On Friday, February 13, 2026, five Hampden-Sydney students will compete in the 26th annual statewide collegiate Applied Ethics Bowl, hosted by the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges (VFIC) and presented by TowneBank.
Held at the University of Richmond, this year’s Ethics Bowl will bring together student teams from Virginia’s leading independent colleges and universities to deliberate on a variety of case studies related to the theme of “Ethics and Business.”
Hampden-Sydney’s team is composed of Satchel Bowling ’27; Daniel Garrison ’26, team captain; Evan Old ’26; Aaron Tong ’28; and Jeb Tucker ’26; with Assistant Professor of Philosophy Michael Dale serving as faculty advisor.
Hampden-Sydney is the second-winningest team in the event’s history—just edged out by Washington and Lee University—winning a quarter of the competitions. Hampden-Sydney has not claimed the top spot since 2018, though, and they are looking to make their comeback.
“We've been working hard to strike the right balance of having strong, principled reasoning and an argument that is clearly understandable to anyone listening,” Daniel says of the team’s preparations. “Thanks to the help and feedback of faculty and students across campus, I am confident that we will put on a performance we can be proud of.”
Four of the five competing team members are returning from last year, adding to the determination to win. With experience, thoughtful preparation, and a legacy of success behind them, the Tigers head to Richmond ready to make a compelling case—and a serious run at bringing the Batten Trophy back to the Hill.
The 2026 VFIC Applied Ethics Bowl will begin at 10:00 in Ukrop Auditorium at the University of Richmond and feature multiple rounds of competition throughout the day, culminating in the championship round and a reception at the Jepson Alumni Center. The winning team will be announced in the late afternoon.
About the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges:
Established in 1952, the Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges (VFIC) advances the distinctive values and strengths of Virginia’s leading independent colleges and universities. VFIC represents a consortium of 17 institutions committed to providing an exceptional education in highly personalized learning environments.
VFIC’s mission is to ensure that academically qualified students—many of whom are first-generation college students—can attend an independent college regardless of financial circumstances. Through strategic fundraising, partnerships, and student-centered programs, VFIC has provided more than $181 million in support to its member institutions and their students since its founding.
The Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges supports the programs and students of the following seventeen independent colleges and universities in the Commonwealth: Bridgewater College, Emory & Henry University, Hampden-Sydney College, Hampton University, Hollins University, Mary Baldwin University, Marymount University, Randolph College, Randolph-Macon College, Roanoke College, Shenandoah University, Sweet Briar College, University of Lynchburg, University of Richmond, Virginia Union University, Virginia Wesleyan University, and Washington and Lee University.
For additional information on the VFIC, visit www.vfic.org.