February 10, 2020

Episode 2 - Leading By Example

Student athletes are becoming servant leaders thanks to a Purdue leadership advisor, and a PhD student in agronomy is determined to focus on her passions for agronomy and basketball instead of her disability.

Cathy Wright-Eger found herself in awe when she visited Quantico, the site where U.S. Marines are molded into leaders. Coupling what she learned from Quantico and other leadership experts with the 15 principles from basketball luminary, John Wooden, Cathy founded the John R. Wooden Leadership Institute at Purdue.

The Institute provides Purdue student-athletes with unique, high-impact resources for leadership growth. In Part One of this episode, Wright-Eger, the former head coach of Purdue Women’s Swimming & Diving and the institute’s current leadership advisor, shares what she learned in Quantico, and other compelling lessons on leadership that are helping Purdue student-athletes work together toward goals both in and out of their sports.  

In Part Two, Shelby Gruss, an agronomy PhD student, tells her personal story of triumph after tragedy. Gruss has excelled in both academics and basketball, despite a snowboarding accident that left her legs permanently paralyzed. Shelby is an exceptional leader, both on the basketball court and in the classroom.

These two Boilermakers are living up to their Purdue potential. They are building a better world together.

After you hear their stories, please connect with us on our social pages to share your reaction.

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Related Links and Resources:

John R. Wooden Leadership Institute

Boiler Byte – Shelby Gruss Profile

 


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