B35: Sorenson Institute for Political Leadership - 3 units
Leigh Middleditch              
Thurs. 3:00–4:30 p.m. - Oct. 30, Nov. 6, 13    
Senior Center - Limit: 75

Leigh Middleditch is a co-founder of the Sorenson Institute and is Of Counsel to McGuireWoods LLP in the Charlottesville office. He holds degrees from UVa (B.A., 1951, and LL.B, 1957) and was a lecturer in UVa’s  Darden School and School of Law until 1990.

This seminar will explore the history, programs, and impact of the Sorenson Institute for Political Leadership at UVa. Instructors will include Sorenson staff, graduates, and supporters.

The Sorenson Institute for Political Leadership was founded in 1993 to identify, educate, and train emerging leaders from throughout the Commonwealth. The Sorenson Institute is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to improving political leadership in Virginia, thereby strengthening the quality of governance. Through a variety of programs—for high school and college leaders to first-time political candidates and influential business and community leaders—the Sorensen Institute has established itself as a powerful and effective force for restoring public confidence in our political system.

Former Governor Mark Warner has observed, “This organization is incredibly important. Sorensen has become the model of successful bipartisan leadership training for the nation.” At the heart of every Sorensen program are three central themes: ethics in public service, the power of bipartisanship, and a concentrated study of public policy issues.

The Sorensen Institute has more than 1, 000 graduates of its various programs. Sixteen alumni now serve in the Virginia General Assembly—two in the Senate and fourteen in the House. Dozens more have been appointed to boards and commissions, while nearly 100 have been elected to local office.  In the November 2007 elections alone, a record 48 Sorensen graduates won elections: 18 Republicans, 18 Democrats, and 12 Independents. Other alumni are serving in critical positions of leadership in nonprofits, local governments or in the private sector.