Sprinting from the starting gunshot at Monday’s Boston Marathon was not the first opportunity for University of Denver graduate student Joel Ruane to lead the pack.

As March’s Student Leader of the Month, Ruane demonstrates his leadership talents on campus and throughout the community, allowing him to receive such recognition.

Nominated for the award sponsored by the Office for Student Programs, Ruane received attention for his dedication to a specific project through Net Impact, a graduate student business group.

As a first year graduate student at the Daniels College of Business, Ruane suggested forming a Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) fund in November, after attending a national Net Impact conference at Columbia University.

An SRI fund allows potential investors to view not only the financial history of an investment but also the social history before investing their money in the company.

Following his suggestion, the group worked to develop a fund under the instruction of Ruane, the team leader.

“Without his enthusiasm and drive, the SRI fund wouldn’t be,” said Jeffery Blaugrund, the president of the DU chapter of Net Impact and the person responsible for Ruane’s nomination.

Currently organizing a mock portfolio utilizing the fund developed, Net Impact hopes to present the screening system entirely by the end of spring quarter. They plan to begin tracking accounts and potentially partner with local financial firms if they find success.

“If terms are good in over a year, we might try to solicit investors,” said Ruane.

Working with the approximate 20 members of Net Impact, including 10 students involved in organizing the screening system, allowed for Ruane to demonstrate his abilities as a leader.

“He keeps people’s enthusiasm going,” said Blaugrund. “He’s been working tirelessly to put this together, and he has created something new and exciting for the Net Impact chapter.”

Along with the title of Student Leader of the Month, Ruane also received a $25 gift certificate to the DU bookstore, along with various forms of recognition throughout the campus, according to Amanda Carlton of the Office of Student Programs.

The award, given monthly to one student nominated for substantial leadership and community involvement, is meant to encourage leadership on campus.

“It rewards students for good deeds,” said Carlton. “And it brings attention to different programs on campus.”

Ruane attributes various elements of his personality to his strength in leadership.

“You have to treat everyone with respect and empathy, and you have to fairly value opinion and ideas,” said Ruane. “I think I do a good job of valuing everyone’s ideas.”