The John Latsch Leadership Academy
The John Latsch Leadership Academy Induction Ceremony, held this past May, recognized student leaders of the academy for their servant leadership and commitment to the best interests of the community. It brought together people from the College of Business along with families of those who were a part of the ceremony.
Lifetime Latsch Leaders From left to right: Caleb Gernes, Rashini Gardiya Punchihewage, Allen Richardson, Kelly Kaiser, Dr. Kubilay Gok, Sidney Brunholzl, Eric Stumpf
The Ceremony began with Dr. Hamid Akbari, the Dean of the College of Business, introducing everyone key to the program. One of the first people introduced was Mark Peterson, the mayor of Winona. Peterson talked about the history of John Latsch and why he was a fantastic role model. He shared how Latsch bought land for Merrick Park, John Latsch Park, and Westfield Golf Course and then gave it to the city of Winona. Latsch looked at it as buying land for children in the community.
Later on in the evening Randy Schenkat, a Winona educator and Thought Leader at Thrive spoke about Dr. Akbari and how he has showed his servant leadership. He also talked about the three pillars: mindfulness, compassion, and innovation, noting how Latsch showed deep compassion for others and the people around him.
Inductees to the John Latsch Leadership Academy From left to right: Malika Sharma, Lauren Bloom, Katherine Edeus
Next, Caleb Gernes, the student co-founder of the John Latsch Leadership Academy spoke about the students in this academy as they go above and beyond helping him to Create His MORE.
Kelly Kaiser, a member of the academy, also talked about what the John Latsch Leadership Academy has taught her over the years. It has helped her develop her public speaking skills and Create Her MORE, too.
With that, the ceremony began and four new members were inducted into the academy, as well as six members becoming lifetime John Latsch leaders.
The ceremony ended with Sam Williams saying his words of gratitude.