News from
George C. Marshall's Dodona Manor
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A Five-Star First: Inaugural George C. Marshall Ethical Leadership Conference Success |
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In 1958, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill wrote a letter to the president of the Marshall Research Library, urging that “succeeding generations must not be allowed to forget [George Marshall’s] achievements and his example.” We couldn’t agree more. That’s the primary reason we developed a new program to engage and inspire high school students with Marshall’s example. We are proud to report that the inaugural Five-Star Character: The George C. Marshall Ethical Leadership Conference was a rousing success.
On Friday August 20, 16 students and their families joined Marshall Center board members, staff and docents for a welcome reception on the grounds of Dodona Manor. After touring the house and walking the grounds, guests gathered under a tent on the lawn for beverages and hors d’oeuvres. President Emeritus Tom Greenspon welcomed everyone and introduced the first speaker for the evening, Marshall Historian Rachel Thompson. Marshall Center board member Lieutenant General Bruce Crawford (U.S. Army, Ret.) followed with his remarks, and Greenspon mounted the podium again to thank and dismiss everyone for the evening.
The next morning, students gathered at the National Conference Center in Leesburg to embark on an immersive, scenario-based program about Marshall’s approach to leadership. Instructors guided them through episodes from Marshall’s life, unfolding them in such a way that enabled students to work through the questions, challenges and uncertainties Marshall and other historic leaders faced. Students broke into small groups with instructors to discuss the challenges in more depth. Students then reconvened to hear how the scenario ended historically before considering its application to their own lives. The conference also included sessions that allowed students to develop their own ethical framework of leadership using the pillars that guide our own work at the Marshall Center: selfless service, unwavering integrity and selfless.
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Each of the 16 students reported that they would recommend the conference to a friend – the highest praise possible. We are delighted with the successful launch of this program, and we’re already charting a course toward the next edition. These programs are possible because of the generous support of sponsors and donors. We greatly appreciate LMI's sponsorship for this year’s event. If you’re interested in supporting our next Ethical Leadership Conference or know someone who is, please email [email protected].
Finally, we’d like to recognize the efforts of those who played a key role in successfully inaugurating this program. To Valérie Beaudoin for coordinating so many logistical details, to our dedicated docents for conducting tours for students and their families, to Rachel Newell and her many volunteers for coordinating Friday evening's reception, to Steve Chapin for serving as a conference speaker, to Pete Janhunen and Elizabeth Shannon for developing the curriculum and instructing sessions, to Kyle and Marina Ziemnick for joining us as discussion facilitators and, above all, to the students for their thoughtful engagement and active participation: Thank you!
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Leesburg: Home to a Global Icon |
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As Army Chief of Staff, Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize and President of the American Red Cross, Marshall’s name earned both national and international recognition. In addition to the enduring impact he made in world history, however, Marshall also left a local legacy in the Virginia Piedmont region.
In coordination with the Virginia Piedmont Heritage Area (VPHA), we recently welcomed Dr. Brown Morton, Professor of historic preservation the University of Mary Washington, Steve Price, Chair Emeritus of VPHA and former president of the GCMIC, and Rachel Thompson, Marshall Historian on August 22 on the grounds of Dodona Manor.
The trio led a lively discussion centered on Marshall’s life in the Piedmont, the restoration of Dodona and how the local community continues to take the lead in preserving Marshall’s legacy. While Marshall lived in Leesburg during some of the most high-profile times of his life, from World War II to the development of the Marshall Plan, he still found time to engage with his community. This theme continued during his and Katherine’s retirement.
Thank you to the VPHA for helping us further our mission of inspiring leadership at all levels!
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On Saturday August 7, around 30 guests joined us in front of Dodona Manor for our third “Grace & Grit” educational program. Meredith Bean McMath and Victoria Sova combined to deliver a delightful presentation that focused on Katherine’s brief but successful career as an actress in the early 20th century.
Ms. McMath is an award-winning historian, prize-winning playwright and the Managing Director of Run Rabbit Run Productions, Inc. In her presentation, she detailed the extensive training and education actors underwent in the mid-1900s. At the American Academy of the Dramatic Arts, Katherine undertook a rigorous two-year program in which she studied ancient Greek theatre and Shakespearean theatre at great length. After graduating from the academy, Katherine overcame family and societal pressure against acting by establishing herself as a successful and well-respected Shakespearean actress on the English stage. McMath concluded by explaining how Katherine’s acting career, though brief, gave her the discipline and flexibility she needed to meet the demands of life as the wife of General Marshall.
Attendees also enjoyed brief soliloquies from Katherine’s most famous roles, including Juliet, Ophelia and Rosalind, by Ms. Sova, who graduated from the National Conservatory of Dramatic Arts. Thank you to Meredith and Victoria for a thoroughly engaging program!
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Shoot and Score:
Photojournalism Series for Local Students
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This month, the Marshall Center hosted the Loudoun Community Press for their Summer Photojournalism Series.
The program introduced local high school students to photography basics, including how to use a camera, completing press assignments and basic editing skills. Photojournalists from the Loudoun Times-Mirror and Loudon Now will volunteered their time and skills to mentor the students. At the end of the week, students used their new skills to take photos of the house.
We are proud to play a role in supporting local community activities that preserve and memorialize our corner of the world.
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Mark Your Calendars for Museum Day |
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We’re excited to participate in Smithsonian Magazine’s annual Museum Day on Saturday, September 18. Enjoy free admission to participating museums and cultural institutions (including Dodona Manor!) across the country by presenting a Museum Day ticket. For more information, visit the Smithsonian’s special website.
On the same Saturday, the Loudoun County Volunteer Rescue Squad will be on the grounds of Dodona Manor to display their new green vehicle. Come out and meet some of our local rescue squad volunteers!
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Veterans Day Commemoration 2021 |
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Our 17th annual Veterans Day Commemoration will be held on the grounds of Dodona Manor on November 11 at 10:30 a.m.… and you’re invited! We are the proud hosts of the community collaboration among the Marshall Center, the Town of Leesburg and Loudoun County. Our event is focused on honoring military veterans for their service to our nation with participation from our local VFW chapter, the Marine Corps League of Loudoun County, Mayor Kelly Burke and Chair Phyllis Randall.
We are thrilled to welcome Lieutenant General Bruce Crawford (U.S. Army, Ret.) as our keynote speaker this year. We’re also excited to have Veterans Moving Forward, a Dulles-based nonprofit organization specializing in providing service dogs and canine therapy services to veterans with physical and/or mental health challenges. Mark your calendars for this free community event!
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Holidays and History:
The Marshall Plan Tree Walk 2021
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The tradition continues! Our Marshall Plan Tree Walk returns for a second year to the grounds of Dodona Manor, beginning with an evening tree lighting ceremony on December 4. This unique event combines the magic of the holidays with recognition of the 17 Marshall Plan countries. Seventeen trees, one for each country that participated in the Marshall Plan, will be set and decorated along the brick walk by the house for visitors to view and enjoy. Be sure to vote for your favorite tree when you visit!
We are offering a wide range of sponsorship opportunities to business owners for both these events. Please email [email protected] for full details.
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On the first Wednesday of the month, the Marshall Center hosts a virtual discussion on a book about a foreign policy topic. We have the next two books lined up, and we can't wait to read and discuss them with you.
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September
Paradigm Lost: From Two-State Solution
to One-State Reality
by Ian S. Lustick
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October
The United States, China, and Taiwan:
A Strategy to Prevent War
by Robert D. Blackwel
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November
The Gates of Europe:
A History of Ukraine
by Serhii Plokhy
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September Foreign Policy Forum:
Watchman at the Gate
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Please join the George C. Marshall International Center (GCMIC) for our next virtual Foreign Policy Forum on Thursday, September 16th at 12:00 p.m. Joining us is General George Joulwan, a celebrated officer who was present at both the rise and fall of the Berlin Wall, served multiple tours in Germany in the Cold War and two in Vietnam, as well as serving as the Supreme Allied Commander of NATO forces in Europe. He will be speaking on his memoir Watchman at the Gate, merging both memory and concrete lessons in leadership.
This complimentary event takes place on the Zoom meeting platform. Please register in advance.
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The George C. Marshall International Center, Inc. brings to life the timeless values of selfless service and unwavering integrity to develop visionary leaders worldwide.
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The George C. Marshall International Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and all donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.
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