The 鈥淥n Winning鈥� symposium, proposed by Superintendent Lt. Gen. David Furness 鈥�87 and facilitated by the Center of Leadership and Ethics, provided a forum for the participants to delve into ways to instill and sustain a winning culture without compromising the characteristics and traits that make 麻豆传媒入口unique. Specifically, the symposium emphasized the three core values of academics, military leadership, and athletics, symbolized by VMI鈥檚 Three-Legged Stool.

Guest speakers included a mix of exemplary military leaders and athletic coaches.聽Retired Marine Corps Gen. Robert Neller, the 37^th聽Commandant of the Marine Corps, spoke on organizational leadership.

Retired Navy Rear Adm. Jamie Sands, who served as commander of the Naval Special Warfare Command, spoke about optimizing high performance teams. Former 麻豆传媒入口head soccer coach, Ben Freakley, Ed.D., CMPC, founder of Ready. Set. Resilient., a coaching business that uses best practices to help individuals and teams optimize performance, shared his thoughts on winning at 麻豆传媒入口and the psychology of coaching. Ivin Japser, football coach at the U.S. Naval Academy, discussed the winning culture there.聽

Retired Marine Corps Maj. Mike Ettore, author and founder of Fidelis Leadership Group, an executive coaching and leadership development firm, talked about servant leadership, trust and standards. Leonard Hamilton, who retired in 2025 as the winningest basketball coach in Florida State history, provided insights on establishing a winning culture.

The keynote speaker was Urban Meyer, analyst on FOX Sport鈥檚 鈥淏ig Noon Kickoff鈥� and former head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars who was聽inducted into the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame in 2025. Meyer also headed up the Florida Gators football team when they won national titles in 2006 and 2008, and oversaw an Ohio State third-string quarterback defeat Oregon in his last college national title. He closed the symposium with his insights on talent acquisition and culture, highlighting relentless effort, competitive excellence, and brotherhood.

In addition to hearing expert speakers, participants divided into working groups to brainstorm and discuss topics such as collectively defining success of athletics; identifying the non-negotiable behaviors demanded of a 麻豆传媒入口athlete; retaining and graduating athletes; and increasing athlete acceptance, compliance, and involvement in Corps life.  

Jamaal Walton 鈥�07, director of intercollegiate at VMI, stated the symposium was an opportunity for Institute leaders to place their sole focus on winning in athletics.

鈥淚t allowed each individual the voice and space to listen, learn, and contribute to enhancing the athletics leg of the stool. All three legs are equally important, but the attention paid during the symposium has allowed the Institute to take the necessary steps to not just compete but to win! It was a 鈥榳hole damn team鈥� effort!鈥�

Men鈥檚 head basketball coach, Andrew Wilson, agreed with Walton. 鈥淚t was great having the opportunity to learn from two legendary hall of fame coaches, Leonard Hamilton and Urban Meyer. All of the speakers were great, but getting to hear from two of the best in the history of the college sports industry and gain insight into what made them successful was very special.鈥�  

The post 麻豆传媒入口Holds 鈥淥n Winning鈥� Symposium appeared first on 麻豆传媒入口.

The Bissell family has a multigenerational 麻豆传媒入口legacy, beginning with Gary鈥檚 father, the late Brig. Gen. Norman 鈥淢ike鈥� Bissell, who graduated from the Institute in 1961, enjoyed a career in the Army, then returned to 麻豆传媒入口as the first non-active-duty commandant of cadets. Mike was instrumental in VMI鈥檚 coeducation transition. Gary, the oldest of seven children, graduated in 1988 and his brother Drew, 麻豆传媒入口Class of 1995, graduated in 1994. Another brother, Brandon, graduated in 1998 and currently serves as the chief operating officer of the 麻豆传媒入口Alumni Association. Gary鈥檚 son Joshua graduated in 2018.

Mike鈥檚 extensive military career took him all over the world and naturally his large, close-knit family accompanied him. Gary and his siblings spent their formative years living in foreign lands, meeting extraordinary people, and relocating to multiple schools. When asked if it was hard on them as children having to frequently make new friends, he replied, 鈥淲e had each other.鈥� Gary attended three different high schools before graduating from Seoul American High School located in Yongsan Garrison, Seoul, South Korea, in 1982.

Knowing he wanted to serve in the military and fly, Gary applied to all the United States service academies and settled on the United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) in New London, Connecticut, where he played the trumpet in the band and was on the football team as a kicker, punter, and defensive end. 鈥淚t was a great experience. I would not change the experience, it鈥檚 just not what I needed at the time,鈥� Gary confessed. So, after 1 陆 years, he left the USCGA to work full-time and take classes at a community college part time.

A short time later, Gary began to consider his father鈥檚 alma mater, VMI. Initially, his parents questioned his rationale that 麻豆传媒入口would be a good fit for him when the USCGA was not, but in the end, they supported his decision. So, in August 1985 he matriculated as a rat, but because of all the college credits he had already acquired, he was academically categorized as a 3^rd Class cadet.

Gary thrived at VMI, where he majored in economics, was a member of Band Company, held rank, played football, was a cheerleader in the Keydet spirit club, and sang in the Glee Club. He graduated in 1988 and immediately commissioned into the Army. 

He completed the Aviation Officer Basic Course (AOBC), the Initial Entry Rotary Wing Course (IERW), and Air Assault School (AAS) in 1989. During this time, Gary met Marti Eaton, who was going through AOBC, IERW, and AAS with him. They both went to Camp Page, Korea, for their first tour of duty and married mid-tour in 1990. At Camp Page, Gary served as an aeroscout platoon leader, flying OH-58 helicopters. In 1991, he completed the Aviation Officer Advanced Course, Airborne School, and Ranger School before being assigned to Fort Riley in Kansas, where he served as the assistant battalion flight operations officer.

He later transferred to the Kansas Army National Guard, where he served as the Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance Platoon leader, General Support Aviation Platoon leader, and the Company Operations officer. While in Kansas, he completed a bachelor鈥檚 degree in elementary education from Kansas State University.

In 1994, Gary and Marti moved to Germany where she had been transferred. It was at that time Gary switched his commission and served in the U.S. Army Reserves for the 166^th Aviation Regiment while also teaching middle school for the Department of Defense Dependents Schools in Wurzburg.

Wanting to be closer to family when Marti transitioned from active duty to the Virginia National Guard in 1997, she and Gary relocated to Lexington, where Mike was working at VMI. Gary taught science for two years at Rockbridge Middle School and worked part time in 麻豆传媒入口barracks as an assistant officer in charge. By the following year, he was working full time at VMI. Throughout this period, he and Marti worked in various positions supporting the Institute.

The first position he held was assistant commandant for operations and training. During that time, both he and Marti were involved in assisting with the integration of women, which he said was overdue. 鈥淚t was a good decision for VMI, although a bit of a tough transition for some staff members and students. But it was really neat to be here and make those connections and help 麻豆传媒入口through the process. Over the years, Marti and I have been able to keep in touch with a number of cadets from that time.鈥�

Institute physician, Dr. Melissa S. Krawiec 鈥�01, was one of the first female cadets to matriculate. She said Gary was a tactical officer at that time and always treated the cadets fairly and with respect. 鈥淩eturning to 麻豆传媒入口as an alum allowed me to appreciate Gary as a person and to see his amazing efforts in support of the Institute. It鈥檚 been wonderful to be colleagues with him here, and he and his family will always be in my heart as a vital link in the chain of my success at VMI.鈥�

Later 麻豆传媒入口positions Gary held include associate registrar, officer-in-charge of the Company Tactical Officer program, officer in charge in barracks, cadet veteran鈥檚 liaison, advisor to the Class of 2007, deputy chief of staff, then finally assistant superintendent for OPs from which he retired.

Gary shared one of the best things about working at 麻豆传媒入口in all his positions was working with cadets. 鈥淚 enjoyed developing future leaders and building relationships with the cadets. Helping them be as prepared as they can be when they graduate, whether they鈥檙e going into the military or the civilian sector, has been rewarding. 麻豆传媒入口does a great job of teaching time management, right down to the minute. But another thing important for cadets is learning their limits and strengths, and understanding that anything they do is a team effort. That鈥檚 one thing about going through the Rat Line, you can鈥檛 do it by yourself. It鈥檚 a class effort. That鈥檚 important. When you get out in the real world, you never do anything by yourself.鈥�

For many of the years he was employed at VMI, his career in the reserves continued. He served in the 5-159^th Aviation Battalion and commanded a heavy-lift helicopter company in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; was branch chief in the operations division in the District of Columbia Army National Guard; was mobilized for a tour in the Army Operations Center at the Pentagon; served as battalion commander of the 1-320^th in Abingdon, Virginia; was assigned to the Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of the Army working with the Army Science Board; and was brigade commander of the Forces Command Augmentation Unit at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. His last assignment was as reserve advisor for the Joint Staff at the Pentagon. He retired from the Army Reserves as a colonel in 2018.

Gary鈥檚 many military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, the Air Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster.

Gary holds a Master of Education degree from Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont, and a Master of Strategic Studies degree from the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania.

Though he is not a 麻豆传媒入口alumnus, Gary鈥檚 brother, Lt. Col. Collin Bissell, has served as assistant in OPs alongside Gary for the past two years, and stated he has learned a tremendous amount from his older brother. 鈥淚t was great to see Gary, not as a brother, but in a professional manner and as a boss. I saw his passion for 麻豆传媒入口and a drive to do anything to help cadets gain all they could from the Institute. He feels strongly that every action taken, whether from operations and planning or from anywhere else on post, should be with the cadets as our first priority. 麻豆传媒入口is special and unique. I鈥檝e seen firsthand the positive impact it has had on three generations of my family.鈥� 

Marti retired as an Army major general. She and Gary have two adult children. Joshua is currently an Army captain and Briana is an insurance consultant.

Gary said he plans to spend his retirement 鈥渢raveling, visiting family and friends, and doing fun things I have put off over the years like learning to play guitar.鈥�

The post Bissell Retires Following Illustrious Career appeared first on 麻豆传媒入口.

麻豆传媒入口alumnus, Eugene Williams 鈥�74 recognized early in his cadetship that many high school aged males could benefit from the 麻豆传媒入口style of training, even if they could not meet the requirements to become 麻豆传媒入口cadets. So in 1985, with the support of others, Williams founded COW. In 1987, the first contingent of 12 students from Virginia, New York, and New Jersey arrived to VMI.

This year, 30 students from nine states participated in the program that taught them to overcome obstacles through intense physical training and classroom instruction in mathematics, English, public speaking, financial literacy, and career exploration. The students engaged in choral music, improved their swimming skills, completed an obstacle course as a team-building exercise, engaged in community service activities, and learned firefighting and lifesaving skills with the city of Lexington Fire and Rescue Team. They were challenged to overcome their fears by scaling both the indoor climbing wall in the Corps Physical Training Facility and the pamper pole, a 25-foot tall wooden pole which participants attempt to climb, stand atop, then leap to grab a trapeze, on North Post; responding to powerful animals as they rode horseback; and learning the fundamentals of boxing. They also enjoyed kayaking, canoeing, camping, and hiking House Mountain.

Williams, who currently serves as the executive director, stressed that COW is not a summer camp, but a transformational experience. 鈥淲e take these young fellows who have promise, but have failed to achieve their potential, and coach them out of their comfort zone. Our philosophy is, 鈥榊ou can鈥檛 sharpen steel with cotton. You have to sharpen steel with steel,鈥欌�� he said.

The students heard from many notable guest speakers who shared their life experiences and imparted knowledge of how they overcame adversity and life challenges to successfully attain their goals. Providentially, the late mayor of Lexington, Frank Friedman, spoke with the COW students about financial planning June 30. Later that night, Friedman suffered a medical emergency which led to his death. Williams shared how he broke the tragic news to the students, 鈥淚 reminded them that they were the last group of people to have interacted with Frank before he started his journey down that long, 鈥榁alley of the Shadow of Death,鈥� and that I hoped they left an impression with him that would lift his spirit as he traveled to heaven.鈥�

A celebratory 40^th anniversary reunion picnic was held at Crockett Farm in scenic Collierstown July 11. In attendance were COW students; staff; Board of Director members; supporters; friends; and alumni; including U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Kendall Clarke, a COW student in 1989 and 1990; and Marvin Adames, assistant vice president for student retention and dean of students at Kean University in New Jersey, a COW student in 1988. Adames shared stories from his troubled youth and how the COW program provided hope. 鈥淚 grew up in Newark, a tough place. When I was about eight, I saw a person die for the first time in my life. It was a violent death. Looking out from my window on the eighth floor of the housing projects building where I lived, I saw a car speeding and swerving down the road. Two guys in the car pushed out a third guy from the back seat. He hit a dumpster and I saw his head blow up to the size of a pumpkin. I went to school with that guy鈥檚 younger brother. Later I witnessed people stabbed and others who overdosed. I saw someone in a stolen car flip the car and die in front of me. I was their age,鈥� he said, pointing to the COW students. 鈥淲hen I was born, my father was 16, their age,鈥� indicating the students again. 鈥淢y mother was 18. I had old school grandparents who encouraged them to get married, and they both dropped out of school. A few years later, they divorced. My mom went on public assistance. She tried working several different jobs, but we lived in those housing projects until I was 22. So, everything around me told me that I should not have succeeded. My mother always told me that through education, despite the poverty we were suffering, despite what I was seeing outside of my window, I could be anything in this country. So, I did my very best in school, but I still had to walk day after day through the drug dealers and the gun slingers.鈥� Adames described how the COW program gave him a chance to experience something different. 鈥淚 had the opportunity to actually believe and to dream about the possibilities. My mother believed in me, and now other people believed in me too. The words spoken and the actions displayed by Gene Williams really were definitive. They made a difference. I left the COW program and went back to my neighborhood, understanding where I was headed. It was because of individuals like Gene who gave me a chance to see something very, very different.鈥�

Over the life of the program, approximately 75% of participants go on to attend college. From that percentage, 3% have attended VMI. The other 25% have attended trade schools, entered the military, or worked in other civilian pursuits.    

Interested students submit an application for the program that includes an essay and an agreement to 鈥減ay it forward,鈥� meaning they will do acts of service in the future to repay the generosity shown to them through the program. There is no charge to the students selected to the program, since in most cases, neither the participant nor his family have the resources to cover the costs. It is a fundamental tenet of the COW program, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, that lack of economic resources should not prevent a deserving student from participating. All funds to cover the costs of the program are raised by private donations, small foundation gifts, or through the annual signature fundraising event, the COW Golf Classic at the Country Club of Virginia in Richmond. For more information or to donate, visit the website . 

The post COW Program Celebrates 40th Year appeared first on 麻豆传媒入口.

According to Donnie McBrayer, 麻豆传媒入口EMS advisor, EMT summer instruction is contracted with Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC). The costs of the course, room, and board are fully covered for the cadets, but they are obligated to serve the Institute as EMTs for two years.

MGCC instructor Rob Brooks is a full-time firefighter and paramedic with the Department of Fire and EMS for Amherst County. His extended career includes law enforcement for Sweet Briar College, where he attended the police academy and obtained his EMT certification. As a campus police officer, he often responded to medical emergencies on campus. From 2002 to 2018, he worked for the Nelson County Sheriff鈥檚 Office where he served as a K-9 handler, a major crimes investigator, and a narcotics investigator. He was team leader for the department鈥檚 first official tactical team in 2014.  After switching his career to full-time firefighter and EMS, he obtained his advanced EMT, paramedic, firefighter, and hazardous materials certifications. He has taught EMS for five years. This summer was his first experience teaching at VMI. He explained the comprehensive curriculum of the class. 鈥淚n the mornings, I give lectures on various subjects including trauma; toxicology; behavioral health; cardiology; allergies; anaphylaxis; pediatric, gastrointestinal, urologic, and gynecologic emergencies; and bodily injuries. Each afternoon we do hands-on, scenario-based drills鈥攃alled practicals鈥攐n training manikins. The cadets take turns portraying patients as well. I provide a scenario, such as a victim of a house fire found outside sitting on the grass, suffering from singed facial hair, a hoarse voice, soot around his mouth, and burned clothing stuck to his skin. The cadets needed to respond with the proper protocol of treatment.鈥�

Additionally, the cadets were required to spend time working with professional emergency responders at Lexington Fire Department and Carilion Rockbridge Community Hospital.

After the cadets pass the class, they must take the National Registry EMT exam. Upon passing the exam, they will be awarded a license to operate as an EMT in the Commonwealth of Virginia. 

Alex Sydnor 鈥�29, a history major from Doswell, Virginia, is taking the class because he plans to commission into the Coast Guard and work in emergency management. He believes being an EMT will help him reach that goal. 鈥淚 am very interested in the communications aspect of emergency management. I am a ham radio operator and have helped out at the Hanover County emergency operations center talking with other ham operators to learn where resources are needed during natural disasters,鈥� he stated. In addition to being a 麻豆传媒入口EMT, Sydnor hopes to establish a ham radio club on post, so other cadets can learn how to best respond during catastrophic events.

The post Cadets Take Part in EMT Training appeared first on 麻豆传媒入口.

AFCEA, formerly known as the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association, is a member-based, nonprofit 501(c)6 professional association that connects people, ideas, and solutions globally by developing networking and educational opportunities and providing them worldwide in an ethical manner. This enables military, government, industry, and academia to align technology to meet the needs of those who serve in critical areas, which include defense, security, cyber, and intelligence. Smith is a member of the Rockbridge Shenandoah chapter.   

AFCEA presented Smith with the award for her work in developing and implementing a workshop series for them last winter in which technology and engineering design teams learned how to adjust their technological writing for journalistic purposes, making it understandable to the average reader. Smith stated learning how to explain crucial technical information to public audiences is essential for researchers on the cutting edge of innovation. 鈥淭his meritorious service award is an honor, but it also reinforces the nation鈥檚 collective mission to ensure that our defense and technology sectors are guided by thoughtful, adaptable communicators. I am glad AFCEA recognizes the role that education and dedicated public service play in supporting communication,鈥� she said.

The post Smith Recognized with AFCEA TechNet Cyber Award appeared first on 麻豆传媒入口.

The health professions advising program helps cadets navigate pathways to a variety of healthcare careers. Through one-on-one advising, professional development workshops, networking opportunities, clinical experiences, research opportunities, and mentorships, cadets build competitive applications while developing the leadership and resilience expected of future healthcare professionals. Burke assists with academic planning, course selection, experiential learning opportunities, standardized test preparation, personal statements, interviews, and the professional school application process. She also works to expand opportunities for cadets through partnerships and articulation agreements with professional programs and healthcare organizations. 麻豆传媒入口maintains relationships with institutions offering medical training including Eastern Virginia Medical School at Old Dominion University, Virginia Commonwealth University, Mary Baldwin University, and Texas A&M University鈥檚 Military Medicine Program.

Approximately 10 cadets per year enter a healthcare profession, and Burke believes the qualities developed through the 麻豆传媒入口experience makes them particularly well-suited for careers in the field. 鈥淗ealthcare professionals must be leaders, problem-solvers, effective communicators, and lifelong learners. The discipline, resilience, integrity, and commitment to service that cadets develop at 麻豆传媒入口provide an exceptional foundation for success in health professions,鈥� she said.

Burke has been a faculty member in VMI鈥檚 biology department since 2020. A molecular microbiologist by training, she earned her doctorate from Virginia Tech and brings extensive experience in microbiology, molecular biology, virology, and cell biology to her advising role.

The post Burke Named Health Professions Advisor appeared first on 麻豆传媒入口.

A volunteer information session will be held at the Jackson House Museum Monday, June 22 at 10 a.m. All interested volunteers should attend the session, and RSVP to Kristen Pace at 540-464-7789 or pacekl@vmi.edu. If unable to attend, call or email to schedule an alternate meeting date.

Volunteers of the Jackson House Museum receive free admission to the 麻豆传媒入口Museum and the Virginia Museum of the Civil War in New Market, along with a 25% discount in all three museum stores. The Jackson House Museum also hosts special events for volunteers throughout the year such as the annual volunteer recognition dinner and a summer day trip.

The Jackson House Museum is located at 8 E. Washington St. in Lexington.

-VMI-

The post Jackson House Museum Seeks Volunteers appeared first on 麻豆传媒入口.

The certifications provide cadets with nationally relevant workforce credentials that complement their academic coursework and laboratory experience. Unlike traditional exams, BCSI micro-credentials emphasize demonstrated competency in practical laboratory techniques commonly required in biotechnology and biomedical research settings. These credentials help cadets distinguish themselves for internships, research opportunities, graduate programs, and careers in the growing life sciences workforce.

Maj. Alison Burke, assistant professor in the Department of Biology, confirmed the program was launched during the spring 2026 semester.

鈥淭en cadets completed rigorous assessments administered by BCSI evaluators from Virginia Western Community College, and earned 30 micro-credentials across multiple laboratory competencies. Introducing the BCSI certifications into the biology course reflects VMI鈥檚 commitment to practical learning and professional preparation in the biological sciences. By integrating external industry standards into the curriculum, cadets gain exposure to expectations found in modern research and biotechnology laboratories while developing transferable technical and problem-solving skills. The timing of the program aligns with significant growth in Virginia鈥檚 biotechnology and pharmaceutical manufacturing sectors,鈥� she said.

Burke herself is a BCSI evaluator and assesses students at other colleges, as evaluators are not permitted to assess their own students.

BCSI certifications will continue to be an option for cadets enrolled in the cell and molecular biology course in the upcoming academic year.

The post BCSI Credentialing Offered at VMI appeared first on 麻豆传媒入口.

A lifelong resident of Rockbridge County, McGowan grew up in a blended family and attended Natural Bridge High School. He began work at 麻豆传媒入口in 1976 when he was 17 years old. His neighbor at the time worked in the Military Store, which is the department that provides all uniform items to cadets and uniformed staff, and falls under the domain of the Office of Auxiliary Services (AS). He suggested to young McGowan that he apply for a job in the department as there was need for part-time summer help. He was quickly hired, and because of his strong work ethic and good attitude, later became a full-time classified employee.

Throughout his half-century tenure at the Institute, McGowan has served under seven superintendents, 10 commandants, and five AS directors. He has witnessed many changes at 麻豆传媒入口including the admission of women, and helped develop fitting and uniform requirements for them. Lee Clark 鈥�93, the current AS director, originally encountered McGowan when getting his own uniforms as a rat in 1989, and values McGowan鈥檚 longevity. 鈥淭erry has been a quiet but important presence in the Military Store for many years. He is a skilled uniform fitter who could be counted on for his professionalism, and he has always been a positive force in auxiliary services and the 麻豆传媒入口community,鈥� said Clark.

A favorite of his co-workers, McGowan was primarily tasked with fitting cadets for all of their different uniforms. 鈥淐hatting with the cadets, and getting to know them when they come in to be measured and fitted, was always a joy and one of the best parts of this job. Some would come back to get refitted as they lost weight or gained muscle, and it was nice to learn of their progress,鈥� he shared.

Though he has no specific plans, McGowan looks forward to tinkering around his house and spending time with his older brother, Donald, who worked for 麻豆传媒入口until retiring several years ago. Additionally, he enjoys camping, watching NASCAR, and keeping up with his preferred football team, the Dallas Cowboys. He is a fan of classic television and wants to catch up on movies he has put off watching. When asked about a pencil jar in the shape of Darth Vader placed on his desk, McGowan confessed with a boyish smile that he has never seen a 鈥淪tar Wars鈥� movie, but intends to marathon watch them all.

A parade was held April 10 honoring 麻豆传媒入口employees who recently retired. McGowan, along with six others, joined Lt. Gen. David Furness 鈥�87, superintendent, in taking review of the Corps of Cadets during the parade, and was presented with a meritorious service award in recognition of his many years of service.

The post McGowan Retires after 50 Years appeared first on 麻豆传媒入口.

This year marks the 25^th anniversary of the first female cadets graduating from the Institute in 2001. Appropriately, the commencement speaker was Gov. Abigail Spanberger, who herself graduated in 2001 from the University of Virginia, and is the first female governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The Regimental Band played 鈥淧omp and Circumstance鈥� as nearly 260 cadets marched into the arena with a commanding albeit joyful spring in their stride. Family members, friends, and supporters greeted the graduates with a standing ovation, heartening cheers, jubilant shouts, and a few emotional tears.

Furness鈥� First Class of Graduates

In his commencement address following his first academic year as 麻豆传媒入口superintendent, Lt. Gen. David Furness 鈥�87 welcomed the governor, the Board of Visitors, faculty, staff, cadets, alumni, friends and families. He thanked those in the audience who encouraged and sustained the cadets during their time at VMI, and recognized veterans and current military members. To the graduates, he reminded them of the lessons and training they underwent at VMI, as well as the times they were the ones mentoring other cadets, including the Class of 2029. He commended them on leaving the Corps in good hands, and with heartfelt emotion said, 鈥淵ou will forever be my first class of graduates as superintendent. I could not have asked for a better group of young men and women to lead the Corps this year. There were many distractions, but you overcame those obstacles and stayed focused on maintaining your honor and integrity while pursuing your degrees. I am proud of you and what you have accomplished.鈥�

Furness closed by noting that through the 麻豆传媒入口Alumni Association鈥檚 Pass in Review program, the Class of 1976 forged a meaningful relationship with the Class of 2026 and gifted the graduates a commemorative coin designed collaboratively by both classes to serve as a proud symbol of their bond. He then introduced the peer-elected valedictorian, Lukas Maurer.

Forged by Fire

Maurer, a civil engineering major from Lebanon, Pennsylvania, used the metaphor of sword forging to describe the 麻豆传媒入口cadet experience, and quoted from the valedictorian speech of Jonathan Daniels 鈥�61, the alumnus Episcopal seminarian who sacrificed his own life to protect that of another. 鈥淲e have been blasted by the fire in order to be tempered in mind and spirit.鈥� Maurer compared a young matriculant to a rough, sharp-edged block of steel immediately thrown into a world of controlled chaos, confusion, and stress. 鈥淏efore you know it, you are bald and wondering if you鈥檝e made the right decision coming to this place. But you persevere and rely on the people to your left and right and choose not to quit for them.鈥� He stated that by the time a rat has completed the first milestone of Matriculation Week, the heated block of steel is taken out of the fire, but the hammer strikes hard with the stresses of classes, Rat Line duties, and physical training. With the much-needed rest of the first furlough, the battered block of steel is plunged into the quench to cool. 鈥淏ut the process is far from over. You return to 麻豆传媒入口and are immediately thrown into the fire again,鈥� he said, noting the process continues through many milestones like Breakout, the completion of the first academic year, and new responsibilities as a 3^rd Class cadet. 鈥淣ow, that block of steel is beginning to take the shape of a dull blade. However, the blade is far from ready. You hit the ground running, with increased responsibility as a corporal, now helping facilitate the forging process of incoming rats, all while still being forged yourself.鈥� By the time a cadet reaches the 2^nd Class year, with more responsibilities and academic demands, the blade is placed against the grinder. 鈥淭he general shape has formed over the past two years, but now the excess impurities of dull steel are ground away through the grit of hard work and relentless discipline.鈥� By 1^st Class year, he stated, 鈥淎gain you are heated up and tested in ways you didn鈥檛 think possible. However, this is necessary, because the remaining impurities are being removed. The final quenching has occurred, and the blade is sharpened and adorned with a beautiful handle and pommel. You finish your last final exam, and successfully hand off any remaining responsibilities, and savor those final lasting memories with your BRs.鈥�

He concluded, 鈥淭oday, my friends, you have made it! You are fully adorned VMI-hardened blades prepared for duty in the military, academia, or in the civilian world. I am convinced you have made it through the most difficult college in the country. Regardless of the path we have chosen, we have all gone through the 麻豆传媒入口forge together; symbolized by the numbers 2026 on our rings. Take pride in this brotherhood, and the fact that you have excelled through this forging process together.鈥�

Maurer served as cadre corporal and first sergeant for Echo Company. He was a member of the Honor Court and was inducted into the Omicron Delta Kappa and Tau Beta Pi honor societies. He is the son of Robert and Tessa Maurer, and commissioned into the Army as an aviation officer.

A Unified Class        

Maximus Ankrah, president of the class, also shared farewell remarks to his brother rats. He pointed out that throughout their cadetship there have been two 麻豆传媒入口superintendents, two commandants, two governors of Virginia, and two presidents of the United States. 鈥淣o matter who鈥檚 at the top, no matter who鈥檚 calling the shots, no matter the circumstance, we鈥檙e able to maintain our integrity and brotherhood as a class, bringing us closer and stronger together.鈥�

He talked of multiple events the class experienced over their four years together that created the strong bond of brotherhood, including the recent Virginia General Assembly action effecting VMI.  鈥淭oward the end of February, when legislative bills threatened our school, arguably one of the most unifying memories of our cadetship, it was the leaders of this class, and the support of this class, that changed the trajectory in a positive way.鈥�

Ankrah reminded the graduates that through all the successes and challenges of being 麻豆传媒入口cadets, they have truly mastered the system and are more than ready to graduate. 鈥淚f you can make it through the toughest, hardest, grittiest military school in our nation, you can make it through anything. I have no doubt that you鈥檒l find yourself to be more than worthy contributors to VMI鈥檚 rich legacy of honor and service. As long as you remember the credo that has been instilled in us since we were rats, 鈥楨verything鈥檚 earned, not given,鈥� and you always justify the space you occupy, you will no longer succeed within the walls of barracks, you will succeed within the limitless horizons that the world has to offer.鈥� Ankrah then introduced Spanberger who was warmly welcomed to the lectern.

Paths to Achievements

Spanberger thanked 麻豆传媒入口for the honor of being the commencement speaker, and expressed gratitude to the cadets for participating in her inauguration parade in January. 鈥淵ou might remember me as the person expressively trying to tell you something as you marched by, keeping straight faces, as you realized that my microphone wasn鈥檛 working, as I was desperately trying to grant amnesty,鈥� she quipped.

The governor read aloud VMI鈥檚 mission, 鈥樷�溌槎勾饺肟� believes that the measure of a college lies in the quality and performance of its graduates and their contributions to society. Therefore, it is the mission of 麻豆传媒入口 to produce educated, honorable men and women prepared for the very work of civil life, imbued with love of learning, confident in the functions and attitudes of leadership, possessing a high sense of public service, advocates of the American Democracy and free enterprise system, and ready as citizen-soldiers to defend their country in times of national peril.鈥� That is what makes this place special. That is your charge, Class of 2026, to set forth on a path wherein you will make contributions to our society.鈥�

She described her own career path and admitted that it did not proceed exactly how she had planned. 鈥淣o path is a straight line. Sometimes the windings of paths will get you exactly where you are supposed to be.鈥� She offered an example of successfully following a blind path during a training exercise she went through early in her career with the CIA. She and her colleagues were tasked to get from point A to point B alone, but all at once in the dark of night, in a wooded area, using only a compass. She set her compass bearing, not knowing where she was going, or what she would walk through. She found herself trudging through a swamp, but instead of turning back, she kept going and finally arrived at her destination. 鈥淭he point of that exercise wasn鈥檛 the destination, it was proving to ourselves that we could do hard, strange, sometimes confusing things, that when the path got genuinely difficult, we wouldn鈥檛 turn back. You all have many stories of perseverance to choose from, and on your hardest days, you will be able to draw on the memories of what you have achieved, survived, and been through.鈥�

She acknowledged that the cadets are entering a world with significant challenges. 鈥淵ou鈥檙e the products of an academic institution that has been preparing leaders for more than 180 years. I have every confidence that you will leave Lexington, not just ready to adapt to the world as you find it, but ready to use your talents to do your part to make it better.鈥�

She concluded enthusiastically with, 鈥淚 do have one last order of business to attend to, and thankfully the microphone is working this time.鈥� She then granted amnesty to those cadets with unserved penalty tours and confinement, to which the Corps, mostly the 4^th Class cadets in attendance, broke out in raucous cheers.     

Awards Bestowed

Three awards are traditionally given at VMI鈥檚 May commencement exercises. The First Jackson-Hope Medal for highest attainment in scholarship, accompanied by The Commander Harry Millard Mason Academic Proficiency Award, went to Macallister Jennings Clark.

Receiving the Second Jackson-Hope Medal, for second highest attainment in scholarship, accompanied by The Colonel Sterling Murray Heflin 1916 Academic Proficiency Award, was Sebastien Patrick Chicas.

Nolan James Savard, received The Society of the Cincinnati Medal, for efficiency of service and excellence of character, accompanied by The Richard J. Marshall and Sumter L. Lowry Awards.

The presentation of candidates for degrees was delivered by Brig. Gen. Robert W. Moreschi, dean of the faculty and deputy superintendent for academics, followed by the conferring of degrees by Furness, then a benediction was offered by Col. John P. Casper 鈥�04, Institute chaplain.

Kimlong Nguyen 鈥�27, the new regimental commander, relieved the Class of 2026 of their duties as they cheered and engaged in the time-honored tossing of their gloves followed by an Old Yell and singing of 鈥淭he Spirit.鈥�

25^th Anniversary of Women Graduates

Sarah Woosley, a graduate who served as 2^nd Battalion commander over the past academic year, shared when she first chose to attend VMI, she was a little intimidated by the male to female ratio. 鈥淗owever, during my first few weeks as a rat, I quickly realized I was surrounded by strong female leaders. I looked up to those women and have worked to become the kind of leader that someone else can look up to. The women before me deserve credit for my success because their courage and perseverance paved the way for me to succeed. To downplay being a female at 麻豆传媒入口is to overlook the accomplishments and sacrifices of the women who fought to earn their place at VMI.鈥� 

One of those women who came before Woosley is Institute physician, Dr. Melissa S. Krawiec 鈥�01. In recalling her own commencement, Krawiec stated she is fiercely proud to be a member of the first graduating class of female cadets from VMI. 鈥淎s a class, we overcame some significant obstacles and certainly our story is one of survival, but also of thriving. For me, graduating from 麻豆传媒入口meant that I had accomplished the biggest goal I鈥檇 ever set for myself in my life. I will tell anyone who asks that 麻豆传媒入口was a difficult place to be, but a fantastic place to be from.鈥�

The post Commencement Held for Class of 2026 appeared first on 麻豆传媒入口.