Class 40 Graduation Seminar
“A great accomplishment shouldn’t be the end of the road, just the starting point for the next leap forward.” – Harvey Mackay
Class 40 completed the AgForestry Leadership Program in May. During their final seminar the class gained insight into what keeps leaders motivated and effective. Speakers underscored the power of collaboration in tackling contentious natural resources issues.

Class members also delivered their capstone Public Policy Project presentations. Each project had real world impact, and highlighted the skills and knowledge class members learned during their time in AgForestry. A panel of evaluators provided constructive criticism and valuable feedback on each group’s report, presentation, and approach to solving the public policy issue they tackled.
 
Family, friends and alumni gathered to celebrate Class 40’s graduation and to recognize what they accomplished in the program. We cannot wait to see what the members of Class 40 achieve next!
Class 40 members Chelsea Durfey Campbell, Jennifer Hickenbottom, Evan Bauder and Kevin Corliss deliver their Public Policy Project presentation.
The class took a boat ride to visit Taylor Shellfish’s floating mussel farm. Gordon King, the farm’s director, shared opportunities and challenges in production and marketing.
Jamie Pinkham (Class 9) motivated and inspired the Class with his AgForestry story in a session on Transformation in Leadership . 
Here’s what class members said:

"I leave AgForestry more confident in myself, more willing to take risks and committed to be less selfish with my time. AgForestry helped me realize the ways I can be better at work, home and in my community, and has given me the tools to do so."
 
"This seminar was all about inspiration! Hearing the powerful impact of others and seeing their approaches to handling tough, seemingly immovable issues made me reflect on what I can do to better my community. I must utilize my strengths and not being afraid to tackle big issues (even if that means tackling a smaller issue to chip away at the problem)."
 
"This seminar drove home that making a change in our industries is all about collaboration. Without collaborative efforts, opponents will never become allies."
 
"This seminar did a great job of sending us off with added confidence and motivation. We were also reminded that our learning isn't over. We weren’t magically changed to new people. We need to continue to make efforts to learn and grow."
 
"I realized a few things at this seminar: 1) leadership is something everyone has in them; 2) improving our leadership abilities requires individual focus and practice; and 3) we grow as leaders with the help of others."
 
"Reflecting on where everyone was at in the first seminar compared to the last, it was clear everyone left AgForestry better leaders with the confidence and abilities to make a difference."
 
"AgForestry was everything I imagined it would be and more! Thank you to the Foundation staff, all the volunteers who spoke, taught, trained and guided us, and to the alumni and organizations who make the program possible through their generosity."
Paul Jones (Class 40) meets his classmate Erin Ewald’s family at the Graduation Celebration reception.
Debbie Wieseler (Class 40) was honored by her fellow class members with the Jack Felgenhauer Making a Difference Community Service Award . Debbie exemplifies leadership through service.
Congratulations Ag40! We are expecting great things from you.