Leigh Middleditch, Sorensen co-founder, passes away
The Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership wishes to acknowledge the passing of Leigh Middleditch, one of its co-founders and an ongoing source of inspiration throughout its history.
Podcast: John Warner On The Value Of Bipartisanship
In conversation with Sorensen Director Larry Roberts, former U.S. Senator John W. Warner (R‑Virginia) discussed the importance of effective leadership and bipartisanship to deliver results during his 30-year tenure in the Senate. Listen to Part 2 of our podcast series with Senator Warner on the Cooper Center's website and wherever you listen to podcasts.
Sen. John Warner's Gift Kicks Off Scholarship Fund
The Sorensen Institute has kicked off the funding for the John W. Warner Endowed Scholarship Fund with a $150,000 donation from the fund’s namesake, former U.S. Senator John W. Warner (R-Virginia).
Announcing the HSLP Class of 2020
The Sorensen Institute is thrilled to announce the participants in our 2020 High School Leaders Program. These students will meet via Zoom for three weeks, navigating the same challenges our current elected leaders are facing. The students will find themselves immersed in ethics, bipartisanship, and Virginia politics, policy, and governance. The HSLP is designed to help students build the knowledge and skills they need to step forward as leaders in their communities.
Together We Rise, by Garrison Coward
As we reflect upon the events of recent weeks, the Sorensen Institute wants to share voices from Virginia's civic life calling for greater awareness of the black experience in Virginia. Today we are featuring compelling piece by Garrison Coward about his own difficult personal experiences. Garrison has worked for a Member of Congress and held a senior role in the Republican Party of Virginia. He identifies himself in his piece as a "a commonsense conservative who happens to be black."
The Absence of Trust and Respect - We Must Do Better
We are particularly proud today of one of our alumni, Wendell Taylor, a member of the Political Leaders Program Class of 2001. Wendell has shared a gripping testimonial about his experience as an African American — even as a prosecutor he could not avoid searing, painful experiences.
