About the World Leaders Forum
The World Leaders Forum brings recognized world leaders to the Judson University Elgin campus each year with the intent to inspire and ignite a flame of leadership for all who attend.
Purpose of the World Leaders Forum
The Purpose of the WLF
- Educating and investing in tomorrow's business leaders
- Building greatness in the lives of students
- Inspiring change and creating a legacy
Event Proceeds
Proceeds from the World Leaders Forum will continually fund the Judson leadership scholars program, innovative entrepreneurial activities and ongoing operational purposes. Proceeds will also benefit the higher education of youth in foster care by providing programs and educational opportunities at Judson University. One of our partners that is expressly devoted to helping with this mission is Foster Progress.

The Entrepreneurship Program
Judson's Division of Professional Studies launched its accredited MBA program in 2013. As a first step toward creating an entrepreneurial program, Judson is now offering an entrepreneurial certificate that can accompany any traditional undergraduate degree. The university is also researching development of a distinctive entrepreneurial competency within the higher education sector that does not duplicate its existing programs.
Annual Report
Download the 2016 World Leaders Forum Annual Report.
Judson Leadership Scholars
About Judson's Leadership Scholar Program
These scholarships are the most prestigious scholarships that Judson students can receive, and only a limited number of recipients are chosen for the honor each year. In order to be eligible, a student must show attributes of creativity, leadership, innovation, mission and faith. They must also maintain good academic standing.
Scholarship Benefits for Students
- Access to unique opportunities that cultivate an aptitude for leadership.
- A sponsored ticket to the annual World Leaders Forum Community Event.
- An opportunity to interview for the World Leaders Forum Internship position during sophomore, junior and senior year at Judson University.
- Participation in monthly meetings that cover a range of topics including entrepreneurship, leadership development, business etiquette, networking, creativity and innovation.
- An invitation to the Leadership Scholars Dinner in Chicago - an exclusive reception with the Judson President, a renowned business leader, trustees, and distinguished alumni. Recent speakers have included: Amy McDonald, President of FONA International; Bob Rupczynski, Corporate Vice President, Global Media, CRM and Digital Merchandising at McDonald’s Corporation; Lakita Garth Wright, Media Consultant and Author; Fran Edwardson, CEO of the American Red Cross of Chicago.
2020-2021 Leadership Scholars
Abigail Belsan
Lemont, IL
(Architecture)
Daniel Gilbreath
Bollingbrook, IL
(Sport Management)
Treyton Lehman
Berne, IN
(Architecture)
Bethany Newman
Appleton, WI
(Studio Art)
2019-2020 Leadership Scholars
PG Nkalang’ango
Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
(Computer Science and Business)
PJ Nkalang’ango
Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
(Architecture)
Malina Sanchez
Chicago, IL
(Early Childhood Education)
Rebecca Colson
Belvidere, IL
(Psychology and Christian Ministry)
Ethan Kohl
Harrisonville, MO
(Architecture)
2018-2019 Leadership Scholars
Jennifer Carbery
Bartlett, IL
(Computer Science and Math)
Ce'Nedra Fogg
Bloomington, IL
(Biblical Studies and Psychology)
Ryan Milkie
De Pere, WI
(Architecture)
Madison Psinas
Pekin, IL
(Architecture)
Carista Ritchie
Pingree Grove, IL
(Undecided)
Arianna Wink
Canandaigua, NY
(Psychology)
2017-2018 Leadership Scholars
Maxwell Starcevich
Shorewood, IL
(Architecture)
Aiden Stevens
U.S. Virgin Islands
(Architecture)
Bryan Tripp
Chatham, IL
(Music Business and Entrepreneurship)
2016-2017 Leadership Scholars
James Fleshman
Alexandria, VA
(English Literature)
Lindsey Mellema
Grand Rapids, MI
(Worship Arts)
Jarod Pletcher
Lancaster, PA
(Architecture)
2015-2016 Leadership Scholars
Sam Carani
Gilberts, IL
(Accounting)
Taylor Hiland
New Palestine, IN
(Biochemistry)
Kyra Patterson
Winneconne, WI
(Secondary Education - Mathematics)
Melodie Rivera
Elgin, IL
(Business Management)
2014-2015 Leadership Scholars
Faith Gazdzicki
Round Lake, IL
(Psychology)
Kendall Getzinger
Grayslake, IL
(Graphic Design)
Hannah Kyle
Mahomet, IL
(Graphic Design)
WLF Board Members
Ms. Merrie Meadows '09
St. Charles, IL
Dr. Gene Crume
West Dundee, IL
Mr. Fran Houlihan
Barrington, IL
Mr. A.J. Patton
Chicago, IL
Mr. Mark Vargas '04
Chicago, IL