2026 Lewis H. Gold ’62 Lecture on Ethics & Professional Responsibility, 02/17
Presented by the David F. and Constance B. Girard-diCarlo Center for Ethics, Integrity and Compliance
“Ethical Drift: Preserving Integrity One Decision at a Time”
Major General Rebecca Vernon (Ret'd)
United States Air Force
Tuesday, February 17
4:00 p.m.: Lecture
5:00 p.m.: Reception
Laurence E. Hirsch ’71 Classroom (Room 101)
John F. Scarpa Hall
Human decision-making is inherently vulnerable to rationalization, particularly when faced with pressures, unrealistic goals, or temptation. This presentation examines how small, seemingly inconsequential choices accumulate over time, normalizing unethical behavior and gradually eroding personal integrity. By exploring the cognitive and behavioral mechanisms behind rationalization, participants will gain insight into how everyday decisions shape ethical outcomes.
This lecture honors the memory of Lewis H. Gold ’62, an exceptional advocate with a strong sense of ethics. The naming was made possible through the generosity of an anonymous donor in collaboration with his family.
This event is has been approved by the Pennsylvania Continuing Legal Education Board for 1 Ethics CLE credit. Please note registration prior to the event is required.
Maj. Gen. Rebecca R. Vernon served as the deputy judge advocate general in the Office of the Judge Advocate General at U.S. Air Force Headquarters and as the commander of the Air Force Legal Operations Agency at Joint Base Andrews. Maj. Gen. Vernon assisted the Judge Advocate General in advising the Secretary of the Air Force, the Air Force Chief of Staff, the Chief of Space Operations and all officers and agencies of the Department of the Air Force. Additionally, she assisted the Judge Advocate General in the professional oversight of more than 2,200 judge advocates, 350 civilian attorneys, 1,400 enlisted paralegals and 500 civilians in the Total Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps worldwide, overseeing military justice, operational and international law and civil law functions at all levels of Air Force and Space Force commands. As commander of the Air Force Legal Operations Agency, Maj. Gen. Vernon led more than 530 judge advocates, 280 paralegals and 60 civilian employees at duty stations worldwide.
Maj. Gen. Vernon entered the Air Force through the Direct Appointment Program in 1996. Maj. Gen. Vernon is admitted to practice law before the Supreme Court of New Hampshire, the Supreme Court of Massachusetts, the United States Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, the United States Court of Federal Claims and the United States Supreme Court.
