Ignite News | September 2022
Greetings!

Greetings from western NY where the temps turned into fall as quickly as it took to flip the calendar a few days ago. The leaves are starting to turn and volleyball season is in full swing here on this temporary and meaningful assignment.

I shared last month that I was working on some significant opportunities for collaboration, and I'll take a brief moment to update you on those! This is COOL!

There's something special about being in a place where relationships are deeply rooted, and decades of rapport precede all conversation. It's fun being in an environment that is energized daily by the greatness of the next generation. For those in mine, I'm not one who thinks the young adults of today are a bunch of cupcakes and snowflakes. I've been way too privileged to see the greatness of their creativity, passion and drive. When they are inspired by something, they are ridiculously skilled at not only making it happen but instantly gathering a following. We could learn from them if we looked past the media (on both sides) and put ourselves in the spaces where their magic occurs. I'm thankful to be in such a space!

In the first six weeks being here, the following are confirmed and in progress:

  • A student-produced intro video for Ignite U1

  • The Houghton Consulting Group, a collaborative academic practicum for undergraduate business majors, has accepted Ignite International to be their client. They will produce a marketing piece for Ignite U1, as well as the business plan and marketing strategy to connect Ignite U1 with the Wynner of the Year Award and the Night of Wynners coming in Spring 2023.

  • An MBA student has accepted Ignite International as his integrated project client which means that for the next two years every class this student takes, his practical application will be for the advancement of Ignite - and in particular, Ignite U1.

  • As mentioned previously, one of my volleyball student-athletes is gifted and passionate about social media marketing and is ready to take the reins of Ignite International, specifically Ignite U1.


Do you see the common theme? These students are passionate, especially about Ignite U1. I'm particularly moved at the desire of the consulting group to connect the Wynner concept with Ignite U1 - this was our desire from its creation during the COVID year, and it's of monumental significance that Lori Wynn is an alumnus of this institution. It's personally meaningful, as well as academic credit, to these students.

More to come on both Ignite U1 and the shape of vision for our international impact. For now, know that I'm honored to have been entrusted with stewarding the head coaching role this fall in Houghton, NY. This is purposeful time, as a multi-pronged synergy is developing between Houghton University and Ignite International and collaboration is taking shape for the long term.

For this immediate week, I count it a blessing to be the head coach who gets to publicly recognize our four seniors and graduate student for Senior Day this Saturday. These are amazing women with whom I spend my days. It is all about relationship, and I'm moved to have gained these.

Thank you for your continued prayers, and encouragement, and to those who support Ignite financially - you are a lifeline. I and our Ignite U1 leadership team remain gratefully humbled!

Judy