From all corners of the world, the McDonald Conference for Leaders of Character unites exceptional speakers and exemplary student-leaders at the United States Military Academy (USMA), West Point. Groups of attendees collaborate with renowned industry leaders to help come up with creative solutions for international issues while gaining a broader understanding of leadership principles, critical thinking skills, and social responsibility.
Read more about the McDonald Conference for Leaders of Character.
See What Our Students Say About Their Experience:
“I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to attend the McDonald Conference for Leaders of Character. This has been a truly transformative experience for me and a moment of immense learning and growth. It is not the beautiful setting, exciting activities, or impeccable organization that makes the conference so valuable; it is the people. As a student fellow, I had the privilege of working with some of the brightest students and top business leaders from around the world to explore the topic of Influence Without Authority. The diverse group led to the richest discussions about leadership I have ever experienced, and I will certainly carry the knowledge I gained with me for the rest of my life. During the event, we heard inspiring keynotes from Ms. Seema Hingorani and Mr. Mark Shapiro, who spoke about partnering with great people and championing others. In addition, there were three panels on Followership, Strength of Character, and Leading Peers. The panelists included Mr. Jeffrey Peterson, Mr. Patrick Swygert, Mr. Mike Haynie, Mr. Bob McDonald, MG Vares-Lum, Mrs. Leslie Fenwick, and Mr. Peter Wuffli. At the conclusion of each panel, we had the opportunity to discuss thoughts and share ideas in a small group. Ours was led by business expert and philanthropist Mr. Peter Wuffli. In addition to all the leadership discussions, we experienced life with West Point cadets by partaking in obstacle courses, problem-solving challenges, and musical performances. This was a fantastic opportunity, and I know that I will be able to apply all that I learned about Influence Without Authority as I move into the next chapter of my life.”
– Robert Herring, 2023 Participant
“The McDonald Conference for Leaders of Character combined the culture of leadership development at West Point with the experience of learning from prestigious global leaders to provide me with a fully immersive leadership analysis. Keynote speakers such as Nobel Prize nominee Katheryn Bolkovac and former Chief of Staff Denis McDonough shared with me lessons they believe are vital to effective leadership, such as the importance of trust and increasing social surface area. The conference also included ten additional senior fellows, such as the Bridgespan Group Global Development Practice Head and Partner Jeri Eckhart Queenan. Not only did Mrs. Queenan serve as a panelist, answering leadership questions for all student fellows, but she also served as my small group leader, facilitating, stimulating, and inspiring discussions on the characteristics of successful leaders, how to encourage and nurture progressive ideas, and the importance of diversity on teams. These discussions, in addition to interactive challenges such as replacing the conductor of the West Point Orchestra and leading songs, gave me different perspectives on leadership and emphasized the significance of inspiration and gratitude. The knowledge and connections I gained from the conference will last a lifetime, and I am eager to apply my new appreciation for leadership to my future endeavors.”
– Ryan Oliver, 2018 Participant
“As a member of the Engineering Student Leadership Advisory Board (ESLAB), I was able to apply and be selected to represent the entire school at the annual McDonald Conference for Leaders of Character (MCLC) in 2017. It brings students together from all over the country and the world. Each group of students is led by a Senior Fellow in conversing about the specific conference topic. My topic was “Opposition and Innovation: taking risks to lead change”. The guest speakers are prominent leaders from industry, academia, or the military. We also got to eat in the mess hall with West Point cadets, observe regimental formation, and sit alongside members of the West Point Band. Overall, this conference was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn from and be inspired by student and professional leaders from all around the world.
From all corners of the world, the McDonald Conference for Leaders of Character unites exceptional speakers and exemplary student-leaders at the United States Military Academy (USMA), West Point. Groups of attendees collaborate with renowned industry leaders to help come up with creative solutions for international issues while gaining a broader understanding of leadership principles, critical thinking skills, and social responsibility.”
– Celeste Sheets, 2017 Participant
Past Attendees
2023
- Robert Herring, Senior, Electrical Engineering
2018
- Ryan Oliver, Senior, Mechanical Engineering
2017
- Celeste Sheets, Senior, Chemical Engineering
2016
- Casey Martin, Senior, Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Kayla Duckworth, Senior, Industrial and Systems Engineering