VMI Alumni Association

That’s what Cadet Lukas Maurer ’26 has to say about the value of VMI—a school he initially chose as a backup to the U.S. Military Academy, but he now sees as the best fit as he prepares for his future as a U.S. Army officer.

“The lessons that you learn here, the leadership skills that you learn here, the time management skills, communication skills, the camaraderie, the brotherhood of your classmates, your brother rats, all of that is invaluable. You’re not going to get that at any other school.”

This week, we welcomed the Classes of 1951, 1956, 1961, 1966, and 1971 back to post for reunions!

Gene Williams ’74, former VMI Board of Visitors member and founder and of the College Orientation Workshop, received the VMI Foundation Distinguished Service Award Nov. 7, 2025, in recognition of his long and distinguished record of service to his community.

Today, VMI alumni and their families came back to post for Legacy Day! The morning began with breakfast in Cocke Hall, followed by group activities including leadership reaction courses, a sky-high ropes course, museum tours, and demonstrations from the engineering dept. RVM!

See the full story in the next Corps Connection email from the VMI Alumni Agencies, coming soon.

Describing her personal transformation from rat to 1st Class cadet, Anastasia Herrell ’26 said the maturity in her character and leadership has been “extreme.” “I always thought that I was mature, but you don’t realize how much you grow until you become a 1st Classman.”

See the full story in the next Corps Connection email from the VMI Alumni Agencies, coming soon.

Looking back, Cadet Adam Brinkley '27 can see a lot of growth since his rat year, much of which has come from overcoming adversity. “I was very ambitious, and I would still say I’m very ambitious,” he said. “And I think VMI amplified that ambition.”

Thank you to everyone who participated! RVM!

It’s not too late to make a gift! 🎁 ⬇️ vmi.imodules.com/s/1752/dg21/ho…

Another swag bag is up for grabs! Make a gift before 5 p.m. today, and you will be entered for a chance to win. Don’t wait, give now! vmi.imodules.com/s/1752/dg21/ho…

Today is the last day to make a gift to Compete to Win! Don’t miss your chance to be counted among the alumni, family, and friends stepping up to support cadet-athletes. Your gift will directly impact the operating budgets of VMI’s NCAA teams. Give now! vmi.imodules.com/s/1752/dg21/ho…

Keydet nation, the Value Makes Impact fund is close to reaching its goal of $40,000! Jamaal Walton ’07, VMI director of intercollegiate athletics, will spend 24 hours as a cadet if the Athletic Director’s Discretionary Fund reaches its goal. Make your gift now!

It’s day two of Compete to Win—let’s keep the momentum going, Keydets! Hear from some of our coaches about how important Compete to Win has been to their programs, and how you can help cadet-athletes continue to succeed in 2026. @VMIAthletics @jamjamwalton @VMI_WoSoc @VMIbaseco

Thank you to everyone who has participated in #CompetetoWin on the first day so far. If you haven’t made your gift yet, there’s still time! Help support the cadet-athlete experience. @VMIAthletics @jamjamwalton

Giveaway time! Any donor who has made a gift to Compete to Win by 5 p.m. today will be entered for a chance to win this Keydet swag bag! Haven’t made your gift yet? Now is the time! Donate now! vmi.imodules.com/s/1752/dg21/ho…

Let’s get to work, Keydets!

Compete to Win is back! Make a gift in support of VMI athletics March 24–26.