Dr. Robert E. Dunker Leadership Series

By Russ Gifford

The Robert E. Dunker Leadership Lectures examine and discuss examples of leadership displayed in life by prominent people in America, both nationally and locally. This series is sponsored by and named in honor of Dr. Robert E. Dunker, President Emeritus of Western Iowa Tech Community College, founder of The Institute for Lifelong Learning, and one of Western Iowa Tech’s earliest graduates.

This series is about people whose actions have impacted the world. These individuals made national news with perseverance, persistence, and sacrifice. Today, the reason behind their fame is obscured by the results. We know they succeeded or failed. How can we learn from their example if we don’t know what they did or why they did it? Historian Russ Gifford will introduce us to the person behind the headlines, their motives, their methods, and what traits allowed them to exercise leadership and achieve their fame.

The Successes of Famous First Ladies in American History

With no authority, no power, and no salary, the prestige of the title might be welcomed, but the pressure of being the ‘First Lady’ is clearly astronomical. Yet most flourished in the role. We will look at the most famous of the women to hold the position, and see the differences in how they operated, and the leadership they clearly offered to those following their example.
IN PERSON: Monday, October 27; Noon to 2 p.m.
ZOOM: Monday, October 27; 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The Life and Times of Colonel George ‘Bud’ Day

The second program will chronicle the Life and Times of Colonel George ‘Bud’ Day, one of the most decorated men in American History. We’ll hear his story and his heroism, and marvel at the fact this man not only started in Sioux City, Iowa, but after serving in WWII, he returned here, attended Morningside College, and got his law degree from USD. But when Korea, and then Vietnam beckoned, he stepped up and stepped into history.
IN PERSON: Monday, November 3; Noon to 2 p.m.
ZOOM: Monday, November 3; 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.