University of Richmond Wins Champion Title at 25th Anniversary of the VFIC Applied Ethics Bowl

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND — The University of Richmond won the 2025 VFIC Applied Ethics Bowl competition, held on Feb. 7 on the University of Richmond campus. 

A program of the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges, 16 student teams from independent colleges and universities located throughout the Commonwealth deliberated over four rounds of case studies with ethical dilemmas related to Ethics and Artificial Intelligence.

During the one-day event, the teams presented their analyses, positions, and recommendations to panels of judges comprised of business, professional, and community leaders from across the Commonwealth of Virginia.

University of Richmond’s student team won the championship and the Batten Trophy.

The five-student team included seniors Brett Barnes, Ashton Bear, Tommy Bennett, Jonathan Garner, and Caleb Silvergleid. Faculty coordinator and philosophy professor Brannon McDaniel led the team. The five-student team from Washington and Lee University was the runner-up.

“The Applied Ethics Bowl demonstrates the unique education that students receive at VFIC schools where small classes taught by dedicated faculty hone their skills in critical thinking, civil discourse, and help them develop an ethical framework from which to make decisions,” said Locke Ogens, VFIC president. “These students graduate well prepared to be leaders not only in business but also in communities across the Commonwealth.”

In addition to the competitive portion of the event, a networking luncheon allowed student participants to engage in career conversations with corporate leaders from various fields.

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