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The first graduating class of the Wells County Leadership Academy had a surprise or two at their “graduation” Wednesday noon: Indiana Lt. Gov. Becky Skillman spoke to the students, their sponsors and other guests at a luncheon at the Wells County Arts, Commerce and Visitors Centre.
“The state, our communities and our nation is going through times that call for leadership,” she told the crowd, “leadership all the way from the family room to the board room. Our future is in the hands of individuals leaders.”
Skillman had high praise for the leadership academy, pointing to the importance of the partnerships that make projects like this happen, she said.
“I see a strong dose of the Hoosier spirit here,” she said, noting that the leadership academy, those who organized IT and this first class, show a willingness “to give, to help others and to move this state forward.
“The state has encouraged communities to address issues and problems by partnering with philanthropic groups,” she stated, noting that the leadership academy was a partnership of the United Way of Wells County, the Wells County Chamber of Commerce, the Wells County Foundation and Huntington University’s Center for Leadership Studies.
“From the chambers and charity, they can provide a level of service to their communities that government cannot and should not be doing,” she said. “This creates a vision for the community, and that’s what has happened here,” she concluded. “The stakes are high. Indiana needs strong leaders.”
In addition to Skillman’s visit, the 20 class members were also presented with a special certificate from Sen. Richard Lugar. Tamra Boucher, a member of the academy’s steering committee, read a message from Lugar, who expressed regret for not being able to attend in person. Boucher had arranged for both Skillman’s visit and the recognition from Lugar.
“You are to be commended for your participation in the program and your interest in your community,” Lugar’s message said.
The leadership academy, as previously reported, was organized during the course of 2007 and became a pilot project of the new Center for Leadership Studies at Huntington University. The curriculum utilizes the “Habitudes” concepts written by Dr. Tim Elmore, a noted national speaker and author on leadership studies.
Local business consultant Tim Hartigan, who served as the facilitator and coordinator for the classes, was the emcee for the event, and commended the class for their efforts. “They’ve had 33 hours in here together,” he told the audience, “in addition to some outside meetings” they had in different sub-groups, he said, “and the homework and additional reading assignments.”
Tony Garton, a retired Bluffton teacher who was one of the volunteer instructors for the series, wrapped up the ceremony with an encouragement for the class members to put to work what they learned.
“Remember that geese can fly further than eagles,” he told the group. “They fly together in a formation, they take turns leading, and those in back honk their encouragement to the leader. We can learn a lot from that.”
The leadership academy will have their second class beginning in September. Information will be mailed to businesses and organizations in the county. The class is limited to 20 students.
“We’ll be getting information out in the coming weeks as to opening up applications for a new class this fall,” stated Pamela Beckford, executive director of the local United Way and a member of the steering committee. “But if a local company, organization, or if people are interested in learning more or getting their name on a mailing list, just give us a call.”
Inquiries may be directed to the United Way office (824-5589), to the Chamber of Commerce (824-0510) or the Wells County Foundation at 824-8620.
The students in the first class included: Jean Bordner, David DeVoe, Tim Drayer, Teresa Dustman, Karen Everett, Ginny Fenstermaker, Dawn Frauhiger, Mike Grant, Adam Harder, Suzanne Huffman, Adam Johnson, Chuck King, Heather Morgan, Betsy Needler, Angela Paxson, Melissa Quinn, Dave Schultz, Tammy Slater, Kim Szarenski, and Tony Zuber.
miller@news-banner.com
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