The Office of Student Involvement at Indiana University–Purdue University Columbus (IUPUC) hosted its Inaugural Student Leadership Conference on November 6 and 7 at the Hotel Indigo. The conference inspired and educated IUPUC club and organization members on leadership, service learning, positive thinking, and time management.
This year’s conference theme featured two keynote speakers: Amber Fischvogt, Vice President of Development for the Heritage Fund and The Community Foundation of Bartholomew County. And on day two, Danette G. Saylor, Phd., Vice President for Student Affairs and Success at Albany State University was the guest keynote speaker.
An alumna of Indiana University Kelley School of Business, Amber graduated with a degree in marketing. Since graduation she has maintained a high level of community involvement. She is the Leadership Bartholomew County facilitator and a co-founder and first director of the Columbus Young Professionals. She serves on the Centra Credit Union Board and is a past board member and Chair of the United Way of Bartholomew County.
Amber joined the Heritage Fund in June of 2013 as the Vice President of Development and has over 14 years of business and community development experience. During this time she has managed a wide array of entrepreneurial education and development programs at local and national levels, which actively serves thousands of entrepreneurs each year.
Dr. Danette Saylor is the Vice President for Student Affairs and Success at Albany State University. She has over 16 years of experience in higher education and is committed to an inclusive and supportive community for students of all backgrounds at Albany State University. A native of St. Petersburg, Florida, Saylor earned a BS in Psychology, a Master of Education in Counselor Education from Florida A & M University, and her Doctor of Philosophy in Rehabilitation Counseling from Florida State University.
She served as Director of the Center for Disability Access and Resources at FAMU and served on the Board of Directors for the Oasis Center for Women and Girls; is a member of the Tallahassee/Leon County Commission on the Status of Women and Girls—Sexual Assault Policy Group; and a member of the Bethel AME Church Women’s Missionary Society. Saylor is an alumna of the Alice Manicur Symposium for Women Leaders in Student Affairs, and the Higher Education Resource Service (HERS) Institute.
STUDENT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
FRIDAY, NOV. 6
SESSION 1: THE LEADERSHIP STORY OF COLUMBUS AND BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY
Amber Fischvogt, Vice President of Development at the Heritage Fund
In this presentation a review was applied toward leadership values of the community and how we have gone from an “average” Indiana city in the 1950’s to a unique community recognized around the country for our accomplishments.
SESSION 2: @DIVERSITY.2015.EDU
Matt Souza, J.D., Special Assistant to the Vice Chancellor for Strategy and Special Projects
Souza actively engaged participants in an exercise that illustrates the impact of privilege on the campus at IUPUC. Secondly, through a participative exercise a review how IUPUC approaches diversity was demonstrated.
LEADERSHIP EXERCISE: THE SERUM
James Boldman, Program Chair, Communication and Foreign Languages, Ivy Tech
Community College — Columbus
Through an interactive group exercise, participants examined the different roles within a team and how a leader can work with these different roles to maximize the team’s effectiveness.
SESSION 3: BECOMING A WORKING GRADUATE
Michael Peterson, IUPUC Alumnus, Global OnBoarding Depot Technician at Cummins, Inc./HCL Technologies
Becoming a student leader can prepare an individual for the approaching challenges of the post-graduate life. This session focused on specific aspects of how student leadership can better prepare an individual for challenging transitions. These aspects are reflected through real life examples of student leadership, post-graduate employment, and personal experience.
SESSION 4 GET COMFORTABLE BEING UNCOMFORTABLE
Sandra Miles, PhD., Director of Student Affairs
Based on the lessons brought forth in the book “Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most”, this session offered tools for successfully communicating when the stakes are high!
STUDENT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE
SATURDAY, NOV. 7
SESSION 1: GETTING YOUR CREDIT RIGHT: 9 STEPS FOR BUILDING YOUR
CREDIBILITY AS CAMPUS LEADERS and STRENGTHENING THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE
Danette Saylor, PhD., Vice President for Student Affairs and Success at Albany State University
This session provided attendees with information on how to add value to the campus experience. Small group brainstorming activities empowered participants with activities and events designed to improve student engagement.
SESSION 2: THE PURSUIT OF PERFECTIONISM
Stephanee Squires-Roberts, MS, IUPUC Academic Advisor
Jenni Landowski, MS, IUPUC Academic Advisor
I’m not a perfectionist, because I’m not perfect. Funny, right? Do you feel as though you’re running on a mouse wheel that isn’t going anywhere? You keep running…faster and for longer periods of time… Yet, you never truly reach your destination? This session helps people gain insight on stopping the madness.
LEADERSHIP EXERCISE: WHAT DOES LEADERSHIP MEAN TO YOU?
Makala Willman, IUPUC Student, Assistant to Clubs and Organizations
This session reviewed the different types of leaders and the many styles of leadership.
SESSION 3: DRESSING FOR SUCCESS!
Carol Kostrzewsky, Med., Associate Director of Career Services
Joan McCluskey, Coordinator of Leadership and Community Service
This informational session reviewed professional dress and the advantages of positive first impressions when going for your job or internship interview. Additionally, a special thanks went out to Van Heusen and Banana Republic for providing professional business attire.
Two members from each IUPUC recognized student club and organization attended theconference. The primary objective is to inspire and motivate students through meaningful presentations, discussions, and team building activities.