Student Leadership kickoff

Participation can lead to Eagle Leadership Certificate 

On Sept. 4, the Student Leadership Kickoff Series event began and students gathered in Iowa Hall to learn more about the activities planned for this year.  

Student Leadership includes three clubs: Student Ambassadors, Student Leadership Council and Dance Marathon.  

Those who attended had positive comments. “It’s good. It was well planned,” said Moby Ostby, art and design. Dani De Sotel Slagle, human services, agreed. “It was wonderful. I learned a lot today,” she said.  

Student Life Director Seth VanderTuig said this year’s event incorporated changes from last year. “We structured it a little bit better just by having more breakout sessions. Students get to know people a little bit better rather than trying to have one big overview. The entire time we got the students up and moving around and gave students the opportunity to meet new people.” 

He added, “Most of the people here seemed like they found one of those groups they had an interest in joining if not two or all three groups so I think it was a success.”   

De Sotel Slagle said she can see the value in being part of the college’s leadership clubs. “I’m trying the Student Ambassador club but I definitely want to join the leadership club.”  

Moise said, “I was highly interested in the Student Ambassadors club because I believe it will give me the opportunity to improve my leadership skills, stand before new coming people at Kirkwood and show them around the whole campus, being the bridge before them and Kirkwood Community College.” 

Lillian Hines said she plans to join all three clubs. “Last year I only did Student Leadership Council and Student Ambassadors and I regretted not joining Dance Marathon,” she said.   

Students are invited to join Kirkwood President Dr. Kristie Fisher on Thursday, Sept. 19, second floor of Iowa Hall in Iowa Room B as she talks about the “Path to Leadership,” and what it’s like to be the president at Kirkwood.

A final note on this event’s purpose, aside from introducing the three clubs, is the Student Leadership program and joining clubs and participate in events to earn enough points to win the Eagle Leadership Program award. 

Contact Seth VanderTuig, the Student Life department director, for more information.