The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District celebrated the graduation of the participants of Leadership Development Program Level 1 July 12, and Level 2 on Aug. 4, at the Romano Mazzoli Federal Building in Louisville, Kentucky. Both Leadership Development Program Levels consist of 11-months of professional development to advance the students’ leadership skills through formal training, mentoring, and experiential learning.
During both graduations, guest speakers were invited to participate in the celebration.
The guest speaker for the LDP 1 graduation was Col. Gary Campbell, current Chief of Internal Control at the Army Reserve Aviation Command, who spoke to the graduates about studying leadership and how it can be a challenge.
“That’s the thing about studying leadership,” said Campbell. “There are so many examples to learn from, both good and bad, and both are useful. One tells us what to do and what to be like. The other tells us what not to do and what not to be like.”
Campbell also paraphrased some personally meaningful quotes from authors he found influential, specifically from coach John Wooden, saying students should, “Be more concerned with your character than your reputation because your character is what you really are, and your reputation is what people merely think you are.”
Campbell concluded by saying, “The expectation is to be the very best you are humanly capable of being.”
Brig. Gen. James Paul Sanders, division commander of the 352nd Civil Affairs Command in Fort Meade and guest speaker for the LDP 2 graduation, emphasized a similar theme that leadership and learning are a continual learning process.
“If you think your schooling is over, it’s never truly over. You’re always learning and taking new positions and growing as a leader and as a person. This is just one step, this leadership course, for your success moving forward,” said Sanders. “There are no day traders in leadership. It takes time to cultivate relationships. You’ve got to go to school. There are specific jobs you take. There is no quick way to be a leader.”
At the end of both graduations, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Louisville District Commander Col. Eric Crispino spoke to the graduates, congratulating them on the successful completion of their courses.
“I look forward to seeing the impact and the effects of your work down the road,” said Crispino. “I’m really impressed with you and can’t wait to see you in your next leadership role here in the district.”
LDP 1 graduates include the following: Wesley Anderson, Francesca Braghieri, Patrick Casto, Nora Coy, Chris DeSmit, Lance Filiatreau, Robert Glenn, Kelsie Hall, Bryce Hoyng, Kristian Jolly, Steele McFadden, Stephen Panter, Jack Readd, Shaleena Rider and Jason Young.
LDP 2 graduates include the following: Keith Frentz, Cole Gehlhausen, Hope Gibson, Jessica Grinnell Lee, Gary Grunwald, Chris Hesse, Mark Klinglesmith, Ken Lamkin, Alex McCoy, Emily McKinney, Kelley Parker, Charles Sawyer, Tiffany Shively and Dewey Takacy.