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.

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

Caleb Chandler ’27 embraced the challenge of studying Arabic at VMI, a decision inspired by his father’s military service and fueled by his own drive to excel. From wrestling recruit to class historian and Project GO scholar, he’s grown into a leader whose passion for language, culture, and service.

John Paul Adams ’27, an English major minoring in French, spent 10 weeks studying the background and significance of the Jerusalem Bible and Tolkien’s role in its publication for his Summer Undergraduate Research Institute (SURI) project, “Scriptural Monster: A Study of Tolkien’s Jonah.”

Josh Kiggans ’25 has always wanted to help others. He came to Virginia Military Institute with the mindset to join the military. However, over the years, he realized another goal.  

Col. Kathleen Bulger-Barnett, professor in the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures, was recently initiated into the Order of José Martí, one of Sigma Delta Pi, the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society’s highest honors.

Last week, the Phi Sigma Iota International Foreign Language Honor Society hosted Global Festivities, an event celebrating the cultural diversity of New Year traditions around the world.

Col. Jeff Kendrick, professor of French in the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures, has been named director of the Office of Global Education. Since his arrival at VMI in 2013, Kendrick has served in a variety of roles, including special assistant to the dean for permit and calendar.

A group of VMI cadets recently journeyed to the China Folk House Retreat in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, where they immersed themselves in traditional Chinese culture.

Dr. Sabrina Laroussi, associate professor of Spanish in the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures, discusses books about the world of Latin American drug trafficking called “narconovelas” on the public radio program, “With Good Reason."