2025 Schedule

2025 Schedule

Weekly Overview and Schedule

Week One: Orientation & Shared Expectations | Introductions | American culture and campus safety

Overview

We are planning for the Fellows to arrive at the Indianapolis International Airport, Indiana on Wednesday, June 18th. Institute Staff will meet the Fellows at the airport and will have arranged a “gathering place” in the airport for Fellows to have some food and drink, meet each other and wait for their transport to Purdue University, First Street Towers Residence Hall. First Street Towers Staff will provide a mandatory orientation on Thursday evening, June 19th for the Fellows.


The first week (two days) will focus on creating an atmosphere for success. Our programming will focus on introductions to Purdue University, Institute Staff, accompanying Mandela Washington Fellows and the greater West Lafayette/Lafayette community. Sessions will include campus orientations, a luncheon with the Mandela Washington Fellowship Steering Committee, a team building exercise and logistics for banking, transportation and shopping. The weekend will include a day of hiking at nearby Turkey Run State Park and Welcome Bonfire evening event.


Orientation will be given to the Purdue campus and surrounding community including shopping, restaurants, entertainment and summer events. Institute Staff and guest speakers will provide details on safety, medical facilities and transportation, in addition to sessions on cultural considerations and behavioral norms. The Fellows will introduce themselves and Institute staff will guide a session on shared expectations. The Fellows will review and sign a social contract regarding their participation and behavior.


Please visit our Institute Group on Canvas to access materials and resources for Institute programming. We will be updating our Group frequently throughout the Fellowship.

 

Goals for Week One:

• Fellows will understand the approaches of the Leadership Institute at Purdue and expectations shared amongst Fellows and staff.
• Fellows will learn about the culture in the U.S., in Indiana, and about the different countries the Fellows are from.
• Fellows will initiate team building and getting to know their colleagues.
• Fellows will become oriented to Purdue University and its surroundings.

 

Thursday, June 19, 2025

Meet in First Street Towers Lobby

  • Time: 7:30 AM - group will gather in Lobby and walk with Purdue Institute Staff to breakfast in the Agricultural and Biological Engineering (ABE) Room 1164. If late – walk on own to breakfast at ABE building, 225 S. University Street, West Lafayette.
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164
  • Pre-Session Assignments: Bring all your documents with you: Passport, DS 2019
  • Dress Code: Casual

 

Breakfast

  •  Time: 8:00-8:30 AM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164 – Continental breakfast provided

 

Welcome / Introductions and Institute Overview and Expectations | Practical / Overview

  •  Time: 8:30 AM- 11:30AM
  • Speakers: College of Agriculture Associate Dean of Research Ron Turco, Director of International Program in Agriculture Jerry Shively, and Academic Director Gary Burniske,
  • Description: This session is structured into three parts: 1) An official welcome by the College of Agriculture, 2) Introductions by Institute Staff and then each Fellow will introduce themselves, and 3) the Institute program overview where the Fellows and Staff work together to create shared expectations and setting the norms/standards for participation.

 

Lunch with Institute Staff for Paperwork and Material Distribution | Practical

  • Time: 11:45 AM -3:00PM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164
  • Description: Collect, scan and return Fellows’ documents; distribute binders, IREX phones and Debit Cards, ASPE cards, Free ATT access, bus passes, per diem checks. IT staff available to troubleshoot IT connections. Lunch delivered to our meeting room.

 

Transition Time

  • Time: 3:00-4:00PM – walk to Co-Rec via FST to drop backpack and change clothes

 

Boiler Ropes Team Building Course | Leadership and Teambuilding

• Time: 4:00-6:00PM
• Location: Recreational Sports Center
• Speaker: Bri Johnson and Co-Rec Staff
• Description: Team-building Ropes course to build communication and skills for developing teams and working together.
• Dress Code: Active – athletic wear that allows free movement

 

Dinner

  • Time: 6:00-7:00pm
  • Location: Earhart or Ford Dining Hall – meal covered by Purdue

 

Required First Street Towers Orientation and Tour | Practical / Overview

  • Time: 7:30 -8:30pm
  • Location: First Street Towers Residence Hall – meet in Main Lobby

 

Friday, June 20, 2025

Breakfast

  • Time: 8:00-8:30 AM
  • Location: ABE Room 1164 – Continental breakfast provided
  • Dress Code: Casual

 

Introductions to Morning Review & Housekeeping Issues | Practical – Feedback

  • Time: 8:30-9:30AM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164
  • Speaker: Purdue Institute Staff
  • Description: The Fellows will be introduced to the process for reflection and feedback throughout the Leadership Institute. This will include the structure for each morning session, providing feedback to Institute Staff and IREX. In addition, further details as well as Q&A on the use of Purdue facilities, transportation arrangements, cooking/meals, laundry, etc.

 

Health and Safety | Practical Session

  • Time: 9:30-10:50AM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164
  • Speaker: Jefferson Howells, Director of Emergency Preparedness and Planning
  • Description: Provide Fellows with information about health and safety protocols on campus so they are prepared for any emergency or incidents

 

Transition/break

  • Time: 10:50-11:00am

 

Title IX – Purpose and Guidance | Practical

  • Time: 11:00-12:00PM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164
  • Speaker: Tammy Patrick, Associate Director for Title XI
  • Description: Provide Fellows with background on Title IX, its purpose, and its importance to Purdue and other educational institutions. A discussion will follow about sexual harassment, its definition, reporting and consequences.

 

Transition time

  • Time: 12:00-12:15PM - set up catered lunch

 

Luncheon with Steering Committee | Networking Session

  • Time: 12:15-1:15PM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164
  • Description: Institute provided lunch for Fellows to meet members of the Steering Committee.

 

Chase Bank Set-up/Campus Tour | Practical

  • Time: 1:15 – 5:30PM
  • Location: Chase Bank, 210 West State Street, WL
  • Description: Divide into groups – Chase bank account set-up, deposit Purdue checks. Campus Tours, IT issues.

 

Dinner

  • Time: 6:00 PM
  • Location: On own, Earhart or Ford Dining Hall hours 5:00- 7:00PM, local restaurants

 

Saturday, June 21, 2025

Breakfast

  • Time: prior to 9:30AM departure
  • Location: On own, Earhart or Ford Dining Hall hours 7:00-8:30AM

 

Turkey Run State Park | Social Activity

  • Time: 9:15AM -- Be ready to board bus at First Street Towers at 9:15AM
  • Departure Time: 9:30AM - 4:00PM
  • Location: Turkey Run State Park, 8121 Park Road, Marshall, Indiana
  • Description: About a one-hour drive to State Park for hiking, picnic and enjoying the woods and Sugar Creek River of Central Will hike and have lunch at restaurant in the park. Bring filled water bottle.
  • Dress Code: comfortable clothing and shoes for walking; Fellows interested in swimming - the swimming pool charges an additional $3 fee.

 

Dinner

  • Time: After 4:00 PM
  • Location: On own, Earhart or Ford Dining Hall hours 5:00- 7:00PM

 

Sunday, June 22, 2023

Unstructured Time | Unstructured Time

  • Time: 8:30AM-2:00PM

 

Tour of Recreational Sports Center and Campus | Social Activity OPTIONAL 

  • Time: 2:00-3:00PM
  • Location: Recreational Sports Center, 355 Martin Jischke Drive
  • Description: Group will meet at the Recreational Sports Center at 1:45PM. Fellows will tour the facility and will have an option to purchase a 30-day membership to use Co-Rec facilities for $45.00. After tour of Co-Rec will do walking tour of Purdue Campus.

 

Bonfire Event | Social Activity 

  • Time: Vans to Evan's will leave First Street Towers at 3:30PM
  • Location: Evan Rochford’s home, West Lafayette, IN
  • Description:  Evan, a local entrepreneur, Entrepreneurship Training instructor and former mentor, will host a bonfire for Fellows and Institute Staff and other community members. A fun time to welcome and network with the Mandela Washington Fellows.
  • Dress Code: Casual / comfortable

Week Two: Marketing and entrepreneurship | introduction to coaches and the lafayette business community | agriculture and food security 

Overview

The Fellows will be introduced to concepts in entrepreneurial ecosystems and networking as well as participate in a “mentor swarm” that will provide opportunities to meet potential mentors and will assist in their match with their coaches.  In addition, a reception will be held at the Convergence Center to introduce the Fellows to the Purdue community, entrepreneur and business leaders, political leaders and civic leaders. The week will reinforce the understanding of American Culture including cultural exchanges with various groups on campus and in the greater Lafayette area.  We will initiate the Entrepreneurship Training, Community Service, the Clifton Strengths Sessions.  We will also have field visits to Purdue’s agricultural farm, innovation center and aquaculture center.  They will be introduced to agriculture, agriculture technology and food security.

 

Focus Project Coaching

As a reminder, Focus Project coaching sessions should be scheduled individually with your Coach based on your mutual availability.  You will confirm with your Coach the best way to connect for your conversation, which may be in person or virtually.  During your meeting with your Coach, you should plan to discuss your Focus Project and how you plan to approach your work over the course of the Institute.

 

Goals for Week Two:

  • Fellows will deepen their cultural understanding of the US, and Indiana.
  • Fellows will be introduced to the West Lafayette/Lafayette business community and meet their coaches.
  • Fellows will gain an understanding of Global/US/African agricultural policies
  • Fellows will be introduced to the latest advances in technology in agriculture and other applications
  • Fellows gain an understanding of Community Service.
  • Fellows begin their paths towards leadership.

 

Monday, June 23, 2025

Breakfast

  • Time: before 8:30am session
  • Location: On own, Wiley or Ford Dining Hall hours – 7:00 – 8:30AM

 

Weekly Overview and Morning Review | Feedback

  • Time: 8:30-9:00AM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164
  • Facilitator: Gary Burniske, Academic Director
  • Description: An opportunity for Fellows to reflect upon the previous week’s discussion and provide feedback to the Leadership Institute Staff. We will make our best efforts to accommodate Fellow suggestions to improve the effectiveness of the Leadership Institute. We will also discuss the sessions during the upcoming week.

 

Food Security | Academic Session

  • Time: 9:00 – 10:30AM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164
  • Speaker: Gary Burniske
  • Description: Gary will discuss Global Food Security, definitions and indicators, as well as the extent of Food Insecurity globally, trends and major issues related to global food systems.

 

Introduction to LDAPs, Ignite Talk, Pitches, Fellow-led Cultural Session and Poster Session | Unstructured Time

  • Time: 10:30AM -12:00PM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164
  • Speaker: Gary Burniske, Academic Director
  • Description: The Fellows will have the opportunity to present Ignite Talks and to develop and use their leadership skills in planning and implementing cultural sessions for youth in the community. They will also create posters relative to the Focus Project for presentation at a community networking event.  This session will discuss options with the Fellows and the resources available.

 

Luncheon with Faith Leaders | Cultural Activity

  • Time: 12:00 -1:30PM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164
  • Speaker: Faith Leaders from West Lafayette/Lafayette faith communities
  • Description: Faith leaders will provide short overview prior to lunch, followed by an informal lunch setting for Fellows to talk with and learn about various Faith Communities in West Lafayette/Lafayette.

 

Introduction to Entrepreneurship Training | Academic Session

  • Time: 1:30 – 4:00PM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164
  • Speaker: Evan Rocheford, CEO of NutraMaize and Instructor for Entrepreneurship Training
  • Description: To introduce and provide orientation to the Training on Entrepreneurship. Evan will walk through the five-week curriculum, and discuss the objectives, structure and expected outcomes.

 

Unstructured Free Time | Unstructured

  • Time: 4:00-5:30PM 

 

 

Dinner

  • Time: After 5:30 PM
  • Location: On own, Earhart or Ford Dining Hall hours 5:00- 7:00PM

 

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Community Service Overview | Practical

  • Time: 8:30-9:00AM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164
  • Facilitator: Gary Burniske, Academic Director
  • Description: Introduce Fellows to community service activities and their importance to the community. Preparation for NICHES Community Service activity the next day. 

 

Setting the Foundation for Leadership Development | Common Leadership Curriculum Session #1

  • Time: 9:00AM – 12:00PM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164
  • Facilitator: Shawn Farrington, Leadership Manager, Purdue Polytechnic Institute
  • Description: In this first leadership session, you will be introduced to the foundational concepts of the core leadership experience through discussion and activity. These concepts will be applied in later sessions as you work toward forming a strong, supportive team. 
  • Note: The session concludes with taking the CliftonStrengths® assessment as the initial step in launching your exploration of a Strengths-based leadership approach. You may use your personal laptop if you have one, or Institute staff will assist you in identifying a device you can use.

 

Lunch

  • Time: 12:00PM – 1:30PM
  • Location: On own

 

Entrepreneurship Training Session 1 | Academic Session

  • Time: 1:30-3:30PM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164
  • Speaker: Evan Rocheford, CEO of NutraMaize and Instructor for Entrepreneurship Training
  • Description: Value proposition, market landscape and market segment – What is the problem being addressed? What is your niche? What information do you need to collect and how?

 

Transition Time

  • Time: 3:30-4:00PM – Fellows walk to Walk-Ons in Purdue Memorial Union for Mentor Swarm

 

Mentor Swarm | Networking Session

  • Time: 4:00 – 7:30PM
  • Location: Walk On’s, Purdue Memorial Union, West Lafayette
  • Speaker: Evan Rocheford, CEO NutraMaize and Entrepreneurship Training instructor
  • Description: Platform for mentors and Fellows to interact and share interests and experiences utilizing a “speed dating” approach. All mentors and Fellows will have time to interact with each other and provide feedback on matching.   The Fellows and mentors will be matched based on combined feedback. Appetizers will be provided.

 

Dinner

  • Time: After 7:30 PM
  • Location: On own, Dining Halls will be closed 

 

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Niches Visit | Community Service

  • Time: 8:30 AM-12:30PM – Vans will depart at 8:30am from First Street Towers
  • Location: Granville Sand Barren, Tippecanoe County
  • Speaker: Bob Easter, Stewardship Director, NICHES - will welcome Fellows and direct the work project.
  • Description: Purdue staff will do introductions to community service activity. The Fellows will travel to the Granville Sand Barren to assist in invasive weed removal at the preserve. Sunscreen and bug spray will be provided.
  • Dress Code: Comfortable clothing – long pants, long sleeved shirts, closed toed shoes and hats recommended.

 

Return to campus and lunch

  • Time: 12:30PM – 2:30PM Lunch on own

 

Transition Time

  • Time: 2:30-3:00PM – Fellows walk to Hovde Hall

 

Welcome by President’s Office | Networking Session

  • Time: 3:00 – 4:00PM
  • Location: Hovde Hall, President’s Office
  • Description: Fellows will meet and have photos taken with Dr. Dimitri Peroulis, Senior Vice President for Partnerships.

 

Structured & Unstructured time for Focus Project and LDAP work | Networking Session

  • Time: 4:00 – 6:00PM
  • Location: ABE 1164 will be available or select own location.
  • Description: Fellows will have unstructured time to pursue networking opportunities.

 

Dinner

  • Time: After 6:30 PM
  • Location: On own, Earhart or Ford Dining Hall hours 5:00 - 7:00PM

 

Thursday, June 26, 2025

NICHES Community Service Debrief | Community Service

  • Time: 8:30-9:00AM
  • Location: First Street Towers Lounge  

 

Field Visits to Purdue Research Facilities | Field visits

  • Time: 9:00AM – 12:00PM – Vans depart from First Street Towers at 9:00AM
  • Location: Agronomy Research Farm (ACRE), Indiana Corn and Soybean Innovation Center, Jason Adams, Manager (ICSIC)
  • Description: A presentation on the history of the farm, the variety of research Purdue conducts, Purdue’s farm management strategies, and a description of precision agriculture technologies.  Then a tour of the farm and facilities, including machinery, storage and processing.  We will also tour the Innovation Center, the seed processing facilities, storage, drones and sensors as well as high speed computational labs. 

 

 

Lunch

  • Time: 12:00PM – 1:30PM
  • Location: On own, Earhart and Ford Dining Hall hours 11:00AM - 1:30PM 

 

Site Visits to Farm Credit Mid-America | Site Visit

  • Time: 1:30 – 3:30PM Vans depart from First Street Towers at 1:30pm
  • Location: Farm Credit Mid-America, 421 Meijer Dr. Lafayette, IN
  • Facilitator: Gary Burniske and Harley Cox, Financial Relationship Specialist
  • Description: Farm Credit Mid-America provides credit and financial services that farmers and agribusiness owners need to help build/sustain rural America.
  • Dress Code: Business casual

 

Transition time to campus 

  • Time: 3:30 – 4:00PM

 

Unstructured time for LDAPs, Focus Project Coaching and Networking | Focus Project Coaching Time

  • Time: 4:00 – 5:30PM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164 will be available or select own location.
  • Description: Fellows will have unstructured time to work on LDAPs, work on their Focus Project and pursue networking opportunities.

 

Dinner

  • Time: After 5:30 PM
  • Location: On own, Earhart or Ford Dining Hall hours 5:00- 7:00PM

 

Friday, June 27, 2025

Morning Review | Feedback

  • Time: 8:30-9:00AM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164
  • Facilitator: Gary Burniske, Academic Director
  • Description: This session will provide an opportunity for Fellows to reflect upon the previous week’s discussion and provide feedback to the Leadership Institute Staff. We will make our best efforts to accommodate Fellow suggestions to improve the effectiveness of the Leadership Institute.

 

Technology Adoption | Academic Session

  • Time: 9:00AM -10:30AM
  • Location: Ag Alumni Seed Phenotyping Facility, 160 S. Russell Street, WL
  • Speaker: Yang Yang, Director of Digital Phenomics; Chris Hoagland, Facility Manager
  • Description: The Fellows will visit the Controlled Climate Phenomics Facility on Purdue’s campus to learn about agricultural automation for enhancing crop growth and productivity

 

 

Application of AI in Horticulture Crops and Livestock Rotation for Disease Load Control | Academic Session

  • Time: 10:30AM - 12:00PM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164
  • Speaker: Moriah Bilenky, Asst. Professor of Horticulture
  • Description: The Fellows will learn how crop and livestock production can occur simultaneously to the benefit of both, in a way that prevents the spread of harmful pathogens.

 

Lunch

  • Time: 12:00PM – 1:30PM
  • Location: On own, Earhart or Ford Dining Hall hours 11:00AM - 1:30AM

 

Purdue Improved Crop Storage (PICS) | Academic Session

  • Time: 1:30 -3:00PM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164
  • Speaker: Dieudonne Baributsa, Professor in Entomology Department
  • Description: Dieudonne will discuss the creation and evolving Purdue Improved Crop Storage bag program, in addition to opportunities for smallholder farmers and others working along the value chain, to reduce post-harvest crop losses, and increase income.

 

Free Time and Prepare for Reception | Unstructured Time

  • Time: 3:00 – 4:00PM

 

Photo shoot before the Welcome Reception | Unstructured Time

  • Time: 4:00 – 5:30PM
  • Location: Convergence Center for Innovation and Collaboration, 101 Foundry Drive, WL

 

Welcome Reception | Networking Activity

  • Time: 5:30 – 8:00PM
  • Location: Convergence Center for Innovation and Collaboration, 101 Foundry Drive, WL
  • Speaker: TBD
  • Description: This session is to welcome Fellows to the Purdue community and the West Lafayette/Greater Lafayette area. The Fellows will meet representatives from the State and Local Governments, Purdue Senior Administration, faculty, staff, students, entrepreneurs and business leaders, civic leaders and the press. Appetizers and beverages provided.
  • Dress Code: Traditional Cultural Dress/Business Casual

 

Dinner

  • Time: After 8:30 PM
  • Location: On own

Saturday, June 28, 2025

Lafayette Farmers Market | Social Activity – OPTIONAL/ No Admission Cost

  • Time: 8:00AM -12:30PM
  • Location: Fifth Street between Main and Columbia, Downtown Lafayette -
  • Description: Outdoor market selling fresh garden flowers, baked goods, fruit and vegetables, local honey and jams – and much more. Every Saturday between May to late October.

 

Unstructured Time | Free time

  • Time: 12:00-5:30PM

 

Hospitality Dinners | Social Activity – OPTIONAL / No Cost   

  • Time: 5:30-9:00PM – time will vary by host
  • Location: Hosts’ home
  • Description: Families in our community volunteer to host 1 to 3 Fellows for a dinner in their home.  This is a wonderful way for the community to connect with the Fellows, learn about their home country and share some “Hoosier Hospitality” and more about the United States. 
  • Dress Code: Casual or Fellows could wear traditional clothing from their country.

 

Sunday, June 29, 2025

Unstructured Time | Unstructured Time

  • Time: 8:30AM – 9:00PM

 

Week Three: Understanding the Market | Food Production & Processing | Community Service & Cultural Events

Overview

Week three includes an Independence Day celebration, an important cultural event in the United States and one of the highlights of the summer.  This week will also include the first field trip to Indianapolis to visit agribusinesses that are engaged in commercial agriculture, either on the input side or the production side.  We will examine food production and processing and support to entrepreneurs in starting businesses in this sector.  Our community service will be at several urban gardens and an after-school youth program.  We will continue our sessions with Entrepreneurship Training and Clifton Strengths.

 

Focus Project Coaching

As a reminder, Focus Project coaching sessions should be scheduled individually with your Coach based on your mutual availability.  You will confirm with your Coach the best way to connect for your conversation, which may be in person or virtually.  During your meeting with your Coach, you should plan to discuss your Focus Project and how you plan to approach your work over the course of the Institute.

 

Goals for Week Three:

  • Fellows strengthen their leadership skills
  • Fellows become familiar with agricultural value chains in the US – from seeds through agricultural production through food processing
  • Fellows strengthen their knowledge of entrepreneurship
  • Fellows gain knowledge of applying community service to an agricultural context.

 

Monday, June 30, 2025

Morning Review | Feedback

  • Time: 8:30-9:00AM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164
  • Speaker: Gary Burniske, Academic Director
  • Description: This session will provide an overview of the agenda and activities for the upcoming week. Also, it is an opportunity for Fellows to reflect upon the previous week’s discussion and provide feedback to the Leadership Institute Staff.  We will make our best efforts to accommodate Fellow suggestions to improve the effectiveness of the Leadership Institute.

 

Understanding Your Strengths & the Strengths-Based Approach | Common Leadership Curriculum Session #2

  • Time: 9:00AM -12:00PM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164
  • Facilitator: Shawn Farrington, Leadership Manager, Purdue Polytechnic Institute
  • Description: You will be introduced to an approach that can inspire and maximize individual and organizational growth. In this session, you will actively explore your individual Strengths and acquire the means to comfortably talk about your Strengths in the context of the relationships you build and the work you do.
  • Post-Session Assignments: Complete independent work on your Leadership Development and Action Plan (LDAP) to apply leadership learning to your personal context.

 

Luncheon with Danica Kirkpatrick, Ag Alumni Association | Networking Session

  • Time: 12:00PM – 1:30PM
  • Location: Earhart Dining Hall – requested private room
  • Description: Institute provided lunch for an informal setting for Fellows to learn about networking opportunities through the Purdue Agriculture Alumni Association.

 

Design Thinking | Supplemental Leadership Training Activity

  • Time: 1:30 – 3:00PM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164
  • Speaker: Shawn Farrington, Leadership Manager, Purdue Polytechnic Institute
  • Description: This session will introduce participants to the five key stages of design thinking: Empathy, Define, Brainstorming, Prototyping, and Testing. It starts with understanding users' needs and experiences, then clearly articulates the problem. Participants brainstorm creative solutions, build simple prototypes, and test them with real users to gather feedback and refine their ideas. For business leaders and entrepreneurs, mastering design thinking is crucial as it fosters innovation, enhances problem-solving skills, and ensures solutions are user-centric, ultimately driving business success. By the end of the session, attendees will grasp how to apply design thinking to solve complex problems creatively and effectively.
  • Pre-Session Preparation: Shawn will announce assignment
  • Post-Session Preparation: Shawn will announce assignment

 

Entrepreneurship Training Session 2 | Academic Session

  • Time: 3:00 - 5:30PM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164
  • Speaker: Evan Rocheford, CEO NutraMaize and Instructor for Entrepreneurship Training
  • Description: Entrepreneurship Training will delve into the definition of customer archetypes, how to understand business positions in value chains and how to conduct a competitive analysis.
  • Pre-Session Preparation: TBD

 

Dinner

  • Time: After 5:30 PM
  • Location: On own, Earhart or Ford Dining Hall hours 5:00- 7:00PM

 

Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Bus Load and Depart for Site Visits | Feedback         

  • Time: 7:15AM Meet in FST Lobby. Bus will depart at 7:30AM from First Street Towers
  • Dress Code: Comfortable clothing for hot weather and shoes for walking

 

Site Visits to Beck’s Hybrid and Red Gold Inc. - Agroprocessing & Marketing | Site Visit

  • Time: 9:00AM – 12:00PM
  • Location: Beck’s Hybrid, 6767 E. 276th Street, Atlanta, IN
  • Facilitator: Gary Burniske and Paul Compton
  • Description: Beck’s Hybrid, a family owned and operated seed company serving farmers in Indiana and throughout the Midwest and Mid-South. The Fellows will tour the museum, the seed processing facilities, and visit the experimental and production plots.

 

Lunch at Beck’s and Transition Time to Red Gold

  • Time: 12:00-1:45PM

 

Visit Red Gold, Inc.| Site Visit

  • Time: 2:00 – 5:00PM
  • Location: Red Gold, Inc., 120 E Oak St, Orestes, IN 46063
  • Facilitator: Gary Burniske and Kevin Murray, Vice President of Supply Chain
  • Description: We’ll visit Red Gold, a successful family run tomato products company which has been working with local farm families to grow and process the highest-quality best tasting tomatoes in the world.

 

Return to Campus

  • Time: 5:00-6:00PM

 

Dinner

  • Time: After 6:00 PM
  • Location: On own, Earhart or Ford Dining Hall hours 5:00- 7:00PM

 

Wednesday, July 2, 2025

Tippecanoe County Community Garden/Grow Local Urban Gardens/Lafayette Urban Ministry – Work Contribution | Community Service

  • Time: 8:30 AM-12:30PM
  • Location: Vans will depart from First Street Towers at 8:30AM for various locations destination in Lafayette, IN
  • Leaders: Kristi Hogue, Lafayette Urban Ministry (LUM); Dee Nicley, County Extension Educator; Harry Smith, Grow Local Urban Gardens
  • Description: Purdue staff will provide an introduction to various community service activities. Fellows will divide into four groups for this community service. One group will help with LUM’s Fifth Quarter summer school program for students; one group will work with Tippecanoe Master Gardeners at their Demonstration Garden; two groups will assist with Grow Local gardening activities at two different neighborhood gardens that provide produce for the local low-income residents.
  • Dress Code: Gardening groups - comfortable clothing – long pants, long sleeved shirts, closed toed shoes and hats recommended. Tools and gloves will be provided.  
    LUM school program group – casual or traditional dress for teaching about their country/culture.

 

Lunch

  • Time: 12:30– 2:00PM
  • Location: on own

 

Structured & Unstructured Time for LDAPs, Focus Project, Ignite Talks & Posters and Networking | Focus Project Coaching Time

  • Time: 2:00 – 5:30PM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164 will be available or select own location.
  • Description: Platform for mentors and Fellows to interact and share interests and experiences. Fellows will have unstructured time to work on LDAPs, meet with coaches, work on their Focus Project and pursue networking opportunities.

 

Dinner

  • Time: After 5:30 PM
  • Location: On own, Earhart or Ford Dining Hall hours 5:00- 7:00PM

 

Thursday, July 3, 2025

Community Service Debrief | Feedback 

  • Time: 8:30 -9:00AM
  • Location: First Street Towers Lounge
  • Speaker: Gary Burniske, Academic Director
  • Description: This session will provide a debrief of this week’s community service activity and an opportunity for Fellows to reflect upon the previous week’s discussion and provide feedback to the Leadership Institute Staff. We will make our best efforts to accommodate Fellow suggestions to improve the effectiveness of the Leadership Institute.

 

Vans Depart for Purdue Aquaculture Farm Visit           

  • Time: 9:00AM Vans will depart from First Street Towers at 9:00AM
  • Dress Code: Comfortable clothing for hot weather and closed-toed shoes for walking

 

Field Visit to Purdue Research Facilities | Field visits

  • Time: 9:30 – 11:00AM
  • Location: Bob Rhode, Director, Aquaculture Center.
  • Description: A tour of the Aquaculture Research and Extension Facility with a discussion on technologies for producing fish on farms.

 

Transition Time to Campus

  • Time: 11:00 – 11:30AM

 

Planning for Fellow-Led Session | Cultural Activity

  • Time: 11:30AM – 12:30PM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164
  • Description: Institute will provide lunch while Fellows plan their Fellow-led cultural interaction/activities with the Purdue Kid’s Club on July 8th.

 

Lunch

  • Time: 12:30– 2:00PM
  • Location: On own, Earhart and Ford Dining Hall hours 11:00AM – 1:30PM

 

Food Entrepreneurship and Manufacturing Institute (FEMI) | Academic Session 

  • Time: 2:00-5:00PM
  • Location: Nelson Food Science Technology building – meet in NLSN 3203
  • Speaker: George Nyombaire, Lab Operation Specialist
  • Description: FEMI is a brand-new Institute that supports entrepreneurs becoming engaged in food processing manufacturing following best practices for food quality and food safety. The Fellows will tour the food processing facilities and discuss innovations in the food and beverage industry.

 

Dinner

  • Time: After 5:00 PM
  • Location: On own, Earhart or Ford Dining Hall hours 5:00 - 7:00PM

 

Friday, July 4, 2025

Unstructured Time | Free time

  • Time: 8:00AM-1:00PM

 

National Holiday - Cultural Event – July 4th Gathering | Cultural and Social Activity

  • Time: Flexible timing beginning at 1:00PM and running all day through the evening ~10:00PM
  • Location: Gary Burniske’s Home – 234 Wood Dale Street, West Lafayette
  • Transportation: A Purdue institute van will provide transportation from First Street Towers to Gary’s home.  Van will depart First Street Towers at 1:00pm.   Fellows may also use Uber or Lyft to travel to and from the gathering on their own schedule.
  • Description: There will be a 4th of July celebration at the Burniske residence with a traditional BBQ with food, sports, dancing and mingling with the neighbors.  The Fellows will have an opportunity to travel to Riehle Plaza to see fireworks when they start at dusk.  Lunch will start with the traditional American BBQ, and the grill will be turned over to the Fellow to cook African style foods for dinner.
  • Dress Code: Casual and comfortable clothing for being outdoors

 

Saturday, July 5, 2025

Unstructured Time | Free time

  • Time: 8:00AM - 5:00PM

 

Lafayette Farmers Market | Social Activity – OPTIONAL/ No Admission Cost

  • Time: 8:00AM -12:30PM
  • Location: Fifth Street between Main and Columbia, Downtown Lafayette -
  • Description: Outdoor market selling fresh garden flowers, baked goods, fruit and vegetables, local honey and jams – and much Every Saturday between May to late October.
  • Dress Code: Casual

 

Hospitality Events | Social Activity – OPTIONAL / No Cost   

  • Time: 5:30-9:00PM – time will vary by host
  • Location: Hosts’ home
  • Description: Families in our community volunteer to host 1 to 3 Fellows for a dinner in their home.  This is a wonderful way for the community to connect with the Fellows, learn about their home country and share some “Hoosier Hospitality” and more about the United States. 
  • Dress Code: Casual or Fellows could wear traditional clothing from their country.

 

Sunday, July 6, 2025

Unstructured Time | Unstructured Time

  • Time: 8:00AM – 5:00PM

 

Hospitality Events | Social Activity – OPTIONAL / No Cost   

  • Time: 5:30-9:00PM – time will vary by host
  • Location: Hosts’ home
  • Description: Families in our community volunteer to host 1 to 3 Fellows for a dinner in their home.  This is a wonderful way for the community to connect with the Fellows, learn about their home country and share some “Hoosier Hospitality” and more about the United States. 
  • Dress Code: Casual or Fellows could wear traditional clothing from their country.

Week Four: Entrepreneurship Ecosystems | Agricultural and Digital Technologies

Overview

Week four includes a visit to Indianapolis.  We will tour and volunteer at Midwest Food Bank, tour The Children’s Museum Exhibits and Archive and attend a WNBA Indiana Fever game that night.   Some sessions will cover agricultural technology adoption and global trade.  We will continue our sessions on Clifton Strengths, Entrepreneurship Training, and Community Service.   Fellows will plan and implement cultural activities with youth from the community.  Networking sessions will include a poster presentation event with Lafayette entrepreneurs.  On Sunday we have been invited to join NICHES for an afternoon/evening Hiking and Pizza Party event.

 

Focus Project Coaching

As a reminder, Focus Project coaching sessions should be scheduled individually with your Coach based on your mutual availability.  You will confirm with your Coach the best way to connect for your conversation, which may be in person or virtually.  During your meeting with your Coach, you should plan to discuss your Focus Project and how you plan to approach your work over the course of the Institute.

 

Goals for Week Four:

  • Fellows understand entrepreneurial ecosystems and how it helps develop their businesses
  • Fellows recognize their leadership strengths and that of others.
  • Fellows gain insights on the circular economy as applied to agricultural/rural and urban settings.
  • Fellows have an appreciation of culture in large US cities.

 

Monday, July 7, 2025

Morning Review | Feedback 

  • Time: 8:30-9:00AM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164
  • Speaker: Gary Burniske, Academic Director
  • Description: This session will provide an opportunity for Fellows to reflect upon the previous week’s discussion and provide feedback to the Leadership Institute Staff. We will make our best efforts to accommodate Fellow suggestions to improve the effectiveness of the Leadership Institute.

 

Maximizing Strengths in Your Work with Others | Common Leadership Curriculum Session #3

  • Time: 9:00AM – 1:00PM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164
  • Facilitator: Shawn Farrington, Leadership Manager, Purdue PolytechnicInstitute
  • Description: This session provides an opportunity to extend the self-awareness gained in the previous session to the formation of highly functional and supportive teams. You will explore natural tendencies and talents and how to nurture these in others for optimal performance.
  • Post-Session Assignments: Complete independent work on your Leadership Development and Action Plan (LDAP) to apply leadership learning to your personal context.

 

Working Lunch and Poster Design | Practical Session

  • Time: 1:00– 2:30PM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164
  • Facilitators: Evan Rocheford and Marcus Mues
  • Description: Institute provided lunch. Fellows will have time to on their posters with Evan and Marcus. Posters must be submitted to for printing no later than Wednesday, July 9 at 12:00PM

 

Entrepreneurship Training Session 3 | Academic Session

  • Time: 2:30 - 4:00PM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164
  • Speaker: Evan Rocheford, CEO of NutraMaize and Instructor for Purdue Innovates
  • Description: Entrepreneurship Training – this session will examine various business models, the strengths and challenges of the various approaches, and how to assemble a team and set milestones along the path to business success.

 

Structured Time for Poster Development | Focus Project and Poster Coaching Time

  • Time: 4:00 – 6:30PM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164 Fellows will have time for Networking meetings and to finish posters.

 

Dinner

  • Time: After 6:30 PM
  • Location: On own, Earhart Dining Hall hours 5:00- 7:00PM

 

Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Prophetstown Visit – Work Contribution | Community Service

  • Departure: Vans will depart from First Street Towers at 8:30 for Prophetstown
  • Time: 8:30 AM-12:00PM
  • Location: Prophetstown State Park, West Lafayette, IN
  • Speaker: Robin Anderson, Events and Education Coordinator - will welcome and direct work
  • Description: Purdue staff will provide introduction to community service activity. Fellows will assist with chores on this non-profit, historic, small farm located inside the Prophetstown State Park.  These chores include tending to livestock (chickens, pigs, cattle and horses), helping with maintenance of outbuildings and barn (cleaning, organizing, painting) and tending the heirloom garden (weeding, watering, pruning and harvesting).
  • Dress Code: Comfortable clothing – long pants, long sleeved shirts, closed toed shoes and hats recommended.

 

Lunch

  • Time: 12:00–1:30PM
  • Location: On own, Earhart and Ford Dining Hall hours 11:00AM – 1:30PM

 

Fellow-Led Cultural Session with Purdue Kid’s Club | Cultural Activity

  • Time: 1:30 – 4:00PM
  • Location: Purdue Co-Rec
  • Description: Fellows will plan and lead cultural activities from Africa with youth aged 5 to 11 who are participating in Purdue’s Kids Club.
  • Dress Code: Traditional Cultural Dress or Casual

 

Unstructured time for LDAPs, Coaches, Focus Projects and Networking | Focus Project and Poster Coaching Time

  • Time: 4:00 – 6:30PM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164 will be available or select own location.
  • Speaker: N/A
  • Description: Fellows will have unstructured time to work on finishing posters, LDAPs, meet with coaches, work on their Focus Project and pursue networking opportunities.

 

Dinner

  • Time: After 6:30 PM
  • Location: On own, Earhart or Ford Dining Hall hours 5:00- 7:00PM

 

Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Prophetstown Farm Community Service and Fellow-Led Cultural Event Debrief/ Community Service

  • Time: 8:30-9:00AM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164

 

Unstructured time for LDAPs, Coaches, Focus Projects, Poster and Networking | Focus Project Coaching Time

  • Time: 9:00 – 10:30AM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164
  • Speaker: N/A
  • Description: Fellows will have unstructured time to work on LDAPs, meet with coaches, work on their Focus Project and pursue networking opportunities.

 

Agricultural Mechanization | Academic Session

  • Time: 10:30AM - 12:00
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164
  • Speaker: John Lumkes, Professor in Agriculture and Biological Engineering
  • Description: This session will discuss the Purdue Utility Platform (PUP), a versatile three-wheeled vehicle made from locally available, recycled materials from junk, that is inexpensive and can traverse rugged terrain. The PUP can transport heavy cargo, be utilized for irrigation, plowing/cultivating fields, and threshing.  John will explain how the PUP has evolved into a business venture with partners in Africa.

 

Ignite Talks Luncheon

  • Time: 12:00– 1:30PM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164
  • Speakers: On own, Earhart and Ford Dining Hall hours 11:00AM – 1:30PM
  • Description: Each Fellow is asked to present an Ignite Talk on their chosen topic.  Fellows will have three minutes to present their talk.  The Ignite Talk may be related to Focus Project, pitches or another topic.

 

Change Management by Design | Supplemental Leadership Training Activity

  • Time: 1:30 – 3:00PM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164
  • Speaker: Shawn Farrington, Leadership Manager, Purdue Polytechnic Institute
  • Description: This session on change management/organizational change exposes business leaders and entrepreneurs to the process of organizational change through a design thinking lens. These sessions focus on identifying improvement areas, empathy, setting objectives, ideating solutions, prototyping actionable plans, and testing their feasibility. Learning change management is vital as it helps leaders anticipate challenges, minimize resistance, and ensure long-lasting changes, driving innovation and maintaining a competitive edge.
  • Pre-Session Preparation: Shawn will announce assignment
  • Post-Session Preparation: Shawn will announce assignment

 

U.S. and Africa Trade Policies | Academic Session

  • Time: 3:00 – 4:30PM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164
  • Speaker: Russell Hillberry, Associate Professor of Agricultural Economics
  • Description: Russ will facilitate a session on session on Ag Policy and Regional/International Trade that will lead into a discussion on African trade and where it sits globally, particularly with agricultural commodities (including ag inputs).

 

Unstructured time for LDAPs, Focus Project Coaching and Networking | Focus Project Coaching Time

  • Time: 4:30 – 6:30PM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164 will be available or select own location.
  • Description: Fellows will have unstructured time to work on LDAPs, work on their Focus Project and pursue networking opportunities.

 

Dinner

  • Time: After 6:30 PM
  • Location: On own, Earhart or Ford Dining Hall hours 5:00- 7:00PM

 

Thursday, July 10, 2025

Morning Review | Feedback 

  • Time: 8:30-9:00AM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164
  • Speaker: Gary Burniske, Academic Director
  • Description: This session will provide an opportunity for Fellows to reflect upon the week’s activities and discussions and provide feedback to the Leadership Institute Staff.  We will make our best efforts to accommodate Fellow suggestions to improve the effectiveness of the Leadership Institute.

 

Unstructured time for LDAPs, Focus Project Coaching and Networking | Focus Project Coaching Time

  • Time: 9:00AM-12:00PM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164
  • Description: Fellows will have unstructured time to work on their Focus Project, LDAPs, Pitches and to prepare for Poster Presentation

 

Lunch

  • Time: 12:00– 1:30PM
  • Location: On own, Earhart or Ford Dining Hall hours 11:00AM – 1:30PM

 

Fellow Poster Presentation and Networking Event with Lafayette Entrepreneurs | Networking Activity

  • Time: 1:30 – 7:30PM - Vans will pick-up Fellows from First Street Towers at 1:30PM
  • Location: The Lafayette Brewing Company, 622 Mail Street, Lafayette
  • Description: Fellows will participate in a networking event sponsored by the College of Agriculture that will include businesses along the agricultural value chain, as well as faculty, staff and students and the greater Lafayette community. Fellows’ will bring their posters for presentation to attendees. Along with the poster presentations, networking will continue with appetizers and music.
  • Dress Code: Business Casualor Traditional clothing

 

Friday, July 11, 2025

Breakfast

  • Time: before 8:00am departure for Indianapolis
  • Location: On own, Earhart or Ford Dining Hall hours – 7:00 – 8:30AM

 

Bus Load and Depart for Indianapolis Visits | Site Visits       

  • Time: 7:45AM – meet in Lobby. Bus will depart from First Street Towers at 8:00AM
  • Dress Code: Casual comfortable clothing for hot weather and shoes for walking

 

Midwest Food Bank Tour, Presentation and Volunteer Activity | Academic and Community Service

  • Time: 9:30AM-1:00PM
  • Location: 4650 S. Belmont Ave, Indianapolis, IN
  • Description: Visit will include a tour and presentation about Midwest Food Bank followed by a volunteer activity. We’ll also eat our box lunch at this location. 
  • Dress Code: Casual – comfortable shoes for walking

 

Transition/Travel to The Children’s Museum

  • Time: 1:15– 2:00PM

 

Tour Indianapolis Children’s Museum and Archive | Cultural Site Visit

  • Time: 2:00-5:00PM
  • Location: Indianapolis Children’s Museum, 3000 N. Meridian Street, Indianapolis
  • Description: Fellows will get to visit the Children’s Museum many exhibits and archives. Break into two groups.

 

Dinner in Indianapolis 

  • Time: 5:30– 7:00PM
  • Location: Fellows may eat at the Fever game or pick own location in area

 

Attend WNBA Indiana Fever Basketball Game | Cultural Event

  • Time: 7:30– 9:30PM

 

Transition / Travel to Campus

  • Time: 9:30 – 11:30PM

 

Saturday, July 12, 2025

Unstructured Time | Free time

  • Time: 8:00AM-5:00PM

 

Lafayette Farmers Market | Social Activity – OPTIONAL ON OWN / No Admission Cost

  • Time: 8:00AM -12:30PM
  • Location: Fifth Street between Main and Columbia, Downtown Lafayette -
  • Description: Free to explore an outdoor market selling fresh garden flowers, baked goods, fruit and vegetables, local honey and jams – and much more. Every Saturday between May to late October.

 

Wabash RiverFest | Social Activity – OPTIONAL ON OWN / No Admission Cost

  • Time: 9:00AM -4:00PM
  • Location: Tapawingo Park, West Lafayette
  • Description: RiverFest is a family-friendly event that brings people to the shores of Wabash to celebrate one of the area’s greatest natural resources. Enjoy live music, educational opportunities, a 5K run/walk and watch voyageur canoe race teams battle on the Wabash River. Free to explore on your own.

 

Hospitality Dinners | Social Activity – OPTIONAL / No Cost   

  • Time: 5:00-9:00PM – time will vary by host
  • Location: Hosts’ home
  • Description: Families in our community volunteer to host 1 to 3 Fellows for a dinner in their home.  This is a wonderful way for the community to connect with the Fellows, learn about their home country and share some “Hoosier Hospitality” and more about the United States. 
  • Dress Code: Casual or Fellows could wear traditional clothing from their country.

 

Sunday, July 13, 2025

Unstructured Time | Unstructured Time

  • Time: 8:30AM – 1:00PM

 

NICHES Hiking and Build Your Own Pizza Party | Social Activity

  • Time: 1:00 – 8:00PM – Vans will provide transportation from First Street Towers
  • Location: 3781 B, 50 W, Williamsport, IN
  • Description: The NICHES group has invited the Fellows to join them for an afternoon of hiking along Pine Creek followed by a pizza party. Great outdoor and connection building fun. 
  • Dress Code: Comfortable clothing and closed-toed shoes for hiking.

Week Five: networking | Challenges and Opportunities for Start-ups | Leadership and Innovation

Overview

This week includes a two-day trip to Chicago in coordination with the Notre Dame Leadership Institute in the Business Track.  Fellows will visit businesses and start-ups in Chicago to see entrepreneurial ecosystems in action.  Week five also includes a visit to Indianapolis to tour the State House, followed by a visit to the World-Famous Indianapolis 500 Motor Speedway Museum, and a visit to a local agribusiness.  The academic sessions will strengthen entrepreneurial and leadership skills.  Fellows will have an opportunity to practices their pitches.

 

Focus Project Coaching

As a reminder, Focus Project coaching sessions should be scheduled individually with your Coach based on your mutual availability.  You will confirm with your Coach the best way to connect for your conversation, which may be in person or virtually.  During your meeting with your Coach, you should plan to discuss your Focus Project and how you plan to approach your work over the course of the Institute.

 

Goals for Week Five:

  • Fellows build their networks in entrepreneurial communities.
  • Fellows become familiar with innovative agriculture and “farm to fork” concepts.
  • Fellows understand the linkage between leadership and innovation.

 

Monday, July 14, 2025 

Morning Review | Feedback

  • Time: 8:30-9:00AM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164
  • Speaker: Gary Burniske, Academic Director
  • Description: This session will provide an overview of the agenda and activities for the upcoming week.  Also, it is an opportunity for Fellows to reflect upon the previous week’s discussion and provide feedback to the Leadership Institute Staff.  We will make our best efforts to accommodate Fellow suggestions to improve the effectiveness of the Leadership Institute.

 

Connecting Values to Visions | Common Leadership Curriculum Session #4

  • Time: 9:00AM-12:00PM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164
  • Facilitator: Shawn Farrington, Leadership Manager, Purdue Polytechnic Institute
  • Description: You will use this session to explore the intersection of Strengths and values to create personal leadership visions.
  • Post-Session Assignments: Complete independent work on your Leadership Development and Action Plan (LDAP) to apply leadership learning to your personal context.

 

Working Lunch – Planning for Chicago Trip

  • Time: 12:00– 1:00PM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164
  • Facilitators: Institute Team
  • Description: Institute provided lunch while discussing details for July 17-18 Chicago Trip

 

Entrepreneurship Training Session 4 | Academic Session

  • Time: 1:00-3:30PM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164
  • Speaker: Evan Rocheford, CEO of NutraMaize and Instructor for Entrepreneurship Training
  • Description: Entrepreneurship Training – this session will focus on fundraising principles, start-up finances, attracting investments

 

Entrepreneurship Office Hours and Unstructured Time for LDAPs, Focus Project and Networking | Focus Project Coaching Time

  • Time: 3:30-6:00PM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164
  • Description: Evan will be available for Fellow’s individual questions, in addition to unstructured time to work on LDAPs, meet with coaches, work on their Focus Project and pursue networking opportunities.

 

Dinner

  • Time: After 6:00 PM
  • Location: On own, Earhart or Ford Dining Hall hours 5:00- 7:00PM

 

Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Breakfast

  • Time: before 8:00am departure for Indianapolis
  • Location: On own, Earhart or Ford Dining Hall hours – 7:00 – 8:30AM

 

Bus Load and Depart for Indianapolis Visits         

  • Time: 7:45AM – meet in Lobby. Bus will depart from First Street Towers at 8:00AM
  • Dress Code: Comfortable clothing for hot weather and shoes for walking

 

Indianapolis Visits | Site visit activity

  • Time: 9:30 – 11:00AM
  • Location: Indiana State House, 200 W. Washington St.
  • Description: During the visit Fellows will learn about Indiana, see legislative and judicial meeting rooms and tour the State House.
  • Dress Code: Business Casual – comfortable shoes for walking

 

Indianapolis 500 Motor Speedway Visit | Site visit activity

  • Time: 11:30AM – 1:00PM
  • Location: Indianapolis 500 Speedway Museum
  • Description: The visit the world-famous Indianapolis 500 Speedway Museum and learn about its history.

 

Transition/Lunch on Bus/Travel to Tyner Pond

  • Time: 1:00– 2:30PM

 

Tyner Pond Agribusiness Visit | Site visit activity

  • Time: 2:30 – 5:00PM
  • Location: Tyner Pond Farms
  • Description: Tour Tyner Pond Farms that has a mission to provide grass-fed beef, local pork, pasture -raised chicken and turkey unmatched in quality and nutrition by using Regenerative farming practices. The farm is improving Soil Health while building and strengthening the local community by providing drug-free humanely-raised animals to consumers. Tyner Pond Farms runs restaurants and food outlets in the Greenfield/Indianapolis area as a farm to fork enterprise.

 

Dinner

  • Time: 5:30 – 7:00PM
  • Location: Griggsby Station Restaurant, Greenfield, IN
  • Description: Dine at the restaurant serving food from Tyner Pond Farm.  Return home by 9:00PM

 

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Breakfast

  • Time: before 8:30am session
  • Location: On own, Earhart Dining Hall hours – 7:00 – 8:30AM

 

Food Finders Food Bank– Work Contribution and Lunch | Community Service Activity

  • Time: 8:30AM – 1:30PM – Vans will depart from First Street Towers at 8:30AM
  • Location: Food Finders Food Bank, 1204 Greenbush Street, Lafayette, IN
  • Facilitator:  Adam Meyer, Director, Programs and Neighborhood Experience
  • Description: Purdue Staff will introduce the community service activity. Vans will transport Fellows to location. You will be introduced to our local food pantry that serves Tippecanoe County in addition to 12 neighboring counties. They will get to visit the New Fresh Market and Fellows will receive training on their projects when they arrive.  They will assist the Food Resource and Education Center by helping with the following tasks:
    • Sort through donated non-perishable food items
    • Repackage bulk food items into family-sized portions
    • Bag produce into family-sized portions
    • Will end with box lunch and presentation by Food Finders staff
  • Dress Code: Comfortable clothing and shoes for walking

 

Transition to Matchbox

  • Time: 1:30– 2:00PM

 

Matchbox Tour, Networking Panel and Gathering | Networking Activity

  • Time: 2:00 – 6:00PM
  • Location: MatchBOX Co-working studio, 17 S. 6th Street, Lafayette
  • Speaker: Amanda Findlay, Managing Director
  • Description: The Fellows will participate in a networking event at MatchBOX, which functions like an incubator to new start-ups, and will meet with entrepreneurs. A panel will be formed of several entrepreneurs to discuss the challenges and opportunities for their start-ups.  Upon conclusion of the panel, there will be a social mixer for Fellows to network with a larger number of invited business leaders.

 

Dinner

  • Time: After 5:30 PM
  • Location: On own, Earhart Dining Hall hours 5:00- 7:00PM

 

Thursday, July 17, 2025

Breakfast

  • Time: before 8:15AM departure for Chicago
  • Location: On own

 

Bus Load and Depart for Chicago and with Site Visits in Route

  • Time: 8:15AM in Lobby – Bus will depart at 8:30AM
  • Location: First Street Towers Residence Hall
  • Dress Code: Business casual dress

 

Food Finders Community Service Debrief / Community Service

  • Time: 8:30-9:00AM On Bus

 

Site Visits to Fair Oaks Farms, Fair Oaks, IN | Site Visit

  • Time: 9:00AM – 12:00PM CT (Note change in time zone)
  • Location: Fair Oaks Farms, 856 N. 600 East, Fair Oaks, Indiana
  • Facilitator: Lisa Roozee, Tour Organizer
  • Description: Fair Oaks Farm is a modern dairy and pig operation which recycles and uses all waste. Fellows will learn about our ever-changing planet and see how Fair Oaks is leading the future of food! There is no better place to learn about and experience modern farming. Will include a picnic box lunch at the end of our tour. 

 

Transition Time – Fair Oaks, IN to Polesky Center at the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL

  • Time: 12:00PM CT – 2:00PM CT

 

 

Polesky Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL | Site Visit

  • Time: 2:00 – 3:30PM CT
  • Location: 5807 South Woodlawn Ave, Chicago, IL 60637Chicago, IL
  • Speaker: Isra Omar, Senior Assistant Director, Small Business Growth
  • Description: The Fellows will participate in a discussion with the leaders of The University of Chicago’s Polesky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation.
  • Dress Code: Business Casual

 

Transition Time – Polesky Center to Hotel Arlo, Chicago, IL

  • Time: 3:30 – 4:00PM CT

 

Hotel Check-in/Change for Reception

  • Time: 4:00-4:30PM
  • Location: Arlo Hotel Chicago, 168 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL

 

Transition Time – To Reception with Notre Dame Cohort, Parkway Social, Chicago, IL

  • Time: 6:00-6:30PM CT

 

Reception with Notre Dame Cohort, Chicago | Site Visit

  • Time: 6:30-8:30PM CT
  • Location: Parkway Social, 4455 S. King Drive. Chicago, IL
  • Description: Social and professional networking event between the Mandela Washington Fellows cohorts from the Purdue and Notre Dame universities.  Heavy appetizers will be served with a cash bar.
  • Dress Code: Business Casual

 

Return to Arlo Hotel Chicago

  • Time: 8:30 PM CT
  • Location: 168 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL

 

Friday, July 18, 2025

Breakfast

  • Time: Before 9:00AM CT
  • Location: On own, there is a restaurant at the hotel

 

Bus Load and Depart for Mandela Day Event

  • Time: 9:00AM Meet in hotel lobby with luggage to checkout- Bus will depart at 9:15AM

 

Mandela Day Panel in South Chicago | Site Visit

  • Time: 10:00AM – 12:30PM CT
  • Location: 5235 S. Harper Court, Chicago, IL
  • Description: Panel discussion with South Chicago entities working in that area.
  • Dress Code: Comfortable clothing and shoes for walking

 

Lunch, Dinner and Free Time in Chicago | Free time

  • Time: 12:30 – 7:00PM CT
  • Free Time Options: Several organized options will be discussed and booked ahead for Fellows interested.  All entry fees and meals are at Fellows’ expense
  • Departure Location: All will meet back at Arlo Hotel Chicago at 6:30PM CT to collect luggage and board bus – bus will depart at 7:00PM CT. Will arrive back to Purdue around 10:30PM ET.

 

Saturday, July 19, 2025

Unstructured Time | Free time

  • Time: 8:00-9:30AM

 

DeSutter Farms - Organic Farm Visit | Site Visit

  • Time: 9:30 -11:30AM Vans will leave First Street Towers at 9:30am
  • Location: Dan DeSutter, 3959 IN-341, Attica, Indiana
  • Description: Fellows will visit a family-owned agricultural business specializing in crop production and livestock farming.
  • Dress Code: Comfortable and casual

 

Tami and Lane Sells Cookout & Hayride | Social Activity / No Cost

  • Time: 11:30AM-4:00PM
  • Location: Tami and Lane Sells, 3127 N 1100 E, Otterbein, Indiana
  • Description: An outing at a homestead in rural Indiana, with a traditionally prepared American food and drink, games, hayrides and exploring local areas.
  • Dress Code: Comfortable and casual

 

Downtown Blues and Jazz Festival | Social Activity – OPTIONAL/Admission charged

  • Time: 5:00 -11:30PM
  • Location: Main and Columbia Streets, Downtown Lafayette -
  • Description: Downtown Blues and Jazz Festival will host local stalwarts from the Lafayette jazz and blues scene. Come out and enjoy a great night of music.

 

Sunday, July 20, 2025

Unstructured Time | Unstructured Time

  • Time: 8:30AM – 5:00PM

 

Hospitality Dinners | Social Activity – OPTIONAL / No Cost   

  • Time: 5:00-9:00PM – time will vary by host
  • Location: Hosts’ home
  • Description: Families in our community volunteer to host 1 to 3 Fellows for a dinner in their home.  This is a wonderful way for the community to connect with the Fellows, learn about their home country and share some “Hoosier Hospitality” and more about the United States. 
  • Dress Code: Casual or Fellows could wear traditional clothing from their country.

Week Six: Pitches and Presentations | Completing LDAPs and Focus Projects | evaluations

Overview

This final week of the Leadership Institute will complete the Clifton Strengths and Entrepreneurship Training sessions as well as wrap up individual coaching sessions.  The Fellows are expected to complete their LDAPs, Focus Projects and refine their pitches.  There will also be ample time for networking and personal pursuits.  This week also includes the two-day Final Pitch Presentations to an audience.  Finally, the Fellows will provide institute feedback and evaluations.  We will organize a closing / farewell dinner.  Fellows will have time to prepare for their departure back to their home countries.

 

Focus Project Coaching

As a reminder, Focus Project coaching sessions should be scheduled individually with your Coach based on your mutual availability.  You will confirm with your Coach the best way to connect for your conversation, which may be in person or virtually.  During your meeting with your Coach, you should plan to discuss your Focus Project and how you plan to approach your work over the course of the Institute.

 

Goals for Week Six:

  • Fellows prepare and deliver exciting Pitches.
  • Fellows view different perspectives in agricultural entrepreneurship
  • Fellows complete their LDAPs and Focus projects.
  • Fellows share their perspectives about the Leadership Institute and how to improve it.

 

Monday, July 21, 2025

Review Session | Feedback 

  • Time: 8:30-9:00AM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164 or FST Lounge
  • Speaker: Gary Burniske, Academic Director
  • Description: This session will provide an overview of the agenda and activities for the upcoming week.  Also, it is an opportunity for Fellows to reflect upon the previous week’s
  • discussion and provide feedback to the Leadership Institute Staff. We will make our best efforts to accommodate Fellow suggestions to improve the effectiveness of the Leadership Institute.

 

Transition to Ag Alumni Seed

  • Time: 9:00 -10:00AM Vans load and depart from First Street Towers at 9:00AM
  • Dress Code: Comfortable clothing for hot weather and shoes for walking

 

Ag Alumni Seed | Site Visit

  • Time: 9:30 – 11:00AM
  • Location: Ag Alumni Seed, 702 IN 28-E, Romney, IN
  • Description: Ag Alumni Seed is the world’s leading breeder, producer and marketer of hybrid popcorn seed. Fellows will tour the farm operations, including production and processing. They will learn of opportunities for become engaged as African popcorn producers.
  • Dress Code: Comfortable, closed-toed shoes for walking

 

Transition Ag Alumni Seed back to Campus | Site Visit

  • Time: 11:00-11:30AM Vans load and depart at 9:00AM

 

Lunch

  • Time: 11:30AM– 1:00PM
  • Location: On own, Earhart or Ford Dining Hall hours 11:00AM-1:30PM

 

Entrepreneurship Training – Session 5 and Wrap-Up | Academic Session

  • Time: 1:00-2:30PM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164
  • Speaker: Evan Rocheford, CEO NutraMaize and Instructor for Entrepreneurship Training
  • Description: Thinking as investors. This final Entrepreneurship Training session will go into depth about attracting investors and becoming investors

 

Practice Pitch Sessions | Unstructured Time

  • Time: 2:30-6:30PM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164
  • Speaker: NA
  • Description: Fellows will present their pitches and get and give feedback.

 

Dinner

  • Time: After 6:30 PM
  • Location: On own, Earhart Dining Hall hours 5:00- 7:00PM

 

Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Unstructured Time | Feedback 

  • Time: 8:30-9:00AM

 

Practice Pitch Sessions | Unstructured time

  • Time: 9:00AM -12:30PM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164
  • Speaker: NA
  • Description: Fellows present their pitches to the group and get feedback to fine tune their pitch.

 

Lunch

  • Time: 12:30– 2:00PM
  • Location: On own, Earhart or Ford Dining Hall hours 11:00AM – 1:30PM

 

Unstructured time | Free Time

  • Time: 2:00-3:00PM

 

Visit Location of Final Pitch Presentations | Practical Session

  • Time: 3:00 -3:30PM
  • Location: Pfendler Hall, Room 241, 799 Mitch Daniels Blvd. West Lafayette, IN
  • Description: Let Fellows visit and see room and setup where they will present their final pitches the next two days.

 

Unstructured time for Networking and Pitch Preparation | Free Time

  • Time: 3:30 – 6:30PM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164 will be available or select own location.
  • Description: Fellows may use time as needed - practice their Pitches, meet with Coaches or networking.

 

Dinner

  • Time: After 6:30 PM
  • Location: On own, Earhart or Ford Dining Hall hours 5:00- 7:00PM

 

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Unstructured time | Unstructured time

  • Time: 8:30 - 9:00AM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164 will be available or select own location.

 

Unstructured time for Networking and Pitch Preparation | Pitch Preparation Time

  • Time: 9:00AM – 12:00PM
  • Location: ABE 1164 will be available or select own location.
  • Description: Fellows will have unstructured time to work on Pitch presentations and to meet with coaches, or networking with others.

 

Lunch

  • Time: 12:00 – 2:00PM
  • Location: On own, Earhart or Ford Dining Hall hours 11:00AM -1:30PM

 

Final Fellow Pitches to Purdue and Fellowship Stakeholder Audience – Group 1 | Practical Session

  • Time: 2:00 -5:30PM
  • Location: Pfendler Hall Room 241, 799 Mitch Daniels Blvd, WL
  • Speaker: Fellows presenting final pitches. Half of the Fellows will present. 
  • Description: Fellows will have an opportunity to make their final pitches to an audience that includes other Fellows, entrepreneurs, coaches/mentors and other stakeholders.
  • Dress Code: Business or traditional dress if desired

 

Unstructured time for Networking and Pitch Q&A | Networking

  • Time: 5:30 – 6:30PM
  • Location: Pfendler Hall, Leopold Landing
  • Description: Networking reception time for audience to meet with Fellows post their Pitch presentations.

 

Dinner

  • Time: After 6:30 PM
  • Location: On own, Earhart or Ford Dining Hall hours 5:00- 7:00PM

 

Thursday, July 24, 2025

Unstructured time | Unstructured time

  • Time: 8:30 - 9:00AM
  • Location: ABE Room 1164 will be available or select own location.

 

Unstructured time for Networking and Pitch Preparation | Pitch Preparation Time

  • Time: 9:00AM – 12:00PM
  • Location: ABE Room 1164 will be available or select own location.
  • Description: Fellows will have unstructured time to work on Pitch presentations and to meet with coaches, or networking with others.

 

Lunch

  • Time: 12:00 – 2:00PM
  • Location: On own, Earhart or Ford Dining Hall hours 11:00AM -1:30PM

 

Final Fellow Pitches to Purdue and Fellowship Stakeholder Audience – Group 2 | Practical Session

  • Time: 2:00 -5:30PM
  • Location: Pfendler Hall, Room 241, 799 Mitch Daniels Blvd. WL
  • Speaker: Fellows presenting final pitches. Half of the Fellows will present. 
  • Description: Fellows will have an opportunity to make their final pitches to an audience that includes other Fellows, entrepreneurs, coaches/mentors and other stakeholders.
  • Dress Code: Business or traditional dress if desired

 

Unstructured time for Networking and Pitch Q&A | Networking

  • Time: 5:30 – 6:30PM
  • Location: Pfendler Hall, Leopold Landing
  • Description: Networking reception time for audience to meet with Fellows post their Pitch presentations.

 

Dinner

  • Time: After 6:30 PM
  • Location: On own, Earhart or Ford Dining Hall hours 5:00- 7:00PM

 

Friday, July 25, 2025

Unstructured time | Unstructured time

  • Time: 8:30 - 9:00AM
  • Location: ABE Room 1164 will be available or select own location.

 

Putting It All Together: Leading with Purpose & Strength | Common Leadership Curriculum Session #5

  • Time: 9:00AM – 12:00PM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164
  • Facilitator: Shawn Farrington, Leadership Manager, Purdue Polytechnic
  • Description: This culminating leadership session bridges learning from prior sessions to your ongoing leadership journeys. You will develop initial plans to overcome anticipated barriers to achieving your leadership visions when returning home.
  • Post-Session Assignments: Complete independent work on your Leadership Development and Action Plan (LDAP) to apply leadership learning to your personal context.

 

Closing Lunch

  • Time: 12:00 – 1:00PM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164 – catered in

 

Departure Details, Post-Institute Debrief and Feedback and Evaluation | Reflection, Feedback, Post-Institute Survey

  • Time: 1:00 – 4:30PM
  • Location: ABE, Room 1164
  • Speaker: Gary Burniske, Academic Director
  • Description: Institute staff will provide departure procedures for Saturday and Sunday. As part of this session, you will complete the required post-Institute survey to provide feedback on your Leadership Institute experience. In addition, Fellows will participate in a facilitated open discussion to provide feedback on the structure of the Leadership Institute, agenda, methodologies as well as suggestions for improving future institutes.  
  • Note: The Post-Institute Survey will need to be completed on an electronic device. You may use a personal laptop or smartphone, or Institute staff will assist you in identifying a device you can use.

 

Preparation and Transition to Final Dinner

  • Time: 4:30-5:30PM Vans will pick-up Fellows at First Street Towers – depart at 5:30PM

 

Closing Reception and Farewell Dinner| Social Activity

  • Time: 6:00 – 8:30PM
  • Location: Outpost Catering, 2501 Old US 231 South, Lafayette
  • Speaker: Bernie Engel, Dean of the College of Agriculture, Purdue University
  • Description: An award ceremony and farewell session will be held for the Fellows and guests.
  • Dress Code: Business Professional or traditional attire

 

Saturday, July 26, 2025

Prepare for Departure | Unstructured Time

  • Time: 8:30AM – 4:00PM
  • Description: Fellows will have the entire day to themselves to prepare for departure, and last-minute farewells.

 

Bag Drop for Departure Next Day | Practical

  • Time: 4:00 – 5:00PM
  • Location: First Street Tower Residence Hall Lobby
  • Facilitator: Purdue Institute Staff
  • Description: Fellows will bring their checked bags to the Lobby of First Street Towers. Each piece of luggage will be weighed and tagged.  Luggage that is overweight will need to be redistributed into your carry-on or extra bags – or additional fees will be charged at the airport. All checked luggage will be held overnight and Fellows will not have access to the luggage until it is removed from the bus on Sunday July 27 at the airport.  It is your responsibility to check the specific baggage fees and policies for your airline. Any overweight, oversized or excess luggage expenses must be paid by the Fellow from their stipend money.

 

Sunday, July 27, 2025

Departure Day | Unstructured Time

 

Bus, Van or Shuttle Transportation to Indianapolis Airport

  • Time: TBD once we have flight schedules – Bus, vans or shuttles will be scheduled to take Fellows to Indianapolis airport
  • Location: First Street Towers Residence Hall
  • Dress Code: Comfortable clothing for traveling
  • Description: Fellows will be departing to home countries.  Departure times will vary.  Staff will organize transportation for arrival at the airport three hours prior to flight departure.  REMEMBER - Fellows need to check with your airline to confirm how many bags are allowed and confirm their weight/size restrictions.  Additional baggage fee will be Fellow’s expense.  Airport does not accept cash.  You may use your IREX debit card or airport has machines to purchase card by inserting cash.