The formation of a new organization designed to provide students with leadership opportunities after the cancellation of Veishea 2005 has been met with mixed reaction from students on campus.

Ashley Glade, co-chairwoman of Leaders INspiring Connections and former Veishea 2005 co-chairwoman, said the organization was created for several reasons.

“We wanted to carry out the positives that come out of Veishea and create an opportunity for students to sharpen their leadership skills,” Glade said. “We also want to provide students with entertainment and give back to the community.”

She said shortly after Veishea 2005 was suspended, a proposal for LINC was created and presented to ISU President Gregory Geoffroy.

“President Geoffroy is behind LINC 100 percent,” Glade said. “He is fully supportive of LINC and the activities we are planning and doing.”

Rebecca Adair, LINC adviser, said the main difference between Veishea and LINC are the events and the time span between the events.

“The major difference is Veishea is held in the spring for a weekend while LINC’s events are held throughout the entire school year,” Adair said. “The similarity is the structure of the committees and some of the events.”

But, she said, “LINC is not Veishea by another name.”

Ben Kirk, senior in electrical engineering, said he’s more concerned with Veishea than the new student organization.

“It’s a good idea, but I think they should mostly concentrate on getting Veishea back,” Kirk said. “I’m not sure how many students will want to go to events that are spread so far apart versus going to one big festival in the spring.”

Other students said they think LINC is a good idea.

Amanda Brodmerkel, senior in communication studies, said she thinks the organization will have a positive impact on campus.

“I think it’s amazing that we are at least keeping this kind of thing around,” Brodmerkel said. “If we do bring Veishea back, then we will have people who will know how to run committees and hold leadership positions.”

Brodmerkel said LINC could be a way for students to work toward a future Veishea.

“At least they are thinking Veishea could come back,” Brodmerkel said. “Maybe we could use this to prove to them that we can still run a big event.”

Glade said LINC’s events benefit other campus organizations that usually depend on Veishea for involvement and fund-raising purposes.

Adair said LINC was established because the administration and students recognized they didn’t want to lose the leadership experience students gain from working on Veishea.

“I do believe that there are a lot of administrators, faculty and staff who believe students gain from the activities they are involved in outside of the classroom,” Adair said. “LINC is an opportunity to continue benefits of leadership for students.”

Adair said LINC will sponsor a number of events, starting with the Veishea Alumni Reunion during Homecoming weekend. But, she said, this year there will not be a parade or “Dew the Rec.” She said LINC is working with other student organizations to finalize events, some of which will be similar to past Veishea events, while others will be new.

Glade said the funding for LINC comes from a number of sources.

“We are using some of the money that was allocated by GSB from Veishea 2005,” Glade said. “We are also using some university funds and doing fund-raisers.”