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JHLP Newsletter
Summer 2026: Volume 2
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Hello, Friends:
As promised, here is Volume 2 of the Summer 2026 newsletter. If you missed the first volume, you'll find it online.
JHLP reached its tenth anniversary this year, and we celebrated the milestone with a special Distinguished Speakers Day featuring alumni of JHLP and its predecessor, the Industrial and Systems Engineering Leadership Program. Alumni and mentors of both programs traveled from across the country to attend the festivities.
In addition to the anniversary celebration, this newsletter features spring activities, news about our award-winning students, and profiles of graduating HLAs. We are proud to share these students' accomplishments with you.
With appreciation,
Kim Graves Wolfinbarger, Director
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JHLP Celebrates Ten Years
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by Asif Sadri and Kim Wolfinbarger
The Jerry Holmes Leadership Program was formally launched in the fall of 2015 at the inaugural Holmes Leadership Symposium. The program was named in honor of Gen. Jerry Holmes, who developed and taught the first leadership course in OU's College of Engineering. Holmes became a mentor and friend to thousands of OU students over nearly two decades of teaching, and continues to chat daily with former students via social media from his home in Mesa, Arizona.
Initially named the Jerry Holmes Engineering Leadership Program (JHELP), the program served all students in the Gallogly College of Engineering, including those majoring in computer science and environmental science. Within a few years, JHELP expanded to the Mewbourne College of Earth and Energy, admitting students in the geosciences as well as petroleum engineering. The name was changed to the Jerry Holmes Leadership Program for Engineers and Scientists to better demonstrate its mission to serve all students in the Gallogly College of Engineering and the Mewbourne College of Earth and Energy.
JHLP's initial cohort had about 50 Holmes Leadership Associates and included students participating in its predecessor, the Industrial and Systems Engineering Leadership Program. JHLP soon grew to 70 students, then approximately 90, where it held steady for several years. In 2025, numbers jumped to 114, and the program received a record 47 applications for the 2026-2027 academic year.
JHLP exists to expand the leadership capacity of both constituent colleges, not just the capacity of individual HLAs. To that end, we expect our associates to actively participate in registered student organizations and to pursue leadership roles. Many HLAs have served in college and campus-wide leadership positions and have received University and College honors, as you will see later in the newsletter.
After graduation, JHLP alumni continue to provide leadership to their employers and community organizations, thus extending the impact of the program. The tenth anniversary celebration provided an opportunity to recognize some of our accomplished alumni and to show current HLAs how JHLP fostered their leadership development and how they have continued to lead as professionals. Featured speakers included Katy Felkner, AI expert and PhD candidate in Computer Science at the University of Southern California; Cole Jackson, CEO of Titan Manufacturing, Inc.; Kandro Brown, Senior Quality Engineer at Toyota North America; and Jonathan Rash, owner of Regional Groundwork, LLC.
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The anniversary celebration began with a panel discussion for the morning section of the Leadership and Management for Engineers course, followed by a luncheon with a small group of leadership course students and HLAs. The celebration moved to the main event, the Distinguished Speakers Panel Discussion, drawing an impressive crowd of 80 people. Attendees listened intently as the four returning alumni reflected on how their foundational engineering leadership training continues to shape their careers. The panelists shared profound insights into the future of industry, ethics, operational excellence, and innovation. The inspiring afternoon showcased the impact of the Jerry Holmes Leadership Program over its first decade.
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Distinguished speakers pose with Holmes Leadership Associates and OU faculty. Pictured (L–R) are Don Wetekam, Judah Anttila, Jonathan Rash, Katy Felkner, Kim Wolfinbarger, Susan Walden, Kandro Brown, David Colindres, Aiden Shepard, and Cole Jackson.
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| Panelists take questions from the audience.
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To wrap up a historic day of celebration, students, alumni, and friends of the program gathered at The NOUN Hotel for the 10th Anniversary Reception. Attendees relaxed and mingled, trading stories from the college, reconnecting with old friends, and forging new connections between current HLAs, JHLP mentors, and alumni. The beautiful evening celebrated JHLP's legacy and anticipated our next decade of shaping leaders in engineering and related sciences.
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JHLP Co-Director Ryan Stoddard and Executive in Residence Don Wetekam talk with JHLP Mentors Blake Grimwood and Charles Marshall and Distiguished Speaker Cole Jackson. Mr. Jackson also serves as a JHLP mentor.
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Annual Mentor-Alumni Mixer Connects HLAs and STEM Professionals
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by Asif Sadri
Our spring semester kicked off on February 3 as HLAs, mentors and OU alumni came together for the Mentor-Alumni Mixer. Mentors rotated through the room, sharing their professional experiences with HLAs. The dinner discussions were enlightening, touching upon issues including handling the demands of industry, shifting from college to the corporate world, and the meaning of engineering leadership today. The students got many insights on how to get the maximum benefit from their mentoring program.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the mentors and alumni who support these developing leaders, and to Mentor-Alumni Committee Chairs Daniela Delbando and Aiden Shepard who organized and led the event.
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|  | JHLP mentors and OU alumni pose for a photo following the Mentor-Alumni Mixer.
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by Madeline Barton
HLAs David Colindres and Judah Anttila spoke at TEDxOU on March 6, marking the return of TEDxOU following a hiatus of several years. Organized around the theme "Disrupt", the day of insightful talks was hosted by the JCPenney Leadership Program in the Price College of Business. JCPLP Director Breea Clark wanted to feature students involved in campus leadership programs and extended a special call for participants to JHLP. Competition for speaking slots was competitive, with only 15 speakers selected from more than 200 applicants.
To help Judah and David prepare, the March HLA meeting featured a dry run of their talks, with the audience providing constructive feedback. We enjoyed getting a the sneak peek of their entertaining, inspirational, and thought-provoking presentations. The official talks are posted to YouTube. Give them a watch using the links below.
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HLAs Build Financial Literacy
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by Madeline Barton
The April JHLP meeting began with an icebreaker activity focused on leadership preferences, including communication styles, support needs, and personal approaches to relaxation.
As several HLAs were approaching graduation and the start of their careers, the main program featured a financial literacy session centered on retirement planning. Presented by JHLP's Executive in Residence Gen. Don Wetekam. The discussion emphasized the importance of a 401(k), including employer matching contributions and how individual contribution levels impact long-term savings. Attendees were encouraged to begin investing early in their careers to maximize retirement benefits.
The session also highlighted the importance of financial awareness during the first years of employment, noting that while technical skills are emphasized in engineering education, financial management is equally critical. Gen. Wetekam reviewed a sample paycheck breakdown to illustrate allocations such as retirement contributions. Overall, the presentation served as a concise overview of retirement planning concepts, with time for questions and discussion.
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JHLP Holds Networking Night with Business Students
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by Madeline Barton
JHLP and the JCPenney Leadership Program at the Price College of Business hosted a mixer on February 17 at O'Connell's on Campus Corner. The networking function provided an opportunity for leadership associates to interact in a casual environment. Students discussed their leadership experiences and learned what each program had to offer.
The mixer also enabled students to make new connections, give advice to one another regarding being leaders, and gain insight on how different programs accomplish similar objectives for personal development.
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|  | HLAs Lily Mosisa and Joy Mosisa share a laugh and exchange insights with a JCPLP Associate.
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The "Lunch with an Engineer / Lunch with a Scientist" series allows HLAs to have lunch with practicing professionals in a small-group setting. Conversations often cover life after college, industry expectations, and surprising turns along career paths. In the process, students build their dining etiquette and conversational skills.
On March 5, HLAs gathered for lunch with Sydney Tough and Valentina Gutierrez-Cely of Halliburton. Both guests brought expertise from the fast-paced world of Supply Chain Management. The casual environment allowed the HLAs to ask direct questions about bridging the gap between classroom engineering theories and real-world corporate supply chains, making it an invaluable networking opportunity for those in attendance.
The series continued on April 9, featuring Marcos Stocco of Quest Consultants Inc., who discussed his experiences as a former NASA Flight Controller. HLAs had the unique privilege of sitting down with Mr. Stocco to hear firsthand about tackling complex industry challenges and the cross-functional leadership skills needed to succeed in big organizations.
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| HLAs Nick Sanfratello, Charbel Saliba, Joseph Davies, and Tsega Tilahun join mentor Marcos Stocco at the University Club for "Lunch with an Engineer."
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JHLP Honors HLAs at the Spring Celebration
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The JHLP community celebrated the associates' accomplishments at the annual Spring Celebration on April 21. HLAs and JHLP mentors enjoyed great food, company, and cake. However, what stood out most about the event was the recognition of our leaders and their excellent contributions to the campus, especially the 8 students who won Campus Leadership Awards this spring.
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Campus Awards and National Scholarships
HLAs continued to make an impact through academic, service, and extracurricular accomplishments. This year several were recognized at the university, college, and national levels. Dadiso DeeDee Chitsa was selected for the prestigious PE-ET Top Ten Senior Honor Society for the 2026–2027 academic year. Temalangeni Mbali Dlamini and Modeste Gihozo Rukundo received the university's Kristen Partridge Campus Life Award. Thao Tran was named Outstanding Senior in Biomedical Engineering, and Sydney Pierce was named Outstanding Senior in Industrial and Systems Engineering. Truong Tran received the President's Award for Outstanding Transfer Students. Timilehin Akinloye and Modeste Gihozo Rukundo were both named to the historic Letzeiser Honor List as Medalists. Lillian Mukaneza received the William J. Kennedy Leadership Scholarship, recognizing senior students who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and service to the Gallogly College. Finally, Payton Blessinger received the competitive SMART Scholarship from the U.S. Department of Defense, which will support her graduate studies.
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Milestone Achievement: Engineering Leadership Certificates
Eleven outstanding HLAs earned the Engineering Leadership Certificate after successfully fulfilling all requirements. This symbol of dedication recognizes the completion of additional coursework supporting JHLP's leadership capabilities. Recipients included Abby Odom, Aiden Shepard, Audrey Navarrete, Camellia Van, Daniela Delbando, Johnny Cowden, Luke Sparlin, Madeline Barton, Payton Blessinger, Sydney Pierce and Modeste Gihozo Rukundo.
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| | HLAs completing the Engineering Leadership Certificate attended the Spring Celebration. Pictured are Daniela Delbando, Audrey Navarrete, Sydney Pierce, Payton Blessinger, Luke Sparlin, Johnny Cowden, Tema Dlamin, and Modeste Gihozo Rukundo
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| | HLAs receive the program completion certificate. Pictured are (back row) Colton McKinney, Sidney Pierce, Timi Akinloye, Tsega Tilahun, Luke Sparlin, (front row) Audre Navarette, Van Lang, Tema Dlamini, and Modeste Gihozo Rukundo.
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Commencement Honors: Celebrating Our 29 Graduates
The emotional high point of the evening was honoring our 29 graduating seniors as they transition into advanced academia and industry. To celebrate their contributions to JHLP, each graduate was called forward to receive formal program acknowledgment and their official JHLP graduation cords to wear proudly at commencement. This year's celebrated graduates are Tema Dlamini, Abby Odom, Aiden Shepard, Asif Hussein, Audrey Navarrete, Caden Sayers, Colton McKinney, Daniela Delbando, Emily Stark, Fabrice Simpore, Johnny Cowden, Karan Suresh Prajapati, Lebo Nteso, Luke Sparlin, Madeline Barton, Masiko Mamba, Modeste Gihozo Rukundo, Nthati Lehloenya, Ousmane Segba Kone, Payton Blessinger, Stella Revelis, Sydney Pierce, Tanner Rand, Thao Tran, Timilehin Akinloye, Tsega Tilahun, and Van Lang.
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| Graduating HLAs of 2026 pose with JHLP staff and faculty. Pictured are (back row), GA Asif Sadri, Gen. Don Wetekam, Sidney Pierce, Caden Sayers, Luke Sparlin, Colton McKinney, Timi Akinloye, Judah Anttila, Dr. Ryan Stoddard, (front row) Dr. Kim Wolfinbager, Daniela Delbando, Audrey Navarrete, Tema Dlamini, Modeste Gihozo Rukundo, Iris Rodriguez, Bonkhe Magongo, Johnny Cowden, and Van Lang.
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Student Advisory Board Chair Judah Anttila was this year's recipient of JHLP's Make It Better Award, honoring a student, faculty member, or staff member who has made significant contributions to program operations. Honorees receive a pocket knife engraved with the phrase "Make It Better–Make It Happen". The inspiration came from a favorite Gen. Holmes story about another engraved pocket knife, which he received from his commanding officer during his time as wing commander of Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. Judah graduated in May with a M.S. in industrial and systems engineering.
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What's Next?Graduating HLAs Enter a New Chapter
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Several Holmes Leadership Associates graduated in December and May. Some are pursuing additional education, while others are starting their careers in industry and government. We congratulate our graduates!
Information regarding post-graduation plans was collected in April; not all students reported their plans at the time.
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Timi Akinloye
BS, Mechanical Engineering.
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Zaid Alkalani
BS, Biomedical Engineering.
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Judah Anttila
BS, Industrial & Systems Engineering
Judah will join Tinker AFB as an Industrial Engineer at OKC, Oklahoma
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Madeline Barton
BS, Industrial & Systems Engineering; Certification in Engineering Leadership.
Madeline will pursue her MBA at OU.
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Payton Blessinger
BS, Aerospace Engineering; Certificate in Engineering Leadership. Payton will complete her M.S. at OU.
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John Cowden
BS, Mechanical Engineering; Certificate in Engineering Leadership.
John will join as a Project Manager at Michels Trenchless Inc.
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Daniela Delbando
BS, Biomedical Engineering; Certificate in Engineering Leadership.
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Tema Dlamini
MS, Biomedical Engineering
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Cristiana Eagen
BS, Computer Science
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Modeste Gihozo Rukundo
BS, Biomedical Engineering
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Matthew Gonzales
BS, Electrical Engineering
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Asif Hussein
BS, Electrical Engineering
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Ousmane Segba Kone
BS, Computer Engineering
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Van Lang
BS, Computer Engineering
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Nthati Lehloenya
BS, Computer Science
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Colton McKinney
BS, Aerospace Engineering
Colton will join Boeing as Stress Analysis Engineer at OKC, Oklahoma
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Audrey Navarrete
BS, Architectural Engineering; Certificate in Engineering Leadership.
Audrey will join Kimley-Horn as a Civil Engineering Analyst.
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Lebo Nteso
BS, Industrial & Systems Engineering.
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Abby Odom
BS, Industrial & Systems Engineering; Certificate in Engineering Leadership.
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Sydney Pierce
BS, Industrial and Systems Engineering; Certificate in Engineering Leadership.
Sydney will join Bell Textron as an Industrial Engineer at Fort Worth, Texas
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Karan Prajapati
BS, Computer Science
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Tanner Rand
BS, Mechanical Engineering
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Stella Revelis
BS, Biomedical Engineering
Stella will pursue her graduate studies at UW-Madison Physical Therapy School at Madison, Wisconsin.
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Caden Sayers
BS, Industrial and Systems Engineering
Caden will join Mewbourne Oil Company as a Field Engineer at Perryton, Texas
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Aiden Shepard
BS, Civil Engineering; Certificate in Engineering Leadership.
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Fabrice Simpore
BS, Mechanical Engineering
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Luke Sparlin
BS, Aerospace Engineering
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Emily Stark
BS, Chemical Engineering; Certificate in Engineering Leadership.
Emily will join Dow Chemical as a Production Engineer at Houston, Texas.
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Tsega Tilahun
BS, Aerospace Engineering
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Thao Tran
BS, Biomedical Engineering
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Mentors play a key role in HLAs' leadership development. They act as coaches, guides, and advocates, providing a listening ear as students make important decisions about life and careers. We will begin recruiting additional mentors later this summer, so email us if you would like to learn more.
To our current mentors, thank you! As always, we appreciate your feedback. If you have not already done so, please complete the Spring 2026 Mentorship Survey. This short survey takes 5–10 minutes and supports our continuous improvement efforts.
If your mentee is continuing their studies, stay in touch over the summer. When school resumes in August, we will maintain current matches as long as both the HLA and the mentor agree.
If your mentee has graduated, consider holding a closure meeting. An intentional closure process helps the formal mentorship relationship end on a positive note, allows the partners to reflect on their growth, and provides a transition to the next phase of the relationship. Chapter 8 of your Mentor's Guide book has suggestions for successful closure.
We appreciate the time you spend with your mentees and the effort put into the relationship. Thank you!
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