Leadership®Center

ILLINOIS
Leadership®Center

FROM THE DESK OF THE DIRECTOR
What a fantastic year it has been at the Illinois
Leadership Center!
In addition to our many leadership offerings,
last fall over 260 faculty, staff and students participated
in four campus conversations on leadership education.
The questions we discussed were:
» What leadership skills, values, or attributes will a 2021
graduate of the University of Illinois demonstrate, and
» As we look to develop leaders for the 21st century,
how should we approach cultivating leadership in our
students?
After collecting 3000 post it notes, and a lot of data analysis, we have been working
on an Illinois Leadership Model. This model includes updating our leadership skills
and attributes to leadership competencies, as well as updating our Leadership
Philosophy at the University of Illinois. All of this work will help us strive for our
vision, which is to be an internationally acclaimed provider of leadership education,
research and practical opportunities for students.
We have hired new Graf Interns and student Leadership Paraprofessionals for next
year, will be adding a new professional member staff this July, and will be working
hard this summer to prepare our programs and services for the next academic
year. We will continue to look at our strategic direction as well.
How can you help us achieve our vision? There are many opportunities. You can
continue to support the ILC through attending our events, volunteering, telling our
story to others, or supporting us in our work. Should you wish to make a financial
donation to the ILC, you can do so at: http://studentaffairs.illinois.edu/about/student-affairs-advancement/gift-link
under the Illinois Leadership Center Fund.
Anytime you are near the Illini Union and want to come visit the ILC, you are
always welcome. If I have not met you, I look forward to the day we do!
All the best,
Gayle Spencer, Director
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www.leadership.illinois.edu

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CAMPUS OUTREACH
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See how we’ve spent our year connecting with students across campus
ALUMNI WORKSHOPS
See how leaders in the field have come back to educate our students
LEADERSHIP LEGACY
Look into how the Leadership Center has impacted our alumni beyond their time on campus
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GRAF SPOTLIGHT
Check out our Graf Interns’ experiences and their future endeavors
EMERGING STUDENT LEADERS 11
Hear from some of our current student leaders and their experience in our i-programs
www.leadership.illinois.edu
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CAMPUS OUTREACH
THIS YEAR’S OUTREACH STATISTICS
89
TOTAL NUMBER OF
OUTREACHES IN 2014-2015
7,070
Total number of
students reached
22 25
EVENT BOOTHS
RSO OUTREACH
PRESENTATIONS
10 32
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CLASSROOM OUTREACHES
PRESENTATIONS
MARKETING TABLES

Leadership Campus Conversation
Thanksgiving Drive
Hot Cocoa on the Quad
THANKSGIVING DRIVE
The Thanksgiving Food Basket Drive is hosted every year through the Office of Volunteer Programs. The ILC jumped on board,
seeing that it was a wonderful opportunity to give back to our community. This year was our second year participating in the
Thanksgiving Drive. We compiled a basket filled with non-perishable food items that would allow for a family to make a complete
Thanksgiving day meal. We also donated a $25 gift card for the family to buy perishable items. At the ILC, we believe that the spirit
of the holiday should be enjoyed by all.
LEADERSHIP CAMPUS CONVERSATIONS
Another major initiative the ILC hosted this year were the campus-wide Conversations on Leadership Education. Focus groups
were asked to discuss what skills, values, or attributes a 2021 graduate of Illinois will demonstrate, as well as how to approach
cultivating leadership in our students. With over 260 faculty, staff and student participants at four sessions, we had 48 table conversations
which generated over 3000 post-it notes of data. This data will assist the ILC as we plan for the next 10 years of leadership
education at the University of Illinois.
HOT COCOA ON THE QUAD
In early December of 2014, we hosted “Hot Cocoa on the Quad.” This event was held in order to further engage students and increase
brand awareness of the ILC. Although it was very cold, we ended up giving out 18 gallons of hot cocoa and serving around
384 students. We also generated a lot of social media exposure through other campus departments.
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ALUMNI WORKSHOPS
JACK BOWSHER
IN
September, the Illinois Leadership Center
was proud to host University of Illinois
alumnus Jack Bowsher on campus to speak
about rising to the executive ranks. Jack graduated
from Illinois in accounting and obtained his MBA from
the University of Chicago. He began his illustrious
career with IBM as a sales trainee. He rose through
the ranks to become the Director of Management
Development, a position in which he was responsible
for training over 400,000 employees while also managing
a budget of $900 million. He later went on to
author four books. With such an impressive resume, it
was a great honor to hear Jack Bowsher speak. Jack
stressed the importance of leadership skills, stating
that they are imperative to achieving an executive
position. “Leadership skills are required in EVERY
organization,” stated Jack. He shared with the crowd
his three-prong methodology for management that is
essential in every organization:
Vision. Goals. Strategy.
Every single organization must have a vision. They
must envision a future and maintain direction to drive
forward and advance. But what is a vision? A vision is
a picture of the future that evokes passion in an organization
and, according to Jack, it is this passion that
people want to follow. An organization that lacks a
clear vision is like “a river without banks - it stagnates
and goes anywhere or nowhere.”
Is it enough to have a vision? Jack said no. Within
this vision, there must be goals that an organization
can rally around to achieve their vision. The achievement
of an organization’s goals imply the accomplishment
of the organization’s mission. Without these
goals, no vision will be recognized.
Lastly, Jack introduced the concept of a strong strategy.
Within each goal, there must exist a strategy to
accomplish the goal. This strategy may take weeks,
months, or even years to accomplish, but persistence
is key. The strategy must be “an embraceable strategy,
not an impossible one.” This is the roadmap to
accomplishing organizational goals. Upon firm execution
of these three essential tools, one is equipped
with the ability to contribute as a successful leader in
an environment.
At the conclusion of Jack Bowsher’s lecture, students
were given the opportunity to ask questions. After the
question and answer portion, a small post-presentation
reception was held in which all guests were free
to mingle with one another and Jack. It was a great
pleasure to have the opportunity to bring back such a
distinguished, successful leader. The Illinois Leadership
Center appreciates Jack Bowsher’s time and
willingness to return to Urbana-Champaign!
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ALUMNI WORKSHOPS
ALEX BRATTON
Alex Bratton, CEO and Chief Greek of Lextech
Global Services and University of Illinois
alumnus, was welcomed back to campus to
talk to students about technical leadership in March.
Ever since he was young, Bratton has worked with
technology and his understanding for technological
knowledge has only grown since then. As CEO of
Lextech Global Services, his company combines business
and technology to solve problems through the
development of apps and software. His company also
aids a variety of groups from the military to farmers.
Bratton is passionate about his company and shared
his insights about the growing market of technology
with students.
He returned to campus to give University of Illinois
students his “need-to-knows” of running a successful
business. Bratton presented the idea that great teams
start with great leadership. He spoke of what it meant
to be a leader—such as: knowing when to say no,
asking questions, starting simply, knowing one’s own
strengths, and testing potential employees’ stress management
under tight deadlines. He revealed that having
the right team creates a better work environment.
Alex Bratton also discussed the types of innovation
that every company should have. He believes that
companies should invest the most time into starting
with core innovation in order to make the best products
even better. He suggested that time should then
be spent in adjacent innovation that involves reaching
out to new customers with current products or creating
new products for current customers. Lastly, he brought
up the need for time in disruptive innovation,which is
innovation in markets that do not yet exist. Because
timing is everything, Alex shared how the best time
to release a new product is when the public is ready.
It’s important not only because technology is always
changing, but also because of the current projects in
the world of technology such as drones, commercial
space flight, internet of things, digital manufacturing,
and mobile apps.
Since drones are among his favorite new technological
advances, Alex showed a video taken by one
of his drones of a pumpkin being dropped from one
hundred and fifty feet up in the air. In addition, he
revealed that Lextech isn’t all work and no play—employees
enjoy riding scooters and go-carts around the
office, as well as participating in the annual Halloween
costume dress up.
After the workshop, students were able to talk to Alex
Bratton and the Director of Talent Acquisition, Chad
Lilly, about employment at Lextech and ask further
questions on any topics mentioned in the workshop.
Our thanks goes out to Alex for coming back to campus
to share his insights and knowledge with students
wanting to learn more about technical leadership.
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LEADERSHIP LEGACY
A CONVERSATION
with CHRIS DILLION
CHRIS DILLION IS THE PRESIDENT OF CAMPBELL COYLE REAL ESTATE IN CHICAGO,
ILLINOIS. HE EARNED HIS BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP FROM ILLINOIS.
DESCRIBE YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH THE ILC WHEN YOU WERE A STUDENT.
As an undergraduate I attended many of the i-Programs and my senior year I participated in the inaugural class
of Graf Interns. With a newly established physical presence in the Illini Union, it was an exciting time for the ILC.
Several of the programs offered today were just starting to take shape and I enjoyed participating during the
infancy of the program.
WHY DOES LEADERSHIP MATTER TO YOU?
Leadership is about establishing a vision, creating a positive environment and inspiring others to achieve their
best. We live with the consequences of leadership in our society, both good and bad. Fundamentally, I believe
that the best leaders help others achieve intentional, bold solutions that contribute to a greater good.
HOW HAS THE EXPERIENCE YOU OBTAINED WITH THE ILC IMPACTED YOU IN YOUR
CAREER AND LIFE?
The i-Programs and the Graf Internship provided me with transformative experiences that helped me recognize
my own leadership style. The lessons learned have had a profound impact on the way I approach challenges and
opportunities in my daily life.
ARE THERE ANY SPECIFIC SKILLS YOU LEARNED AT THE ILC THAT YOU STILL USE TODAY?
As a real estate developer, my work is largely team-based. The skills I honed as an undergraduate with the ILC
and other campus organizations have had a direct impact on my career. Lessons relating to managing change,
innovation and inspiring teams remain as relevant today as when I learned them.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO STUDENTS THAT ARE THINKING ABOUT GETTING
INVOLVED WITH THE ILC?
The ILC is one of the most important differentiators offered at Illinois. These programs are core to the Illinois
experience. What are you waiting for?
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LEADERSHIP LEGACY
A CONVERSATION
with CECILIA MACIAS
CECILIA MACIAS CURRENTLY SERVES AS THE DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF INTERCULTURAL PRO-
GRAMS AT TAYLOR UNIVERSITY IN UPLAND, INDIANA. SHE COMPLETED HER MASTER’S DEGREE IN
STUDENT AFFAIRS ADMINISTRATION AT BALL STATE UNIVERSITY AND HER BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN
COMMUNICATION AT ILLINOIS.
WHAT KIND OF LEADERSHIP POSITIONS DID YOU HAVE AS A COLLEGE STUDENT BE-
FORE?
I was a very over-involved student during my four years at U of I and held several leadership positions. Some of
them included my position as a Multicultural Advocate in residence life and my involvement with La Casa Cultural
Latina as a Student Program Coordinator. I was also the president of a Latino organization called LaFe and was
a Graf Intern at the Illinois Leadership Center (ILC) my senior year.
HOW DID THOSE LEADERSHIP POSITIONS BENEFIT YOUR PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT?
I am grateful for all the ways I was involved as a student because I made strong mentors and developed skills
I would not have been able to develop if it was not for the responsibilities I was entrusted with. I learned how to
maintain professional relationships with peers and supervisors and discovered what I wanted to do as a profession.
I also developed administrative skills and programming skills which helped me with future positions.
HOW DID THE ILLINOIS LEADERSHIP CENTER IMPACT YOU?
I absolutely loved the Leadership Center as a student and love it even more as a working professional. The work
that the ILC does is truly amazing! Through i-Programs and leadership courses I discovered concepts like self
awareness, emotional intelligence, and learned leadership theories and models that helped me reflect on who I
was and what I wanted to be. I was able to develop interpersonal skills, communication skills, and understand the
importance of integrity in any leadership position.
WHAT DO YOU VALUE THE MOST AS A LEADER?
I value teamwork, communication, integrity, and positive social change. We all have different strengths and can
use them to impact our community. It is important not to lose sight of the greater picture and that, in my heart, is
not forgetting about our neighbor.
DO YOU HAVE SOME SUGGESTIONS TO COLLEGE STUDENTS IN TERMS OF LEADER-
SHIP?
My advice would be to make the most of your four years in college and get involved. I do not think anyone
should join tons of organizations because it is always better to commit to one or two, than to be in several and
do a bad job in all of them because you become "too busy”. Find what your values and passions are and give
back to the community by being involved in something. Oh and do not forget...anyone can be a leader!
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GRAF SPOTLIGHT
MEET OUR GRAF INTERNS AT THE ILC
STEPHANIE RICHARTZ
Stephanie Richartz is a senior studying Industrial Engineering
with a concentration in manufacturing, supply
chain, and logistics with a minor in communication.
During her time with the Illinois Leadership Center as
a Graf Intern she worked primarily on coordinating the
Intersect i-Program which was put on three times during
the academic year. In addition she teamed with the
other Graf Interns to make an office resource that aids
student and professional staff workers in the creation
of customizable leadership activity presentations for
students. Finally, Stephanie played a significant role
in the recruitment of next year’s Graf Interns. When
asked about her experience at the Leadership Center
she responded, “Working in the Leadership Center is
unlike any other experience I have had. I have learned
about myself, relationships with others, communicating,
and growing as a leader. This opportunity has been an
incredibly rewarding challenge.”
After graduation Stephanie will be moving to Chicago
to work as a Business & Systems Integration Analyst
at Accenture Technology. When asked about her new
position, she responded, “The position I will hold after
graduation will challenge me in different ways than the
Leadership Center did. However, there is no doubt I will
bring a strong set of values and leadership skills with me
to my future career.” Stephanie really values her experience
at the Leadership Center as well as the relationships
that she established and the impact she was able
to make for students on campus. Her leadership journey
is just beginning and she is hungry to become the best
person and leader that she is capable of being.
KELSEY KOVACH
Kelsey Kovach is a senior studying Molecular and Cellular
Biology with a minor in Spanish Linguistics. Having worked the
previous year as a leadership paraprofessional, she returned
to the Illinois Leadership Center to step into a new position, the
Graf Internship. This new position brought with it an array of new
responsibilities and challenges, but has served to be the most
rewarding and introspective experience she has had during her
time at Illinois. She coordinated one of the ILC’s day-long leadership
programs, Petullo Insight, and also had the opportunity to
be an onsite coordinator for the 2015 UIUC LeaderShape Institute.
When asked about her experience this year, Kelsey replied
with the following, “My time as a Graf Intern has challenged me
in all the ways that I needed to be challenged as I transition into
a new and exciting chapter in my life. This year I have been able
to perfect a solid foundation of skills, including self-awareness,
managing project effectiveness, creating change, and building
community. I will undoubtedly utilize these skills throughout the
rest of my career.”
One of the most salient lessons Kelsey has learned during her
time at the Leadership Center was the importance of “following
your passions, working within an area that provides both intrinsic
fulfillment as well as the ability to make a difference.” Kelsey’s
influential experience as a Graf Intern provided her with an array
of new insights that built her courage to change career directions
from physical therapy to student affairs and student development.
After graduation, Kelsey plans to attend graduate school
to obtain a master’s in Higher Education. No matter where she
ends up, Kelsey is confident that the skills she has built through
the Illinois Leadership Center will bring her great success.
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LOUIS BLANC
SARA BRUMM
Louis Blanc is a senior from Manchester, Missouri, graduating
with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. During his time as
a Graf Intern this past year he coordinated the Ignite Program,
which is dedicated to teaching students how to lead sustainable
change within their organizations, a great passion of Louis’. Besides
coordinating Ignite, Louis said he greatly enjoyed working
on other projects for the Center including Graf Intern Recruitment,
the annual presentation to the Student Fee Advisory Committee,
i-Program Assessment, and a proposal to develop an ILC
Workshop Series. When asked what he enjoyed most about
his internship experience at the ILC Louis was quick to state,
“The relationships I’ve built have been incredible! Between the
student staff, campus professionals, and university alumni, the
number of distinguished leaders you interact with through this
experience is truly unparalleled. I will especially treasure the
friendships I made with my fellow Graf Interns!”
After graduation Louis will be moving to Chicago to start his career
at Baker Tilly Virchow Krause as a Business Consultant. In
addition to work, he looks forward to staying involved in student
leadership development as a certified presenter for a leadership
development program offered through his service fraternity,
Alpha Phi Omega; and by coming back to campus to facilitate
i-Programs for the ILC. Louis’ final thought on post-undergrad
life was, “Whatever challenges I encounter after graduation, I
am well equipped to overcome them thanks to my experiences
through the Leadership Center.”
Sara Brumm is a junior double majoring in Psychology and
English. As a Graf Intern, Sara spent the majority of her
time coordinating the Integrity i-Program. She also contributed
to various projects throughout the year, managing
outreach and communication efforts for Graf Intern Recruitment
and working with the other interns to develop an
Outreach Activity Binder that consolidates activities into
themed modules. When asked about her experience, Sara
shared, “the Graf Internship was an enriching opportunity
that challenged me to grow both personally and professionally.
I identified my strengths as a leader, which shaped my
future endeavors and aspirations.”
Next year, Sara will be returning to the Illinois Leadership
Center as a Leadership Paraprofessional. When asked
about the center, Sara replied, “I am so grateful to consider
myself a part of the Illinois Leadership Center. I believe
in the philosophy of the center and am excited to continue
contributing to leadership education that changed my life
and has the potential to change the lives of others.”
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EMERGING LEADERS
HEAR WHAT SOME OF ILLINOIS' UP AND
COMING LEADERS HAVE TO SAY
“The greatest development aspect the ILC has provided is exposure. Between meeting with Dr.
Rosch, to discussions with CEO's and established entrepreneurs, I was able to adjust my schema of
professional-mannerisms and set goals for my career that I did not previously know existed. I hope
the ILC's presence continues to grow and affect other students as positively as it has
affected me.”
— RICKY RIVERA
Junior, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences - Psychology
“I ended up adding the Leadership Studies minor that has allowed me to engage with other students
and staff who work in the ILC and I have learned more about leadership from an academic
and theoretical perspective. Every encounter I’ve had with those who are involved in the ILC in
any capacity has been positive and extremely rewarding!”
— SHANNON PARISH
Junior, College of Applied Health Sciences - Kinesiology
“Leadershape was a life changing experience—I met people I will forever call family. It really helped
me to better communicate with more people and be more confident to speak in public, which has
opened up more doors for me #houseinthewoods”
— ANTHONY IMANLIHEN
Junior, College of Applied Health Sciences -
Community Health/ Rehabilitation Pre-Physical Therapy
“I attended the Imprint I-Program to fulfill my goals and applications to myself, which is to become
a better leader in my community. I also participated in order to grow and be a part of the University
of Illinois campus as this is one of the most prestigious and most important leadership programs.
Above all, the top reason for attending Imprint was for me to grow as a person.”
— MILOSZ TOMASZEWSKI
Freshman, Division of General Studies
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“I have participated in both the Intersect and Integrity i-Programs, and I was also a small group facilitator for
Intersect. These day-long leadership conferences target the qualities that are imperative for all
leaders to exhibit, and I am eager to attend all five of the programs before I graduate. Participating in these
i-Programs is also aiding me in achieving my Leadership Certificate. Being able to reflect on my experiences
inside and outside the classroom will provide a tangible portfolio that portrays how much I have grown
as a leader and an overall individual when I graduate from the University of Illinois and enter the workforce.”
— BROOKE HEIDEWALD
Sophomore, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences - Communications

A GLIMPSE INTO THE FUTURE
Even though the school year is coming to an end, the ILC is still going strong! Many
of our students will be off enjoying their summers, starting internships, or practicing
leadership in other capacities. However, the ILC will be busy with several
projects before the Fall semester, including:
» Revising i-Program curriculums & prepping for next year’s programs
» Welcoming new students during admitted student days
» Prepping for our summer session of the Intersect i-Program
» The ILC’s new Associate Director will start work and begin to
strengthen and develop academic partnerships
» The continued development of new programs
» Revision of our skills and attributes, with a new list being
released in the coming year
Like us and follow us on Facebook and Twitter to join the leadership conversation and
keep up to date with everything going on at the ILC!
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Twitter.com/IL_Leadership
Have any feedback or suggestions for content to add to our next newsletter?
Know any stories or individuals to highlight on our leadership spotlight?
Contact us & share!
From all of us at the Illinois Leadership Center,
THANK YOU!
To learn more about the Illinois Leadership Center , please visit:
www.leadership.illinois.edu
Illinois Leadership Center
1401 W. Green Street
290 Illini Union
Urbana, IL 61801
email leadership@illinois.edu
telephone (217) 333-0604
fax (217) 265-8464
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