DULUTH, Minn. – Student athletes from the University of Minnesota Duluth enjoyed the opportunity to learn from former Bulldogs and leaders in the Twin Ports community at the sixth-annual Goldfine Leadership Institute hosted at the Inn on Lake Superior earlier this week.

The Goldfine Leadership Institute began in 2014 and grew to become a developmental opportunity for UMD student athletes competing in their junior seasons. John Goldfine, a longtime supporter of Bulldogs athletics and local businessman, who believes leadership training is vital to a well-rounded individual and maximizing the Bulldog athlete experience, offered to sponsor the Goldfine Leadership Institute. 

"The goal of this program is to provide our student athletes an opportunity to build personal leadership skills and enhance what they learn in the classroom, in the community, and in competition," said athletic director Josh Berlo. "Last year's program received very positive reviews, but we made some enhancements and changes based on that feedback. All of the presenters donated their time, and John Goldfine the cost of the facility rental and meal. We are very thankful for their contributions to Bulldog Country."

This year's program included a panel of former UMD team captains: Yusuf Abdullah (men's basketball), Judd Medak (men's hockey), Laura Moore (women's baskebtall), John Vaudreuil (men's basketball), Julie Visger (volleyball), and Gina Zech (softball). 

This was followed by a panel of local business luminaries moderated by Bulldog senior associate athletic director Karen Stromme. This panel included Ann Dahl, Director of Organization Strategy at Udac; Ryan Boman, president and managiner operator at PLB Management; Pat Francisco of Pat Francisco & Associates; UMD's Corporate Relations Officer Kristi Schmidt; and Debbie Welle-Powell, chief population health officer at Essentia Health.

Following a hearty brunch, the athletes were treated to a presentation by keynote speaker Ross Perko, a physician of pediatric hematology and oncology and panels from YouMatter promoting student athlete mental health and wellbeing, Northwestern Mutual on "Life After Athletics," and Wells Fargo on financial literacy.

Those interested in sponsoring or volunteering to help future John Goldfine Leadership Institute sessions, are encouraged to contact athletic director Josh Berlo at jpberlo@d.umn.edu.