VMI Center For Leadership and Ethics

We join the Institute in expressing our deep condolences for the passing of Lexington's beloved Mayor Frank Friedman. He was very engaged in all the happenings across our community, including drop-ins at our annual leadership conference and civil debate events. He will be deeply missed.

From the staff and faculty of the VMI Center for Leadership and Ethics, we commemorate with you the 250th Anniversary of America's Independence.

In the coming academic year, we will focus on our American identity shaped by the aspirations of our Declaration of Independence and America's role in the changing world order.

Earlier this week, members of the Lexington-Rockbridge Chamber of Commerce's Economic Develoment Committee attended a facilitated brainstorming workshop hosted by VMI's Civil Discourse Initiative (CDI) staff and faculty. The topic of discussion was, "Where are the biggest gaps in our local economic ecosystem, and what connections or partnerships could help fill them?"

The participants appreciated the format, which has two rounds of discussion: issues and solutions. Our staff recorded all the comments and provided two reports for their consideration and continued development.

At Virginia Military Institute, the flag serves as a daily reminder of duty, service, sacrifice, and the responsibility of leadership. May we honor it not only in ceremony, but in the way we serve our communities and country.

Today, we remember D-Day and honor the courage, sacrifice, and resolve of those who stormed the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944.

Their example reminds us that leadership is often revealed in moments of uncertainty, when duty, courage, and commitment to something greater than self are required.

May we continue to remember their legacy and reflect on the enduring example of service, sacrifice, and principled leadership they left behind.

Photo credit: National Archives, 26-G-2337.

What does peer leadership really look like?

In this episode of VMI Leader Journey, Cadet Heaton Lawrence ’26 shares what VMI taught him about leading peers, handling setbacks, and earning trust every day.

Always on Parade with Heaton Lawrence '26 What does peer leadership really look like — and what does it cost ...

Educate. Engage. Inspire.

This year the Center for Leadership & Ethics was filled with meaningful moments, from conferences and guest speakers to a Medal of Honor recipient, a one-man play, debates, civil discourse, competitions, and opportunities for cadets to lead, learn, and grow.

We look forward to building on this momentum in the next academic year.

Emerging Leaders concluded the academic year with a final session featuring Brig. Gen. Robert Moreschi, deputy superintendent for academics and dean of the faculty.

This professional development program gives VMI faculty and staff the opportunity to strengthen communication, decision-making, coaching, and leadership skills within the VMI culture. Their growth supports not only their departments, but also the cadets they serve and lead by example.

Congratulations to this year’s cohort on a strong finish.

Wrapping up the 2025–26 Civil Discourse Initiative

Members of the Civil Discourse Initiative recently gathered to celebrate a successful year. The group closed out the academic year with several meaningful accomplishments, including a presentation to the VMI Board of Visitors.

Pictured left to right: COL Sara Whipple, Cadet Amaral ’28, Cadet Richardson ’28, Cadet Tiller ’27, Cadet Farrell ’28, Cadet Denton ’27, LTC Kim Connolly, and COL Dimitrova-Grajzl.

Not pictured: Cadet Layman ’26 and Cadet Marlang ’27.

Building Bridges, VMI Service Club