Graduands learn leadership is a process, not a position
Leading by example. McMaster students Graham Dersnah (left) and Geoffrey Hymers are this year's recipients of the Dr. Mary E. Keyes Certificate of Leadership Development.
Nothing says success like a framed certificate, and Geoffrey Hymers and Graham Dersnah couldn’t be happier about receiving the Dr. Mary E. Keyes Certificate of Leadership Development.
Hymers and Dersnah completed the six experiential leadership modules prior to graduation, and reflected on their development by creating a leadership portfolio. Following that, they summarized their leadership growth to an interview panel.
“It’s incredibly exciting to see our first students complete the new Dr. Mary E. Keyes Certificate of Leadership Development,” says Jeremy Sandor, leadership development program co-ordinator at the Student Success Centre.
Dersnah, who graduates this spring, says the knowledge he gained in the workshops will definitely help him in his career goal of being a high school educator. For him, the most memorable aspect of the program was a volunteer opportunity with a community organization in downtown Hamilton — the experience underscored the value of serving others as a leader.
Through participation in the leadership development program, Hymers re-confirmed his belief that true leadership means leading by example. He identified a call to action, and is now encouraging others to, “better themselves while also bettering the community in which they are working.”
Leadership is ultimately a process — not a position — explains Sandor, and that’s a key aspect of the certificate program. Both of this year’s recipients have taken that message to heart.
“Everybody has the connotation that leadership means authority,” says Hymers. “I think that it’s important to remember that leadership is always a learning process. You don’t become a leader and then you’re a leader — you are always growing despite whether or not you are in a leadership position.”
“Thanks to support from Athletics & Recreation and the Office of Human Rights & Equity Services, we have a leadership development program that empowers students to effect change in their personal lives, on campus and when they begin their careers,” adds Sandor.
For more information on the Certificate of Leadership Development and other leadership opportunities, visit the Student Success Centre website.
