LEADERSHIP TEAM STUDENTS RECOGNIZED
Nine students enrolled in technical programs at Illinois Valley Community College have been selected for participation in a leadership team.
The nine are engineering design students Brandon Clinard of Oglesby, Meghan Johnson of Granville, Judith Kirchner of LaSalle, Aaron Marshall of Hennepin, Susan Skowera of Granville, and Kimberly Warwick of Peru; and electronics students Sam McCauly and Amanda Murray, both of Princeton, and Jacob Rafferty of Marseilles.
The leadership team, now in its second year, recognizes students for their commitment to their studies and fellow students and provides them with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Five members of the team gave a poster presentation about their team activities at the American Society for Engineering Education Illinois/Indiana Section Conference in Indianapolis March 30-31. Those who participated were Clinard, Kirchner, McCauly, Marshall and Warwick.
Dorene Perez, Program Director of Computer Aided Engineering/Computer Aided Design, and Jim Gibson, Program Director of Electronics, originated the Leadership Team. Potential team members are nominated by their instructors and a committee selects students on the basis of attitude, commitment and work ethic, willingness to help others and leadership potential.
With support from a National Science Foundation grant, the students receive training in the form of free enrollment in a Strategies For College course, designed to improve a student’s success in college. They are also paid a stipend each semester.
"We started the leadership program to recognize promising technical students and to give them opportunities to develop and grow," said Perez. "We’re also utilizing their skills to encourage high school students to consider technical careers. The students we select are good role models for young people."
Skowera said her goal as a team member is "to spread the word about IVCC, especially the CAD/drafting program." Kirchner said she is hoping to encourage young girls to pursue a career in engineering.
Leadership team students organize and participate in promotional and recruiting activities for their programs, mentor other technical students, and participate in professional activities such as the recent regional conference. They are encouraged to define their role as leaders by planning and developing their own activities.
Clinard and McCauly said they are hoping to gain more confidence as leaders. Warwick said she joined the team "for the opportunity to invest my time in the community."
This year’s team is publicizing its activities under the name of LITE WAVE, an acronym they developed that stands for Leaders in Industrial Technology Engineering Working for Advancement in Vocational Education.
March 2007