Two extremely successful entities comprise this Center: SkillPath Seminars and The Center for the Study of Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship.
SkillPath Seminars
In 1995, Graceland acquired Skillpath Seminars, Inc. magazine’s 32nd fastest-growing privately held company in America. Currently, Skillpath develops and presents more than 12,000 one and two-day public seminars annually, over a wide variety of business management, personal growth and development, and technical skill topics (also under the name, CompuMaster) throughout the U.S., Canada, and several other countries. Seminars also are offered on-site to companies and organizations who want the benefits of this training tailored for their own unique interests and needs. The division also publishes and markets business and personal growth “how-to” books, audio programs, video training, and computer-based learning products. The Graceland-Skillpath partnership makes possible a long-sought objective: the potential for many to experience the joy and benefits obtained through lifelong learning and professional development.
By establishing this Center, Graceland University seeks to perpetuate the spirit of free enterprise in students, faculty, and the community. The study of America’s entrepreneurial tradition enhances and strengthens our economy by encouraging innovation and by familiarizing young people with a knowledge of the principles and history of free enterprise. That body of economic values, purposes, concepts, processes and structures which constitutes the American system has allowed our society to deploy its resources, both physical and human, to achieve an outstanding quality of life for most Americans. Although it is not perfect, our economic system is inextricably interwoven with the individual freedoms that Americans cherish. Of primary importance is the belief that enduring political and economic freedom rests on the expectation of society for ethical and compassionate behavior. The successful entrepreneur should understand the importance of behavior, and return value to the system that has provided for his/her success.The Center is pursuing several major goals:
One—Administer the annual Entrepreneurial Roundtable. This spring event gathers business practitioners, faculty, and students to the Lamoni campus to learn, question, network, and be inspired by each other. Through a combination of active participation and exposure to nationally-recognized entrepreneurs, participants will eliminate some of their self-imposed limitations.
Two—Support and encourage the Graceland Chapter of Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE). This is a national organization with chapters in approximately 1/3 of all U.S. colleges and universities. Its mission is to provide college students the best opportunity to make a difference and to develop leadership, teamwork and communication skills through learning, practicing and teaching the principles of free enterprise. The 1999 Graceland team was a Regional Exposition Champion.
Three—Sponsor courses in the area of entrepreneurship and free enterprise. When possible, successful entrepreneurs are designated as adjunct faculty and employed to bring another perspective to the classroom. Included in this area is the creation and maintenance of the successful outreach graduate course in Free Market Economics.
Four—Produce the semi-annual newsletter, The Entrepreneurial Spirit. This publication is sent to over 2,500 alumni, friends of the university, and businesses in southern Iowa and northern Missouri. The newsletter contains helpful advice on web sites, book recommendations, pertinent news, and original articles from outstanding authors.
Five—Market and administer the Student Agency Program. This is a rare opportunity for college students to start and run their own businesses while being enrolled as fulltime students. The university acts as an “angel” investor, and grants successful applicants the necessary start-up capital and a majority of the profits. Students must submit a detailed business plan and resume to be considered.
