Fall Ethical Leadership Conference

Young Leaders Step Up!

On September 23-24, the Marshall Center hosted the latest edition of “Five-Star Character: The George C. Marshall Ethical Leadership Conference.” It was our honor to host 17 impressive high school juniors and seniors who made this session a great success!

STUDENT VOICES

Students took the material seriously – especially the three pillars of Marshall-style ethical leadership – and generated creative answers to the tough questions posed to them. A few post-conference comments…

“I like how it gives a more concrete understanding of the concept of leadership. Previously, I have seen/heard more vague and abstract ideas of it.”

“I liked the information presented & how it can be applied in my life & leadership.”

“I enjoyed the main presenters’ enthusiasm, as well as the diverse student body.”

Video: Students Reflect on Ethical Leadership

A big thank you to QTS, LMI and all our sponsors for your generosity. You make it possible!

Mark your calendars for February 10-11, 2023, for our next session, and share the link with interested students!

Oct 26 & Oct 30 Special Screenings: The Films of the Marshall Plan Years

Our 75-Year Celebration Continues

Join us at Dodona Manor on Wednesday, October 26 at 5:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 30 at 4:00 p.m. (repeat program) for special free screenings of short films that played a key role in “selling” the positive effects of the Marshall Plan to European audiences between 1948 and 1953.

Marshall Historian Rachel Thompson, author of “Marshall—A Statesman Shaped in the Crucible of War,” will show the films and provide descriptive context on these two occasions.

As we continue our 75th Anniversary celebration of the Marshall Plan, we dig deeper to discover how this remarkable initiative was delivered to the 17 participating countries.

The events will be held in the Haub Room inside Dodona Manor. The program runtime is approximately 90 minutes. Seating is limited to 30 attendees. Note: Seats will be assigned as reservations are received. If you have to change your reservation, please let us know so we can assign your seat to someone else.

October 5 Book Club: The Power of Crisis

Join us this Wednesday, October 5 from Noon to 1 p.m. ET for a Zoom discussion of The Power of Crisis by renowned political scientist Ian Bremmer. In this revelatory, unnerving and ultimately hopeful book, Bremmer details how domestic and international conflicts leave us unprepared for a trio of looming crises – global health emergencies, transformative climate change and the AI revolution.

Bremmer draws on lessons from global challenges of the past 100 years, including the pandemic, to show how we can respond as these great crises unfold over the next decade.

Veterans Day Commemoration

Join Us at Dodona on November 11

Please join us on Friday November 11 at 10:30 a.m. for our 18th annual Veterans Day Commemoration. This event, which we are co-hosting with the Town of Leesburg and Loudoun County, will take place on the grounds of George C. Marshall’s Dodona Manor in historic Leesburg.

Following remarks by keynote speaker Adm. Joseph D. Kernan, USN (Ret.), guests will have the opportunity to visit with local veteran-focused non-profits: Veterans Moving Forward, the VFW and Loudoun Therapeutic Riding. Vintage military vehicles will also be on site for exploration!

No RSVP necessary. Rain or shine. Free and open to the public.

Parking is available at the Loudoun County Government Garage on Loudoun Street. Following the Ceremony, Dodona Manor will be open for regular public tours.

Future Leaders Pitch In

Industrious Scouts Complete Projects at Dodona

We’re so proud to announce the completion of two scout projects on the grounds of Dodona Manor. Thanks to Elizabeth Harvey and Kaiden Carey for selecting Dodona as the beneficiary of your service!

These industrious students (both alums of our Ethical Leadership Conference!) each organized a team of volunteers to assist in the labor required for the projects. The goal of these service projects is to demonstrate leadership while performing a community service.

Elizabeth’s team of multigenerational workers reset the brick surround on the garden bed near Dodona’s patio and then planted a variety of ferns, hostas and native perennials. Elizabeth is a Patriot in American Heritage Girls (AHG), and this was her project for achieving the highest-ranking award in the program – the Stars and Stripes award.

Kaiden’s crew used drills, impact drivers and levels to assemble two spacious picnic tables – which can now be enjoyed by all Dodona Manor guests! Kaiden is in the Boy Scouts of America, and this was his Eagle Scout Service Project, which advances him to the highest BSA rank of Eagle Scout.

Be sure to visit the property for a chance to see both completed projects!

Beautiful weather favored us on September 21 as more than 40 guests gathered on the lawn to listen as Dr. Bob Holcomb took the audience on General Marshall’s journey to receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in the winter of 1953. With splashes of humor, Dr. Holcomb shared details of the experience and made connections to other world events happening at the same time.

At the end of his talk, Dr. Holcomb paused for questions and the audience came up with many to try to stump him. One or two nearly succeeded!

Thank you to everyone who shared your evening with us and special thanks to Dr. Holcomb, Rachel Thompson, the Dodona Manor docent team and the GCMIC staff.