How did the AFLC get its start?
With the encouragement of their good friends, Jim Reynolds (former MSC Director) and his wife Pam, the Abbott family proposed the establishment of a new type of leadership conference as a part of the MSC’s programs. This leadership conference would provide sophomore and junior Aggies with opportunities to explore the relationship between leadership and values, and allow them to establish leadership styles based on ethics, values, and morals. With this kind of leadership style, these Aggies would be better prepared to be the responsible business, community, and family leaders of tomorrow.
As has been the tradition of the Abbott family, they have always tried to be personally involved and financially supportive of the things that they believe in and want to promote. The Abbott’s sons, David, a graduate of Trinity University, Preston, Class of ’84, and Frank Jr., Class of ’86, have also been totally committed to the AFLC. They have given of their time and have financially supported the endowment for the conference. Their families and them have participated in each of the Abbott Family Leadership Conferences.
After planning in the spring and summer of 1995, with new student MSC AFLC directors, Paul Henry, MSC Advisor, Jim Reynolds, MSC Director, and a great support team of former students from the Dallas area, the first AFLC was held in Dallas in November of 1995. The two and one-half day conference was limited to fifteen delegates and six directors. The first AFLC was extremely well received. The next four conferences also were held in Dallas and were expanded to four days. In 1999, Cliff Dugosh, Class of ’86, MSC assistant director, became the advisor for the AFLC, and a Saturday morning community service work project was incorporated into the conference. Beginning in 2001, the Conference was moved to San Antonio and has continued as a Wednesday through Sunday Conference. The 2003 Conference had thirty-three delegates, nine directors and chair persons, plus special guests: four cadets and their adult advisor from the Air Force Academy. Since 2004, there has been two Abbott Family Leadership Conferences – a January Conference which is held in San Antonio and a February Conference held in Austin. The Austin Conference is a direct result of the continued encouragement of Jim Reynolds and the gracious invitation from the Austin Aggies.
The success of the AFLC can be attributed to the superb efforts of the student leaders, excellent institutional support from the MSC and Texas A&M, continued participation of the host city former students, community leaders, parents, Aggie Clubs, and businesses. The host families have been exceptional in sharing and caring with the delegates, and many people have given of their time, talents, and resources. The extensive pre/post Conference activities enhance the interaction among delegates and directors. The personal participation of the Abbott family, in addition to their financial support, continues to be an essential element of the conference, since they provide an example of values and commitment to community, which the conference promotes.
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