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Sussman Leadership Conference
The Sussman Leadership Conference provides all Drake undergraduates with an opportunity to enhance their leadership skills, knowledge, and network. Each year, this half-day conference is focused on a theme that helps students gain and apply skills to increase their effectiveness as leaders, both on campus and in preparation for their future careers.
2024 Sussman Leadership Conference
Courageous Conversations
Saturday, November 9
9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Olmsted Center
Register by 11/5 at bit.ly/sussman24
In today’s politically charged environment, student leaders are navigating challenging conversations around differing beliefs, values, and ideas. How can we engage in dialogue that’s inclusive, respectful, and builds resilience — without silencing voices or causing harm?
Join us at the 2024 Sussman Leadership Conference to explore these questions. You’ll gain practical strategies to lead courageous conversations and fostering a culture of open, honest dialogue as a student leader.
Free for all Drake students - registration includes a gourmet brunch, Dr. Bowman’s keynote address, and interactive breakout sessions. If you register, we expect you to show up on time and stay for the entire event.
Space is limited! Visit bit.ly/sussman24 to reserve your seat by the November 5th deadline.
Questions? Contact Kristin Economos at kristin.economos@drake.edu.
Previous Conference Themes
2023-2024
One Better World: The Leader Within | Dr. Vernon Wall
2022-2023
Confidence & the Comparison Trap | Alex Weber
2021-2022
Leading Back in Action | Sara Lowery
2019-2020
Down with Drake Busy | Dr. Tim Bono, author of Happiness 101
2018-2019
Leading Across the Divide, Part 1 | Dr. Rachel Paine Caufield
Leading Across the Divide, Part 2 | Zachary Wood
2017-2018
Leadership Reframed | Dr. Jon Paul Higgins
Leadership: Always on Beat | Presented by: Trill or Not Trill
2016-2017
The Science of Adulting: How to Make Decisions | Keynote: Dr. Jeff Belkora
Controversy with Civility | Keynote: Joshua Fredenburg
2015- 2016
Do Less, Achieve More | Keynote: James Robilotta
SALAD Un-Conference Experience | Presented By: Campus Speak
2014-2015
Making a Difference by Valuing Difference | Keynote: Paul Wesselmann
The Conscious Choice- Collaborative Leadership | Keynote: Justin Jones-Fosu
About Richard & Lila Sussman
Drake University is grateful for the generous philanthropic support of Richard, AS’51, and the late Lila Sussman that made this conference possible. The Sussmans’ incredible commitment to Drake has influenced many students at the University during the last 45 years. The Sussmans have supported the Donald V. Adams Leadership Institute, Drake Fine Arts, the Principal Financial Group Center for Global Citizenship, The Drake Fund, and the renovation of the Lila and Richard Sussman Theater in Olmsted Center. Richard continues the legacy of giving that he and his wife established at Drake, most recently through the creation of the Sussman Lecture Series, an initiative of The Harkin Institute for Public Policy and Citizen Engagement.
Richard’s deep connection to Drake began as a student, when he was a student leader and member of the Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity. He graduated in 1951 with a major in Economics. After graduation, he remained involved in the University through service on the National Alumni Association Board of Directors and other activities.
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