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Sussman Leadership Conference
The Sussman Leadership Conference provides all Drake undergraduates with an opportunity to enhance their leadership skills, knowledge, and network. Each year, this half-day conference is focused on a theme that helps students gain and apply skills to increase their effectiveness as leaders, both on campus and in preparation for their future careers.
2023 Sussman Leadership Conference
One Better World: The Leader Within
Saturday, November 11
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Olmsted Center
Drake students! The leadership journey begins with you. How do your relationships, identity, and experiences influence your leadership style? How can you make a positive impact among the causes and communities you're part of or care about? Join us for this half-day, interactive conference workshop with nationally renowned speaker Dr. Vernon Wall to discover your unique role as a student leader at Drake University. Prepare to become an agent of change on campus and in the world.
Registration is free for all Drake students, and includes a gourmet buffet brunch, Dr. Wall's keynote address, and an interactive workshop to apply this content to your personal leadership journey at Drake. If you choose to register for this event, we expect you to exercise your leadership skills by showing up to the conference on time and staying for the event in its entirety. Your registration information will help us accurately plan for brunch and seating.
Space is limited! Click here to reserve your seat by Monday, November 6, 2023 at 11:59pm.
Previous Conference Themes
2022-2023
Confidence & the Comparison Trap | Alex Weber
2021-2022
Leading Back in Action | Sara Lowery
2019-2020
Down with Drake Busy | Dr. Tim Bono, author of Happiness 101
2018-2019
Leading Across the Divide, Part 1 | Dr. Rachel Paine Caufield
Leading Across the Divide, Part 2 | Zachary Wood
2017-2018
Leadership Reframed | Dr. Jon Paul Higgins
Leadership: Always on Beat | Presented by: Trill or Not Trill
2016-2017
The Science of Adulting: How to Make Decisions | Keynote: Dr. Jeff Belkora
Controversy with Civility | Keynote: Joshua Fredenburg
2015- 2016
Do Less, Achieve More | Keynote: James Robilotta
SALAD Un-Conference Experience | Presented By: Campus Speak
2014-2015
Making a Difference by Valuing Difference | Keynote: Paul Wesselmann
The Conscious Choice- Collaborative Leadership | Keynote: Justin Jones-Fosu
About Richard & Lila Sussman
Drake University is grateful for the generous philanthropic support of Richard, AS’51, and the late Lila Sussman that made this conference possible. The Sussmans’ incredible commitment to Drake has influenced many students at the University during the last 45 years. The Sussmans have supported the Donald V. Adams Leadership Institute, Drake Fine Arts, the Principal Financial Group Center for Global Citizenship, The Drake Fund, and the renovation of the Lila and Richard Sussman Theater in Olmsted Center. Richard continues the legacy of giving that he and his wife established at Drake, most recently through the creation of the Sussman Lecture Series, an initiative of The Harkin Institute for Public Policy and Citizen Engagement.
Richard’s deep connection to Drake began as a student, when he was a student leader and member of the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity. He graduated in 1951 with a major in Economics. After graduation, he remained involved in the University through service on the National Alumni Association Board of Directors and other activities.
University News
November 16, 2023
November 1, 2023
