New Institute for Leadership Advancement welcomes first-year Honors Students with Leadership Summit

In partnership with the Honors College, the College of Business Administration’s new Institute for Leadership Advancement hosted its first of five Leadership Summits on Monday, July 23rd.

The Leadership Summit is a half-day program designed to engage first-year honors students in an intimate leadership learning community where students interact with high level executives, engage one another in group problem-solving, and develop personal visions while setting the foundation for a successful four years in college and beyond.

The program’s first keynote speaker, Sandra Pianalto, UA alumna and Chief Executive of the 4th District Federal Reserve Bank, spoke to over 70 students. She described her experience in growing into an executive leadership position, highlighting the qualities and skills truly needed for successful leadership. Ms. Pianalto advised students to “embrace uncertainty” and to “step outside of your comfort zone,” as “true leaders are always discovering ways to continuing to learn more about themselves and others.” Ms. Pianalto also emphasized the idea of “passion” as a tipping point for future success and the importance and necessity of “always giving back to one’s community.”

The Institute for Leadership Advancement will continue the Honors Leadership Summit program throughout the summer and into the fall semester with the following speakers:

Monday, July 30th – Coach Terry Bowden, University of Akron
Friday, August 10th – President Luis Proenza, Ph.D., University of Akron
Monday, August 20th – Vice President Jim Tressel, University of Akron
Saturday, September 15th - Brigadier General Maria Kelly, United States Army