Mary Kate du Laney, Author at Virginia Military Institute

Commencement Held for Class of 2026

The sun shone brilliantly May 17 as Virginia Military Institute held its commencement ceremony in Cameron Hall and conferred degrees on the Class of 2026. The ceremony was livestreamed for family and friends who could not attend the event in person.

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 “Pomp and Circumstance” 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’ First Class of Graduates

In his commencement address following his first academic year as VMI superintendent, Lt. Gen. David Furness ’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, “You 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.”

Lt. Gen. David Furness ’87 addresses graduates during Commencement. — Lt. Gen. David Furness ’87 addresses his first class of graduates as superintendent in Cameron Hall. –VMI Photo by H. Lockwood McLaughlin.

Furness closed by noting that through the VMI Alumni Association’s 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 VMI cadet experience, and quoted from the valedictorian speech of Jonathan Daniels ’61, the alumnus Episcopal seminarian who sacrificed his own life to protect that of another. “We have been blasted by the fire in order to be tempered in mind and spirit.” Maurer compared a young matriculant to a rough, sharp-edged block of steel immediately thrown into a world of controlled chaos, confusion, and stress. “Before you know it, you are bald and wondering if you’ve 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.” 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. “But the process is far from over. You return to VMI and are immediately thrown into the fire again,” 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. “Now, 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.” By the time a cadet reaches the 2^nd Class year, with more responsibilities and academic demands, the blade is placed against the grinder. “The 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.” By 1^st Class year, he stated, “Again you are heated up and tested in ways you didn’t 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.”

He concluded, “Today, 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 VMI 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.”

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 VMI superintendents, two commandants, two governors of Virginia, and two presidents of the United States. “No matter who’s at the top, no matter who’s calling the shots, no matter the circumstance, we’re able to maintain our integrity and brotherhood as a class, bringing us closer and stronger together.”

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. “Toward 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.”

Ankrah reminded the graduates that through all the successes and challenges of being VMI cadets, they have truly mastered the system and are more than ready to graduate. “If 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’ll find yourself to be more than worthy contributors to VMI’s rich legacy of honor and service. As long as you remember the credo that has been instilled in us since we were rats, ‘Everything’s earned, not given,’ 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.” Ankrah then introduced Spanberger who was warmly welcomed to the lectern.

As long as you remember the credo that has been instilled in us since we were rats, ‘Everything’s earned, not given,’ 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.
Maximus Ankrah ’26, 1st Class president

Paths to Achievements

Spanberger thanked VMI for the honor of being the commencement speaker, and expressed gratitude to the cadets for participating in her inauguration parade in January. “You 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’t working, as I was desperately trying to grant amnesty,” she quipped.

The governor read aloud VMI’s mission, ‘“Virginia Military Institute 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 Virginia Military Institute 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.’ 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.”

She described her own career path and admitted that it did not proceed exactly how she had planned. “No path is a straight line. Sometimes the windings of paths will get you exactly where you are supposed to be.” 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. “The point of that exercise wasn’t 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’t 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.”

She acknowledged that the cadets are entering a world with significant challenges. “You’re 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.”

She concluded enthusiastically with, “I do have one last order of business to attend to, and thankfully the microphone is working this time.” 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’s 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 ’04, Institute chaplain.

Kimlong Nguyen ’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 “The Spirit.”

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. “However, 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 VMI is to overlook the accomplishments and sacrifices of the women who fought to earn their place at VMI.”

One of those women who came before Woosley is Institute physician, Dr. Melissa S. Krawiec ’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. “As a class, we overcame some significant obstacles and certainly our story is one of survival, but also of thriving. For me, graduating from VMI meant that I had accomplished the biggest goal I’d ever set for myself in my life. I will tell anyone who asks that VMI was a difficult place to be, but a fantastic place to be from.”

Cadets embrace after receiving their diplomas. — Julia Ward ’26 congratulates her brother rats with celebratory hugs at the conclusion of the commencement ceremony. –VMI Photo by H. Lockwood McLaughlin.

VMI Commissions Military Officers

Virginia Military Institute commissioned nearly 140 cadets into the armed services at the annual Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) joint commissioning ceremony May 15 in Cameron Hall. The ceremony was livestreamed for family and friends who could not attend the event in person.

Gen. Christopher J. Mahoney, 13^th vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the nation’s second highest-ranking military officer, who arrived to post by helicopter, offered the commissioning officer remarks and administered the oath of office to the cadets beginning their journey of military service as second lieutenants in the U.S. Air Force, Army, and Marine Corps, and as ensigns in the Coast Guard and Navy.

Lt. Gen. David Furness ’87, who just completed his first academic year as the Institute’s 16^th superintendent, welcomed the nation’s newest military officers, their friends and families, faculty and staff, and members of the Corps of Cadets to the ceremony. He thanked the ROTC officers, cadre, and staff who were instrumental in teaching and mentoring the young officers, and acknowledged all the veterans and current military members in the audience. “We appreciate the sacrifices you have made and the leadership you have shown. These cadets are following in your footsteps because of the examples you have set,” he said.

Furness reminded the commissioning cadets that VMI has prepared them to face any challenge or adversary, and how honor, courage, and commitment have been instilled in them. “These fundamentals will serve you well for the rest of your life. The time has come for you to take the next step in your careers and serve our great nation.”

He shared three habits he was advised to adhere to when he was a young officer. “First, embrace lifelong learning. You must continually increase your knowledge through practice and self-study. Second, stay physically fit. You will find that when stress arrives, you will be better disciplined to persevere when you are fit, and always remember that a strong mind never grows in a weak body. Last, but most importantly, you must take care of those you lead. Whether in the military, the civilian sector, or your family, people will depend on you to be an ethical and reliable source of strength, to teach, coach, and mentor those you are responsible for.” He congratulated the cadets on attaining a commission, voiced his pride of them, thanked them for making the decision to serve in the military, and wished them Godspeed.

Furness then introduced Mahoney as a great friend and noted their paths crossed many times throughout their careers. Mahoney graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, with a bachelor’s degree in economics, and commissioned into the Marine Corps. He has served as a pilot with the Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron known as the “Bengals,” as well as the fighter squadrons known as the “Werewolves,” the “Crusaders,” and the “Bats.” He has held command at the squadron, group, and wing levels. He is a graduate of the Weapons and Tactics Instructor Course, the Marine Division Tactics Course, and the Navy Fighter Weapons School commonly known as TOPGUN. He holds two master’s degrees. One from the University of Canberra in Australia, and one from Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama, both with the highest academic distinction.

Mahoney shared he was honored and humbled to speak at VMI, which he described as hallowed ground. To the commissionees, he stated that the era of America’s uncontested dominance is over. “The adversaries you face are capable. They are hungry, and they’re watching you. You’re about to be handed the greatest responsibility the nation can bestow.” He told them they will be tested. “The enemy will jam your communications. Your screens will go black. You will not be able to call higher headquarters for permission. You will not be able to call in a medical evacuation. Will you freeze? Will you wait for perfect information? What will you do? Answering that question will require everything you have. It will require the lessons of this great institution that is built on unrivaled tradition, and these traditions over time have become legend.” Mahoney then cited legendary VMI alumni like Lt. Gen. Chesty Puller, VMI Class of 1921; Lt. Gen. Charles Kilbourne, VMI Class of 1894; Maj. Gen. William Upshur, VMI Class of 1902; and Gen. Lemuel Shepherd, VMI Class of 1917; who all faced dire situations in battle, but instead of hesitating or panicking, they relied on the steel VMI put in their spines. “They did not shrink from violence. They stepped into the breach.” He warned the new officers that because these VMI legendary ghosts set such a high standard, the military has high expectations of VMI graduates. “When a commander sees a VMI ring on a finger, they don’t see a recent college graduate, they see the ghosts of VMI. They expect you to be unbreakable, they expect you to lead from the front, and they expect you to navigate chaos without losing your bearing. Virginia Military Institute has given you the discipline and uncompromised standard. The rest is up to you. The ghosts of VMI are watching you. Our adversaries are preparing for you. What will you do?”

He then asked the commissioning cadets to stand as he administered the oath of office. Afterward, the brother rats gave each other congratulatory hugs as the audience applauded and cheered.

Following the ceremony, the separate military branches conducted individual pin-on ceremonies at various locations on post. It was there that the newly commissioned officers followed a tradition of presenting a silver dollar to the active service member or veteran from whom they received their first salute.

According to Capt. Megan Taylor, assistant professor of military science for the Army ROTC George C. Marshall Battalion—formerly known as the Blue Ridge Battalion—at VMI. Many were exemplary, but two were prominent: James Aldinger, an international studies major from Arlington, Virginia; and Matthew Kleinschuster, an applied mathematics major from Richmond, Virginia. “Aldinger served as the Ranger Challenge platoon leader responsible for the training and preparation of the Ranger Challenge team. Under his leadership, the team successfully competed at Exercise Cambrian Patrol in Wales in the United Kingdom; at the 4th Brigade Ranger Challenge at Fort Pickett, Virginia; and at the Sandhurst Military Skills Competition at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. His ability to coordinate training, planning, and logistics for local, national, and international competitions far exceeded the traditional cadet experience. He ranked within the top 1% of cadets nationwide and is branching in the infantry. Kleinschuster served as battalion commander and was responsible for the oversight, accountability, and training of four companies and more than 1,000 VMI cadets. He had the single greatest impact on the Army ROTC mission and overall success of the battalion over the past year. Through his leadership, work ethic, and very impressive GPA, Kleinschuster earned the distinction of being ranked the No. 8 cadet in the nation and was selected to branch in explosive ordnance disposal,” Taylor said.

Lt. Cmdr. Tom Campbell, naval science instructor for Naval ROTC, designated two cadets who commissioned into the Navy and two who commissioned into the Marine Corps as truly outstanding. Macallister Clark, a mechanical engineering major from Saint Michael, Minnesota, was a four-year national scholarship recipient, and retained a 4.0 four-year GPA. He was selected to be commissioned as a Naval reactors engineer (NRE), an elite technical officer who manages the lifecycle of Navy nuclear propulsion plants. The last year a VMI cadet commissioned as NRE was 2017.

Nicole Samella, an electrical and computer engineering major from Virginia Beach, Virginia, was a four-year national scholarship recipient, maintained a superior GPA and high physical fitness scores, and served as the NROTC battalion commander. As the top ranked surface warfare officer in the nation, she was handpicked to transfer into the Navy Engineering Duty Officer program.

Kern Aughinbaugh, a biology major from San Marcos, California, served as the Marine Company commanding officer and advisor for the NROTC Bulldog Program, helping prepare candidates for the physical requirements of the Marine Officer Candidate School. Moreover, he served the Corps as Golf Company commander in the regiment. Devin Auzenne, a history major from Opelousas, Louisiana, was a four-year national scholarship recipient. In addition to serving the Corps as regimental commanding officer, he also was an advisor for the NROTC Bulldog Program. Both Aughinbaugh and Auzenne will go to The Basic School in Quantico, Virginia.

Col. Eric Steele, commander of Air Force ROTC, cited two cadets as exceptional. Reese Lassiter, a mechanical engineering and physics double major from Louisa, Virginia, has earned the coveted Distinguished Graduate (DG) award—established to recognize the top 10% of commissioning cadets—from AFROTC. “He’s been a standout cadet his entire time in our program, winning national awards and earning recognition through several highly competitive military training courses. He will be attending undergraduate pilot training at Columbus Air Force Base in Mississippi after commissioning,” said Steele.

Hannah Buttner, an international studies major from Williamsburg, Virginia, successfully completed a leadership tour as Cadet Wing commander last fall. “Competing through a highly rigorous process at the national level, she was also selected to attend Green Flag-West at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada, and at Fort Irwin, California, where she gained broad exposure to Air Force and Army joint air-to-ground operations in a real-world training environment. She is this year’s recipient of the Captain John W. Kennedy ’69 Award for sustained excellence throughout her time as a cadet. She will attend intelligence officer training at Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, Texas,” Steele explained.

According to Command Sgt. Maj. Suzanne Rubenstein, director of cadet activities and VMI liaison for the Coast Guard Auxiliary University Program, one cadet who commissioned in the Coast Guard. Shane McKenna, an international studies major from Salt Point, New York, served as commander for the AUP and was Foxtrot Company executive officer.

Memorial Parade

Earlier in the day the Memorial Parade was held, commemorating the bravery and sacrifice of all alumni who died on the field of honor including the Mexican-American War, the American Civil War, the Spanish-American War, World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam War, the Marine Barracks in Lebanon, the Persian Gulf War, and the Global War on Terrorism. The large garrison flags were flown at half-staff, by order of Gov. Abigail Spanberger, in memory and respect of Peace Officers’ Memorial Day, a fitting backdrop as all 591 alumni names were somberly read by Stone Gardner ’28, Sophia Lurey ’28, Garrett Maye ’28, and Jamie Rodriguez ’28. A wreath was laid at the foot of the monument, “Virginia Mourning Her Dead,” as well as at the three barracks arches. A prayer led by Col. John P. Casper ’04, Institute chaplain, was followed by the firing of a three-volley salute. A stirring echo rendition of “Taps” was played by Louis Marangoni ’27 and resonated by Khaidan Piedmonte ’28, followed by the Pipe Band leading the Regimental Band in an emotional delivery of “Amazing Grace.” Col. Lawrence “Ley” Havird ’90, commandant, was joined by Furness in taking review of the parade as the Corps marched from the Parade Ground down Letcher Avenue and ending in barracks.

ECE Cadets Aid Disabled Veteran with Capstone Project

Eight 1st Class cadets majoring in electrical and computer engineering (ECE) at Virginia Military Institute recently presented their capstone project after working on it throughout the academic year. According to Col. David Feinauer, professor in the Department of ECE, the engineering capstone experience is an important milestone and prepares the cadets for their future careers.

“Our cadets applied engineering design to meet real human needs,” Feinauer said as he described the project. “They worked in two teams and developed both custom hardware as well as software to transform an over-the-bed workstation platform into a smart home-integrated, more accessible, user-centered assistive technology that enhances independence and everyday comfort. Their effort on this project provided a meaningful example of the service embedded in a VMI education and the power of engineering with purpose.”

Their effort on this project provided a meaningful example of the service embedded in a VMI education and the power of engineering with purpose.
Col. David Feinauer, professor in the Department of ECE

The cadets’ work was for the benefit of Jeremy Davis, a disabled and bedridden Army veteran living in Maine. He sustained damage to his nervous system and internal organs during a service-related injury. Rehabilitation engineers at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia, provided Davis with a motorized over-the-bed workstation allowing him to use a computer from bed. The cadets worked to make the workstation more accessible by allowing him to control the position of the monitor and keyboard directly from his computer or phone.

Davis was connected to VMI through Project S.E.R.V.E. (PS), a national nonprofit founded to engineer personalized solutions for veterans and emergency responders, enhancing their quality of life. Steve McMillan, project manager with PS, explained the process.

“Our staff reviews hundreds of project requests we receive from veterans and emergency responders to identify those that align with our mission of working with student engineers. We also speak with capstone professors like Col. Feinauer to gauge the types of projects they are seeking. We then reach out to the requestors to discuss and assess possibilities. We currently have 27 partner universities across the country and strive to align pairing regionally. As a 501(c)(3), we are limited to a certain number of projects each year, since we depend on donations and grants to fund the projects.”

According to Nicholas Ligday ’26, project manager for the hardware team, this process was rewarding. “This wasn’t just an academic project, but one someone will use on a daily basis, and definitely a crowning achievement of my cadetship. We were able to help someone in a way that will leave a lasting impression. Despite the challenges and all our other obligations at VMI, we stayed focused on helping someone else. I think it really says something about the kind of people VMI produces.”

Davis was pleased with the final results. “The cadets’ conduct and commitment gave me a great deal of confidence in the future leadership of our military. They represent the very best of what you hope to see: competent, thoughtful, and mission-focused individuals who genuinely care about the people they serve. Their ability to translate real-world user needs into practical engineering solutions speaks volumes about their training and character,” he shared.

Cadets points to a slide explaining circuit boards. — Nicholas Ligday ’26 discusses the custom hardware design his team worked on for their capstone project. –VMI Photo by Lexie West.

VMI Holds Retrospective of German Program

The Department of Modern Language and Cultures (DoMC) at Virginia Military Institute announced the suspension of the German program with the retirement of Col. Donald Sunnen, professor of German. A gathering of department members, both past and present, was held recently to observe the ending of the program and reminisce about the professors who taught German at the Institute since J.T.L. Preston in 1839. Though there was a hiatus of more than 30 years, German returned to the curriculum in 1873 and has been taught nearly continuously since.

At the event, memories were shared by Col. Travis Homiak ’95, VMI’s chief of staff, who, as a cadet, double majored in German and international studies; Maj. Charles Range ’10, who double majored in German and history; Patricia Hardin, former adjunct professor; Dr. Martin Nassua of Helmut-Schmidt-Universität in Hamburg; and Sunnen, who taught at VMI for 36 years. “I have always tried to make language real. Language opens doors and it has been my task as a teacher to encourage my students even when they make mistakes,” Sunnen shared.

Col. Abbey Carrico, professor and head of DoMC, stated, “While we do not know the future of German at VMI, we have taken time to remember its past. Through this retrospective we have shared stories and memories about the faculty and cadets who made this program what it was. We honored Col. Sunnen’s impact and influence at VMI and thanked him for his service to the department and German program.”

Homiak enjoyed seeing how many alumni were touched by the German program. “We all had an affinity for the language and the culture that initially brought us to the program, but the most impactful thing for me was seeing the connection between students across the years who shared professors like Col. Sunnen and the late Col. Siegfried Weing, who taught me and pushed me to excel and expand my horizons. When I think about the professors who made a difference for me at VMI, I think of him most of all. Aside from commissioning as a Marine officer, the German program was the high point of my education at VMI.”

Colin Nicassio ’26 will essentially be the last cadet to graduate with a minor in German when he receives his diploma. “Col. Sunnen was a fantastic professor, and there is a close-knit group of German speakers at VMI. The curriculum may not be here next year, but I know that German will always be spoken on post,” he said.

VMI Pipe Band Takes Honors in Savannah

The Virginia Military Institute Pipe Band won first place at the 48^th annual Savannah Scottish Games and Celtic Festival, a celebration of Scottish heritage in Savannah, Georgia, May 2.

Chuck Bohannon, director of piping & drumming at the Savannah Scottish Games, reported two pipe bands competed against VMI. Charleston Pipe Band from Charleston, South Carolina, won second place; and the Savannah Pipes and Drums took third place.

In addition, there were individual competitions in which VMI cadets were victorious. For solo piping grade 5 march A competition, Ben Bowen ’26 won first place; Byron Rivey ’26, second place; David Cooper ’28, third place; and Roy Fullmer ’29, fourth place. For solo piping grade 5 march B competition, Alden Rhodes ’26 won first place; Xinwen Mai ’29, second place; Thor Alewine ’26, third place; and Julia Ward ’26, fourth place. For solo piping grade 4, William Bolay ’26 received fourth place. For solo snare drumming grade 5 competition, Khang Lai ’29 won first place; Thomas Sasso ’27, second place; and Harrison Sloane ’27, fourth place. For solo snare drumming grade 4, Connor Wolfe ’26 won first place. For solo tenor drumming grade 5 competition, Kira Brenaman ’26 won first place; and Sloan Roberts ’29, second place. For solo bass drum grade 5, Brenaman won first place; Erick Rymer ’28, third place; and Stephen Underwood ’29, fourth place.

Maj. Brian Donaldson, director of the VMI Pipe Band, was justifiably pleased with the band’s performance. “There is an appropriate Gaelic word to use when describing the Pipe Band’s accomplishments in Savannah. It’s ‘ceannas,’ which means to dominate. The band played extremely well, and all cadets performed their best, both in the band competition and in the solos. They all flew the flag high for VMI and proudly recited the Old Yell when the results of the competitions were announced,” he shared.

Brenaman, a 1^st Class cadet, came to VMI with no musical experience and is grateful to have had the opportunity to be a member of the Pipe Band. “I learned to play the bass drum and the Scottish tenor drum, as the Pipe Band had not had a tenor drummer in over five years. We now have a growing tenor group and have had numerous opportunities to compete and perform across the East Coast. The pipe band community is truly like no other.”

Lai, a 4^th Class cadet, has been drumming for nearly 10 years, and has played in a marching band and jazz band, but this is the first year he has played in a pipe band. “As a 4^th Class cadet, winning 1^st place in the competition is a great feeling. Everyone in the Pipe Band has a great work ethic. Maj. Donaldson makes a great effort to push us beyond our limits and is very inspiring,” he said.

CyDef Lab Offers Workshops for Middle and High School Students

The Virginia Military Institute Cyber Defense Laboratory (CyDef) will host its annual CyberSmart workshop for middle school students, Monday, June 8 through Thursday, June 11, and for high school students, Monday June 15 through Thursday, June 18 in Marshall Hall on post. Hours will be from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day. No experience is required, but students must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to attend.

These workshops are offered at no cost to students and are sponsored by a grant from the Department of Defense. Each day will include team-based, hands-on projects, intriguing demonstrations and instruction, and mentoring from VMI cyber captains. Students will acquire knowledge of cybersecurity attacks and defense; develop skills to detect, identify, and mitigate attacks; and demonstrate the ability to analyze problems and build solutions.

Students will leave the program with a certificate of completion, as well as opportunities to be involved with future VMI CyDef events and projects. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks will be provided each day. Students do not need to bring their own computers or other devices, as laptops will be provided.

Registration is open until Friday, May 15, or until all spots are filled.

For more information contact Pamela Waldron at waldronpj@vmi.edu

Chinese Language Teachers Gather at VMI

Virginia Military Institute hosted the spring 2026 Workshop of the Chinese Language Teachers Association of Virginia (CLTA-VA) April 11.

CLTA-VA is one of 22 regional affiliates of the national CLTA, dedicated to advancing the teaching of Chinese language and culture. Its mission is to promote quality teaching and learning at all levels, to support the professional growth and career development of Chinese language teachers, and to encourage collaboration and exchange among educators. Each year, the organization holds two workshops that bring together teachers who instruct kindergarten through a four-year bachelor’s degree (K-16).

Dr. Laura Xie, associate professor of Chinese in the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures (DoMC) and organizer of the workshop hosted at VMI, said, “We welcomed 18 K-16 Chinese language teachers from across Virginia and Washington, D.C. We had instructors from the University of Virginia, Washington and Lee University, the International Center for Language Studies, and several college preparatory and high schools. Three speakers led sessions on topics such as artificial intelligence in language teaching, digital tools for interactive learning, communicative language pedagogy, and innovative curriculum design. In addition to the sessions and workshops, our cadets played a big role in making the day run smoothly. They helped with logistics, greeted guests, and represented VMI well. We also had the chance to take our visitors on a tour of the post. Many of them found the tour especially memorable.”

Col. Abbey Carrico, professor and head of DoMC, stated the department was happy to host the conference for the first time at VMI.

“This group of Chinese educators shared teaching strategies and built connections across schools. Dr. Xie did a fabulous job coordinating this event and showcasing VMI’s dedication to language and cultural development in cadets.”

VMI offers both a major and minor in Chinese through DoMC. Currently there are 10 cadets majoring and eight minoring in the language.

Participants of the CLTA-VA workshop show their support for VMI in front of Scott Shipp Hall. –Photo courtesy of Dr. Laura Xie.

Kendal Residents Help VMI Psych Majors with Research

Col. Sara Whipple, professor in the Department of Psychology at Virginia Military Institute, recently accompanied cadets in her Developmental Psychology course to Kendal at Lexington, a retirement community, to interview older adults and complete a paper about the experience. This is the second year Whipple has collaborated with Kendal on the project.

Whipple explained, “The primary purpose of this project was to provide opportunities for these 12 cadets, all majoring in psychology, to put into practice what they have learned in class regarding qualitative research techniques, specifically interviews, while simultaneously applying theories of older adulthood.” Over the course of two lab periods, pairs of cadets interviewed Kendal residents using a set of questions addressing significant personal events and accomplishments, cultural changes, historical events, and problems around the world.

“The questions I prepared were intended to provide structure and standardization to the interviews. However, with the goal of having meaningful conversation and to get to know each other, both cadets and Kendal residents were free to ‘go off script’ and ask follow-up questions or curiosities of their own,” said Whipple.

Cameron Jones ’27 and Daniel Moon ’27 enjoy chatting over lunch with Kendal residents, Marise Craig and Paul Cormier. –Photo courtesy of Dianne Herrick.

Dianne Herrick, a Kendal board member and resident of 13 years, helped recruit the adult volunteers for the project. Herrick, like Whipple, strongly believes in the value of intergenerational communication and face-to-face dialogue. “Sitting down for a few hours chatting with cadets has been very popular among Kendal residents. It was a good contemplative exercise for both seniors reflecting on their lives, and cadets looking forward to the start of their careers.”

Cameron Jones ’27 said it was an honor and privilege to speak to the Kendal residents.

“I found each conversation incredibly meaningful. I think this is something that all VMI cadets would enjoy and benefit from. I would like to go back to Kendal, even on my own, prior to graduation next spring. I felt the residents enjoyed our visits as much as we did.”

Olivia Hurd ’27 is thankful she was involved with the project.

“Getting the opportunity to dive deep into what has shaped a person’s life is something I will never forget. The residents were kind and caring, and were happy to talk with us about their lives. In addition to conversation, they also gave advice and perspectives on things I never thought about before.”

With all the positive feedback Whipple received from cadets and residents, she plans to continue the project during the next academic year.

VMI Announces Speakers for May 2026 Ceremonies

Virginia Military Institute has announced the speakers who will address the Class of 2026 in May. Gen. Christopher J. Mahoney, 13^th vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the nation’s second highest-ranking military officer, will address cadets beginning their journey of military service at the joint commissioning ceremony, Friday, May 15 at 2 p.m. in Cameron Hall, and the 75^th Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia and first woman elected to the position, Gov. Abigail Spanberger, will speak to the graduating cadets at commencement exercises Sunday, May 17 at 11 a.m. Both events are open to the public. The Cameron Hall clear bag policy will be in effect.

Official portrait of Abigal Spanberger, Virginia's 75th Governor,

Mahoney graduated from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1987 with a bachelor’s degree in economics, and commissioned into the Marine Corps. He completed The Basic School and Infantry Officer Course at Quantico in 1988.

After earning his qualification as an A-6E Intruder pilot, Mahoney deployed to the Indo-Pacific with the Marine All-Weather Fighter Attack Squadron known as the “Bengals.” He completed transition training to the F/A-18 Hornet, a supersonic, twin-engine jet, at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) El Toro in Orange County, California, and made multiple deployments with the “Bengals” as well as the fighter squadrons known as the “Werewolves,” the “Crusaders,” and the “Bats,” to the Indo-Pacific, Italy, and Iraq.

He has held command at the squadron, group, and wing levels. He completed a joint force tour as chief of staff of the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization at the National Training Center, Fort Irwin, California, and served as executive assistant to the deputy commandant for programs and resources at Headquarters Marine Corps (HQMC) in Arlington.

His general officer duties include 37^th assistant commandant of the Marine Corps; deputy commander, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific; director of strategy and plans at HQMC; deputy commander, U.S. Forces Japan; commanding general, 3^rd Marine Aircraft Wing; and deputy commandant for programs and resources, HQMC.

Mahoney is a graduate of the Weapons and Tactics Instructor course, the Marine Division Tactics Course, and the Navy Fighter Weapons School commonly known as TOPGUN. He served as an instructor at the Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron One at MCAS Yuma in Arizona, and has over 5,000 hours of flight time. He is also a qualified forward air controller and parachutist.

Mahoney holds two master’s degrees. One from the University of Canberra in Australia, and one from Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base in Alabama, both with the highest academic distinction.

Spanberger grew up just outside of Richmond and graduated from J.R. Tucker High School in Henrico County. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia, and later completed an MBA from a dual-degree program between Purdue University and the GISMA Business School in Germany.

Before becoming governor, Spanberger worked as a federal law enforcement officer with the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, then later as a case officer for the Central Intelligence Agency. She ran for Congress in Virginia’s Seventh Congressional District in 2018 and won three consecutive terms.

She and her husband, Adam Spanberger, a software engineer, have three daughters.

VMI Board of Visitors Approves 2026-2027 Tuition and Fees, New Officers

On Wednesday the Virginia Military Institute Board of Visitors (BOV) approved tuition and fees for the 2026-2027 academic year at their spring meeting held April 27-29. Tuition and fees will increase by 3% for both Virginia and non-Virginia cadets.

Rising costs, including a13% increase in employer health insurance rates as well as rising inflation, were cited as reasons for driving the increase.

“We try to balance the cost to cadets and families with the fiscal realities of providing a top educational experience in a time of ever-increasing costs,” said retired Marine Corps Col. Michael Dick ’77, BOV president. “We work diligently to identify other sources of funding and scholarships to continue providing exceptional educational value to cadets.”

Other board action during the meeting included voting on new officers. The VMI BOV elected Dick as board president, and Lester Johnson Jr. ’95 and Don Hall as vice presidents to fill vacancies for the remainder of the 2025-2026 term. For the 2026-2027 year, the board elected Dick as board president. William R. Janis ’84, retired Rear Adm. Terence E. McKnight ’78 and Damon Williams ’90 will serve as board vice presidents. Hall will serve as the non-alumni member of the board’s executive committee. These officers will assume their new roles July 1.

“I am humbled and honored to serve as president of the board,” said Dick. “This is an exciting time in VMI’s journey and I look forward to working with the other members of the board and the superintendent to continue our mission of producing leaders of honor and integrity.”

The next board of visitors meeting will be Sept. 21-23.

Author: Mary Kate du Laney