Judy Siegle, highly acclaimed motivational speaker and author of “Living Without Limits: 10 Keys to Unlocking the Champion in You,” was the keynote speaker at a leadership summit held on the campus of Mayville State University Tues., April 14. In addition to Siegle’s keynote presentation, breakout sessions were presented by Dr. Kelly Peters, associate principal at Red River High School in Grand Forks, N.D.; Joel Vettel, lieutenant with the Fargo (N.D.) Police Department and community volunteer; and Terry Kemmer, Mayville State professor emeritus of business and Larson Leadership Program Coordinator.
In her keynote address, Judy Siegle focused on the tools that help to make people successful, powerful life keys designed to unlock the untapped potential and purpose within everyone. These are all tools that she has used in her life as she has gone from being a successful high school athlete to becoming a quadriplegic when a terrible car accident changed her life in an instant, just as she was about to begin college. Through the struggle to live a life without limits, Judy never gave up and never limited herself. She graduated from college, earned a master’s degree, became a two-time Paralympian, and is living a life that is fulfilling and rewarding.
Joel Vettel gave real life examples of how community service makes one a better parson. Based on his personal experiences, Vettel explained why community service and volunteerism are keys to improving quality of life, and the importance of learning how to balance busy schedules while maximizing the ability to give back to the community. Vettel demonstrated why community service is not only rewarding, but how it can also lead a person down the road of success.
Kelly Peters, a 1992 graduate of Mayville State University, shared his insights gained during his 23 years of working in public education. He focused on leadership in a teacher’s life, leadership enhancement offered in the education field, the teacher’s role in integration of classroom responsibilities and extra-curricular activities, and leadership opportunities available for young educators.
The Larson Leadership Program is funded with the assistance of the Edson and Margaret Larson Foundation and is designed to promote the leadership enhancement on the campus of Mayville State University, as well as in the Mayville-Portland community. For more information, contact Terry Kemmer, coordinator of the Larson Leadership Program, 701-788-4777 or terry.kemmer@mayvillestate.edu.
Photo captions:
Top: Judy Siegle has made the most of living as a quadriplegic. An acclaimed speaker and author, she is a two-time record-holing Paralympian who does extensive work as a volunteer for Wheels for the World and other organizations.
Bottom: Joel Vettel, lieutenant with the Fargo Police Department and an active community volunteer, told his audience about how community involvement and volunteerism has contributed to his personal success.