Inspiring Leaders Certificate Program

Perspectives on Leadership

"Congratulations on your decision to add value to your CSB/SJU education by participating in the Inspiring Leaders Certificate Program. Grounded in Benedictine Values, ILCP focuses on preparing moral, responsible and thoughtful leaders. ILCP classes combined with involvement on campus will provide you with an ideal living learning laboratory where you can apply and practice what you learn. The Inspiring Leaders Certificate Program is a powerful resource for students to discover, understand and develop their leadership potential. We are so proud of the awesome student leaders who have come through this program and we are grateful for their service to our campus communities."

Father Doug Mullin, OSB
Vice President for Student Development, Saint John's University
&
Mary Geller
Vice President for Student Development, College of Saint Benedict

"The Inspiring Leaders Certificate Program provided me with the time and tools to engage in genuine and thoughtful reflection, an indispensable activity of a true leader. ILCP allowed me to learn about myself, others, and the community in which we coexist- locally and globally. It offered an opportunity to invest in myself, which has enriched my life and its meaning. Consequently, it has helped, and will continue to help me grow into a leader with goals of service and the common good in mind. ILCP and its staff have impacted and induced growth in all aspects of my life-from personal and family to academic and professional. They taught me a framework for genuine and value-based leadership, which allowed me to understand many diverse definitions of leadership and ultimately allowed me to decide when, where, and how I will be a leader in the world of today, and that of tomorrow. In this time of ambiguity and challenge, I have developed and will continue to grow as an authentic and ethical leader in a world dramatically needing leadership founded on solid character and unwavering principles."

Peter Banick
Saint John's University '09, Management/Political Science

"I think ILCP is a wonderful program in that it brings your attention to aspects of your personality that you may not know know or choose to ignore. We all like to think of ourselves as perfect, flawless creations and ILCP teaches us not only to build upon our strengths but also acknowledge and work with our weaknesses."

Nritya Ramani, Graduate
College of Saint Benedict

"ILCP is one of the more understated programs on the CSB/SJU campuses. The classes are truly tailored to assist students articulate confidently who they are, communicate to others what they stand for, and build the myriad of skills needed to be successful beyond college. As a past participant, ILCP helped me explore my passions and educated me about the many ways to grow into an authentic leader who people want to know and work with. I am eternally grateful."

Laura Adams
College of Saint Benedict '09, BA Communication

"In the past one year, I have attended a few ILCP courses which were so inspiring ... The best thing for ILCP is that it is open up to everyone who is interested in developing personal leadership skills to influence other people...I love ILCP and I will definately keep persuing each certificate..."

Silu Ma, Senior, Accounting
Saint John's University

"I see ILCP as a huge opportunity for growth on every level. Not only did I learn valuable leadership skills that the outside world is sure to look favorably upon, but I meet new people and had a ton of fun in the process."

Genna Strauss, Junior
College of Saint Benedict

"One of the hallmarks of a great leader is that she develops great leaders. Authentic leaders cultivate, channel and nurture leadership in others and hold it as a sign of their commitment to having their teams and organizations live up to their greatest potential.

Leaders not only get things done, they are the inventors of what can be done."

Stephanie Wolf
College of Saint Benedict '75, BA Social Work
President of Sports Mind Consulting & CEO, Sportsmind

"Leadership development and formation is key during a student's college years...leadership capability allows an individual to see new opportunities where others do not. To aspire to a leadership position means accepting the 'burden' of remaining optimistic and bolstering others in the face of difficulties. Before students 'get in the game' they should learn that leaders must be prepared to listen to many, but often act alone with confidence in designing a future with the support of others. It's often the difference between 'doing the role' and 'defining the role'."

Dan McDermott, SJU '84
Business Management/Computer Science
Twin Cities Information Technology Executive

"Leadership Development is not something that happens or that you are given when you move into a role traditionally labeled as "Leader". Leadership Development is a verb - a process in which tomorrows leaders are continuously engaged. Leadership is learned, earned and never finished."

Ann Yaggie
College of Saint Benedict '87, BS Dietetics
President, DRAY Consulting Group Inc.

"At first I was hesitant to step out of my zone since I perceived I had disadvantages being an international student here but it is through ILCP that I was instilled with a myriad of skills and knowledge ranging from self empowerment to how to be a great team player. I am now doing well holding leadership positions such as SJU Senate and other clubs. I strongly urge all of you to join ILCP, at least try one session and feel the empowerment!"

Shafak M Samsheer
Saint John's University '11, Management/Accounting

"Inspiring leaders is our passion...The student employment program at CSB/SJU is designed for students who view their employment as an instrument to cultivate leadership skills that will last a lifetime."

Barb Fahnhorst
CSB/SJU Director of Student Employment