On 3 July 2023, a delegation from the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) composed of 13 visitors came to the NATO Defense College (NDC).
The student delegation was led by Colonel (Ret.) Michael Hardin, Head of the Mechanical Engineering Department at VMI. The purpose of the visit was for the cadets to familiarize themselves with the NDC’s functioning and main activities as part of their field study to Rome.
Upon arrival, the delegation was welcomed at the College by US Senior National Representative and Faculty Advisor, Colonel Shawn Leonard, who then gave a briefing about the NDC’s history, structure, and activities, followed by an engaging Q&A session. The visit concluded with a tour around the College’s premises.
Founded in 1839, the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) is the oldest state-supported military college in the United States. Throughout its storied history, VMI has produced leaders and individuals whose daily lives reflect the integrity, fairness, and appreciation for the value of hard work that is instilled at the Institute. U.S. News & World Report has ranked VMI among the nation’s top undergraduate public liberal arts colleges since 2001. The Institute’s efficacy is well demonstrated by generations of VMI graduates. Among the alumni of VMI are a Nobel Prize winner, 11 Rhodes Scholars, seven Medal of Honor recipients, a Pulitzer Prize winner, college presidents, and generals and flag officers.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Ms Zsofia Juhasz, HUN C)
Collège de Défense de l'OTAN