What truly defines Virginia Military Institute are the people.
Cadets, faculty, and staff, both past and present, are what make the Institute
NO ORDINARY COLLEGE.
Get to know some of the Institute's outstanding individuals who have accepted the challenges and embraced the spirit of VMI. Their perspectives provide authentic insights into life at the Institute and the value of this unique military college.
Explore their journeys now.
Role at VMI: 1st Class Cadet (Senior), VMI Class of 2025
Major: Civil Engineering
Hometown: Ellicott City, Maryland
Featured Activities: India Co. XO 2024-25 | VMI Army ROTC Ranger Challenge, including Cambrian Patrol Commander
Post-Graduation Plans: Commission, U.S. Army Infantry
The opportunities are here, it's just a matter of if you are willing to go and grab them.
Kevin Garroway ’25 wanted a challenge. All it took was one visit to Virginia Military Institute and he could see how different it was from other schools. He was sold.
The civil engineering major initially started out as a chemistry major. But after taking AP biochemistry in high school, he decided to shift, he explained.
He says he enjoys being in such close proximity to his friends and believes that the Institute has provided skills that will translate well as he commissions with the U.S. Army upon graduation in May 2025.
"I believe that VMI cadets typically have a different mentality than most. We are used to a lot of bad things happening at one time and figuring out a way to overcome them. When bad things happen to peers at different schools, it seems to stop them or at least throw them down. We feel at home in the struggle.”
Role at VMI: 1st Class Cadet (Senior), VMI Class of 2025
Major: Civil Engineering
Hometown: Seoul, South Korea | Harrisonburg, Virginia
Featured Activities: NCAA Division 1 Soccer | Tau Beta Pi Honors Society
Post-Graduation Plans: Commission, U.S. Army
In today's world, fewer young people are willing to challenge themselves or embrace pressure and stressful situations. I am grateful that I chose a different path that pushed me beyond my comfort zone.
Woongchan Oh ’25 had considered a military path during high school. But it was a soccer scholarship to Virginia Military Institute that solidified his decision.
“The opportunity to continue both my academic and athletic career ultimately led me to choose VMI.”
Oh wanted to pursue an engineering degree and among the three engineering programs at VMI, civil engineering offered the most hands-on experience and fieldwork. His experience at VMI has been crucial in his personal and professional growth. The demanding environment has helped him develop strong time management skills and perseverance.
Oh credits the one-of-a-kind environment of VMI to his successes — in the classroom, on the soccer field, in his personal life, and more.
Role at VMI: 2nd Class Cadet (Junior), VMI Class of 2026
Major: International Studies
Hometown: Ontario, California
Featured Activities: NCAA Division 1 Water Polo | Hotel Co. Commander 2025-26
Post-Graduation Plans: Government Intelligence
VMI has given me so many tools to succeed and incredible leadership opportunities within the Corps and on the water polo team.
Sadie Smith ’26 was looking for a college that could prepare her for a successful career and life. She said Virginia Military Institute is a place like no other and it offered the kind of lifestyle she was striving for.
“VMI has provided me with unique opportunities to build good discipline, honor, and incredible character while putting service before self.”
Smith believes her experience at VMI has been transformational — for both herself and for her water polo team. VMI has served as a place where she can balance Division I athletics, a challenging major, ROTC, and the opportunity to partake in rank positions within the Corps of Cadets.
“I feel that VMI has prepared me as a well-versed leader to be able to succeed at this internship and to go out of my comfort zone... VMI has also taught me to be prepared for the unexpected and that not everything goes your way all the time.”
Read about Sadie's journey & successes
