Brian Robinson ’09 gets a crash course in leadership

Senior takes part in Omicron Delta Kappa conference in Washington, D.C., that prepares students to serve on nonprofit organization boards.

Brian Robinson ’09 (Poland Spring, ME) understands that there is more to business than the bottom line. Organizations and their leaders have an important role as community partners, and one of the best ways to make an impact is to take an active leadership role with local nonprofit organizations.

Over the summer, Robinson attended “Campus Leaders Today, Community Leaders Tomorrow” (CLT2) in Washington, D.C. The conference is designed to prepare student leaders to continue their involvement after graduation by becoming nonprofit organization board members. It was sponsored by Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK), the national collegiate leadership honor society.

“I had the opportunity to meet college students from around the United States and build lifelong relationships,” says Robinson, who was the only student from New England at the conference. “CLT2 will definitely help me in my career. It taught me the importance of applying the leadership skills I have gained on campus through student organizations to other opportunities later in life.”

Helping others

Over the course of four days, the participants learned about the important role of the nonprofit sector, examined the relationship between a CEO and board chair, and explored the importance of a board’s involvement in strategic planning.

After role-playing activities that might take place in a typical meeting like reviewing minutes and financial statements, monitoring programs, and creating policy, the participants met with an actual nonprofit board of directors to learn more about their roles and responsibilities.

Brian Robinson ’09 (Poland Spring, ME) took part in Omicron Delta Kappa's “Campus Leaders Today, Community Leaders Tomorrow” (CLT2) conference this summer in Washington, D.C.

“I have an interest in the nonprofit sector because it offers an opportunity to improve the general welfare of society,” says Robinson.

Follow the leader

Robinson has been an active student leader throughout his time at Bryant. He is a Bryant Ambassador, a Resident Assistant, and a member of the Finance Association, the Society for Human Resource Management, and ODK. He has also taken part in the Students Advancing in Leadership (SAIL) and Students Taking an Active Role (STAR) programs sponsored by the Center for Student Involvement (CSI).

His involvement on campus was recognized last year with one of the biweekly CSI Spotlight Awards.

“These activities have allowed me to hold leadership roles and build my character, which I hope will lead me to a successful future in my career path,” says Robinson.

One day, Robinson envisions himself active on the boards of directors of such organizations as the Boy Scouts of America, Omicron Delta Kappa, American Red Cross, and even Bryant University.

“Business professionals today can impact their local communities,” says Robinson, a finance concentrator who is planning to pursue his Certified Financial Planner designation after graduation. “It is important for young professionals to realize the opportunities they can create for individuals and groups in their local area or even nationwide.”