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In the News

VMI Instructors and students of “Exploring the Madina” visit a mosque in Charlottesville for an academic perspective.

High Schoolers Learn Arabic at VMI

A group of high school students and Virginia Military Institute cadets had the opportunity to learn Arabic over the summer, thanks to a $141 thousand grant called funded by the National Security Agency (NSA) to the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures at VMI.

The Department of Modern Languages and Cultures and the Dean’s Academic Speakers Fund at Virginia Military Institute present French films as part of the 2023-24 Albertine Cinémathèque film series.

French Films to be Shown at VMI: Public Invited to Attend

The Department of Modern Languages and Cultures and the Dean’s Academic Speakers Fund at VMI present five French films as part of the 2023-24 Albertine Cinémathèque film series, which expands access to French cinema and supports film programming at American colleges and universities.

SURI: Unlocking the Links Between Spanish Poetry and Culture

Caitria Catania ’24 has been studying Spanish for eight years, but after taking a Spanish literature class with Col. John Cerkey this past spring, her love of analyzing Spanish poets grew.

A ‘fanajin’ of jebena with VMI cadets in the background.

VMI Cadets Enjoy Jebena Coffee: A Rich Blend of Culture, Research, and Classroom Engagement

Maj. Jason Schroepfer, assistant professor in the Dept. of Modern Languages and Cultures and director of the National Security Agency funded Arabic STARTALK program credits much of his success in his linguistic field work to jebena, a coffee drink traditionally enjoyed in Ethiopia, Sudan, and Aswan.

VMI cadets stand at heritage map created as part of Language and Cultures Week.

Language and Culture Week at VMI

Cadets, faculty, and staff were able to sample dishes that represent the different language taught at VMI and learn about academic offerings as part of "Language and Culture Week at VMI" hosted by the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures.

Riley Shultz ’24, Christian Cole ’24, and Parker Rice ’24 confer on debate strategy in the balcony overlooking the assembly at the Model Arab League.-Photo courtesy of Maj. Jason Schroepfer.

VMI Takes Part in Model Arab League Debate

Cadets participated in the annual three-day Appalachia Regional Model Arab League debate recently at Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia. MAL helps prepare students to be knowledgeable, well-trained, and effective citizens as well as civic and public affairs activists.

2022-23 Albertine Cinémathèque film series Presented by: Department of Modern Languages and Cultures and Dean’s Academic Speakers Fund

French Films to be Shown at VMI - Public Invited to Attend

The Department of Modern Languages and Cultures and Dean’s Academic Speakers Fund present four French films as part of the 2022-23 Albertine Cinémathèque film series. Albertine Cinémathèque expands access to French cinema and supports film programming at American colleges and universities.

Students participate in class activities in the STARTALK Arabic language program at VMI in 2021.

STARTALK Grant Offers Scholarships for Arabic Program

The Department of Modern Languages and Cultures has been awarded a competitive $141 thousand grant called STARTALK for the 2023-2024 academic year. The grant is directly funded by the National Security Agency (NSA) and provides scholarships for for six credit hours of Arabic for 15 students.

Burton Harris '23 portrait

VMI Cadet Works with Refugees

Harris Burton ’23 uses her fluency with the French language to personally connect with children from a French speaking African nation.

Julian Kim ’24

Support System at VMI Key to Cadet Success

As he looks ahead to completing his time at VMI, Kim hopes future cadets remember to focus on what is important and “find that balance between academics, physical fitness, and free time.”

VMI: Forging 21st Century Leaders