CCU Awards Qwest Executive Leadership Award
Colorado Christian University's sixth annual Values-Aligned Leadership Summit (VALS) was held on April 16, 2008, at the Westin Tabor Center in Denver, Colorado. During a time when media was daily reporting news about the misdeeds within American business, Colorado Christian University launched the original VALS conference to emphasize the high ethical standards needed in business and to highlight leaders who practice them today. CCU President and former United States senator Bill Armstrong opened the 2008 conference with a call to action for all attendees. Armstrong stated, "If there has ever been a time when we need to call forth the very best leaders in our country, it is now."
This year, Qwest Executive Vice President for Wholesale Markets Roland Thornton was presented the University's Values-Aligned Leadership Award for his unwavering commitment to Christian values, leading with the highest standards, and encouraging those who he works with to "do the right thing." Thornton addressed a crowded room of hundreds of executives and CCU business students, chronicling his career and offering sound advice on how to build character and lead toward honoring public trust. He received a standing ovation when finished.
Commenting further about the day, Armstrong took a staunch stance on CCU's role in educating some of the future generations' brightest and best leaders. "We want to be a magnet for attracting the very best thinkers and scholars as they enter their college years. Our goal is to send into the world leaders at all levels locally and nationally--men and women to influence our times. We present an education designed to help them develop into a constructive force that will bring back to America the Christian perspective from which we began."
The VALS conferences have been attended regularly by hundreds of business men and women from across the nation. These men and women are asked to assist in the development of this new powerhouse of future leaders by participating directly with students in various mentoring, internship, and future employment opportunities. Business leaders interested in this significant role are challenged to get involved now by contacting CCU School of Business and Leadership Dean Dr. Charles King at cking@ccu.edu.