LEXINGTON, Va., Oct. 26, 2018—VMI’s Center for Leadership and Ethics will host two sessions open to VMI cadets, faculty, and staff on Monday, Oct. 29 in Marshall Hall’s Gillis Theatre. 

William ‘Bill’ Bennett, former secretary of education will speak at 8:15 a.m. Bennett is the H.B. Johnson, Jr. ’26 Distinguished Speaker. Author and Medal of Honor Recipient Clint Romesha will speak at 7:45 p.m. with a book signing to follow. Both speakers are part of VMI’s Leadership and Ethics Conference titled ‘GRIT and the American Character.’

Bennett is an influential and respected voice on cultural, political, and education issues. He served as Secretary of Education from 1985-1988 and is a best-selling author. Drawing from the lessons learned from America’s founding fathers, his talk will emphasize the common principles which bind us together as Americans. 

Romesha, who was assigned to the 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, was presented the Medal of honor in 2013 for actions on Oct. 3, 2009 during a firefight at Combat Outpost Keating in northeastern Afghanistan's Nuristan province.

Both events are free and open to VMI faculty, staff, and cadets. However, anyone wishing to attend the rest of the conference will be required to register. Additional information is available on the conference webpage.   

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