Feb 28 2009
College students from across the Northeast converged on the world-class College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering (CNSE) today to discuss and hone their leadership skills as the UAlbany NanoCollege played host to the 2009 Capital Region Leadership Conference and Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) Region II Conference, sponsored and organized by the UAlbany chapter of ODK, the National Leadership Honor Society.
Student leaders from as far away as Ohio, Maryland, and Massachusetts heard a keynote address from CNSE Senior Vice President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Alain Kaloyeros. In addition, several local executives discussed the process of building their careers through the "How I Became a Leader" panel, and students built their campus and real world leadership skills through skill building workshops and an etiquette lunch.
Speakers and presenters during the day included Ken Countermine, vice president and commercial banking officer for TD Banknorth; Rachel Zimolka, senior business development executive for Sunmark Federal Credit Union; Lisa Austin, chief human resources officer for the Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York; and, Carmel Patrick, director of development at the Schenectady Museum and Suits-Bueche Planetarium, among others.
"We are pleased to again be able to provide this intensive leadership training institute for campus leaders at UAlbany, around the Capital Region, and now from across the Northeast," said UAlbany ODK Chapter President Nicholas Fahrenkopf, a graduate student at CNSE. "Student leaders spend so much time leading on their campuses that a one day retreat, particularly as it's held at the NanoCollege, the world's leading college for nanotechnology, is critical for them to bring their skills to the next level."
"These regional gatherings, occurring around the country, bring together the most dedicated student leaders to hone their skills and exchange ideas. The opportunity to hold this event at the world-class, globally recognized UAlbany NanoCollege offers students an experience that is both unique and unparalleled," said Dr. Michael Christakis, ODK National Vice President for Circle Standards. "The University at Albany Circle's commitment to leadership development is a testament to the value they place on further refining young leader's skills and bridging the gap between their work on campus and their future service to their communities."
"The UAlbany NanoCollege is delighted to host this important leadership conference in partnership with Omicron Delta Kappa, an organization that truly represents the very best and brightest of today's generation," said Dr. Kaloyeros. "These students are destined to become tomorrow's leaders in academia, business, technology and government, and the education and training they receive as part of this event will serve to strengthen their skills and talents. I personally feel honored and privileged to be given the opportunity to meet and engage this esteemed and impressive group of future movers and shakers."