University of Minnesota Athletics
SAAC Hosts First Annual Diversity Dinner
4/26/2016 12:00:00 AM | Student-Athlete Development
On Monday, April 18, SAAC (Student-Athlete Advisory Committee) and the United States Marine Corps. hosted the first inaugural Diversity Dinner. Many SAAC members and over 10 University student groups on campus made an appearance to be apart of the night's discussion at TCF Bank Stadium.
The purpose of the dinner allowed there to be a conversation about diverse leadership and collaboration. The panelist included, retired Colonel Paul Adams from the United States Marine Corps, Pattie Neiman, Director of Educational Efficacy and Leadership for University YMCA, Ayo Taylor-Dixon, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Fan Engagement at the University of Minnesota and Dan Wisniewski, CEO/Owner at Wise IT Consulting, Inc.
"There was a lot of helpful information about what it means to be a leader and how to best represent yourself as one," Gopher gymnast Lindsay Mable said. "I was engaged with the various backgrounds the panelist came from and how they shared common goals as leaders."
SAAC executive member Derek Wiebke (Cross Country) facilitated and lead the panelist in a discussion that reviewed topics such as the challenges they faced as leaders, skills of a leader and how they saw themselves as leaders in their present roles. At the end of the panelist discussion a Q&A session was opened to the audience to ask questions.
This event offered students diverse perspectives about being a leader. It served as an eye opening experience that will continue to inspire those who attended as they shape themselves into leaders for today and for the future.
