Page 21 - WilmU - Spring 2017

RUNNING FOR FALLEN HEROES
As a master sergeant in the Air Force, RANDY SENKLE is in decent shape, but the prospect of running 70 miles over a four-day weekend was a bit daunting. That’s what he
signed up for last September when he joined the New Jersey Run for the Fallen, which honors every New Jersey service member who has died in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, Operation New Dawn and other conflicts. Senkle’s 25-person team stopped at the Hero Markers posted at each mile and presented a flag and personalized biographical card
to waiting family members, friends and comrades. Participating teams covered a total of more than 190 miles through New Jersey.
Senkle is studying for his MBA in Organizational Leadership from Wilmington University, taking classes online and at the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, the U.S. military facility near Trenton, N. J. He says he chose WilmU partially because of the generous military discount, and because he could take classes on the base where he works.
Although the Run for the Fallen was challenging, he found it inspiring. “When you reach a mile marker, sometimes you think about taking a break and jumping in the van,” he says. “But the families are there waiting for you – they’re looking for you. And sometimes [the hero’s] son or a buddy would come out and join us in the run. So that inspires you, and you keep running.”
Senkle organized the team from McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, which included Air Force, Army and Coast Guard personnel. He says he’s looking forward to participating again this September. WU
Randy Senkle and colleagues support their heroes.
SPRING 2017 19
in this moment? How might this have benefits we’re not seeing? As I ask these questions I try to remain neutral. That way, I remain open to possibilities instead of jumping to conclusions.
SHIFT YOUR CONVERSATIONS WITH OTHERS
It’s critical to have conversations with people regardless of their organizational levels. I like to learn what inspires people and what they want to do at work. Connecting colleagues’ passions, interests and talents with business needs really gets me excited. Often I discover that someone in another department or area has a great idea or unique insight that can make a real difference for the company. I enjoy initiating new conversations to see what I can learn. Connections (and conversations) should not be based on organizational hierarchy, and I enjoy engaging colleagues throughout the business. Not only do these conversations help employees feel validated, appreciated and inspired — as well as feeding my personal purpose to make a positive difference — but implementing new ideas often strengthens the connection of an employee to his or her larger purpose at work. It’s a win for everyone. WU
Dr. Susan Sweeney earned her Ed.D. from Wilmington University in 2014. She is president of GGB, which is headquartered in Annecy, France, and is a division of EnPro Industries.
PHOTO COURTESY OF RANDY SENKLE