up to one of their usual shenanigans. So feel free to stop by sometime, say hello and take a load off with the always welcoming, Leadership Institute.

Around the Office...

Leader Advancement Scholars and members of the Leadership Institute spend four years changing and impacting Central Michigan University. Friendships are formed, mentors advise younger students and opportunity is everywhere. But, what happens when those four years are over, friends move away and careers begin? Two LAS alumni found themselves working at the same institution where they are able to collaborate and continue to expand as leaders together. Nicole Barrett and Christina Manwell were both Leader Advancement Scholars at CMU. They now teach first grade at Ritter Elementary School in South Rockwood, Michigan. Nicole believes that the skills and experiences she gained through CMU and LAS has greatly helped both herself and Christina to be successful in their careers, as well as life in general. “Being involved in the LAS program prepared both Christy and I to take on leadership positions within the school. Christy is our math committee chair and I am our

school improvement chair. We assist with most school events, and our experience at CMU gave us a solid foundation in leadership, collaboration, setting an example, planning, and goal setting.” With both women having strong leadership experience, they are able to develop unique lessons plans and events for both their individual classes and the entire district. They also were able to immediately embed themselves within the leadership positions in the school. Nicole feels that their shared college backgrounds has enhanced their ability to come together as coworkers and to create a connection with the students. “Having a shared college experience has contributed to a positive working relationship be-tween Christy and I – we enjoy working together and

our first grade students enjoy working closely with each other as well.” Nicole and Christina are examples of how leadership at CMU goes far beyond the four years of college. The experiences and friendships begin fresh-men year, but will last forever.

Leadership Beyond College

If you find yourself in the Leadership Institute Office in the near future, you may come across the always friendly, and sassy, Connor Ewald. As the newest member of the LI staff, he will be spending much of his time there on the job as an Office Assistant. However, if you don’t spot him in the LI Office, then it’s fair to assume that he’s most likely fine-tuning his skills, or euphonium, somewhere in the Music Building. Connor is a freshman at Central Michigan University this year and is also a Leadership Advancement Scholar. He’s part of CMU’s Chippewa Marching Band, Symphony Band, Tuba & Euphonium Ensemble and is pursuing a degree in Music Education. So the next time you find yourself meandering through Powers Hall, stop by and say hi to our newest Leadership Institute staff member.

Leadership Institute Office Assistant: Connor Ewald

After completing the Leader Advancement Scholar protocol, LAS scholars are awarded medals to wear at graduation. Currently, only the Central Michigan University Honors Program and LAS scholars receive the recognition. Leadership Institute Director Dan Gaken said the medals are relatively new. After a long review process, the university recognized the LAS award in May 2014. The Degrees, Admissions, Standards and Honors Committee (DASH) denied the request twice before being approved by the CMU Academic Senate and Leadership Council. After the Academic Senate approved the proposal, all LAS scholars are able to receive recognition at graduation as long as their successfully complete their protocol. As part of their protocol, LAS scholars must complete leadership focused courses together as a cohort, be actively involved with registered student organizations (RSOs) on campus, have a leadership position on a CMU committee, provide service on a CMU academic committee and actively volunteer in their community. LAS scholars who have completed their protocol and will be receiving their LAS medal for spring graduation are Kelly Gwardzinski, Katie Conley, Ally Malcolm, Bryan Wallace and Molly MacGillverary. The CMU Leadership Institute would like to congratulate these individuals for their hard work and dedication to leadership development. As for past LAS scholars, Gaken stated that they will receive theirs as well. “We are in the process of gradually awarding past LAS scholars,” Gaken said. “Some have received their medal at our alumni breakfast, and others can expect to have theirs soon.”

GoldGRADS

for

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