"I initially heard about what was to become the White River Institute from John Horan-Kates. I was excited about the prospect of integrating the process of personal growth with the wonder, the magnificence, and the challenge of the wilderness. All of this placed within the context of spirituality seemed irresistible. .Even more profound was the fact that at the core was a central concern with the meaning and purpose of our lives.. The WRI was a brilliant idea and a great adventure. It offered me the pleasure and privilege of spending a considerable amount of time with some truly wonderful and dedicated people from whom I learned a vast amount about life. I hope I also contributed to the journey of others..

In time, the White River Institute changed to Vail Leadership Institute. I had always been far more committed to personal growth than to "Leadership," which I felt had more to do with business than with personal growth. I discovered that I was wrong and that the kind of leadership which the Institute was committed to was the antithesis of a" survival of the fittest" model which, I had observed in my practice as a psychiatrist, so often resulted in destructive human relationships. Instead , the VLI focused on dedication and concern for the welfare of others.

Perhaps no one I have met in my travels better embodies those values and virtues than John himself. When I think of the Institute I think of John - a positive, dedicated, honorable, loving, generous, thoughtful, supportive and creative man. In particular, John repeatedly has inspired and stimulated my creative energies over the past ten years, especially when I am in his presence. I know John has had and continues to have that very special effect on many others as well. I have had many great moments and many great memories of times that I have spent in one Institute activity or another, but the time spent with John personally and alone has always brought out the very best in me. Through his optimism, his joy, his whimsy, his competence, his encouragement and his passion for doing the right thing John has given this special gift to me and to so many others. The gift of bringing out the very best in others is, I have come to realize, the very essence of leadership. I am the grateful recipient of this gift. My goal is to share this gift with as many others as I can in my own journey through life."