[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 61 (Wednesday, April 20, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E540]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 THE VIRGINIA WOMEN'S INSTITUTE FOR LEADERSHIP (VWIL) AT MARY BALDWIN 
                                COLLEGE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOB GOODLATTE

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 20, 2016

  Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, the Sixth Congressional District of 
Virginia is home to a number of first-rate educational institutions. 
The Virginia Women's Institute for Leadership (VWIL) at Mary Baldwin 
College in Staunton, Va., is no exception. In addition to rigorous 
academic standards and leadership training, VWIL is the only all-female 
corps of cadets in the nation.
  VWIL has been developing women leaders for 20 years through its elite 
program. Opened in 1995, VWIL is a public-private partnership with the 
Commonwealth of Virginia and Mary Baldwin College. This four-year 
program integrates academics, fitness, leadership development, ethics, 
and military training. Following graduation, VWIL cadets have the 
opportunity to receive a commission into any branch of the United 
States military.
  The mission of VWIL over the past 20 years has been to prepare and 
develop women to become active and engaged leaders in the military, 
public service, and private sector. This is a mission they have lived 
up to today. VWIL demands that cadets achieve their highest level of 
performance, and that is seen clearly in the caliber of graduates 
produced by the program. To date, 382 women have graduated from the 
VWIL program. This community of alumnae has gone on to seek higher 
education as well as careers in a variety of fields, including 
government and management. Additionally, 130 graduates have been 
commissioned into military service. A VWIL alumna also made the 
ultimate sacrifice for our country. USAF 1Lt Sarah K. Small, a member 
of VWIL's Class of 2002, was killed in the line of duty in 2005 and is 
interred at Arlington National Cemetery.
  On Friday, April 22, VWIL will hold a 20th Anniversary Parade and 
Awards Ceremony to commemorate the history and achievements of the 
Institute, honor the program's alumnae, and celebrate the future. I 
congratulate Brigadier General Teresa Djuric (USAF, Ret.), Commandant 
of Cadets, as well as faculty and staff, current cadets, and alumnae on 
this milestone. I wish VWIL many more years of success in developing 
future leaders.

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