September 29, 2008

President's Leadership Class to focus on sustainability

The President's Leadership Class, which was launched in 2000, consists of 35 newly admitted first-year students. This year's classes will begin Monday evening (Sept. 29) at Westwood, home of Purdue President France A. Córdova and her husband, Chris.

"In this class, students who aspire to become leaders will enhance their awareness of global and local challenges in energy and the environment, and they will learn about the relevant science and policy," Córdova said. "It is possible that, with the new insights gained from our invited speakers and tours of relevant facilities and laboratories, these students may suggest ways that Purdue University can improve awareness of sustainability on our campus through new research, education and programs."

Córdova will provide opening remarks and introduce the evening's featured speaker, Robin Ridgway. Ridgway, the physical facilities environmental regulatory consultant at Purdue, is co-chair of the Purdue Sustainability Council, which presently has 150 campus members and is growing.

More than 400 students applied for the class. A team led by Associate Dean of Students Pablo Malavenda narrowed the applications to around 100. A five-member faculty team led by Michael T. Harris, associate dean for undergraduate education in the College of Engineering, reviewed the remaining applications and selected class members based on academic merit, leadership experience, roles in high school, service activities, and awards and recognitions. In addition, students were required to submit a 500-word essay on leadership and sustainability.

Writer: Tanya Brown, (765) 494-2079, tanyabrown@purdue.edu

Sources:   France A. Córdova, (765) 494-9708
Robin Ridgway, (765) 496-6405, rmridgway@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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