Campus News

President's Leadership Awards Ceremony

(April 7, 2006)

President Kermit L. Hall congratulated recipients of the President's Leadership Awards at a ceremony in the Campus Center Ballroom on March 12.

Hall said, "You are all leaders. Let me remind you of what it takes to be one." He said leadership takes "three Ps": passion, perseverance, and poise. It also requires "three C's": critique, coach, and be courageous. One can give critical analysis, "but remember (quoting Dale Carnegie) that any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain - and most fools do." He advised the students to be a coach, (quoting John Wooden): "You cannot be a leader without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you." Hall encouraged them to be courageous: "Not only a physical act, but even more importantly a mental one. As a leader and coach, remember the words of Robert Louis Stevenson - 'Keep your fears to yourself, but share your courage with others.' "

The awards recognize and reward students who have made significant
contributions to enhance the quality of life at the University at Albany. Recipients have demonstrated a variety of accomplishments, including extraordinary leadership, service, and academic achievement.