The Claire R. Schmieler Leadership Institute for Professional Women was established in 2003 through the vision and generosity of Claire Schmieler and her beloved, late husband, Bob. The institute was designed in honor of the legacy of support given and received by Mrs. Schmieler during her more than 30 years at SRU's McLachlan Student Health Center and in the Office of Student Life. Today the cohort affords participants the opportunity to develop and enhance professional connections across the SRU campus. The Institute is designed to help women understand their leadership style, develop authentic leadership skills, and learn to lead others effectively. A central focus of the institute is the overall empowerment of professional women to cross ethnic, cultural, social, gender and political barriers.