Recently several ESTEEM students had the unique opportunity to have dinner with Rick Wartzman, Executive Director of the Drucker Institute from its founding in 2007 until early 2016, and current Director of the KH Moon Center for a Functioning Society. Mr. Wartzman was a guest lecturer for Prof. Lawrence Greenspun's Leadership course, one of ESTEEM's fall semester offerings.
Natalie May commented, "I loved hearing about the initiatives that Rick and Lawrence are taking on in South Bend. They have some great ideas that can change the way people view learning as a community. Rick is a very successful man, however, he was very interested in hearing our viewpoints and discussing our future aspirations. He truly cared about us and is even in the process of connecting me with the innovation department at one of the companies I have always aspired to work for."
"South Bend will become a hotbed of innovation," added Danny Hogan. "Leaders within South Bend's local government pursue innovative ideas, and leaders from around the country will see this area as a place to come try new ideas."
Adrian Rodriguez is grateful for the experiences ESTEEM provides, both in and out of the classroom. "ESTEEM is a great place to really meet influential people, and even if they don't work in my field, there's a good chance they know some powerful people who do. Lawrence said every interaction could be a job interview and when I'm literally rubbing elbows with change makers it's especially true."