The Center provides support for qualified, current cadets who may benefit from attending external conferences as part the Center's mission to enhance leadership development. The conferences may be at federal military academies, other senior military colleges, and universities or other relevant venues. 

The insights provided by attending cadets in their reflective essays on each of the 2023-24 enrichment opportunities make it apparent that this program is not only popular but also highly beneficial. 

• 26th Annual Veterans Conference & American Valor Honor’s Gala hosted by the American Veterans Center at the National Archives & Omni Shoreham Hotel Washington

“I will remember this conference for the rest of my life. I hope to take the lessons I had learned from that short span of time and make them last through my future career and beyond.” ~ Kiernan Weldon ‘24

“The experience was much greater than I had originally thought. It was a great surprise to be presented with an event that was far and above anything that I would have expected – that being a small collection of veterans giving war stories over the course of several days.” ~ Dylan Palmer ‘24

• US Coast Guard Academy’s 34th Annual Rear Admiral Wetmore Ethics Forum

“My three-day visit to the United States Coast Guard Academy was a unique opportunity as a cadet seeking a commission in the USCG.” ~ Shane McKenna ‘26 • United States Military Academy McDonald Conference for Leaders of Character

“The trip was a lesson in leadership and gratitude… each experience reinforced the values of character and service. I return home with a renewed commitment to embody these principles in my life. I was also inspired to think outside of the box to innovate.” ~ Jack Fletcher ‘25

“I was given the opportunity to take a pause from academics to reflect on the leadership characteristics I am learning at VMI, as well as observe another leadership laboratory in action.” ~ Brian Rogers Jr. ‘25

• Texas A&M (TAMU) Student Conference on National Affairs and the International Strategic Crisis Negotiation Exercise (ISCNE) in College Station, Texas. Theme: “American Grand Strategy: Winning the Decisive Decade”

“ I came out of each conference every day more informed than the last. The issues and exercises that we did really allowed me to get a grasp on the real-world issues and areas that I was not well enlightened of before.” ~ Christopher Bethea ‘24

“I made many new connections and met many officers willing to provide me with advice in my future career. I am very fortunate to have been afforded this opportunity.” ~ Nina Otto ‘24

• U.S. Air Force Academy 31st National Character and Leadership Symposium; Theme: “Valuing Human Conditions, Cultures, and Societies” explored our humanity and qualities of good citizens and leaders

“The inherent desire to be there with like-minded people who we were comfortable with fostered growth and conversation.” ~ Max Bradley ’24

• U.S. Naval Academy Leadership Conference titled, “Learning to Lead: The Lifelong Pursuit of Service”

“I learned the balance of confidence and humility. Leaders must embrace their mistakes, learn from them, and work through them to prevent them. I had a fruitful experience at this conference, and I would highly recommend it.” ~ Miles Johnson ‘24

• Yale University Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Leadership & Strategy Conference in New Haven Connecticut

“I had the privilege of attending the NROTC leadership conference at Yale. It was an incredible experience, and I enjoyed every moment.” ~ Marina Bulger ‘25

“I found the event to be incredibly enriching and informative. The conference brought together a diverse group of students, faculty, and professionals to discuss key issues related to leadership and strategy in the context of the United States Navy and Marine Corps.” ~ Elizabeth Pickford ‘24

Tentative Enrichment Opportunities for 2024-25

• Oct. 28-29: VMI 15th Annual Leadership & Ethics Conference, “Leading into the Future”
• Nov.: American Veterans Center and the World War II Veterans Committee for the 27th Annual Conference & Honors, in Washington, DC.
• Nov.: United States Coast Guard Academy 35th Annual RADM Wetmore Ethics Forum, “Living and Leading with Honor”
• Jan. 2025: USNA Leadership Conference;
• Feb.: Texas A&M 70th Student Conference on National Affairs
• Feb.: USAFA 32nd National Character & Leadership Symposium: “Valuing Human Conditions, Cultures and Societies”
• Spring Furlough: Olmsted Staff Ride in partnership with the History Department
• March: Yale University NROTC Leadership Conference
• March/April: The Officer Women Leadership Symposium (OWLS)
• May-June: MirYam Institute for Israeli National Security Seminar/Cultural Mission

Learning Outcomes:

1. 1. Participating Cadets will apply critical listening and thinking during speaker presentations and be able to articulate well-reasoned positions on critical issues.
   2. Participating Cadets will apply critical thinking in writing a reflective essay about the pertinent information they learn at the conference/symposia they attend.

Inquiries? Contact Faculty Mentor: Col. Pat Looney, Deputy Director, at looneypg@vmi.edu.