President's Leadership Class
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[edit] History
In the fall of 2000, the President’s Leadership Class was started at Purdue University by President Martin C. Jischke and his wife Patty Jischke. In the fall of 2003, the President’s Leadership Class was given the title of the Patty and Martin Jischke Leadership Class by the Purdue Board of Trustees. The class was originally an idea that President Jischke had at a previous university. The class is designed to promote leadership among thirty first-year students and provide them with a unique opportunity to interact with the President and his wife.
[edit] Membership
Students for this class are chosen by invitation only. Each year, the office of admissions will present 1700 of the top students that have been accepted to Purdue for recommendation for the class. These recommendations are based upon SAT and ACT scores, academic excellence, and past leadership experiences. Most of these 1700 will be given an application to apply for admission in the President’s Leadership class. Although there is such a large number invited to join the class, only about five hundred fill out the application to gain entry into the class. From these five hundred applications, the Dean of Students will select the top one hundred students. A selection committee, normally including the President’s wife, will select the thirty students to be accepted into the class. These thirty students will then receive a letter from the President, telling them of their acceptance into the class. Membership into this class also provides the students with a scholarship. Students receive $500 a semester to participate in the class. Although this class is only open to freshmen, three sophomores are invited to join the class each year. These sophomores, called sophomore advisors, are chosen from their previous membership in the class. The sophomore advisors oversee many aspects of the class. They are in charge of class discussions and many outside activities.
[edit] The Class
This one credit hour class gives students an opportunity to expand their knowledge of leadership and leadership skills. Every Monday, for thirteen weeks each semester, the class meets at the home of the President, Westwood. The President and his wife are there to greet the students each week and also attend the class. At these one hour sessions, students and advisors are given the opportunity to interact with a speaker for the evening. The speakers, political and business leaders discuss leadership and provide insight into a variety of topics. In addition to attending the class each week, a group of students will be given the opportunity to stay and have dinner with the speaker and the President and his wife. These dinners provide the students with a more intimate interaction with the President and the speaker. This class is very effective in preparing the students for leadership roles that students will face both at Purdue University and in their future careers.
[edit] Former Speakers
For the 2006-2007 school year, some notable speakers were:
- Don Thompson - McDonald’s, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
- Matt Painter - Head Men's Basketball Coach, Purdue University
- Terri Jo Austin - Indiana Representative
- David C. Ford - Indiana State Senator
[edit] Sources
- President’s Leadership Class 2006-2007, produced by Purdue Marketing Communications
