THE SENTINEL: Preparing Young Leaders: The Future of America

National Conference on Ethics
in America (Part 1 of 5)

The United States Military Academy's National Conference on Ethics in America is an extraordinary venue that informs, instructs and inspires undergraduate students who exhibit the qualities of character, commitment, honesty, courage, discipline and who have the passion to serve our nation. The theme for the 22nd annual conference, held in October 2007, was Providing the Nation with Citizens of Character.

Principles of Character

As an educator dedicated to the transformation of our nation through character and leadership development, I was privileged to serve the conference as mentor and facilitator. This unique role gave me the opportunity to interact with professionals dedicated to our nation’s youth and to exchange ethical concerns, principles, and solutions with the remarkable young people who participated. These individuals exhibit great promise for the future of our nation. Their personal and collective reflections on the principles of character were extremely inspirational.

Conference Objectives

As specified in the guidebook’s opening remarks by Cooper Bradley, Chairman of the NCEA, the conference provides the platform to address and solve significant ethical issues in society with a threefold objective:

The first goal of the conference is to develop a national awareness of ethical behavior in the undergraduate community.
The second goal of the conference is to improve collegiate codes of ethics and honor systems across the nation by drawing on the experiences and value systems of students from various colleges and universities.
The third and final goal of the conference is to provide students with the opportunity to discuss issues of character and integrity with proven athletes, business and government officials, as well as leaders of character across varying fields of enterprise.

Diversity of Academic Institutions Represented

Although this outstanding event was held at West Point, it was not a military philosophy development venue. It provided a dynamic learning environment and promoted the sharing of ideas.

Attendees represented wide range of academic disciplines including government, law, medicine, science, engineering, education, business and the military. Academic institutions represented included:

Brigham Young
Duke
Fordham
Georgia Military Academy
Maine Military Institute
Marion Military Institute
New Mexico Military Institute
North Carolina Central
Northwestern
Texas A&M
The Citadel
U.S. Air Force Academy
U.S. Coast Guard Academy
U.S. Military Academy
U.S. Naval Academy
University of Alaska
University of Florida
University of San Francisco
University of Wyoming
Valley Forge Military College
Villanova
Virginia Military Institute
Virginia Tech
Wake Forest

Timeless Principles

Surrounded by the historic setting of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the interaction of attendees and mentors created a bond and balance through viewpoints that consistently complimented the timeless principles of ethics, leadership and character. The autumn foliage in the magnificent mountains of New York, coupled with the high energy of a new school year, enhanced the conference experience.

And one must not lose the significance of the cadet honor code

"A cadet will not lie, cheat or steal or tolerate those who do"

to this conference.

The future of America depends on leaders of character and the National Conference on Ethics in America is doing its part to prepare individuals to fill those roles.

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Preparing Young Leaders: The Future of America – Part 1 of 5	Click here to visit site
Preparing Young Leaders: The Future of America – Part 2 of 5	Click here to visit site
Preparing Young Leaders: The Future of America – Part 3 of 5	Click here to visit site
Preparing Young Leaders: The Future of America – Part 4 of 5	Click here to visit site
Preparing Young Leaders: The Future of America – Part 5 of 5	Click here to visit site
National Conference on Ethics in America	Click here to visit site