Student Leadership Institute
Not
only have College of Engineering alumni and friends supported
College facilities, equipment, and endowed chairs, they also
pass on their knowledge and experience to the next generation
of engineers.
In October 1999, a group of 11 Iowa engineering and five business students benefited from just such a learning experience at the first Student Leadership Institute -- to encourage students to consider, discuss, and wrestle with leadership issues such as professional ethics, self- and group motivation, and diversity in the workplace. Since then, successful Student Leadership Institutes have been conducted on the average of twice yearly.
The Student Leadership Institute draws undergraduate students from engineering, business, and liberal arts and sciences to a weekend seminar in which they explore real-word challenges and meet key business leaders.
"Every one of us is different, but what makes a good leader is not one personality type, but the recognition of how you can direct your energy and that of your colleagues and employees toward a shared goal."
Gary
Seamans, Engineering alumnus and
co-founder of the Student Leadership Institute
In addition to including faculty and staff facilitators from the College of Engineering and the Henry B. Tippie College of Business, the seminar features recognized UI alumni who are leaders in business and industry eager to share experiences from their careers.
The institute format uses both small- and large-group sessions to expose students to real-world challenges, immerse them in hypothetical situations, and introduce them to key Iowa engineering alumni. It also has strengthened the bond between the engineering and business colleges—a partnership already nurtured by a collaborative effort that supports the UI John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and the College’s Technological Entrepreneurship Certificate program.
Engineering undergraduate students are selected from a list of nominees generated by the departmental executive officers of each of the College's six programs.
What do students say they learned?
“The key to motivating others is getting them past their fear of failure,” one student remarked. “The best leaders have an exceptional ability to listen to people,” added another. And perhaps the best summary to date was this: “I learned that leadership is something more than just leading. It’s also encouraging others to reach their full potential.”
For the UI Colleges, the institute does several things:
- It exposes our students to proven ideas, successes, and failures of experienced business leaders.
- It exposes our alumni and friends of the College to student perceptions and ideas, as well as to the level of their leadership abilities already.
- It engages alumni and friends in another extension of their commitment to the College -- by giving their precious time, talent, and wisdom that are almost immeasurable.
- It builds a stronger bond between both the students and the administrators of the two colleges.
For more information about the College of Engineering Student Leadership Institute, contact Nancy J. Schneider, director of student development and scholarships.
Hosts/Sponsors of the Student Leadership Institute
A special note of appreciation to the following for hosting and supporting the Student Leadership Institutes.
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Engineering alumnus Gary Seamans and his wife, Camille |  |
Engineering alumnus Randall Meyer and his wife Barbara |
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Engineering corporate partner Pella Corporation, Pella, IA |
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Engineering corporate partner Rockwell Collins, Inc., Cedar Rapids, IA |