A team of three Hollins University philosophy majors competed Friday, Feb. 13, in the 26th annual Virginia Foundation for Independent Colleges (VFIC) Applied Ethics Bowl at the University of Richmond.
Shasta Power ’26, double-major in philosophy and classical studies, was a member of Hollins’ championship team in 2024. This year, she and George Fernandez ’26, double-major in philosophy and religious studies, plus Keely Hood ’27, double-major in philosophy and English and creative writing, made a strong showing.
“I was amazed at our students’ thoughtful analysis, civil dialogue, and confident presentations throughout each round and every scenario,” said Vice President for Student Success, Well-being, and Belonging Tiffany Hinton, who saw the team in action. “They truly showcased great courage, strong preparation, and teamwork, and they represented Hollins well.”
Hollins won two matches, against Roanoke College and Marymount University, said Hollins Team Coordinator James Downey, associate professor and chair of philosophy and classics, along with Charles Lowney, visiting assistant professor of philosophy.
“We officially lost two matches, against Hampden-Sydney College and Mary Baldwin University, though many present believed we had won at least one of those,” Downey said. “Had we been given the victory over Mary Baldwin, we might have been on the stage for the championship match.”
Hollins has won the Ethics Bowl twice – in 2024 at Hollins and in 2014 at Randolph-Macon College. The bowl was conceptualized in 1997, according to the VFIC, with plans to involve students at VFIC colleges and universities “in the lively debate and consideration of applied ethics—real world dilemmas that affect people’s lives in increasingly complex ways.”
This year, the bowl’s topic was “Ethics and Business.” Student teams from 16 of the VFIC’s member institutions participated in the competition, and Bridgewater College took home the Batten Trophy.
