August 2025

President's Corner

Merle Riepe, PhD

President, Board of Directors

Hello Scottsdale Leadership Alumni and Friends

It’s a privilege to write to you as the new president of the Scottsdale Leadership Board of Directors — especially as we celebrate our 40th class and four decades of impact. This year isn’t just a milestone, it’s a movement. With renewed energy, exciting alumni events in the works, and fresh ideas for our beloved Spirit of Community Awards event, we’re stepping into this moment with bold intention.

Many of you have heard a class chant echo across the years: “Best class ever!” Well, we’re borrowing a little inspiration — this board is setting our sights on becoming the "Best board ever!" And that’s not just a tagline. It’s a commitment to amplifying engagement across all five of our key stakeholder groups: alumni, class members, board, staff, and community partners.

Together, we’re shaping Scottsdale Leadership’s next chapter. That means building on our foundation of financial sustainability while creating more opportunities to connect, contribute, and celebrate one another.

Whether you’ve stayed close or drifted a bit — now is the perfect time to reengage. Join us at an upcoming event, attend a luncheon, support a committee, or simply reach out. We’re here for it. And we’re here for you.

Let’s make this a year to remember !

Meet Your Board
2025-26 Corporate Outreach Team

We’re both excited to represent Class 38 in spearheading Scottsdale Leadership’s Corporate Partnership efforts this year! Being a Scottsdale resident now for 2.5 years after moving from Florida, Scottsdale Leadership has provided me opportunities both personally and professionally I wouldn’t have otherwise had without being part of the program.

Dale moved to the valley six years ago and for him the relationships built and experience gained through Scottsdale Leadership have far exceeded his expectations. Of course, this is a sentiment shared by so many of us who have been part of the program over the past 40 years!

As the 2025-2026 year kicks off, we have ambitious goals to further enhance the program and keep Scottsdale Leadership thriving! We would like to personally invite you to consider becoming a partner for one of our program days or for the Annual Spirit of Community Leadership Awards event being held in December. It’s an opportunity to not only spotlight your business or organization but to invest in the next generation of leaders who will carry Scottsdale forward. If not you, perhaps you know someone at your company or within your network that would be interested in a corporate sponsorship opportunity.

You know better than anyone how powerful this program is. After all, SL graduates like yourself have shaped the future of countless businesses and philanthropic and cultural organizations. Engaging with Scottsdale Leadership means connecting with the very people who drive progress in the community. Now is the perfect time to reconnect, get involved, and share in the impact.

We look forward to seeing you at the next Scottsdale Leadership event!

Dan Newhart

CHAIR
Dan Newhart, Class 38

CO-CHAIR
Dale Shafer, Class 38

Blast from the Past

Patti Shoenhardt, Class 35

Written by: Craig Miller, Class 7 and Dr. Frances Mills-Yerger, Class 16

Scottsdale is home to some of the most dynamic corporations in the country, and many have chosen to establish their vibrant offices right here. It was in one of these inspiring settings that we had the pleasure of meeting Patti Schoenhardt, a proud member of Class 35. Patti serves in the Office of Corporate Citizenship at Nationwide, and it’s easy to see why companies like Nationwide are drawn to Scottsdale—people like Patti make it a place where business and community thrive together. We are honored to count Patti Schoenhardt among our alumni. Her story is one of strength, service, and unwavering dedication—and we know you’ll enjoy getting to know her as much as we have.

READ PATTI'S STORY HERE

AWARD NOMINATION FORMS

EVENT
!

Leadership Lessons
from ASU's Athletic Director

Join fellow Scottsdale Leadership Alumni for an exclusive conversation with dynamic speaker, Graham Rossini, Arizona State University's Athletic Director and two-time Sun Devil alum.

Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts - Stage 2

Thursday, September 11th
5:00 - 6:30 pm

FREE for Visionary Donors

$10 for Active Donors

$20 General Admission

Looking for a Few Good Mentors

By Jolynn Clarke, Class 10

You Have a Lot to Share – Be a Mentor!

It’s better to share. That’s what we were all taught. Mentoring is one opportunity for you to do just that. The Mentoring committee is preparing to match mentors with Class 40 members. This is an excellent way to put your skills, knowledge, and experience to work for someone else. What’s it like?

Current mentors say they enjoy mentoring because:

• Mentoring is finite and keeps them connected with Scottsdale Leadership.

• They often get out of it as much as they put in.

• New & lasting relationships are formed.

• Working with current class members is exciting and reminds them of their own class days.

• It brings them joy.

Some specifics:

• There are three areas of mentoring concentration – Professional, Networking, and Navigating Scottsdale Leadership. You can choose to mentor in any or all.

• Time commitment is expected to be about twice a month for a couple of hours from October through May graduation.

• Mentees will have 1-3 goals to help keep mentoring focused and guage success.

• Mentors and class 40 members will be matched mid-October with an introductory event happening shortly after.

• Matches are made based on information from a questionnaire both mentors and mentees complete plus the committee’s knowledge of you, social media postings, and other sources.

Sound fun? It is. If this has inspired your interest, let me know and you will be included in upcoming communications -– jolynn@leaders-view.com. You have a lot to offer and it's time to share it!

Join the Volunteer Engagement Group

Missing your fellow alumni?

Want to get active again with Scottsdale Leadership but not sure how?

Or maybe you’d like to connect in quick, simple ways?

Hi! I’m Colleen Katz, Class 34, and Chair of the Volunteer Engagement Group.

My goal is to get you connected in ways that fit your interests and schedule—whether that’s helping with our 40th Anniversary, greeting guests at events, or securing an auction item for the luncheon.If you’re interested, I’d love to chat.