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Col. Jeffrey Smith, head of the Department of Economics and Business, and holder of the General Edwin Cox 1920 Institute Professorship in History and Economics at Virginia Military Institute; and Maj. Isaac Slone, assistant director of operations and training in the commandant’s office, were recognized during the Jan. 17 home basketball game against The Citadel Bulldogs in Cameron Hall.
They have been named members of the All-Southern Conference Faculty and Staff Team for the 2025-26 academic year. With two representatives chosen from each of the Southern Conference’s 10 member schools, the All-Southern Conference Faculty and Staff Team recognizes individuals who have demonstrated service to their schools and made contributions to campus life and the local community.
Michael Cross, SoCon commissioner stated, “These outstanding faculty and staff members exemplify the excellence and commitment that define the Southern Conference. Their dedication to mentorship, teaching, leadership and service, their contributions to their institutions, and their positive impact on students and communities make them truly deserving of this recognition. We are proud to celebrate each of these dedicated individuals who go above and beyond in their roles and help make each SoCon campus a special and exceptional place.”
Smith, a retired Air Force officer, is honored by the recognition.
“We are here to support all cadets. Athletes dedicate a tremendous amount of time in support of the Institute. It is my pleasure to help them as I would any other cadet.”
Smith earned his undergraduate degree from the University of South Carolina, his master’s degree from Wright State University, and his doctorate from the University of Tennessee. His research interests include market efficiency, exchange-traded products, alternative assets, investment, wealth, and retirement. He has been published in multiple journals, and has taught at VMI since 2011.
Slone, who has held various key roles throughout his 13 years at VMI, said he is grateful for the acknowledgement.
“This recognition truly reflects the strength of the team I serve on here at VMI. Our focus is on supporting cadets who face unique academic, military, and athletic demands, and our successes are the result of shared commitment and hard work.” His broad experience at VMI has equipped him with a unique perspective on leadership, team development, and operations management. He has served as Echo Company TAC officer, head coach of the rock climbing team, and director of both indoor and outdoor training facilities. A native of Roanoke, Virginia, Slone earned his undergraduate degree from Ferrum College, and an MBA from Salem University in West Virginia.
In keeping with tradition, Virginia Military Institute took part in the inauguration of the 75th governor of Virginia, Abigail Spanberger, in Richmond Jan. 17. The theme of the inauguration was “United for Virginia’s Future.” As governor, Spanberger becomes the first female commander in chief of the VMI Corps of Cadets.
While snow flurried before sunrise on the 17th, 28 buses loaded with cadets, uniforms, weapons, and musical instruments, pulled away from VMI and headed to the state capital. A small group of cadets served as ushers for the swearing-in ceremony at noon. The parade immediately followed.
The Corps appeared as the second group in the line-up, and captivated the large group of spectators gathered along Capitol Square, as they marched with precision and polish. The Regimental Band played “The Spirit,” VMI’s fight song, then completed a musical handoff to the Pipe Band who played “Shenandoah,” a song closely associated with VMI.The Corps of Cadets march with sharp precision in the governor’s inauguration parade.
As the cadets passed Spanberger, the command of “eyes right” was given, instructing the cadets to turn their heads and eyes 45 degrees to the right as a ceremonial salute to the governor. Further back in the procession, VMI’s mascot, Moe the kangaroo, charmed the crowd when he appeared with 11 other Virginia public university mascots.
To prepare for the flawless presentation VMI is renowned for, the Corps returned three days early from winter furlough to visit the post barber shop for needed trims, inspect uniforms, distribute rifles and sabers, rehearse music, and carry out practice parades. During those practices, cadets made multiple circuits down Letcher Avenue, across the Parade Ground, and back up to barracks. They rehearsed their “eyes right” to the George C. Marshall Statue.
Regimental Commander Devin Auzenne ’26 shared it was a privilege to lead the cadets in the parade.Regimental Commander Devin Auzenne ’26 leads the Corps of Cadets past the Virginia Washington Monument toward the State Capitol Building during the inauguration parade.
“It is fulfilling to prepare the Corps, then experience the well-executed performance, and knowing the entire commonwealth was able to witness it. Participating in the parade is a representation not only of the Institute’s values, such as peaceful transition of power and support of the newly elected commander in chief, but also a reminder that the Institute is staying true to its promise of developing leaders of character that go on to serve the commonwealth and nation after graduation.”
Commandant of Cadets Col. Lawrence Havird ’90, who accompanied the Corps to the inauguration, said the cadets were honored to participate in the transition of governance from Gov. Glenn Youngkin to Spanberger.
“The Corps of Cadets took pride in the opportunity to showcase its military precision and discipline to their new commander in chief. We look forward to Governor Spanberger visiting post sometime soon so she can see first-hand how the VMI mission benefits the Commonwealth of Virginia and why the Institute is such a special place.”
The pistol club at Virginia Military Institute closed out a successful fall 2025 season in December, after competing in two national-level competitions sanctioned by USA Shooting, the national governing body for international shooting sports in the United States.
Early in the month, the club hosted two of USA Shooting’s Junior Olympics (JO) qualifiers at VMI. Team members participated in the .22 caliber sport pistol and air pistol events. Jamie Palacio ’27 led the team in the .22 caliber event, setting a personal record with a score of 518. Varick Nitzsche ’29 led the team in the air pistol event with a personal record of 525.
Notably, Sheng-Chun Tseng ’29 set a personal best in his first competitive match with a score of 425. The team’s scores were sent to USA Shooting for consideration in the JO rankings and invitation to the 2026 JO competitions.
In mid-December, three club members, Palacio, Chase Boucher ’27, and Kate Patrick ’27 traveled to Camp Perry, Ohio, for USA Shooting’s winter air gun championship. During the match, all three posted personal records in air pistol.
According to head coach Dale Hybl ’94, Patrick placed 11th and Palacio placed 20th of the 24 shooters in the women’s category. Boucher placed 12th of the 17 shooters in the men’s category.
“I’m exceptionally proud of the team’s growth this semester. In the five formal matches during the semester, the nine members achieved new personal records 25 times. We will spend January and February preparing for the Intercollegiate Pistol National Championship being held in Columbia, Missouri, in March.”
A Virginia Military Institute 4th Class cadet, Caoilinn McLane, had the honor of introducing the First Lady of the United States when she arrived to Children’s National Hospital (CNH) in Washington, D.C. for her holiday visit in December. According to the CNH website, Melania Trump read a holiday story to a group of children and their families; sat with patients at their bedside; posed for photos; and spent time with nurses, doctors, and support staff. Her visit renewed a tradition that dates back to 1945 when First Lady Bess Truman called on families who could not spend their holidays at home.
McLane, an international studies major from Aldie, Virginia, was originally diagnosed with childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML), an aggressive cancer of the blood and bone marrow, when she was 15 years old. She was treated at CNH—50 miles away from her home—as an inpatient, so the hospital became her residence for nearly a year. She returned home to restart her teenage life, but had a relapse a year later, and returned to CNH.
“I had to go back and endure all of the aggressive chemo I had before, in addition to total body and cranial radiation, as well as a bone marrow transplant.” After receiving the transplant from a bone marrow donor found through the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP) registry, McLane was able to return home again and try to pick up with her life. In March 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic was raging and she was preparing to graduate high school, the cancer returned. “At that time, the survival rate of relapsing leukemia was less than 10% and there wasn’t a set medical protocol for treatment. My options were palliative care or participating in a medical trial. I had to research a bunch of trials. I could only be in one, and the doctors were not allowed to advise me, so I had to choose. I was treated with more chemotherapy, radiation, and another transplant. After the transplant, I participated in the RESOLVE trial and I have remained cancer free since the second transplant.”
Though her cancer has been in remission for over five years, McLean has suffered from late-term side effects. Six months before matriculating at VMI, she had a total hip replacement, and prior to that, she had four other major joint surgeries.
It was during her original stay at CNH in 2017 that McLean first met Trump. The hospital opened the Bunny Mellon Healing Garden, named after late philanthropist and horticulturalist Rachel “Bunny” Lambert Mellon, and dedicated to the First Ladies of the United States. “I was in a wheelchair at the time, so they pushed me up on the stage, and I spoke about what the garden would mean to patients. The First Lady and I, along with some other patients, planted a few flowers to start the garden. It was really special. Every time I’ve seen her, she spends a lot of time talking one-on-one to patients and families. She’s truly genuine and gracious. She cares and she’s very sweet with all of the kids.” After that initial meeting, Trump called McLane a few times during her treatment to check on her. McLane has also received personalized greeting cards from her throughout the years.
Fast forward to last November, when McLean heard again from CNH.
“They tried to call me, but VMI rats don’t have cell phones, so they called my mother and told her they wanted me to come back for a holiday event with somebody special. They wouldn’t reveal what the event was or who the special person was, but I was pretty confident I knew,” she said laughing. “I was honored and touched Melania remembered me and wanted me to come back. I felt very special. The holiday event itself was small and intimate. An official White House photograph was taken of the First Lady with me, and we chatted. She remembered I played soccer, and she asked about my mom.”
Attending VMI had been McLane’s goal before she got sick, and admits the physical demands and struggles VMI throws at all the rats, poses additional challenges for her.
“The VMI values like grit, commitment, dedication to service, and giving it your all — even on the hard days — is what got me here, and is getting me through the Rat Line. I’m not giving up on myself or my goal. I’m determined to finish the Rat Line and graduate from VMI.” She is excelling academically, and made the fall semester dean’s honor list.
McLane is a goalkeeper on VMI’s women’s soccer team. The team’s head coach, Jim Robbins, reported she was a walk-on player last fall. “Caoilinn has worked very hard to get her soccer fitness and strength back. She is all heart, commitment, and dedication, and has a no-quit attitude.”
An alumna of John Champe High School, she is the daughter of Elizabeth “Lybbi” McLane, and has two younger brothers. Following graduation, she hopes to work in government intelligence.
According to NMDP’s website, every three to four minutes, someone in the United States is diagnosed with a blood cancer. Bone marrow donors are urgently needed. The process to become a donor is easy. Anyone between the ages of 18 and 35, who meets the residential and health eligibility may join the registry. For more information on how to become a donor, go here.
The Society for Historians of the Early American Republic (SHEAR), an association of scholars dedicated to exploring the events and the meaning of United States history between 1776 and 1861, recently named Lt. Col. Mark Boonshoft, associate professor in the Department of History and holder of the Conrad M. Hall ’65 Chair in American Constitutional History at Virginia Military Institute, co-editor of their quarterly publication, Journal of the Early Republic (JER). Lt. Col. Mark Boonshoft, associate professor in the Department of History.
His term as co-editor will be for five years beginning at the conclusion of the July SHEAR conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Additionally, VMI will be recognized as a sponsor of JER — the first liberal arts college to serve in that capacity since the journal was first published in 1981 — and many cadets will be given the opportunity to help with the editorial work.
Originally from New York, Boonshoft attended the University at Buffalo-SUNY where he majored in history. He earned his doctorate in United States history, focusing on the era of the American Revolution and Founding, at Ohio State University.
He served as a historian at the New York Public Library (NYPL) in Manhattan where he worked on a project that digitized 50,000 pages of original manuscript sources from the late 18th century and early 19th century, wrote about history for the NYPL website, advised on exhibitions, and organized various educational programs. He also taught at Norwich University and Duquesne University and worked for a time as the executive director of the American Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies, an interdisciplinary academic organization devoted to studying the history and arts of the 18th century world.
Boonshoft’s first book, “Aristocratic Education and the Making of the American Republic” was published in 2020 by the University of North Carolina Press and was a finalist for the 2021 George Washington Book Prize. He is currently working on a book tentatively titled, “The Violent Origins of Constitutional Democracy in Revolutionary America,” using New York state as a case study.
He is also the author of two JER articles, one of which received the biennial History of Education Society Prize.
Boonshoft, who has taught at VMI since 2022, said he couldn’t be more honored and excited to serve as co-editor of the journal.
“JER has been such an important part of my professional life, at least since I was a graduate student anxiously navigating the peer-review process as a prospective author. The anonymous reviewers and the editors with whom I worked on my submissions taught me much about how to critically but supportively nurture work into publishable form. I’ve been lucky to work with JER in various capacities and look forward to navigating it through a changing historical profession and public history landscape.”
Boonshoft has served JER as contributor, book reviewer, and peer-reviewer. He was a member of the editorial board from 2021 to 2024, and currently acts as associate editor for critical engagements.
The VMI Community Theatre will hold auditions for its spring show, “1776,” Monday, Jan. 19; Tuesday, Jan. 20; Wednesday, Jan. 21; and Thursday, Jan. 22 at 7:45 p.m. in Gillis Theater located in Marshall Hall on post.
Cadets and community members may audition any of the four evenings. Multiple adult male and female roles will be cast. Those interested in auditioning should come prepared to sing a song from “1776” or another musical, and bring their own recorded accompaniment. In addition, a cold read from the provided script is required. Stage crew members are also needed. No experience is necessary for either actors or stage crew
It’s the summer of 1776, and the nation is ready to declare independence, if only the Founding Fathers can agree to do it! “1776” follows John Adams of Massachusetts, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, and Thomas Jefferson of Virginia as they attempt to convince the members of the Second Continental Congress to vote for independence from the shackles of the British monarchy by signing the Declaration of Independence. “1776” is a funny, insightful and compelling musical, putting a human face on the people determined to do the right thing for a fledgling nation in their own way.
Performances of “1776” are scheduled for Friday, April 17 through Sunday, April 19. Rehearsals will be held Monday through Thursday 7:45-9 p.m., beginning Jan. 26. Specific nights will be determined after casting. For additional information, email the director, Tim Price at pricetr@vmi.edu.
The Virginia Military Institute Corps of Cadets will march in Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger’s inauguration parade through Capitol Square in Richmond, Saturday, Jan. 17.
The parade will start immediately following the inauguration ceremony, where a group of 20 cadets will serve as ushers. The Corps will appear as the second group in the parade line-up. Further back, VMI’s mascot, Moe the kangaroo, will appear in the parade with 11 other Virginia public university mascots.
Lt. Gen. David Furness ’87, superintendent, who marched as a cadet in the inauguration parade of Gov. Gerald Baliles in 1986, said, “VMI is proud to continue the longstanding tradition of honoring the Institute’s commander in chief by marching in the inauguration parade. The parade is one of a few milestones of our cadets’ VMI experience. We look forward to paying tribute to the new governor on this historic occasion.”
Special parade practices are scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 14 at 2 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 15 at 4 p.m., and Friday, Jan. 16 at 4 p.m. on VMI’s Parade Ground. The public is invited on post to view the practice parades.
In October, VMI Football player Kouri Crump was named the recipient of the prestigious Defender of the Nation Award. Monday Dec. 8, Crump, his family and select teammates attended the Bronko Nagurski Banquet presented by the Charlotte Touchdown Club where he was officially presented with the award.
“Back in October when I first received the award, man, obviously I was very grateful, but it was during the season I was kind of just locked in and focused on winning and I kind of really didn’t have a real understanding of how big and prestigious this award was,” Crump said. “As time got closer and closer towards the award ceremony, I learned more and more about it each day.”
The season came and went, but the veteran safety finished strong, second to only his teammate Stephen Dean III in tackles, with 83.0 on the year. Leading up to the event, Crump made sure his biggest fans would be in attendance. Bringing not only his family, but his brother rats Dean III and Tyrel Dobson.
“I really wanted my family there,” Crump said. “And on top of that, I wanted the guys who’ve been through here with the four years, who went through the rat line with me. So that’s why I brought down Stephen and Tyrel.”
Everyone got into town on Sunday, as Kouri – a Charlotte native – was able to take Dean and Dobson by his house before a dinner where the trio was able to meet NFL legends such as Mike McCoy.
“Kouri’s defender of the nation award was a great opportunity to meet some of the greats within this sport,” Dean said. “We’re happy we were able to support him while he earned this prestigious award, this is just the beginning for him.”
“It was amazing experience to be able to support your best friend in winning a prestigious award,” said Dobson. “It is not very often VMI football players are acknowledged for their success on the field. It was nice to see all his hard work and dedication pay off. It was awesome to be in uniform showing off to the world what a VMI cadet is. A lot of people we talked to never heard of VMI, so it was great to bring awareness. It was also great to show the unity that VMI builds with your teammates.”
Left to right: Stephen Dean III, Kouri Crump and Tyrel Dobson
Monday morning commenced with breakfast shared alongside none other than longtime Carolina Panthers Head Coach Ron Rivera. Later, Crump and his teammates would meet different award honorees such as Leonard Moore (Notre Dame) and Jacob Rodriguez (Texas Tech).
“I was always a Panthers fan growing up, so seeing Ron Rivera was like, oh my goodness. I was kind of starstruck a little bit, but we had good conversation,” said Crump. “We talked about the state of college football today and the NFL as well, along with Tyrel, Stephen and my father. Then I met Jacob Rodriguez and Leonard Moore during breakfast, and they were just really good people, really good men of God. It was just a blessing to meet them. They were all like-minded in the same way that they attacked football and they attacked life.”
After breakfast, there was a high school forum in which Crump, Rivera, Moore and Rodriguez were the featured speakers, giving Crump a chance to chat with prospective college athletes on his experiences.
“It was just cool to talk to those guys and allow them to pick our brains about life,” said Crump. “They’re going through a process and it’s a huge change, so it was a blessing to be able to talk to them and shout out VMI on the national stage. For me, coming home and talking to those high school kids, it was like a full-circle moment.”
From left to right: Ron Rivera, Crump, Leonard Moore, Jacob Rodriguez
After lunch and other activities came the awards banquet Monday evening, where Crump would officially be presented his Defender of the Nation trophy, giving him an opportunity to thank those who helped him along the way.
“I learned probably about a week or so before that I had to give a speech. I watched the guy from last year give a speech who did very well, so I looked at that and looked more in depth about the award,” said Crump. “The award said it was for academic excellence, athletic achievement in a military environment, which is similar to the three-legged stool. Each leg is very vital, so I made it a point to thank those closest to me, and give credit to VMI for giving me the platform to be in a position like that.”
From there it was showtime. Ballroom packed. Two VMI tables filled with Crump’s family, teammates and defensive backs coach Pat Brown.
“I want to thank Coach Brown for coming down there and showing support,” Crump said. “I really appreciate him and the Institute for everything.”
Crump’s name was called and it was his time to speak, delivering the message he had crafted in the days leading up to the event. Recognizing those who helped him along the way, and those in attendance. As the fall semester winds down, Crump has finally had a little time to reflect on the experience. The theme is the same as his speech: gratitude and blessings.
“Looking back on it, I can just say that everybody involved in the experience was amazing and they were a blessing,” said Crump. “My little brother, and all my family enjoyed this experience. They were looking around like oh, wow, this is amazing. I want to thank the Charlotte Touchdown Club for everything that they’ve done for me and just selecting me for the award. It’s just been a blessing.”
Kouri Crump and his family with the Defender of the Nation Trophy
For his career, Crump totaled 187.0 stops, 11.5 TFLs, nine passes defended, four forced fumbles and two blocked kicks. He certainly left his mark.
The December commencement ceremony at Virginia Military Institute was held Thursday, Dec. 18. Proud families and delighted friends gathered in Memorial Hall to honor 29 cadets as they were awarded their bachelor’s degrees.
At his first graduation ceremony as superintendent, Lt. Gen. David Furness ’87 welcomed the assembly, and thanked the parents for their invaluable role in raising their children and instilling in them the values, ideals, drive, and determination necessary to succeed at VMI. Furness told the graduates that the Institute is meant to be a hard and demanding school in order to prepare them for the unique situations that are difficult to predict, but assured to come. “Each of you has completed that training and are ready for the next chapter of your journey.” He congratulated them and reminded them that they are part of the VMI family, “a network of support that will last a lifetime.” Furness then introduced the keynote speaker whom he referred to as his personal friend and battle buddy, Lt. Gen. William J. Bowers ’90, deputy commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs.
Bowers, who was a VMI rat the year Furness was regimental commander, addressed the graduates with commanding enthusiasm and infectious energy. He cited one of VMI’s founders, Col. J.T.L. Preston, and his belief that the true value of a college was best determined by the character of its students and the performance of its graduates. He continued by challenging the graduates to live by Preston’s words inscribed on the parapet in Memorial Garden. “The healthful and pleasant abode of a crowd of honorable youths pressing up the hill of science with noble emulation, a gratifying spectacle, an honor to our country and our state, objects of honest pride to their instructors and fair specimens of citizen-soldiers attached to their native state, proud of her fame and ready in every time of deepest peril to vindicate her honor or defend her rights.” He clarified Preston’s message for the cadets.
“‘The healthful and pleasant abode of a crowd of honorable youths.’ You all have made fitness a part of your lifestyle. It is part of who you are. Pleasant is not normally the first word that comes to mind when you think of the VMI experience,” he said, evoking laughter from the audience, “but now we see what Preston meant. Pleasant means you have a cheerful disposition. You have resilience. The world is going to knock you down, but as a VMI graduate, you have what it takes to get back up and overcome adversity with a cheerful, pleasant disposition. You’re going to be trusted implicitly wherever you go, because you’ve lived under the most stringent and rigorous honor system anywhere in the country.
“‘Pressing up the hill of science with noble emulation.’ You’re going to be expected to press constantly uphill. You’re going to do hard jobs in hard places. You’re going to press the boundaries of science and technology. You’re not only going to meet the standards of those who have come before, but you’re going to surpass them and do it in a way that inspires.
“‘A gratifying spectacle.’ Your fellow citizens are indeed grateful that young men and women of character like you take up the challenge willingly to become part of this VMI experience, to live a harder life, and to become honorable leaders in our country and our state. Our country has always counted on VMI to produce leaders of character.
‘“Objects of honest pride to their instructors and fair specimens of citizen-soldiers.’ You’re all expected to have those positive attributes of citizen-soldiers, the selfless person whose ideal is to serve others in a democracy.
“‘Attached to their native state, proud of her fame and ready in every time of deepest peril to vindicate her honor or defend her rights.’ Now it’s probably a stretch to call the current times a time of deepest peril, but make no mistake, we are being challenged every day by those who seek to undermine and disrupt. There are significant storm clouds gathering. The people of our country and the Commonwealth of Virginia are counting on you. We are eager to see you get out there and make a difference. Congratulations.”
The presentation of candidates for degrees was delivered by Brig. Gen. Robert W. Moreschi, dean of the faculty and deputy superintendent for academics. Following the conferring of degrees by Furness, the audience gave the graduates a standing ovation as they tossed their gloves in the air, and sang “The Spirit” and “The VMI Doxology.” A reception was held afterward in the VMI Museum.
Nathalie Lavender ’26, maintained a four-year cumulative GPA at 3.5 or higher, and completed the rigorous Institute Honors program, designating her as a distinguished graduate with Institute Honors. John Moore ’26 also maintained a four-year cumulative GPA at 3.5 or higher, designating him as a distinguished graduate. John Covert ’25, Colby Evans ’25, Michael London ’25, Nicholas Sitzman ’25, Robert Priest III ’26, and Collin Shannon ’26 graduated with distinction for having maintained a four-year cumulative GPA between 3.0 and 3.499.
Bowers commissioned into the Marine Corps after graduating with distinction from VMI with a degree in history. As a cadet, he was a member of the boxing club, the Semper Fi society, the Ring Figure honor guard, and was Echo Company commander. Throughout his military career, he has served in every Marine Expeditionary Force, in every element of the Marine Air Ground Task Force, and in most parts of the supporting establishment including a variety of assignments in various locations including Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii; the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California; Camp Pendleton, California; Recruiting Station Lansing, Michigan; the Naval Command and Staff College in Newport, Rhode Island; the III Marine Expeditionary Force in Okinawa, Japan; Iraq, as a plans team leader for Multi-National Force Iraq; and Beaufort, South Carolina. After deploying with the squadron to Operation Iraqi Freedom, he relinquished command in 2009 and reported as a student to the National War College in Washington, D.C. In 2010, he reported to the Joint Staff, J-5 Directorate as the strategy concepts branch chief. From 2012 to 2015, he commanded the 6th Marine Corps District at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina. In 2017 upon selection to brigadier general, he was assigned as the president, Marine Corps University and commanding general, Education Command. In 2019, he assumed duties as commanding general, Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, on Okinawa, Japan. In August of this year, he accepted the position which he currently holds, deputy commandant for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. Bowers’ personal decorations include the Legion of Merit (with gold star), the Bronze Star, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal (with oak leaf cluster), the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (with two gold stars), the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. He was the “Combat Engineer Officer of the Year” in 1998. He is married and has three daughters.
The commencement ceremony was livestreamed and may be viewed through VMI’s YouTube channel.
The evening before commencement, the ROTC joint commissioning ceremony was held in Memorial Hall, where 17 commissioned into the Army as second lieutenants, two commissioned into the Navy as ensigns, and one commissioned into the Marine Corps as a second lieutenant. Offering remarks and administering the oath of office was Col. Timothy Price ’04, who graduated from VMI with a degree in international studies, and commissioned as an Army infantry officer. The individual pinning ceremonies and first salutes followed the ceremony.
Price commended the cadets on the hard, necessary path they have chosen. He encouraged them with a quote from VMI’s most famous graduate, Gen. George C. Marshall, VMI Class of 1901. “‘The soldier’s heart, the soldier’s spirit, the soldier’s soul are everything.’ If you are a soldier, a Marine, or a sailor, that sentiment remains the same.” He shared with them that VMI changed his life, and has prepared them well for their career ahead. They are physically fit, well educated, and have lived by the Honor Code. “And the friendships you have made here will outlive deployments and all the chaos of a military career.” He thanked the families for their continual support for those commissioning, congratulated the new officers, and concluded with, “Rah Virginia Mil!”
Price’s first assignment as an infantry officer, was as a stryker rifle platoon leader at Fort Lewis, Washington. From there he deployed to Iraq and served as a rifle platoon leader, company executive officer, and company commander during operations in Mosul, Baghdad, and Baqubah. He later held a variety of assignments at: Fort Benning, Georgia; Fort Campbell, Kentucky; Zhari District, Afghanistan; The Pentagon; Fort Belvoir, Virginia; Vilseck, Germany; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington; and Fort Polk, Louisiana. His service also includes multiple combat deployments across the Middle East in support of both conventional and special operations, as well as operational deployments to South Korea, Israel, Poland, the Baltic states, and the Southern Caucasus region. His military education includes the Infantry Officer Basic Course, Maneuver Captain’s Career Course, Ranger School, and Command and General Staff College. He also earned a master’s degree in public policy management from Georgetown University as part of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Internship Program. He is currently a student at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. His awards include the Bronze Star Medal for Valor, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal for Valor, Joint Service Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Master Infantry Badge, Parachutists Badge, Pathfinder Badge, Air Assault Badge, Ranger Tab, Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge, and Army Staff Identification Badge. He and his wife, Lisette, have three children.
Life as a Virginia Military Institute cadet is significantly different from the average college student. The demands placed on cadets are much more than academics. There is intense physical activity, ROTC instruction, and rigorous training in the regimental system. To help ease the stress and tension of end of semester exams for cadets, several special events were held.
On reading day, the day between classes ending and exams beginning, the Center for Cadet Counseling hosted Stress Busters in Cocke Hall, where cadets were able to take a break from studying and recharge with games, snacks, and dogs to pet from TheraPets of the Roanoke Valley, Inc. Tony Hernandez, a retired New York state police officer, is owner and handler of Trooper, a Great Dane and registered therapy dog. Hernandez said Trooper loves coming to VMI.
“The cadets love seeing him, and he loves being around everybody and getting all the attention.” Hernandez and Trooper travel all over the nation visiting hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and charity events. This year alone, they have made over 200 visits. “We do it as volunteers. We do not accept money in any way. We do this to help people,” shared Hernandez.
Gabriel Booze ’29, a rat from Covington, Virginia, has a Great Dane at home and found interacting with Trooper at Stress Busters comforting. “I grew up with big dogs, so it’s nice to be able to be around another big dog,” he confided.
Tricia Fry, director of cadet counseling, knows the end of the semester can cause anxiety.
“Too often cadets put aside taking care of themselves to press through studying for exams. Stress Busters offers a chance for cadets to hit pause, have some fun, relax, laugh with friends, and head back to studying with a clear mind,” she said. Santa makes a mental note to add a few names to the naughty list as cadets test his muscular fortitude in the PX Dec. 12.
That evening, the S7 staff — cadets in charge of morale, welfare, and recreation—provided cookies, cocoa, and ornament-making in the post exchange for cadets needing a break from studying. Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and even the Grinch was there to lighten spirits.
Santa makes a mental note to add a few names to the naughty list as cadets test his muscular fortitude in the PX Dec. 12.—VMI Photo by H. Lockwood McLaughlin.
Reminiscent of old-fashioned caroling, Lt. Col. Matthew Halligan, music director, and a small group of band members, strolled around post, playing Christmas music on the doorsteps of officer quarters.
On Monday and Tuesday during exam week, the Chaplain’s office held their annual candy toss in which they toss down candy from the balcony of Old Hospital to passing cadets. Mary Cannon, office administrator, loves watching the candy toss.
“The chaplains, as well as the cadet chaplains don Santa hats and shower the cadets below with plenty of Christmas cheer in the form of chocolate and other candies! Cadets dive for the candy, use their covers to catch it, and have a grand old time. It brings smiles and laughter during a stressful time of year!”
