Students in the Klar Leadership Academy and Advanced Leadership Academy celebrate their program commencements

Students, faculty and staff throughout the UT College of Business and Innovation daily pursue the COBI mission of Developing Lifelong Leaders for the World of Business. Beyond that, through the Center for Leadership and Organizational Excellence, COBI is nurturing the seeds of leadership in students across the University, regardless of their major through the Klar Leadership Academy and the Advanced Leadership Academy.

This month, both programs celebrated the graduation of their program participants.

“Some say leaders are born. We know leaders can be developed, that they need to be nurtured,” noted Dr. Clint Longenecker, the Center’s Director.”

“We believe that many students can - - and should - - be leaders in their chosen fields; leaders who will enrich their own lives, as well as those of their coworkers and their communities. Their organizations will not only be more profitable and successful, but also better corporate citizens. Subsequently, they will make their communities better, and the quality of life will rise for thousands, even tens of thousands of people.”

The Klar Leadership Academy is all about creating the next generation of exceptional leaders who will carry on the COBI and University of Toledo legacy of leaders who are changing the world. Students are Its stated mission is to expand and accelerate the development of the leadership acumen and talents of a select cadre of outstanding undergraduate students from the College of Business and Innovation and all  University of Toledo Undergraduate Colleges. This is an effort to increase each Academy member’s career success, their ability to lead and influence others to impact the world for good, and help each member capture a “personal vision” as to what they can do to improve the human condition.

During their recent commencement program, participating students were joined by family members to celebrate. Several Klar students shared stories of their personal journeys throughout the program, of working together to solve their projects, of struggling and of rejoicing. All explained how they felt stronger as a result of being part of this program.

“The KLAR Leadership Academy is such an amazing organization to be a part of,” noted Alexis Marok. “Being able to gain knowledge on effective leadership through the teachings of extremely successful leaders was an experience like no other. Being able to attend multiple events and put our leadership skills into play was an amazing opportunity. The things that I learned in the KLAR Leadership Academy about being a leader have changed my view of leadership and how to treat people in general. I am extremely grateful that I was able to be a part of such an amazing organization.”

Lindsey Cousino said, “After reflecting over my experience with the KLAR academy many memories reside with me. Over the past year I have learned that the KLAR academy focuses on leading students to harness their ability to lead their peers in the most efficient and effective way as possible. As a biology major and chemistry minor my professional field of interest will involve individual research along with collaborations with other scientific researchers. The KLAR Academy has allowed me to develop my own Leader's Creed that I can use and further build upon as I build my career. Prior to being a KLAR member many people would say I had silent confidence; now my confidence is no longer silenced. The most rewarding experience from the KLAR Academy was to learn from my peers of all ages of how to set great examples and to lead others. One golden rule everyone is taught in their life is to "treat others how you would like to be treated." Well I would say that every good leader will guide their peers how they would like to be guided. I feel blessed to have been a part of the KLAR academy for overall it was an extremely rewarding experience.”

Former UT and 11-year NFL quarterback Bruce Gradkowski also spoke at the celebration. He told his story of struggles and successes that accompany the high-profile life of playing, winning and losing on a national stage, and how they all strengthened him for other businesses he now operates.

The Klar Leadership Academy was founded in 2015 with the support of Steven Klar, a 1971 COBI alumnus and a New York City builder and real estate developer. 

Steven Calhoun, who participated in the most recent Advanced Leadership Academy program, said, "I want to let people know how beneficial the Advanced Leadership Academy was to me, not only from a leadership standpoint, but from a motivational one. For me especially, I struggle to wake up in the morning. Working through the Winter months in Toledo makes it even more of a struggle. However, I found myself waking up excited to attend the sessions that were held. The leadership advice, insight, and wealth of knowledge I gained from the speakers, and members in attendance, have been invaluable towards fulfilling my career goals. I am exceedingly grateful for the opportunity to take a part in the ALA this year, and strongly recommend it to anyone that has the privilege to take part in it."