Servant Leadership: UC, XU and Freedom Center Presidents to Discuss and Promote Building Better Institutions

A rare and unique opportunity is coming to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center on

Thursday,  October 24.

As a part of the Skyline Chili Crosstown Classic benefiting the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Xavier University President Michael J. Graham, S.J., University of Cincinnati President Santa J. Ono and newly named Freedom Center President C.G. Newsome are collaborating on a public discussion on the topic of “Servant Leadership.” 

The phrase “Servant Leadership” was coined by Robert K. Greenleaf in

The Servant as Leader,

an essay that he first published in 1970. Servant Leadership is a philosophy that emphasizes increased service to others, a holistic approach to work, promoting a sense of community and the sharing of power in decision-making that ultimately creates a more just and caring world.

Dan Hurley, director of Leadership Cincinnati for the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, will moderate the discussion. Graham, Ono and Newsome will each present their take on Servant Leadership, followed by questions from the audience. 

“As a Jesuit institution, Xavier’s mission is grounded in the principles of Servant Leadership,” said Graham.  “Preparing our students to become leaders in service to others for the betterment of society is at the heart of what we do.  Our Jesuit motto, ‘For the greater glory of God’ is the foundation on which everything we do at Xavier is based.”

 “I truly believe that each of us has leadership qualities that can be called upon no matter what our position.  No one runs a company or institution by oneself….it takes leadership from all quarters. My goal as a president is to listen to and respect the work of all members of the organization,” said Ono.

“Teaching and enabling others to serve their community humbly and cooperatively was a cornerstone of my tenure as both a university president and divinity school dean,” said Newsome. “And at the Freedom Center, we inspire others to take courageous steps of service, making freedom possible for others in our community and around the world.”

The presentation is free and open to the public.  It will begin at

7 p.m. in the Harriet Tubman Theater at the Freedom Center on Thursday, Oct. 24.

  RSVPs are not required but seating is on a first come, first seated basis.

XU and UC are teaming up this fall to support the mission of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and celebrate the Cincinnati region’s excitement and passion for college basketball.

The Skyline Chili Crosstown Classic, which will bring the Xavier Musketeers and UC Bearcats to the basketball court for the 67th consecutive year, is scheduled for Saturday Dec. 14, at U.S. Bank Arena. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

“We are honored to once again partner this year with the Freedom Center and the University of Cincinnati,” said Graham. “These three institutions are great assets to our local community as well as the nation and it is important that we find ways beyond athletics to come together.”

“The Skyline Chili Crosstown Classic is a tremendous sports competition. But XU and UC are both much more than athletics. And we are delighted to shine the spotlight on another local and national gem that deserves our support: The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center,” Ono said.

For more details visit

www.freedomcenter.org

.

Additional Contact Information:

Natalie Hastings

NURFC

(513) 325-3142

nhasting@cincymuseum.org