Lauren Witzky

Midshipman Lauren Witzky’s values of honesty, hard work, service, and ownership are the foundation of her self-understanding and integrity. By knowing herself and her purpose, her nominator said, “she has a profound and positive impact on every community she serves.”

Her nominator said, “Whether through mentorship, advocacy, or quiet acts of support, Lauren consistently uses her self-understanding and integrity to elevate those around her and strengthen the organizations she represents.”

As executive officer of the Cadet Ethics Organization, Lauren has used her solid grasp of integrity to help shape campus culture. She has helped lead ethics competitions, develop governing documents, and formalize selection processes for future members. Her nominator said she demonstrates “a principled approach to leadership grounded in reflection and purpose.”

As first sergeant of Oscar Company, Lauren leads over 60 cadets, instilling them with values of accountability, respect, and courage. Her nominator said, “Her influence sets the tone for a culture of ethical excellence and mutual trust within the company.”

Lauren can always be counted on to provide emotional support and spiritual guidance to her peers. Her commitment to leadership and spiritual well-being shines through her involvement in her church community, and through her willingness to serve as stand-in Company Chaplain for the corps.

She also gives back to the New River Valley community through Cadets for a Cause, a community service organization within the Corps of Cadets.

“Across all roles, she consistently embodies the kind of self-aware, values-driven leadership that inspires trust and respect,” said her nominator.

Lauren is passionate about public speaking. She deeply values communication and learning from others, and she feels purposeful when she is able to spread meaningful messages. She said that the highlight of her college experience was giving a speech for the 50th Anniversary of Women in the Corps, noting, “It was so impactful to hear alumni stories, and it was an honor to speak on such an important occasion. Especially as a woman going into the military, there was so much strength in celebrating how far we have come.”

Lauren is proud of her individual growth. She learned resilience by overcoming numerous personal difficulties. No matter the task at hand, she shows up with authenticity, compassion, and integrity. Her values have shifted and strengthened over time, as she has lived through situations where she has had to advocate for herself and others. When she needs to reconnect with herself, she prays, runs, and talks with her family.

Lauren is a senior studying cognitive and behavioral neuroscience in the College of Science with a minor in naval leadership. After graduation, Lauren plans to commission into the Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer.

Lauren said, “Self-Understanding and Integrity to me means knowing who you are, and acting in accordance with your values, even when no one is there to hold you accountable. It also means standing up for the right thing when others are doing the opposite.”

For finding guidance within, and consistently living out her values, Student Affairs is proud to present the Aspire! Award for Pursue Self-understanding and Integrity to Lauren Witzky.