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Center for Leadership Innovation and Mentorship Building

2013 James R. Meindl Student Leadership Award

Heather WildongerThe CSUSM Center for Leadership Innovation and Mentorship Building (CLIMB) selected Heather Wildonger as the recipient of the 2012-2013 James R. Meindl Student Leadership Award. The award honors one graduating senior from the College of Business Administration that demonstrated outstanding leadership and/or mentorship in school, at work, and/or in the community.

The award, sponsored by Jack Leu, Ph.D., was presented at the CoBA Dean’s List Recognition Breakfast on April 12, 2013. Heather was selected because she exemplifies CLIMB’s mission: to foster the development of effective leaders at all levels – individual, team, organization, and community.

Heather is a San Diego native who transferred to CSUSM in the fall of 2010.  She has been a member of the CSUSM Accounting Society for five semesters and served as President during the 2012-13 academic year. A fellow Society member noted that, “Heather is a great leader because she is sensitive to the needs of students and can energize a group of people to act.” As she prepared to graduate, Heather is also working to start an Alumni Chapter of the Accounting Society.

In 2009 Heather founded H.E.A.R.T., a nonprofit organization. As a student she also works part-time at a managerial accounting firm. After graduating in May, 2013, she will begin studying for the CPA exam. In her spare time, Heather enjoys working on mixed media arts. She enjoys traveling to other countries and will be visiting Peru this summer.

Each spring CLIMB recognizes an outstanding student leader to receive the James R. Meindl Student Leadership Award. CLIMB has also fostered and supported student leadership through its Executive Mentoring Program that connects senior business students with local San Diego executives for a one-on-one mentoring experience. In the Executive’s Chair is a CSUSM course founded by CLIMB that brings senior executives into the classroom to discuss aspects of business, career, and life. CLIMB also focuses on organizing leadership seminars for the benefit of the campus and external communities and recognizing outstanding business leaders.