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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.

Save the Date:

2020 Sussman Leadership Conference

Saturday, October 17, 2020

11:00am - 3:00pm

Olmsted Center

Topic and registration information coming soon!

Previous Conference Themes

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.
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