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Graduation
Graduation at the Virginia Military Institute is an exciting time for cadets, family, faculty, staff, and the VMI community to celebrate the achievements of 1st class cadets as they complete their journey at the Institute. With ceremonies held for Institute Awards, Change of Command/Graduation Parade, Commissioning, and Commencement, Graduation celebrates the achievements and excellence of all aspects of a cadetship at VMI.
May 2025 Events
Please note, any changes to this schedule will be posted to this page if and when they become necessary, and will also be noted on the VMI homepage.
ⓘ Livestream Events: Video feeds will be added as they become available on the individual event pages linked below for: Joint Commissioning and Commencement
SCHEDULE
Wednesday, May 14, 2025
- 6 p.m. – Regimental Band Instrumental Recital, Memorial Hall
- Cadets will present solo repertoire as well as chamber groups (small ensembles).
Thursday, May 15, 2025
- 10 a.m. – Memorial Parade and Reading of Alumni Names, Parade Ground
- 2 p.m. – Joint Commissioning, Cameron Hall
- The ceremony will be livestreamed over the website
- 6 p.m. – The Commanders/Glee Club & The Strings Ensemble. Memorial Hall
Friday, May 16, 2025
- 8 a.m. – Commandant Awards, NEB Auditorium
- 10 a.m. – Cadet Change of Command/Graduation Parade, Parade Ground
- 2 p.m. – Institute Awards, Memorial Hall
- 5 p.m. – Baccalaureate, Memorial Hall
Saturday, May 17, 2025
- 8 a.m. – Post is open to parents and other visitors. No access to post prior to 8 a.m. will be permitted without a valid VMI identification card.
- 11 a.m. – Commencement, Cameron Hall
- The ceremony will be livestreamed over the website
VMI has a clear bag policy for all major events which limits the size and types of bags that may be brought into any of our facilities. Only clear tote bags that do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12", or one-gallon plastic freezer bags. Small handheld clutch purses no larger than 4.5" x 6.5" will be permitted. Cameras and smartphones are permitted to be carried into VMI facilities.
This information is subject to change, check this site frequently for updated information. All activities occur at VMI.
No tailgating is permitted on post May 14 - 17.
Commencement
Commencement is the culmination of four years of study at the Institute. The walk across the stage during this ceremony is a moment every graduate remembers.
Commissioning
This ceremony, in which new officers take their commissioning oaths, marks the end of a four-year journey of education, training, and self-discovery and the beginning of a journey of military service.
Institute Awards
Numerous awards recognizing the accomplishments of cadets are presented. Awards are presented by civic groups and the Institute, as well as the ROTC components.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are two companies VMI deals with when ordering announcements:
Tickets are not required for December Commissioning and Commencement. We do ask that families have no more than 10 guests.
Casual business attire is appropriate for all events.
Restrooms are located in Foster Stadium, Memorial Hall and Lejeune Hall (located at the end of Third Barracks.)