Exemplifying Outstanding Leadership

Four Business Students Honored for Demonstrating Exceptional Leadership

Of the WSU students honored for demonstrating exceptional leadership during the past academic year, four were from the Raj Soin College of Business, including one senior who received the highest honor: Distinguished Student Leader of the Year.

President of the Dean’s Student Advisory Board and a member of the Marketing Advisory Board, Michelle Sarmiento also played forward for the Wright State women’s soccer team from 2002-2006.

“I try to lead by example, work hard, be committed, and make a difference,” she says. “Key characteristics of a successful leader are a striving for constant improvement and a willingness to take the initiative, qualities that were reinforced and developed in my classes and faculty in the Raj Soin College of Business. Not only will these skills serve me in my career, but also allow me to give something back to the community.”

Bethany Adndrzejewski has assumed many leadership roles throughout her career at Wright State University including: the finance chair of the Union Activities Board, a Campus Crusade for Christ leader, Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Society co-president, and a member of both the Human Resources Club and the Dean’s Student Advisory Board. She says her leadership philosophy was shaped by her professors in the college of business, especially in the management department.

“My professors solidified my leadership philosophy that people should always come first. Serving people is not just a nice thing to do; it's the most effective way to manage an office. This philosophy has been confirmed for me through many case studies in my classes and the workplace stories my professors have shared.”

After graduation Bethany will be working with the Ohio State Senate in Columbus in their Human Resources office.

Vruddhi Choksy serves as president of the Indian Student Association, vice president of the Asian Student Association, treasurer for the Asian/Hispanic/Native American Council, and associate justice in the Student Government. Her activities outside of Wright State University include being the vice president of the Youth at the Hindu Jain Temple ( Cincinnati) and the Gujurati Teacher as well as the activities reporter at the Hindu Temple in Dayton.

“If there is a will, there is a way,” she explains. “And, just because you’re president doesn’t necessarily mean that you are the boss, especially in a volunteer organization. Everyone is equal and should work together. In my classes, I learned the importance of communication, a skill that you need to be constantly improving upon.”

President of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity, Tim Kovalcik also serves on the Greek Affairs Council, where, in the fall of 2006, he will be treasurer. Always seeking personal and professional development opportunities, he attended the Carlson Leadership Academy in February of 2005 and 2006, as well as the EDGE Leadership Camp in April of 2005.

“As a leader, I think everyone should feel like they have an integral role in an organization. When people don’t feel needed, they stop being involved. Also, I think one should lead by example. You must hold yourself to a higher standard, and show integrity in all you do. My professors have been great role models for effective leadership.”