LEXINGTON, Va., Aug. 16, 2025—Matriculation Day at Virginia Military Institute was held Saturday, Aug. 16, beginning the Rat Line for the new academic year. Even the weather—which had been unpredictable throughout the week—predictably offered a humid day of oppressive temperatures. This year marks the 186^th year of the Institute. Since 1839, VMI has produced educated and honorable citizen-leaders, with a global reputation for academic excellence.

The day began with a fair in Cocke Hall where the students and their families were able to meet with VMI coaches and clubs, local churches, banks, restaurants, and other community organizations. Various other VMI agencies were also present, including the chaplain’s office, VMI police, and auxiliary services. In Cameron Hall, the rats were measured for their uniforms and issued their athletic wear. In the Corps Physical Training Facility, they completed admission paperwork, were given opportunities to meet and talk with department faculty members, and as their last act as an ordinary teenager, signed the Matriculation Book, adding their names to the long list of all those who have come before them in committing to not doing ordinary. Throughout the morning, barracks were teeming with family members assisting their students moving into their rooms and meeting their roommates.

   

In the afternoon, the Chaplain’s Prayer, an optional non-denominational prayer session for matriculants and their families, was held in Memorial Hall, followed by the superintendent’s welcome in Cameron Hall.

Acting Superintendent Brig. Gen. Dallas Clark ’99 welcomed the incoming matriculants and their families, telling them this date is one they will always remember, and thanking them for choosing an experience that will be formative in their development. “Embrace VMI’s Honor Code, internalize what it means to live an honorable life, apply that principle in your life every day. You came to VMI to succeed. Work together, develop, and come together as a class. These are the beginning workings of the notorious VMI bonds. You are all now part of VMI.” To the parents and guardians, Clark said, “You’ve entrusted us with your remarkable sons and daughters. We are honored. They have chosen to join us, and we are committed to helping them succeed. Deciding to attend VMI is a family decision, and while it brings concern, we know that you also feel immeasurable pride. So, to all of you, welcome to the VMI family. This will be one of the most memorable and satisfying seasons of your life. We wish each of you the very best and look forward to your many successes in the years ahead.”

Col. Lawrence Havird ’90, commandant, also addressed the rats. He told them they are taking on a unique challenge in their college experience, embracing hardship while finding the best version of themselves. “The next month will be mentally and physically challenging for you. You will be tested like never before. You will at times feel isolated and alone in the Rat Line journey. When you enter this mental space of despair, reflect on why you came to VMI. Look toward those around you in helping you build a path forward. Your brother rats are here to support you. Rally alongside to navigate this challenge together. My advice for meeting these challenges is simple: Educate yourself and focus on what the standard of performance, is and give your best effort toward achieving that standard each day,” he instructed.

With cheers, applause, warm embraces, congratulatory pats on backs, and a few tears, the rats bid goodbye to their families, and formed up with their companies for the first time. They then held up their right hands and took their oath. Led by Regimental Commander Devin Auzenne ’26, the rats marched from Cameron Hall onto Main Street, up Letcher Avenue, through Marshall Arch, and into New Barracks where they fell into formation. The arch gates were closed and locked, physically and symbolically separating the matriculants from the world they left behind in order to begin a new chapter in their lives. As parents and other onlookers craned their necks to catch a glimpse past the guards and the iron pickets of the gate, the rats met their cadre—a group of cadets holding rank in each company, and chosen based on performance and ability to serve as instructors for the Rat Mass—who welcomed them to VMI in their own unique fashion.

This year’s Rat Mass totals 469 and comes from 33 states and six foreign countries, with 62% from Virginia and 38% from out of state. Seventy-five are female, and 143 are recruited NCAA athletes. Forty-seven percent have selected a major in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) disciplines and 53% are majoring in the liberal arts.

Hayden Talbott ’27, from Dillwyn, Virginia, is EMT team lead for Band Company and an athlete on the track team. Her younger brother, Grayson, is following in her footsteps by embracing the VMI challenge, and joining her in Band Company and on the track team. “We have always been close, so him joining me here will only increase that bond. He has a lot of people who will be looking out for him, and soon he will find where he fits at VMI. I’m excited to see firsthand the journey he will embark on. It is both the humbling and gratifying experiences that make the VMI journey what it is, and I hope he embraces every second of it,” she said.

Grayson, who will be a thrower on the track team and plans to learn how to play the bagpipes, feels blessed to be given the opportunity to join his sister. “Words cannot express my gratitude toward Coach Scott [director of cross country / track and field David “Zack” Scott ’89] for allowing me to continue my passion of throwing while learning from his knowledge and experience. As a member of the Pipe Band, I’ll get to learn to play a beautiful and world-renowned instrument. I am excited for the challenges and development at VMI that will shape my future.”

Scott recalled how Hayden actively sought out VMI. “With her proven success in JROTC, it was an obvious fit. Seeing the positive change in his sister, Grayson was inspired to explore the possibility of becoming a cadet-athlete at VMI as well. We’re simply giving them the opportunity, and with their family’s strong support, there’s no telling what they might accomplish.”

Ryan Quesenberry, a matriculant from Daleville, is part of a VMI legacy. His brother Andrew is a 1^st Class cadet, and their father, Travis, graduated in 1999. All three Quesenberry men signed the same Matriculation Book as rats. Andrew shared having his brother join him on post is special. “I know what challenges await him and luckily I’ll be here to support and help him through his rat year. Both Ryan and Andrew spent their summer as volunteers at the Virginia Museum of Transportation (VMT) in Roanoke, doing maintenance work on the Norfolk & Western Class J #611, the iconic steam locomotive built locally in 1950.

The matriculation process continues throughout the week with the cadre leading the new arrivals in military drills and physical training, culminating with the Rat Crucible on Sunday, Aug. 24. The Rat Mass will officially become the Class of 2029 in the spring semester, after Breakout.

Remaining members of the Old Corps return Friday, Aug. 22, and classes begin Tuesday, Aug. 26. Details about events at VMI, including parades, guest speakers, and athletic competitions for the upcoming semester can be found on VMI's events calendar.

Marianne Hause
Communications & Marketing
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE