Caleb Dankwa

“Caleb Dankwa epitomizes courageous leadership,” said his nominator, who shares a story to make that clear:

“A couple of years ago, there was a shooting in downtown Blacksburg. Caleb was in the area with some friends, and they – like everyone else nearby – ran from the scene. However, what Caleb did next, NOBODY else did. 

He gathered up his friends to return to the location, not knowing if the shooter was still there, and began administering first aid to a fellow cadet who was wounded, and then to other wounded people. Caleb was more concerned about his fellow people than his personal safety. His leadership inspired his friends to join him to save others.”

The courageous leadership to willingly go into harm's way is rare, even among trained professionals. But Caleb, a senior in international relations in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, has also demonstrated his courageous leadership exceptionally within the Corps of Cadets.

His nominator recruited Caleb to be a fall company commander, leading about 90 fellow cadets. However, Caleb turned down the commander role to invest his time as the cadets’ Black Cadet Organization (BCO) president. 

When asked why he chose a much less visible leadership role, he said, “While I would be honored to be a company commander, and I believe I could positively impact the company, if I really invest myself into the BCO I can change people’s lives. I champion the Black Cadet Organization because the voice of African American cadets often goes unheard on campus. While I appreciate the offer for command, I believe the BCO can make a generational impact on individual cadets and on the corps.”

Caleb’s goals for the BCO include:

• Increased recruiting of black high school students to the Corps of Cadets;
• Increased retention of black cadets in the corps; and,
• A focus on mentorship from black corps alumni and other black leaders to guide the BCO.

Caleb comes to Virginia Tech from Accra, Ghana by way of Washington D.C. Following graduation, he plans to attend Navy Officer Candidate School and gain commission into the Navy. He envisions further education to prepare for the Foreign Service Officer Test and sharing his leadership skills working in West Africa as a diplomat.

Caleb said, “Courageous leadership is about having the bravery to do what is right and necessary for the greater good, even in the face of adversity or personal risk. It starts with ethical decisions.”

For his leading with conviction, in sacrifice and service, it is a great honor to present the Aspire! Award for PREPARE FOR A LIFE OF COURAGEOUS LEADERSHIP to Caleb Dankwa.