Core Purpose

The Holden Center strives to be an exemplar provider of leadership education and developmental experiences. We do this by empowering individuals to question critically, think logically, communicate clearly, act creatively, and live ethically while becoming active and engaged citizens of the world.

Objectives

1. Plan, implement, and evaluate quality leadership programs and experiences that advance student learning, professional development and academic success.
2. Identify and support leadership development opportunities throughout the campus community
3. Foster and promote an inclusive campus environment which affirms the value of every community member through emphasizing the importance of developing skills in cultural competence and exposing individuals to issues of social justice. 
4. Develop and maintain a comprehensive set of leadership development tools and resources for students, staff, and faculty. 
5. Demonstrate a broad understanding of the holistic experience of students (academic, cultural, social, extracurricular, etc.) 
6. Underscore the importance of building relationships and the process of collaboration as a key to developing one’s leadership capacity.
7. Provide consultation and direct services to students, alumni, and parents. 
8. Cultivate and administer community-based and service learning experiences in the broader community and region. 
9. Model ethics in decision-making and congruence between stated values and actions and support students in their effort to do so. 

History

The Ambassador Glen and Gloria Holden Center (HC) was established in May 2005. Originally titled the Leadership Resource Office, it was created in response to the growing need for organized leadership development at the University of Oregon. It represents the culmination of several years of dialogue and planning by various members of the University community.

In the fall of 2007, Ambassador Glen Holden and his wife Gloria made a wonderfully generous gift to the UO and endowed the Center. In just over four years, the Center has evolved into a multifaceted hub of activity offering over 12 major programs, coordinating over 15 academic courses, and supporting the work of hundreds of student organizations and student leadership initiatives.