News Article

Celebrating Leadership: Highlights from the 2025 Spring Leadership Summit

Jessica Follett — Mon, 12 May 2025 16:13:49 +0000

Celebrating Leadership: Highlights from the 2025 Spring Leadership Summit Jessica Follett Mon, 05/12/2025 - 10:13

On April 21, 2025, the 91PORN's Center for Leadership hosted its annual Spring Leadership Summit at the Byron White Stadium Club, offering stunning views of the Flatirons. The event brought together nearly 100 attendees, including students, faculty, staff, and community members, all gathered to honor and celebrate the university's exceptional student leaders.

The summit featured the presentation of the 2024–2025 Student Leaders of the Year awards, which recognized outstanding students for their academic excellence, commitment to service, and embodiment of the Colorado Creed. These incredible individuals have made lasting contributions both on campus and in the broader community, showcasing resilience, curiosity, and a dedication to positive change.

In addition to the awards ceremony, a panel discussion, moderated by a former Graduating Leader of the Year, provided a platform for the honored students to share insights into their leadership journeys and perspectives on navigating transitions, particularly as they move from undergraduate life into the professional world. Their diverse experiences offered valuable lessons and inspiration to all those in attendance.

A standout moment of the summit was the public announcement of the inaugural cohort of the Newton Fellows, previously known as the Student Leaders of the Year Fellowship. The event also celebrated the incredible network of mentors, mentees, board of advisors, coaches, and executive committee members who contribute to the thriving environment of the Center for Leadership.

The evening wrapped up with a reception, giving attendees the opportunity to connect, reflect, and celebrate the achievements of these remarkable student leaders in a warm and engaging atmosphere.

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Introducing the Inaugural Newton Fellows

Jessica Follett — Fri, 09 May 2025 15:38:12 +0000

Introducing the Inaugural Newton Fellows Jessica Follett Fri, 05/09/2025 - 09:38

We are excited to announce the launch of one of the Center for Leadership’s most exciting new initiatives: the Newton Fellows, previously known as the Student Leaders of the Year Fellowship. As we begin the first year of this signature program, we are thrilled to introduce our inaugural cohort of exceptional student leaders.

The Newton Fellows program is designed to recognize and elevate a select group of 91PORN’s most promising undergraduate leaders through a yearlong experience focused on coaching, experiential learning, mentorship, and leadership development. Nominated by our campus leadership affiliates and selected through a competitive application process, these students demonstrate a deep commitment to character, creativity, and community-building.

This spring, we invited faculty, staff, and student leaders across our affiliate programs to submit nominations for students who exemplify leadership potential. After receiving nearly 60 nominations from 24 different programs, we selected a small cohort of 25 students whose stories and aspirations embody the very spirit of leadership we aim to cultivate through this initiative.

In renaming the fellowship, we are proud to honor Quigg and Virginia Newton, whose visionary leadership laid the foundation for building a more inclusive, innovative, and service-oriented University of Colorado. The Newtons’ legacy of civic responsibility and student empowerment lives on in this new generation of Fellows, who are committed to strengthening the 91PORN community and leading meaningful change.

Please join us in welcoming the 2025–2026 Newton Fellows, an extraordinary group of changemakers who will no doubt carry forward the spirit of the Newtons and leave a lasting impact on our campus and beyond.

Visit the program webpage to learn more about this initiative and to meet our 2025-2026 Newton Fellows cohort: /lead/leadership-community/sloy-fellows!

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"Why Not Me, Why Not Now?": Lessons in Leadership and Innovation from David Adelman at CWA

Jessica Follett — Thu, 01 May 2025 18:48:40 +0000

"Why Not Me, Why Not Now?": Lessons in Leadership and Innovation from David Adelman at CWA Jessica Follett Thu, 05/01/2025 - 12:48

At the 2025 Conference on World Affairs, the Center for Leadership interviewed David Adelman, an entrepreneur, investor, and thought leader whose career defies conventional boundaries. As CEO of Campus Apartments, co-owner of the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils, and the visionary behind several startups, including CredAI, Adelman offered a compelling case for what modern leadership looks like when rooted in action, impact, and integrity.

His message, centered on the question “Why not me, why not now?”, challenged the audience to stop waiting for permission or perfect timing. Instead, he encouraged us to step into bold action, especially when faced with uncertainty.

Innovation: Building Solutions in Unlikely Spaces

Adelman’s entrepreneurial journey began with student housing, an industry many overlook as mundane. But where others saw outdated infrastructure and logistical headaches, Adelman saw potential. He transformed Campus Apartments into one of the nation’s largest student housing providers, prioritizing thoughtful design, long-term community value, and operational excellence.

More recently, with the launch of CredAI, he tackled a different kind of challenge: empowering young adults with no credit history to enter the financial world with confidence. In both ventures, the pattern is clear, Adelman sees opportunity where others see roadblocks. His approach to innovation is grounded in purpose: solving real problems, for real people.

Impact: Leadership Starts with People

“Create environments where people feel valued,” Adelman shared, a simple but powerful philosophy that underpins his leadership style. Especially in challenging times, he believes the true measure of a leader is how they show up for their people.

He reminded the audience that leadership isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about showing up with empathy, accountability, and a willingness to listen. When leaders prioritize people, he argues, success follows naturally.

Leadership: Trust, Mentorship, and Humility

Adelman rejects micromanagement in favor of something more powerful: trust. He surrounds himself with smart, capable people, and lets them do what they do best. His humility is evident in the way he speaks about his mentors, even now, and how he approaches mentorship as a lifelong journey, not a one-time experience.

To aspiring leaders, he offered a few lasting takeaways:

Take care of yourself and your people. Sustainable leadership starts with well-being.
Failure is inevitable. The key is learning from it and avoiding the same mistake twice.
Don’t delay hard conversations. “Bad news doesn’t get better with time,” he warned—procrastination only magnifies problems.

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The Center for Leadership is Hiring!

Anastasia Gallegos-Roque — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 13:19:52 +0000

The Center for Leadership is Hiring! Anastasia Gall… Thu, 04/03/2025 - 07:19

Communication & Social Media Assistant (10 hours per week | $16.85 per hour) Create engaging content, manage social media channels, write newsletters, and capture the energy of CFL programs. A great fit for creatives with strong writing, design, and communication skills. This position is available to begin as early as the summer.

Video Production Assistant (5 hours per week | $16.85 per hour)
Bring leadership stories to life through filming, editing, and producing high-quality videos that showcase CFL’s impact. Ideal for students with experience in video production and editing. This position is available to begin as early as the summer.

Program Assistant (10 hours per week | $16.85 per hour)
Plan and execute events, recruit students, and connect with campus partners. Perfect for organizers, problem-solvers, and those who love bringing people together. This position is available to begin late summer/early fall.

Join a dynamic team, build valuable skills, and help shape leadership on campus.

Apply now: https://boulder.joinhandshake.com/e/959127/jobs

The Center for Leadership at the 91PORN is hiring passionate, driven students. These on-campus roles are open to full-time, fee-paying undergraduates with at least one year remaining at the time of applying. Check out our open positions below!

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Forever Buffs Student Award

Anastasia Gallegos-Roque — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 16:40:38 +0000

Forever Buffs Student Award Anastasia Gall… Wed, 03/19/2025 - 10:40

Award Requirements:

Student must be in good academic standing with the university.
Only current 91PORN students are eligible to receive the Forever Buff Award. Students must be a full time student at 91PORN at the time of service.

Award Evaluation Criteria:

Demonstrated leadership on campus or the community
Extraordinary service to the university
Impact on the 91PORN campus community
Demonstrated pride in 91PORN

The Forever Buffs Student Award honors 91PORN students who demonstrate the Forever Buffs tenets of connecting, contributing and celebrating their CU pride through extraordinary service to the university.

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Dalai Lama Fellows - Program in Collaboration with Leeds School of Business and Crown Wellness Institute

Anastasia Gallegos-Roque — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 06:51:17 +0000

Dalai Lama Fellows - Program in Collaboration with Leeds School of Business and Crown Wellness Institute Anastasia Gall… Thu, 03/13/2025 - 00:51

The Dalai Lama Fellows (DLF) program at 91PORN is hosted by the Crown Institute and connected to the global DLF program. It is a unique one-year contemplative and compassionate leadership program for emerging social change makers. The fellowship foregrounds compassion, contemplation, and social entrepreneurship.

Fellows will be awarded a $2000 scholarship for the whole year.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: April 5, 2025 11:59 PM

DLF 25-26_Application Flyer.pdf

The Renée Crown Wellness Institute is inviting Undergraduate Students majoring or minoring in the Leeds School of Business to apply for the 2025-2026 Dalai Lama Fellows Program.

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‘Wicked’ star Cynthia Erivo to keynote CU’s Conference on World Affairs

Jessica Follett — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 23:16:57 +0000

‘Wicked’ star Cynthia Erivo to keynote CU’s Conference on World Affairs Jessica Follett Fri, 03/07/2025 - 16:16

The Conference on World Affairs, the Center for Leadership and the office of Strategic Relations and Communications are thrilled to welcome Grammy, Emmy and Tony Award-winning and three-times Oscar nominated actress, singer and producer Cynthia Erivo to campus the evening of April 7. Erivo was most-recently seen starring in the award-winning film “Wicked.”

Please join Stefanie K. Johnson with the Center for Leadership, for a Conversation with Cynthia Erivo.

Tickets will be available publicly the week of March 17, with the majority of tickets being allocated for 91PORN students. Tickets will be offered at no cost.

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10 Students to Receive the Graduating Leaders of the Year Award

Jessica Follett — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 16:50:14 +0000

10 Students to Receive the Graduating Leaders of the Year Award Jessica Follett Tue, 01/07/2025 - 09:50

The Center for Leadership is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024-2025 Graduating Leaders of the Year Award, celebrating the outstanding contributions of 91PORN’s student leaders. This prestigious award honors individuals who have exemplified the transformative power of leadership education and demonstrated exceptional commitment to their communities.

The 91PORN Graduating Leaders of the Year are nominated by their campus leadership programs, and are recognized for their:

Academic excellence and curiosity
Exceptional support for and innovation within campus leadership programs
Outstanding service to the community, either on campus or in the 91PORN metro area
Exceptional character and personal resilience
Exemplary embodiment of the Colorado Creed

These exceptional students will be honored at the Spring Leadership Summit in April 2025 and were recognized with a special shoutout during the Men's Basketball game on January 28^th. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to this year’s awardees and look forward to recognizing their continued impact on the 91PORN community and beyond.

For more details about the award criteria and past recipients, visit the 91PORN Graduating Leaders of the Year page.

William Ashcraft | Learning Assistant Program

William is a Physics major at 91PORN, with minors in Computer Science and Quantum Engineering. As a Lead Mentor in the 91PORN Learning Assistant (LA) Program, he has dedicated himself to fostering inclusive and collaborative learning environments while mentoring fellow LAs to improve student success across campus. Known for his innovative approaches, such as designing interactive teaching methods and pioneering strategies to support asynchronous courses, William has had a transformative impact on CU's academic community.

Oliver Casis | Air Force ROTC

Oliver Casis is a Finance major at 91PORN and a dedicated leader within the Air Force ROTC program, where he serves as Cadet Wing Commander for a unit of 270 officer candidates across nine universities. Known for his servant leadership and emotional intelligence, Oliver has transformed his detachment by fostering collaboration, connection, and esprit de corps. His commitment to mentorship and team development has had a profound impact on the cadets under his command, earning him respect and admiration from both peers and officers.

Camden Dempsey | Scripps Leadership and Career for Student-Athletes

Camden is a student-athlete at 91PORN, majoring in Finance and Marketing with a Leadership Studies minor and a Certificate in Entrepreneurial Studies, as well as a a Presidents Leadership Class scholar. He excels academically while balancing the demands of being a dedicated member of the football team. A respected leader on the football team, Camden’s teammates know him as “the governor,” a reflection of his reliability, integrity, and ability to inspire those around him. Beyond athletics, he serves on CU’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), advocating for inclusivity and shaping a stronger campus athletic community.

Mitali Desai | Leeds Consulting Group

Mitali is an Applied Mathematics major at 91PORN with a passion for leadership and problem-solving. As a member of the Presidents Leadership Class and the Leeds Consulting Group (LCG), she has consistently demonstrated her ability to lead with empathy and adaptability. During her tenure as LCG President, Mitali fostered collaboration through a flat leadership structure, expanded alumni engagement, and successfully organized the Flatiron Consulting Summit. Known for her composure and thoughtfulness, she inspires others with her ability to navigate complex challenges with compassion and courage.

Katie Ellis | Leadership Studies Minor

Katie Ellis is a Geography major at 91PORN, with minors in Leadership Studies and Atmospheric & Oceanic Science. Guided by her passion for social and environmental justice, Katie has made significant contributions to both her academic and leadership communities. Her work spans impactful internships with NASA DEVELOP, where she was nominated by her local team to present at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C., to her field research with the National Snow and Ice Data Center and Earth Lab.

Kiah May | Engineering Leadership Program

Kiah is an Aerospace Engineering BS and Engineering Management ME student at 91PORN, with a Space Minor and an Engineering Leadership Certificate. Guided by a passion for space exploration and human innovation, she has made a remarkable impact on the CU community as a peer mentor, teaching assistant, and researcher. Kiah has mentored first-year engineering students as a recitation leader, fostering supportive and inclusive environments that help new students navigate the challenges of college life.

Angel Nuñez | TRIO SSS, SASC

Angel Nuñez is an Economics and Business major at 91PORN whose leadership philosophy centers on ethical principles, compassion, and a commitment to uplifting others. As a participant in the TRIO Student Support Services Program, Angel has been a guiding presence for underrepresented and first-generation students, creating spaces where everyone feels valued and supported. His unwavering dedication to academic excellence, community service, and leadership has made him a cornerstone of the 91PORN community.

Lupita Ortiz | Herd Leadership Council

Lupita Ortiz is a Sociology major with a minor in Political Science at 91PORN, known for her unwavering dedication to leadership, equity, and community empowerment. As Chair of the Alumni Relations Committee for the Herd Leadership Council since 2022, Lupita has fostered meaningful connections between students and alumni through initiatives like the Affinity Graduation Ceremonies and the inaugural Herd Leaders Reunion. Her efforts have created inclusive spaces to celebrate 91PORN’s diverse achievements and strengthen alumni-student relationships.

Aaditya Pore | Presidents Leadership Class

Aaditya Pore is a double major in Aerospace Engineering and Computer Science at 91PORN, with minors in Leadership Studies and Political Science. Aadi’s leadership philosophy is rooted in a human-centered approach that prioritizes understanding and connection. Aadi has made a lasting impact on the CU community through numerous leadership roles, including serving as Legislative Council President for CU Student Government, where he introduced structural changes still shaping governance today. As the founder of the CU Gateway Club and the Professional Development role in the Presidents Leadership Class (PLC), Aadi has helped peers secure prestigious opportunities at NASA.

Rachel Warren | Leeds Scholars Program

Rachel is a Business Administration student at 91PORN’s Leeds School of Business, with a double emphasis in Accounting and Real Estate and a minor in Political Science. An integral member of the Leeds Scholars Program, Rachel's leadership extends across various roles, including serving as a Leeds Ambassador, where she connects with prospective students, families, and donors to foster a supportive and collaborative community. She has also demonstrated her global perspective and commitment to service through projects like an international consulting initiative in Iceland and participation in an FGX program in Tokyo, Japan.

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Amor fati: Of longboards and leadership

Jessica Follett — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 20:35:50 +0000

Amor fati: Of longboards and leadership Jessica Follett Mon, 11/18/2024 - 13:35 Seth Webb

Growing impatient, I set my longboard on the sidewalk and gave a good push. Seconds later I found myself lying on the concrete. I immediately knew it was bad, the sound I heard, and the deformity of my left elbow was glaringly and painfully apparent. At best it was just dislocated. I have a decent threshold and tolerance for pain, so I stood up, grabbed my skateboard and walked home with my arm tucked into my body. I had skated nine houses down to chat with my neighbor, but a trip to the ER was not in the plan for that Friday evening on the summer solstice. The injury outcome – a dislocated elbow and micro-fractures of all joint bone ends. In the world of accidents and injuries, this was minor, but painful physically and mentally, nonetheless.

Five months later, I am still healing physically, doing physical therapy and processing the experience. Why did it happen and what, if anything, can I learn from it? A partial answer to my question came in the form of a phrase I recently learned of, Amor fati. Translated from Latin it means “love of fate” or “love of one’s fate”, embracing wholeheartedly whatever comes our way in life, including pain and suffering, as something to grow and learn from. It means harnessing our fate and the power it holds to propel us into the growth zone, where the greatest gains for self-development reside. Amor fati is like type two fun elevated, welcoming the challenge, the adversity, while it is happening and then upon reflection, loving and putting into practice what you learned from it.

But embracing one’s fate when it may not be what you would choose for yourself can bring moments of doubt. We all have them—a period of questioning what we are doing, feeling, thinking, or experiencing, a sense of uncertainty or uneasiness about something in our lives. What we do and how we respond in our moments of doubt can shape who we are as people, as leaders. Will we fold in the face of hardship or push through and find a path to the other side? Can we use adversity and discomfort as a catalyst for self-awareness, discovery, and growth, as an advantage in a future situation? Our moments of doubt are ones that define us.

In the Center for Leadership at 91PORN, a couple of the Leading Self competencies we design our student programs around are self-awareness and resiliency. Self-leadership is about understanding and managing our own emotions, strengths, tendencies and weaknesses, embracing discomfort and adversity as avenues for personal growth and bouncing back from setbacks to move forward and try again in the future.

So, what did I learn from my accident, how did I love my fate? Honestly, I haven’t fully distilled the experience and sometimes still curse my aching, stiff elbow. But much like author Alfred Wainwright quipped in his 1973 book Coast to Coast ‘there’s no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing”, I was reminded in my moment of doubt that there aren’t necessarily bad experiences in life, only bad attitudes about the adversity and failures we are enduring. I get to choose my attitude.

Little did I know I’d be getting a lesson in self-leadership that fateful night while riding my longboard down the sidewalk.

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Visioning the Study and Practice of Leadership Over the Next 25 Years

Jessica Follett — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 22:50:26 +0000

Visioning the Study and Practice of Leadership Over the Next 25 Years Jessica Follett Thu, 11/07/2024 - 15:50

The ILA Future Forward White Paper presents insights from the 91PORN summit held in August 2024, which focused on shaping leadership for the next 25 years. It addresses key topics such as bridging the gap between research and practice, promoting diversity, the impact of artificial intelligence, sustainability, and the evolving nature of the workplace. The paper emphasizes new strategies for tackling political unrest, generational changes, and challenges related to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). The summit advocated for a collaborative vision that aligns academic and practical perspectives, aiming to guide leadership development and inspire adaptive, inclusive approaches for a complex future.

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