What we are hearing from PLC alumni
"I frequently receive compliments on my ability to think critically about important situations and analyze factors involved in making serious decisions in a timely manner. I absolutely attribute this skill to my PLC training. The research techniques I learned in the program, coupled with our training on community building and the demand for developing superb interpersonal skills have not only made be a better teacher, but a better staff member and a more effective education reformer. Inside the classroom, I model the PLC practice of studying, diagnosing, assessing possible interventions, performing interventions and analyzing results. Outside the classroom in my policy and reform work, I do the same, just with a wider scope. Sadly, these are not things every professional does, but these are things PLC graduates do. "
Ben Jackson
PLC Class of 2003
Former Boettcher Scholar
Teacher, Denver Public Schools
"I interviewed with top tier grad schools in Artificial Intelligence (my passion that PLC helped me solidify.) I had a three and a half hour interview with MIT. The thing is, the questions were not about what undergrad school I went to. They didn't ask me, "Who was your world renowned professor for calculus 1?" They asked me questions like: "If we were to implement facial recognition software on the internet what would be the ethical considerations?" "What is the biggest change you want to make in the world?"--Questions PLC made me think about many times before I ever set foot in the interview."
[ Elliott's full testimonials ]Elliott Hedman
PLC Class of 2004
Graduate Student at MIT
"At my medical school interviews, I am one of the few students who is not from an ivy league institution, which makes me realize how important PLC has been in my development. I am convinced that PLC's ability to push me to try new experiences (such as volunteering for the Timmy Foundation and researching for Jim Collins) is the reason why I'm getting these interviews in the first place. Additionally, the skill sets that PLC has developed in me have given me the confidence that I can effectively collaborate with anyone, even the leading students in the country......Thanks for making PLC the most valuable and rewarding experience of my college career."
[ Todd's full testimonial ]Todd Driver
PLC Class of 2004
Medical Student at UCSF (top 5)
"PLC truly changed my life. I would not be the person I am today without it. Not only did I meet my best friends through the program, but I learned about my responsibility to society and discovered unique ways I could give back. My dreams were encouraged, and I was challenged by my peers, all of whom were worthy of being called role models. I also found my voice and learned how important it was to use it. PLC will continue to influence me each and every day of my life. It has truly grown to be a part of me!"Melissa Shipley Chiappetta
PLC Class of 1999
"I began drawing on the knowledge from my 3 years of PLC training: 1) studying past course notes on the differences between managers and leaders; 2) rereading books on influencing culture and working within an organizational structure; and 3) conversing with fellow PLCers for advice and support. The end result? In less than one month, I was able to persuade managers with no previous knowledge of Six Sigma to endorse my own Six Sigma team and project. I became a leader of a 9-person team (consisting of assistant department heads, process engineers, & frontline personnel) in a 13-week project taking a full 8-hour day each week. To ensure the success of the project I enjoyed the challenge of: 1) defining the team's vision, mission, strategy and methods of implementation; 2) managing stakeholder relations to maintain management support; 3) designing and leading team meetings and activities; and 4) creating a culture of shared leadership and accountability with goals set by the team rather than one of accountability to a single boss with goals set by others."Joseph Wang
PLC Class of 2002
"My involvement with PLC changed the course of my life. Being surrounded by the 50 brightest students at CU, caring CA's and mentor Trustees/Godfathers, I was able to explore fully how to live a happy life where I could contribute to the world in the most meaningful way."Darcie Tilton Kent
PLC Class of 1980"My PLC experience comes to mind every time I am in a meeting with a Military General directing his staff, the premise that leadership is more than power. PLC was an experience that installed in me a sense of responsibility, accountability, and adaptability that has served me as a civilian in a military career field for 20 years. The pains the staff took to ensure I defined for myself who I was, what type of leader I would be and the specific things I would stand for have been a cornerstone of my career. I have been able to challenge those above me, effective lead those below me and inspire co-workers because of the lessons I learned through a challenging and thorough PLC curriculum. PLC was one of the most challenging fun things I have ever done."
Gretchen Bliss
PLC Class of 1986
Deputy, Defense Intelligence Agency Forward Element
NORAD USNORTHCOM
What we are hearing from current PLC scholars
"Without PLC I never would have had the opportunity to work for best-selling business author Jim Collins. Jim recruits most of his research assistants from PLC. I've been privileged to work with him on his sequel to Good to Great, the very timely, How the Mighty Fall as well as his next book, which concerns "turbulence."Through PLC I've become good friends with people I probably never would have met otherwise. One is now in the middle of the health care debate as a member of a leading consulting firm. Another is working as a TFA corps member in the South Bronx, challenging kindergarten students to achieve the unexpected. Another PLCer has just started at one of the top medical schools in the country, following a variety of PLC-enabled research and field opportunities. I feel that I owe my recent acceptance to grad school Harvard Business School to the things I learned, the people I met and the doors that were opened through PLC."
[ Lorilee's full testimonial ]Lorilee Linfield
PLC Class of 2005
"My time away from Boulder again reminded me how fortunate I am to be involved in a program like PLC. As I begin to think about returning to Boulder, the one thing that makes it bearable is my relationships with other PLCers. I am blessed by PLC and have grown a ton by my involvement in it - Thank you!"Cody Cichowitz[Back to Top]
PLC Class of 2007
What we are hearing from parents of PLC scholars
"So many thank yous to PLC! Our association has been outstanding! Stan, Mark & I are so grateful. Thanks to everyone involved."
Becky Arnoldy
Parent of Mark Arnoldy
PLC Class of 2005 and
Founder of program in Nepal to end child malnutrition
"I want to commend you on a great program. Chris really got so much out of PLC and regularly mentions it as the highlight of his academic experience.
I am sorry that we cannot participate in the occasional PLC events you have that include families of the students. Obviously, our distance from Boulder is the major factor! Though we cannot hear from you all directly about this year and what Chris' experience will be, I look forward to hearing the details from him as the year unfolds.
Thanks for all that you are doing."Alison Martin
Parent of Chris Martin
PLC Class of 2008
