(cont'd)
Senator Lugar agreed to meet with these women to review their plans. On December 8, 1989, Singleton, Lubbers and Martin met with the Senator at the former Hilton Hotel in downtown Indianapolis for what has now become identified as the historic breakfast where it all began.

From the start, Senator Lugar was enthusiastically supportive of the idea. He assigned his newly appointed Indiana State Director, Sue Anne Gilroy, a businesswoman and community leader, to work with the group to implement the program.

Under the volunteer leadership of founders Singleton, Lubbers, Gilroy, Martin and Maves a full Board of Governors was assembled. These women formed a not-for-profit corporation, designed the training program, developed promotional materials, arranged for private financing to fund the start up, and marketed the program statewide in an intense six-month period.

Numerous women business and community leaders with diverse backgrounds were attracted to the program and in the summer of 1990 the first class was selected. The opening session was held October 29th. Senator Lugar keynoted the Series with a speech entitled "The Formation of Public Policy and Ethics in Public Service." The Senator's presentation on that historical opening day and his own exemplary career in public service set the program's high standard of excellence.