Author: Mike Finkelstein

A stormy week surrendered to a warm morning under a blue sky May 17 as Virginia Military Institute held its commencement ceremony in Cameron Hall and conferred degrees on the Class of 2025.  

The Regimental Band played “Pomp and Circumstance” as over 300 cadets marched into the arena to the cheers and applause of thousands of family members, friends, and supporters. 

In his final commencement speech as VMI superintendent, Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85 welcomed the assembly, and noted that the great personal achievement of graduating from VMI is not reached alone, but with the help of family, friends, faculty, staff, and coaches who encouraged, guided, and sustained the cadets.  

Wins shared that when the class of 2025 matriculated, the world was emerging from the coronavirus pandemic. Unlike so many other colleges, VMI returned to completely in-person classes that fall semester, although many safety protocols were maintained.   

“Your first year was also my first full year as superintendent. In many ways we have grown together. I challenged you when we first met to own the narrative about VMI and the Corps of Cadets and maintain a commitment to honor and integrity in everything you do. You rose to the challenge magnificently.”  

He reminded the class of their Ring Figure celebration in November 2023 both because of what it represented and because of the dense smoke and poor air quality that had shrouded Lexington from the Matts Creek Fire in neighboring Bedford County. 

Wins told the cadets that when they met their rats last August, they ran a Rat Line focused on professionalism and purpose. “You have proven to be excellent mentors and have positively influenced the next generation of cadets.”

He encouraged them as they begin their next journey to remember that every decision or challenge they undertake can be successfully navigated by applying basic principles of leadership: character, courage, and commitment. “The character you developed over the past four years is a hallmark of our education program and part of our mission. You will find that your character will breed trust in others and trust is a key to every relationship. It took courage to select VMI and endure our unique form of education. When faced with mental, physical, and social pressures you didn’t quit.  Stay committed. You understand the brother rat spirit. Be the leader who others look to for strength and encouragement.” 

Wins challenged them to serve the people around them. “At its very foundation, leadership is about serving. Class of 2025, the open road now awaits you. I wish you my sincerest congratulations and the brightest future possible,” he concluded. Wins then introduced Jonah Jurack ’25, peer-elected valedictorian.  

VMI No Ordinary College 

Jurak stated that VMI is no ordinary college, and its unique characteristics are what attracted the Class of 2025 to come to Lexington for their college education. Jurak recalled their memories as rats on Matriculation Day.

“We were herded like sheep into barracks. When the drums sounded and the upperclassmen slow-marched into New Barracks, our new reality came into focus.” He stated that those early memories are just a fraction of what sets VMI and its graduates apart from their peers. In addition are the values, the bonds of brotherhood, and the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy. The Honor Code was instilled in them, and they soon understood the gravity of succumbing to temptation. “VMI boasts the strongest honor system in the nation, maintaining a single-sanctioned, swift, and fair gavel of justice. This ideal will help inform our decisions as military officers or as business leaders.” 

Jurack also said that VMI taught them the importance of shared suffering. “We strained as rats together, we contracted COVID together, and most importantly, we broke out of the Rat Line together. If one of us failed to uphold the standards of cadets, we would all suffer the consequences. But without shared suffering, there can be no brotherhood that will last a lifetime.” 

In closing, Jurack asked his brother rats to reflect on their four years at VMI. “What lessons did you learn? How did you grow as a man or woman of character? How can you translate these lessons into your upcoming careers? I ask you to uphold VMI’s legacy and ideals, strive for excellence, and live an exceptional life defined by honor. Don’t be ordinary! ‘The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.’” 

The son of Peter James “PJ” and Kaaren Jurack from Manassas, Virginia, Jurack finished as a distinguished graduate with institute honors, a designation for cadets with at least a 3.5 GPA and completed a cross-disciplinary honors curriculum. He majored in international studies with minors in Arabic, Spanish, and national security. He held rank, serving as Echo Company commander, was prosecutor on the honor court, and the Blue Ridge Battalion commander for Army ROTC. He was the cadet in charge for the Navigators Bible Study, a tutor for the Miller Academic Center, a tour guide for the VMI Museum, and a member of multiple honor societies. He commissioned into the Army infantry.  

Cadets Foundations of Character Built on Rock 

Turner Gallo ’25, president of the Class of 2025, also shared farewell remarks to his brother rats.

He spoke on the tools the VMI system provides, which remind him of the biblical passage in the Book of Matthew, chapter seven.

“Four years of struggle, hardship, and choosing the hard right over the easy wrong, have allowed for the very foundations of our character to be built on solid rock. I don’t doubt that when the rain comes down, the rivers rise, and the winds blow, those who chose the easier path will quickly crumble under the burden of the weight they may be asked to carry.” He reflected that the VMI system breaks rats down and builds them back up to become cadets with humility, grit, tenacity, and integrity. 

Gallo compared the characteristics of a successful VMI cadet to those of the characters in Howard Pyle’s classic tale, “The Story of King Arthur and His Knights.” “An ordinary boy named Arthur had his moment of assay — the testing of metal to determine its quality — as he drew with both hands a gleaming sword from a stone and became one of the greatest kings old England ever had, leading with a sense of decency, civility, respect, and honor. Each of us at VMI has been assayed every day for four years, and the quality of our mettle has been determined. You’re all men and women of grit, integrity, and courage, and it has been my distinct honor to spend these past four years with you,” he concluded. He then introduced commencement speaker, Gen. Darren McDew ’82, former commander of the U.S. Transportation Command at Scott Air Force Base, Illinois.  

Decide to be Better Tomorrow Than Today 

McDew, who is a retired four-star general and VMI alumnus, served as regimental commander when he was a 1st Class cadet. He was also Wins’ uncle dyke, a term given to the roommate of a rat’s dyke, or mentor. McDew’s charm and easy demeanor was immediately apparent with his good-natured ribbing and self-effacing humor.

“I have been warned to be poignant and be gone, but no one gave me a time limit. I am, in fact, a retired four-star with time on my hands,” he joked to the amusement of the audience. In thanking the faculty and staff for all they do for the cadets he quipped, “You take the lumps of coal—who try to remain lumps of coal—and put pressure on them to make them diamonds.” 

When he offered serious words he wanted to ensure the cadets remember, he paused his speech and made eye contact with each of them.

“This is a turbulent time. It wasn’t easy when you started this journey. It wasn’t easy in the middle of this journey, and we’re going to cast you out of the nest. You think you’re going to zoom away from here, but we’re casting you out. But only to do good, to be the example.” He reminded them of the large class ring they all wear on their fingers, a physical representation of the merits of VMI, merits that not everyone admires or respects. “Here’s your challenge. You can’t hide from it, as big as that monster is. You now have to live up to the unlimited promise and potential that you possess. For four years, you have been given the most wonderful and glorious leadership laboratory known to mankind. That’s a wonderful gift, especially if you take full advantage of it. Your generation is full of people who love celebrity, but you have a set of indisputable qualities that are in high demand but extremely short supply. Don’t waste them.”  

McDew closed by offering the cadets three words: “Beware. Decide. Be. Life tests are coming. They look like moral dilemmas. Beware, someone is going to challenge you. Decide right now the type of person you’re going to be in crunch time. Be that person every day, you can’t wait until you feel like it. You have to decide on every single day that you’re going to be better tomorrow than you are today.”    

With more than 3,300 flight hours and decades of operational leadership, McDew is now retired from active duty. He continues to champion ethical leadership, integrity, and opportunity through his service on the boards of Abbott, USAA, GE Aerospace, Parsons Corporation, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and the Manns Horne Youth Foundation. 

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 Gabriel Patrick Williams ’25, an international studies major from Ashland, Virginia. 

Receiving the Second Jackson-Hope Medal, for second highest attainment in scholarship, accompanied by the Colonel Sterling Murray Heflin 1916 Academic Proficiency Award, was James Andrew Boynewicz ’25, from Virginia Beach, Virginia, who majored in biology. 

Courtney Nicole Novotny ’25, a biology major from Reading, Pennsylvania, 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. 

Commencement concluded with a benediction offered by Col. John P. Casper ’04, chaplain, followed by Devin Auzenne ’26, the new regimental commander, relieving the Class of 2025 of their duties as they cheered and tossed their gloves in the air. 

Marianne Hause
VMI photos by H. Lockwood McLaughlin
Communications & Marketing
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE

What started out as a foggy, misty morning, warmed into a bright afternoon as nearly 170 Virginia Military Institute cadets commissioned into the armed services in Cameron Hall, May 15 at the annual Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) joint commissioning ceremony. The ceremony was livestreamed for family and friends who could not attend the event in person.

Lt. Gen. Karl Gingrich, deputy chief of staff for the U.S. Army, 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, Marine Corps, and Space Force, and as ensigns in the Navy and Coast Guard.

It was the final commissioning ceremony for Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85, superintendent, who welcomed all in attendance and thanked the ROTC departments, faculty, staff, family members, and guests who supported and encouraged the cadets throughout their time at VMI. “Every successful cadetship is a testament to the hard work of many people. VMI produces more commissioned officers than any other school in the nation outside of the federal service academies.  This doesn’t occur by happenstance.” He noted that the ceremony marks the culmination of four diligent years, and the beginning of a life of service, and part of one of the central purposes of VMI, the preparation and education of citizen-soldiers. 

After Wins recognized veterans and current military members in the audience and thanked them for their service, he noted that since the founding of VMI 186 years ago, cadets have always stepped up to serve the nation, and that soon many of those commissioning will join other alumni serving around the world. “We must have a strong military that is led by forward thinkers who are highly educated and grounded in character. As I look out here today, I see future leaders who are ready for the challenge. I feel confidence and hope for the future of our nation, because, during your time at VMI, I have seen what you are capable of doing.”

Wins shared with the cadets that when he became a young officer, his life was filled with exacting missions, tough training, rapidly changing responsibilities, assignments around the world, attendance at outstanding military schools, and service under remarkable leaders. “Above all, I became part of a great team of soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and service families. You, too, will come to cherish these same experiences.”             

Wins congratulated each of them on pursuing and attaining their commission and told them the country is fortunate to have them. “We are all very proud of you!” He then welcomed Gingrich to the lectern.

After thanking Wins for the warm welcome, Gingrich recognized several distinguished guests in the crowd including Staff Sgt. Jack Moran, a 99-year-old WWII veteran who flew from Los Angeles to witness the commissioning of Thomas Langston ’25 into the Army. Langston’s great-granduncle, Tommy Langston, was Moran’s friend and squad commander in the 347^th Infantry Regiment – K Company. The morning of December 16, 1944, their squad was hunkered down for battle near a little town called Obergailbach, France, close to the German border. Moran witnessed several of his brothers in arms die that day by German bullets. One of them was Langston. When Gingrich introduced Moran, the crowd in Cameron Hall rose to their feet and offered Moran an emotional ovation.

Gingrich continued his message. “It is a privilege to address the commissioning officers from one of the nation’s top senior military colleges. This institution has produced nearly 300 general and flag officers, seven Medal of Honor recipients, 11 Rhodes Scholars, and one Nobel Prize winner. Additionally, VMI graduates have proven to be leaders in industry and government.”

He told the cadets that he appreciates their dedication, commitment and determination, and that those characteristics will be essential to their future success. “You are about to join a selective portion of our society, a mere 23% of our nation’s young adults are physically, legally, or educationally eligible for military service. Less than 1% of our nation’s population currently serve. Vanguards of our freedoms and way of life, envied by our nation’s friends and allies and feared by enemies, tyrants, and oppressors worldwide. Of that proportionally small force, only 18% represent the commissioned officer corps, which you are about to enter. Even more impressive is that most of our current force made a conscious, deliberate decision to volunteer for military service in a time of known, persistent conflict.”

He reminded them that there are threats all over the world. “North Korea remains unpredictable, Russia is in decline, fueling desperate and dangerous opportunism, and China is on the rise as a growing world power. As Americans, we do not have a deed on liberty. We only have a lease that must be renewed by every generation, a lease underwritten today by these exceptional aspiring leaders.”

Gingrich reminded the cadets that they will sacrifice greatly, yet they will embrace the challenge and lead with courage. “You will set the example of quiet professionalism, skilled, confident and unflappable, but also self-effacing and humble. You will shun the limelight and defer credit to your subordinates, and despite that humble underpinning, you will have plenty of reason to be proud. You and those you lead will thrive where few are capable and fewer still have the courage to try. You will endure where most lack the character and determination to persist, you will voluntarily relinquish many of the very rights you protect, and you will steer clear of domestic politics and growing polarization and stay above the fray. In all things, you will be held to a higher standard of conduct. This may sound overwhelming, but you’re ready, VMI has armed you for success.”

In closing, Gingrich referenced a personal favorite Bible verse, Isaiah 6:8. “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I send and who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here I am. Send me!’”

He then asked the commissioning cadets to stand and he administered the oath of office.

Gingrich commissioned from Temple University in 1989 as an armor officer with a degree in civil and construction engineering technology. He embarked on a career in operations research, supporting and leading the Army’s force and program development. His operational experience includes chief, Force Generation, and Plans and Posture in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom; and deputy director, Chief of Assessments, during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). He returned from OEF and completed one year as a fellow with the Brookings Institution, a research foundation based in Washington, D.C. Prior to becoming deputy chief of staff, he was director of program analysis and evaluation, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff. Gingrich holds a master’s degree in industrial engineering from the University of Louisville, as well as advanced degrees from the Air University and the National Defense University.

Following the ceremony, the separate branches held their individual pin-on ceremonies in four separate locations on post. It is there that the newly commissioned officers follow a tradition of presenting a silver dollar to the active service member or veteran from whom they receive their first salute. In Marshall Hall where the Army held their pin-on ceremony, the crowd erupted in cheers, applause, and a few tears when Moran rendered Langston his first salute. Langston then gave Moran a silver dollar and a bear hug.

According to Capt. Maurice Dawson, assistant professor of military science for Army ROTC, two cadets stand out as exemplary, Jonah Jurack ’25 and Ethan Fogle ’25. “Jurack is the Blue Ridge Battalion cadet commander and valedictorian for the graduating class. There are approximately 6,000 Army ROTC cadets in the nation and Jurack is ranked 14^th, and a Distinguished Military Graduate. Fogle is ranked 56^th nationally, and he is a Distinguished Military Graduate as well. In addition, Fogle was part of the Ranger Challenge team that competed in Exercise Cambrian Patrol in Wales last October and received the bronze medal,” said Dawson.

Lt. John Walker, naval science instructor for Naval ROTC, designated two outstanding cadets. Anna Yemelianova ’25 and Jiayi “James” Li ’25. “Yemelianova has excelled in both academics and physical fitness. She ranked second out of a very competitive group of 1^st Class midshipmen. She was in charge of the NROTC academic program for 300 midshipmen, managing study hours and student-tutor pairing. She will be a surface warfare officer aboard the USS Mount Rushmore stationed in Sasebo, Japan. Li stands out in both academics and leadership and ranked fourth out of 14 in his peer group in cumulative GPA. He is commissioning as a submarine warfare officer, and will attend Naval post-graduate school in Monterey, California, to complete a master’s degree before beginning the Navy nuclear power training pipeline.” 

Capt. Philip Haly, Marine officer instructor for Naval ROTC, named two outstanding cadets entering the Marine Corps, Jack Fletcher ’25 and Trey McGee ’25. “Fletcher has a cumulative GPA of 3.24, and scored 290 out of 300 on the physical fitness test. He exceptionally performed the duties as Marine ROTC Company commander and Bulldog Platoon advisor. The cadets within the Marine company voted him “most inspirational leader.” McGee has a cumulative GPA of 3.88, and scored 300 out of 300 on the physical fitness test. He served as the Marine ROTC senior enlisted advisor and the Bulldog Platoon commander throughout his 1^st Class year. As the senior enlisted advisor, he was critical in our company’s accountability and culture development. He completed this through meticulous attention to detail and leadership by example. Those characteristics carried over to the spring, where he led the charge in developing 2^nd Class cadets for officer candidate school in our Bulldog Platoon.”

Lt. Col. Nicholas Cooper ’09, director of staff of Air Force ROTC, cited two exceptional cadets entering the Air Force: Elena Gutierrez ’25 and Cate Dowden ’25. “Gutierrez is the epitome of both a VMI cadet captain and a future Air Force officer! She’s held various leadership positions throughout the AFROTC cadet wing. Her highest role was cadet vice wing commander, in which she was the number two cadet in the entire 250-plus wing, which includes cadets from Mary Baldwin University, Southern Virginia University, and Washington & Lee University. She is ranked the No. 1 Air Force cadet by AFROTC Commander, Col. Nichole Scott, and has earned the coveted Distinguished Graduate (DG) award—established to recognize the top 10% of commissioning cadets—from AFROTC. She’s made huge impacts in the Corps of Cadets as the S2 captain over academics, improving the availability of tutors significantly. She partnered with the academic department heads to ensure the tutors were vetted and qualified to lead struggling students through academic rigor. As the cadet wing inspector general in her final semester, she has ensured her peers stay on task and finish their four-year AFROTC interview strong. She already acts at the level of a second lieutenant, and will make a fantastic air battle manager in the USAF.  

“Dowden has been an asset to both the AFROTC and the Corps of Cadets. This has been an amazing journey for her as she juggled the hardest major of ME at VMI, Institute Honors as well as rank on the hill and the cadet wing commander for AFROTC. Simply amazing! She has risen through the VMI ranks to be the Charlie Company commander, and was hand-picked to lead the Cadet Wing in her final semester. She also earned the DG award. She’s going to be an excellent space and missiles officer, and will give respect and honor to the VMI name,” shared Cooper.  

According to Command Sgt. Maj. Suzanne Rubenstein, director of cadet activities and VMI liaison for the Coast Guard Auxiliary University Program (AUP), Nicholas Hemstreet ’25 was the only cadet to commission into USCG this year. “Nicholas was the 2^nd Battalion commanding officer, the AUP commander, and one of the AUP founding members who has worked diligently toward improving the program. He is a self-starter with unlimited potential,” she said.  

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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. The garrison flags were flown at half-staff, by order of Gov. Glenn Youngkin, in memory and respect of Peace Officers’ Memorial Day, a fitting backdrop as all 591 alumni names were read by Angelina Garcia ’25, William Lauerman ’25, 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, followed by the firing of a three-volley salute. A stirring echo rendition of “Taps” was played, 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 Wins in taking review of the parade as the Corps marched from the Parade Ground down Letcher Avenue toward barracks.

Marianne Hause
VMI photos by H. Lockwood McLaughlin, Kelly Nye, and Jake Falcone ’27
Communications & Marketing
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE

Dr. Sherif Abdelhamid, assistant professor in the Department of Computer and Information Sciences (CIS) and outreach liaison officer for the Cyber Defense (CyDef) Laboratory at Virginia Military Institute, participated in “Build & Fly with VMI,” a free drone event for students ages 13-18 held April 19 at the New College Institute (NCI) in Martinsville, Virginia.

According to Abdelhamid, the event was part of the outreach initiative by CIS and CyDef. “It was a unique opportunity for teens to experience drone science and learn about career options in robotics and innovation. In addition to the hands-on activities, we shared with the students and their parents information about VMI, the different departments, and the cadet life experience.”

James Bangura ’26, from Dumfries, Virginia, and Ben Hagerich ’26 from Glen Allen, both majoring in computer science, accompanied Abdelhamid to NCI. Bangura said the event was rewarding. “It was a great experience teaching the kids about drones and virtual reality while sharing the unique opportunities available at VMI.”

Hagerich agreed. “I had a great time connecting with young students and teaching them the basics of drone programming and piloting!”

Other organizations involved with the event include iVue Robotics, AFCEA, and Shenandoah University.     

Marianne HauseCommunications & Marketing
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE