Preparing students for a lifetime of service with lessons from one of America's greatest leaders.
The Eisenhower Leadership Conference is an immersive full-day professional development opportunity for students to learn leadership lessons from the life and career of one of the world’s greatest military and political leaders, President Dwight D. Eisenhower. By studying his decisions on the battlefield and in the White House, students will gain knowledge to apply to their own leadership experiences.
This year, the conference takes place on Saturday, February 8, 9am-4pm at Gettysburg College.
The conference includes presentations from Eisenhower experts, including Expert-in-Residence Susan Eisenhower. Ms. Eisenhower shares insights from her book "How Ike Led: The Principles Behind Eisenhower's Biggest Decisions." Students will also participate in an interactive workshop for a hands-on, in-depth examination of decisions such as the D-Day invasion, seeking the presidency, the Cold War, confronting McCarthyism, and advancing civil rights.
This year's keynote speaker is alumnus Jim Sweeney ‘80. Like President Eisenhower, Sweeney first learned important leadership skills serving his country in uniform. Shortly after leaving Gettysburg College, he quickly ascended from recruit to battalion then company commander, overseeing 270 soldiers and the construction of a new airfield - a skill for which he had not been trained. After five years in the army, Mr. Sweeney embarked on a sales career which he translated to become a successful consultant and business executive in healthcare. He is eager to use his experience and vivid examples to help young people identify and develop their own natural leadership abilities, while emphasizing the importance of character, passion, and humility.
New this year, the conference culminates a two-day Executive-in-Residence program designed to engage students in classes, study groups, individual coaching sessions, and an intriguing case study exercise.
The conference is open to all students
regardless of major or class year.