Saruk Centre for Leader Development Established for University Students

PHILANTHROPY NEWS

This summer a group of philanthropic individuals who deeply care about young people and the multiple challenges they face came together. As recognized leaders themselves, they’re also are concerned about the dire need for a new generation of ethically and spiritually grounded leaders. The result: The Saruk Centre for Leader Development, which is launching from the campus of Burman University this September.

The Centre’s no-cost co-curricular program is open to any university student. The three-year program is intentional, sequential, and developmental, designed to “Create leaders who positively impact the world and give graduates a leg up in the competition for jobs.”

“We are at a time when the world is in dire need of new leaders,” says Elvin Saruk, chair of the board of directors, “leaders of moral integrity, sound purpose, and clear vision. The Centre invests in the next generation of those who are capable of becoming remarkable leaders for their local community, their country, and the world.”

The Saruk Centre founders observed that while a bachelor’s degree used to be the ticket to success—a secure job and a life well lived—things have changed. A BA or BSc degree has become a steppingstone to professional or graduate school. Employers and even graduate schools are asking, “What have you done beyond getting your academic degree?”

Consequently, more and more colleges and universities are keeping record of what students do outside of the classroom—from involvement in on-campus activities such as student government and club leadership to off-campus activities such a service and volunteer work. Such activities are recorded in what is called a Co-Curricular Record (CCR) that graduating students can show to prospective employers and professional and graduate schools along with their academic transcript.

The program is free to students, however, those interested must apply and be accepted.

Getting Started

1. Students should apply for admission to the Saruk Centre through its website www.youthleaders.ca.wordpress.com before Sept. 5 (Burman students may apply through their student portal). Students who miss the deadline can apply for the 2021-2022 academic year.

2. A practical approach: The first session will introduce students to the program and what it takes to be a success in an ever-increasingly competitive job market, and how to emerge and thrive as an ethical leader. Fundamental to the program is a self-assessment exercise to determine personal strengths and weaknesses as well as opportunities to hear from the founding members of their journeys and experiences with leadership. An important part of the program will be opportunities for students to job shadow and to develop mentor relationships. Spiritual strength is an important part of the sequence of weekend sessions that form part of the core requirements.

3. Guest Speakers: The first session, where Centre founders will speak, will focus on understanding one’s emotional intelligence and how that relates to leadership. The second session on November 7 will highlight an external consultant, Dr. Sharon McDowell-Larsen who, besides being a tri-athlete, has years of executive training experience working for the Center For Creative Leadership (CCL) in the US. Her workshops, drawn from her published research, will focus on the relationship between health and leadership and how best to deal with stress.

4. The winter term sessions will include developing other practical skills such as resume writing and job interview skills. Community outreach and service are also key components.

The first cohort will begin the program on Sept. 12.

Sharon McDowell-Larson will be presenting seminars at the Saruk Centre’s November 7 session.

McDowell-Larson has trained many high-level leaders in her 20 years at the Centre for Creative Leadership, based in Colorado, including Pfizer, the US Navy and General Motors, and her research on executive fitness and stress management has been quoted in many publications, including Forbes magazine. She has numerous age-group national and world championship podiums in mountain biking, IRONMAN triathlon, off-road triathlon and cross country skiing.

By John and Lynn McDowell