ConocoPhillips Helps Develop Next Generation of Leaders Through LeaderShape Institute

Often described by students as a life-changing event, the LeaderShape Institute is a six-day conference that teaches business students to lead with integrity. Applicants must submit a proposal outlining a vision of how they can make a tangible and transformational change to an organization, cause or community, and the conference then gives them the tools necessary to turn that vision into reality. One project that emerged from the conference is the Collaborative Community Portal SystemTM, an online portal that enables students, organization officers and university faculty and staff to build community and communicate more effectively.

ConocoPhillips has had a significant impact in making the LeaderShape Institute possible for McCombs School students for years to come. To ensure that no student would be unable to participate in the program due to financial need, the McCombs School committed to fully cover the $1,100 cost for each student. ConocoPhillips helped honor the commitment by donating $65,000 for the program in 2007- 08 and providing $40,000 each year through 2013. The company’s support will help future students to realize how they can make exceptional contributions to their organization, workplace or community.

ConocoPhillips gives an annual $1 million donation to the university, and its employees also give generously of their time. ConocoPhillips staffers Marjorie Chang, MPA ’02, and Barb Shilow participated in this year’s conference.

For information on how your company can become involved in the LeaderShape Institute, please contact Carolyn Miles at carolyn .miles@mccombs.utexas.edu.