Northwestern students to participate in Leadership Iowa University

Northwestern College students Jordan Dykstra, Sheldon, Iowa, and Stephen Dykstra, Pella, Iowa, have been selected to participate in Leadership Iowa University (LIU), an Iowa Association of Business and Industry Foundation effort aimed specifically at Iowa’s college students.

LIU 2013 is taking place in Des Moines Aug. 4–8. The 30 participants will meet with Gov. Terry Branstad and state legislators as well as Iowa business leaders and entrepreneurs. In addition to a weeklong curriculum that includes leadership training and hands-on education about the state’s issues, the program will also include two follow-up sessions to further enhance leadership and business skills and a mentorship opportunity with a business professional in the student’s area of career interest.

Both Dykstras are public relations majors. Stephen, a sophomore, also is majoring in political science and aiming for a career in law and politics. Jordan, a junior, is pursuing a minor in business and hopes to produce and direct films.

They are enthusiastic about their home state. “Iowa has plenty to offer my generation,” says Stephen. “The unemployment rate is consistently below the national average, and Des Moines has been recognized as one of the best cities for young professionals.”

“Iowa offers a tremendous amount of stability in a nation full of instability,” adds Jordan. “It has the best communities for raising a family among hard-working and God-fearing people.”

Jordan’s and Stephen’s participation in LIU is being funded by Northwestern’s Franken Servant Leadership Institute, founded in memory of the late James Franken, Sioux Center.