As the nation prepared to commemorate 250 years of American independence, the VMI Center for Leadership and Ethics guided cadets through a yearlong exploration of American character, with a focus on honor and integrity, in academic year 2025–26. Through debates, speakers, and immersive learning experiences, CLE programming connected the ideals of the founding era to today’s leadership challenges, which alumni recognize as essential to preparing citizen-soldier graduates.
Reflecting on a Year of Engagement
CLE programs challenged cadets to wrestle thoughtfully with shared democratic core values emphasizing honor, service to country, and integrity. Signature events included:
- The Steamboat Institute Campus Liberty Tour encouraged rigorous debate on constitutional principles.
- Braver Angels public square dialogues fostered civil discourse in a community-wide, public format to discuss topics across the political divide.
- Courageous Leaders speaker events, featuring Chris Spence and Kyle Carpenter, Medal of Honor recipient, which also commemorated the lead-up to the 25th anniversary of the Global War on Terror.
- Multiple visits from retired U.S. Army Lt. Col. Scott Mann, Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62 leader-in-residence, who captivated audiences with his one-man play, “11 Days: The Story of Operation Pineapple Express,” and emphasized the power of vulnerability and storytelling in leadership; during his visit, he also spoke with a variety of academic classes and the Army ROTC program.
Looking Ahead: The American Spirit of 2026
As the nation celebrates its semiquincentennial, the CLE will turn its focus to the “American spirit of 2026,” drawing inspiration from the country’s founding while confronting contemporary leadership challenges. This annual theme will shape CLE speaker programs, civil debate initiatives, social media content, and the Institute’s flagship conference.
17th Annual Leadership and Ethics Conference: We the People
VMI alumni are invited to attend the 17th annual Leadership and Ethics Conference, titled We the People, scheduled for:
- Monday–Tuesday, Oct. 26–27, 2026
- Marshall Hall, VMI Post
- Reception Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026
This 2-day learning arc will guide participants through three core constitutional themes:
- Ensuring domestic tranquility
- Providing for the common defense
- Promoting the general welfare
Through major speakers and interactive learning exercises, the conference draws participants from peer institutions, senior and federal military academies, and lifelong learners. VMI alumni are always welcome and receive a registration discount.
Upcoming CLE Events
- Sept. 21, 2026 – Braver Angels Campus Dialogue Workshop (VMI civil discourse initiative)
- Oct. 1, 2026 – Steamboat Debate (public welcome)
- Oct. 25–27, 2026 – Leadership & Ethics Conference, We the People (public welcome)
- Feb. 26–27, 2027 – Cyber Fusion & Virginia Cyber Cup Competition
- March 23–25, 2027 – 37th Annual Environment Virginia Symposium
Additional programming will include Courageous Leadership speakers, the announcement of the 2026–27 Leader in Residence, further civil discourse initiative debates, and informal “food for thought” lunchtime discussions.
For a full recap of the past year, look for the CLE’s Annual Year in Review newsletter—along with photos, videos, and event updates—on the center’s website. Alumni are encouraged to follow along and stay connected.
