Source: Lt. Col. Ed Meyer, 785-532-6600, edmeyer1@k-state.edu
Note to editor: Matthew Henry is a graduate of Olathe Northwest High School, and Noelle Remy is a graduate of Olathe South High School.
News release prepared by: Calin Cooney, 785-532-2535, media@k-state.edu

Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011

LEARNING TO LEAD: 12 STUDENTS EARN SPOT AT NATIONAL LEADERSHIP SYMPOSIUM

MANHATTAN -- Twelve Kansas State University undergraduates have landed a place at a premier national leadership symposium.

The students will attend the 18th annual National Character and Leadership Symposium, Feb. 24-25, at the U.S. Air Force Academy near Colorado Springs, Colo.

The symposium brings together students, distinguished scholars, armed forces leaders, corporate presidents and other prominent individuals to explore various dimensions of character and leadership.

Lt. Col. Edward A. Meyer, commander of Detachment 270 and professor and head of K-State's department of aerospace studies, will lead the K-State contingent.

Eleven of the students attending are Air Force ROTC cadets, and all 12 are leadership studies minors who have demonstrated superior potential for leadership through their course work. Meyer said none has attended the National Character and Leadership Symposium previously.

"These students are expanding their leadership tool kit through the symposium's presentations and open dialogue with other students and industry experts," he said. "Students will hear and share firsthand the different techniques and methods used by national and student leaders from around the country. They'll hear personal accounts of what worked and what didn't work. Also, they'll hear and learn about the application and consequences of using sound moral character in a variety of leadership venues. This will increase their perspective and understanding of what effective leadership is and what constitutes sound character."

K-State students attending the symposium include:

Eric Budy, sophomore in mechanical engineering, Basehor, AFROTC cadet; Melissa Wood, senior in kinesiology, Junction City; Ashley Mayes, senior in social sciences, Leavenworth, AFROTC cadet; John O'Neill, sophomore in political science, Leawood, AFROTC cadet; Timothy Maresch, junior in construction science and management, Nekoma, AFROTC cadet; Matthew Henry, junior in computer engineering, and Noelle Remy, sophomore in criminology, both from Olathe and both AFROTC cadets; Katherine Maier, senior in apparel marketing, Ottawa, AFROTC cadet; Tanner Heaton, junior in business administration, Salina, AFROTC cadet; and Tyler Lohmann, senior in mechanical engineering, Valley Center, AFROTC cadet.

From out of state: Justin Clark, freshman in mechanical engineering, St. Louis, Mo., AFROTC cadet; and Matthew McGath, senior in social sciences, Ralston, Neb., AFROTC cadet.