For the first time in history, Virginia Military Institute cadets have received active-duty direct commissions to the USCG by way of the Auxiliary University Programs, and will take their oath of office and receive their first salute at the Joint Commissioning Ceremony in May.

Retired U.S. Army Green Beret Lt. Col. Scott Mann will share his experiences organizing the rescue of hundreds of Afghan citizens during the last days of the U.S. war in Afghanistan as chronicled in The New York Times best seller, “Operation Pineapple Express.”

Kaylee Brennan ’23, an English major at Virginia Military Institute, did independent field work to create a guide for cadets who plan on attending law school after they graduate. It's to be used as a resource for cadets on how to prepare and apply to law school.

The 33rd annual Environment Virginia Symposium at Virginia Military Institute will be held on March 28 through 30, in Marshall Hall on post.

The new cadet activity center located on the ground floor of Crozet Hall has been dubbed “The Arsenal,” through a vote by the Corps of Cadets, and is for their use to relax, socialize, and enjoy televised events. They chose the name as a nod to VMI’s history.

After 31 years of treating the Corps of Cadets at Virginia Military Institute, Dr. David Copeland is retiring in May from his position of Institute physician.

Virginia Military Institute welcomed Shaquem Griffin, retired NFL linebacker who played for the Seattle Seahawks, as he kicked off the Center for Leadership & Ethics (CLE) 2023 Courageous Leadership Speaker series Feb. 1 before a packed house in Gillis Theatre. 

The Rat Mass has been collecting school supplies since December for their annual Rat Unity event, which aims to help several schools in the area. This year, more than 730 school supplies were collected and donated to Lexington City Schools.

The ribbon cutting and dedication of Virginia Military Institute’s Corps Physical Training Facility Phase III, the Aquatic Center took place Jan. 27. Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85, superintendent celebrated the event with local dignitaries and special guests.

John Brodie, director of music at Virginia Military Institute, has been playing disc golf for five years, ever since his brother Chris got him involved. Although Brodie admits to being competitive in friendly games, he prefers not to compete in tournaments. He plays wherever and whenever he can.