Hampden-Sydney College won the 2016 Wells Fargo Ethics Bowl competition held Jan. 31-Feb. 1 on the campus of Hollins University near Roanoke. 

A program of the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges (VFIC), this year’s event featured 16 student teams from independent colleges and universities deliberating case studies with ethical dilemmas related to “Ethics and Civic Responsibility.” The teams presented their analyses, positions and recommendations to panels of judges composed of business, professional and educational leaders from across Virginia.

The Hampden-Sydney College student team won the championship and the Batten Trophy this year. The four-student team included Will Echols ‘17, Alex Abbott ‘17, Sam Melson ‘18, Kole Donaldson ‘19, and was led by faculty coordinator Dr. Patrick Wilson, professor of philosophy. 

Hampden-Sydney defeated Washington and Lee University in the final round.

The two-day event was made possible by Wells Fargo.  Wells Fargo (and predecessor Wachovia) has been the primary sponsor of the Ethics Bowl since 2002. At Sunday’s opening session, Wells Fargo was recognized for its 15 years as signature sponsor for the event.  At the opening session, Tom Goode (H-SC ’79), senior vice president of Wells Fargo Private Bank and a VFIC trustee, offered remarks about the company’s history with the Ethics Bowl.  Additional key corporate support for the event was provided by GEICO, Dominion Resources, Moseley Architects and BCWH Architects.