Miami University

Buck Rodgers Leadership Program Established

10/15/1997

OXFORD, Ohio -- A gift from Buck Rodgers, the IBM vice

president responsible for that company's worldwide marketing efforts until his

early retirement in 1984, is funding a new leadership program in Miami

University's Richard T. Farmer School of Business Administration.

"Buck Rodgers likes to describe leadership as the ability of an individual to

motivate others to higher levels of achievement," said Daniel Short, business

school dean. "This new program is another example of what makes the Miami

business school unique. Our students learn how to make a difference in the

organizations that employ them."

Students design a voluntary, non-credit program to fit their personal goals

and participate for at least one year in a mentor program. They earn 70 hours

hours in three areas--reflection, action/community service and communication.

Because leadership development requires and understanding and appreciation of

differences, activities in these areas must also address issues of diversity in

some way.

The corporate mentor component of the program is designed to help bridge the

gap between the classroom and the workplace. Currently, 80 students and 50

mentors are involved in the program. Most of the mentors work for companies in

the Tristate area.

The leadership program is open to all business majors and minors who have

completed at least one semester at Miami. Interested students submit a letter

of application detailing their leadership activities and explaining what they

hope to learn from the program.

Debbie Hickly is the leadership coordinator for the Buck Rodgers Business

Leadership Program. She will advise students as they design their programs,

plan special activities for the program and coordinate the mentor program.

"We're really excited about the enthusiastic response we've received

from students and mentors," Hickly said. "The program is off to a great

start."

There will be an introductory dinner on Monday, Oct. 27, for students and

mentors. Rodgers, a Miami graduate and author of "The IBM Way" and "Getting

the Best Out of Yourself and Others," will be the keynote speaker. Mentors

will attend a training session before the dinner.

For more information about the program, call Hickly at

529-1759.