Virginia Wesleyan University’s Ethics Bowl Team is gearing up for a big event on February 13, 2026. They’ll join students from 16 other Virginia colleges for the 26th annual statewide Applied Ethics Bowl at the University of Richmond. This year’s topic? “Ethics and Business.”
The VWU team includes eight students: Andrew Steiner, Elena Lichtenwalner, Daren Abramaitys, Raymond Slattery, Abigail Wigginton, Jahki Emmons-Mayo, Avery Belisle, and Eleanor VanDuyne. The first five will represent VWU at the event. To get ready, they’ve been meeting weekly with Dr. Levi Tenen, their faculty coordinator, for four months. They analyze real-world ethical issues and practice debating.
Dr. Tenen is impressed with the students. “Their ability to analyze complex cases and work as a team is remarkable,” he says. “I’ve learned as much from them as they have from me.” This preparation shows how teamwork and discussion lead to deeper understanding of ethics.
The team will also host a debate demonstration on campus on February 5 at 7 p.m. This event will give them a chance to showcase their skills before the big competition. The community is invited to attend.
At the VFIC event, professionals from various fields like business and law will judge the teams. The competition runs from 11 a.m. until the early evening, featuring several rounds of debate and a networking lunch. At the end, the top teams will compete in a final lightning round for the win.
In 2020, VWU’s Ethics Bowl team won the Batten Trophy by debating “Ethics and Higher Education.” This victory marked their second win in the event’s history; they first won in 2000. Reflecting on past achievements can inspire the current team to strive for success.
The VFIC Ethics Bowl began in 1997, aiming to engage students in discussing real-life ethical dilemmas. It underscores the importance of ethics in decision-making, especially in business, where choices can significantly impact lives.
Founded in 1952, the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges supports 17 colleges and universities in Virginia, providing a valuable platform for student development and ethical discussions.
To dive deeper into the VFIC Ethics Program, check out their [official website](https://www.vfic.org/vfic-programs/ethics/).
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