LEXINGTON, Va. Dec. 10, 2025 — VMI welcomed a special guest to the last home basketball game before winter furlough. Gov. Glenn Youngkin was warmly welcomed by the Corps of Cadets in Cameron Hall Dec. 9, as the Keydets took on the Loyola University Greyhounds.

Youngkin, who celebrated his birthday in Lexington that evening, sat in the stands alongside his wife, Suzanne, VMI Superintendent Lt. Gen. David Furness ’87, and his wife, Lynda.

At halftime, Youngkin walked out onto the court and was serenaded with “Happy Birthday” by the Corps, whom he thanked and went on to address.

“Every time I am here, I am overwhelmed with pride. I love this place. One of the greatest honors I have had during my time as governor is to speak at graduation two years ago.” Acknowledging the approaching end of the semester, he pivoted his narrative. “Some of you might be carrying some burdens. There has only been one perfect person in the history of this planet, and it is none of us.”

The Corps, anticipating what was coming next, erupted into ecstatic cheers.

“By the power vested in me, as governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia and commander and chief of the Corps of Cadets, I do hereby grant amnesty to those cadets who have unserved duties and commitments.”

The raucous ovation, jumps of joy, and brother rat hugs continued for several minutes as the governor was gifted a red VMI cap which he immediately donned. As he exited the court to return to his seat, he was impeded by rats imploring him to autograph their Rat Bibles, which he did graciously.

Following the Keydets victory over the Greyhounds 86-70, Youngkin joined the team on the floor as the entire Corps stood at attention and sang “The VMI Doxology.”

Marianne Hause
Communications & Marketing
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE