By: Kim Duenas

With more than 500 registered student attendees, the 6th Annual 3D Leadership Conference was a huge success. This free event was provided by the Student Development and Leadership Institute (SDLI). This year’s conference, themed “Capture Your Passion,” consisted of leadership workshops and a keynote speech by Dustin Lance Black, winner of the Academy Award and Writers Guild Award for Best Original Screenplay for “Milk.”

In a personal interview with Black prior to his speech, he revealed that he wanted to leave students a message about passion. He was going to do this by talking about what he is passionate about, what keeps him going when the times get tough and where that passion comes from.

“Most of that [passion] comes from your personal experiences,” Black said.

Black talked about his proud project “Milk” in the interview.

“I have been a leader in [the LGBT] movement for a few years. And now “Milk” gave gay people the opportunity to revive the story of someone who did it right…I wanted to be able to contribute and to remind people that 30 years ago we were winning these fights and you can do it again if you find that passion.”

The seats were filled to see Black’s keynote speech. The audience laughed at his jokes and was moved by the struggles he had to overcome from the realities of gay life while growing up in a militant Mormon family. His speech ended with a standing ovation from the audience.

The rest of the day was filled with workshops for students which included resume building, finding your leadership style and how to be a savvy activist. Andrea Nechvatal, arts and lecture chair for ASI BEAT, said that the conference was designed to assist students in identifying their leadership style.

“The resume workshop was really interesting. I learned about two different types of resumes. Overall the conference has been really beneficial,” said second-year CPP student Gabriel Barrios.

Co-sponsors of this event include Associated Students, Inc., the Office of Student Life & Cultural Centers, University Housing Services, and Target.

Jennifer Dingman, co-chair of the conference, said that the 3D Leadership planning committee of staff and students was a great collaboration and that this conference was the "best 3D yet."

The 3D Leadership conference was a success and Black left a lasting impression on everyone who attended, reminding us all that, “without passion you can be in charge, but you can’t truly lead.”