![\"SIU](\"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/siu-ldp.jpg\")
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By Rebecca Renshaw<\/p>\n
The SIU College of Engineering is one of very few STEM colleges (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) in the nation that offers a technical leadership program. The SIU Leadership Development Program provides a direct bridge from leadership training to a career as a technical leader. Founded in 2006 by Dick Blaudow, an engineering alumnus and chairman of the board of Advanced Technology Services in Peoria. Blaudow and his wife, Brigitte, established the program as a way to help develop the next generation of America\u2019s technical leaders.<\/p>\n
Bruce DeRuntz, professor of technology at SIU and director of the College of Engineering\u2019s Leadership Development Program, says the program truly transforms these students into leaders. \u201cTo be successful, these students know they have to prepare for success. It\u2019s great to watch the transformation happen in these students as they go through the LDP program,\u201d DeRuntz said.<\/p>\n
Breanna Whitley, a junior, serves as the president of the LDP and is a scholarship recipient from the National Science Foundation. When asked to describe the program, Whitley responded, \u201cWhere do I begin? This program is not just an RSO. We develop a family here.\u00a0 We truly care about each other,\u201d Whitley said.<\/p>\n
The team of students works on several community projects throughout the year. Some of the most recent projects include building a handicapped ramp to the women\u2019s center and laying down new flooring for the Science Center.<\/p>\n
LDP members\u2019 personal experiences<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cI believe the best leadership is an act of love. We all care about each other and how we can make a positive impact on the world,\u201d said Whitley.<\/p>\n Bob Lozar-McDonald is a senior and has been in the program for since 2017. He is a recipient of a National Science Foundation scholarship. \u201cTraditionally, many engineering students are introverts. This program helps students develop those softer skills of building interpersonal relationships. Many corporations are willing to pay to develop those skills,\u201d said Lozar-McDonald.<\/p>\n Andrew Paxton is a senior and is deeply committed to the LDP program. \u00a0\u201cIn the workforce, there is a demand for leadership but not many universities supply leadership training. It\u2019s fantastic that we are able to enter the workforce possessing leadership skills and are ready to succeed,\u201d Paxton said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" By Rebecca Renshaw The SIU College of Engineering is one of very few STEM colleges (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) in the nation that offers a technical leadership program. The SIU Leadership Development Program provides a direct bridge from leadership training to a career as a technical leader. Founded in 2006 by Dick Blaudow, an … Continue reading Transforming students into leaders<\/span> ![\"Breanna](\"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/breanna-whitley-web-150x150.jpg\")
![\"Bob](\"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/bob-lozar-mcdonald-web-150x150.jpg\")
![\"Andrew](\"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/andrew-paxton-web-150x150.jpg\")