A Place of Connection
At the true heart of it, the McCain-Ravenel Center for Intellectual and Moral Courage is a place of connection.
It connects the past to the present. The classroom to the outside world. Passions and interests to life’s pursuits.
Established in 2018, the McCain-Ravenel Center for Intellectual and Moral Courage coordinates and supports signature initiatives at Episcopal, which focus on experiential learning, externships, global programs, ethical leadership, service learning, and civic engagement. The center staff also help faculty and staff connect students with the resources of Washington and design programs that advance the mission of the School: to prepare young adults with intellectual and moral courage.
With the goal of preparing students for life outside Episcopal and helping them embody Episcopal’s Portrait of a Graduate, the Center is named for the late Sen. John McCain ’54 and his EHS mentor, teacher William B. Ravenel, a World War II veteran who inspired McCain to pursue a life of honor and service. The senator once said: “Mr. Ravenel changed my life. He gave me some moorings and a compass. He used his classroom as not only a way to teach English but also to teach values and standards and morals.”
The speakers and opportunities coordinated by the center take students outside of Episcopal to further their education and provide them real-world experience made possible by the School’s proximity to Washington, D.C.
We will remember him [Ravenel] for the enthusiasm with which he taught and coached us, and for his insistence on the highest standards of honor, discipline, and dedication to purpose; yet more we will remember the magnificent patience with which he bore our shortcomings, the delighted humor with which he shared our departures from the serious and the unswerving devotion to our interests that governed his every thought and act.Tribute to Ravenel, Whispers ’68 |
The Center's Mission Revolves Around:
| Programming |
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| Programming focused on critical issues facing society today, including state and national elections, AI, civil discourse, national security, and ethical leadership. The academic schedule sets aside five days each year for schoolwide McCain-Ravenel programming that taps into the resources of metro Washington, D.C. |
| Supporting Faculty |
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Supporting faculty in creating authentic and meaningful excursions that are aligned with their studies to help students make significant connections with course content. See how the McCain-Ravenel Center builds Washington expeditions into the daily class schedule. |
| Deepending Connections with the Real World of Work |
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Deepening connections with the real world of work. To explore a career passion or life interest, students can complete an afternoon externship in the junior year with a professional or expert at a company, organization, or public agency. The final leg of the EHS journey is the Senior Externship, a month-long, daily immersion to prepare them to thrive in college and beyond. Learn more about externships at EHS. |
| Inspiring Conversations |
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The School has brought more than 200 experts and professionals to campus since 2020 — scientists, scholars, artists, political leaders, and entrepreneurs. See how the world of experts is closer at EHS. |
| Connection with Alumni |
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All the EHS signature programs tap Episcopal’s network of more than 5,000 alumni to talk about leadership, career fields, and ethics. |
The Latest from the McCain-Ravenel Center
MRC Liaisons Attend Civic Leadership Summit
MRC Liaisons represented Episcopal at the Civic Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., joining peers from across the country to explore national issues, deepen their leadership skills, and develop action plans to foster civic engagement in their school community.
Sounding the ‘Trumpet of Conscience:’ Episcopal Honors Martin Luther King Jr. in Ninth Symposium
Head of School Charley Stillwell joins students in preparing meal packages during MLK Day of Service.
Collaborating with Empathy and Respect Homer A. Jacobs '83 McCain-Ravenel Days
In September, EHS welcomed Denise Grace Gitsham and Lara Schwartz.
Former Teammates Reunite on Stage for Civil Dialogue
During the final 2024 McCain-Ravenel Day, alumni Alix Dejean ’00 and Davis White ’99 returned to Episcopal to model civil discourse and reflect on how their shared experiences at EHS—and across political divides—shaped their commitment to integrity and public service.
On Leadership, Courage, and Community Building
Episcopal’s 2023–24 MRC Days encouraged students to explore leadership, courage, and Portrait qualities through workshops, service, and a keynote by Michelle Renee Jackson.
Leadership, Community Building & Courageous Action
Through thought-provoking McCain-Ravenel Days and the Civil Dialogue Project, Episcopal students are learning to lead with courage, build inclusive communities, and engage in ethical, evidence-based conversations that prepare them to tackle real-world challenges.
McCain-Ravenel Days Highlight Service, Humility, and Courage
The 2023 McCain-Ravenel Days at Episcopal celebrated service, humility, and courage through visits from Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro, community service, leadership activities, and a Naval Academy tour.
A Look into Senior Externships
Read a few highlights about how members of the Class of 2023 explored the “real world”this past month as compiled by EHS Communications extern and future Villanova University Wildcat, Audrey Dearlove '23.
MRC Monday Celebrates Leadership and Moral Courage
Episcopal’s final MRC Monday of the year featured a keynote from Dr. John Hillen on ethical leadership and small-group sessions where students connected with 22 alumni to explore how moral courage shapes personal and professional lives.
February’s McCain-Ravenel Monday Celebrates Black History and Community Wellness
February’s McCain-Ravenel Monday featured a keynote by author Shanterra McBride and student-led workshops, encouraging courageous conversations about race, celebrating Black history, and promoting holistic wellness across the EHS community.
