The VMI Alumni Association

Mattie Quesenberry Smith, Ph.D., VMI Department of English, Rhetoric, and Humanistic Studies instructor, and Col. Shannon Eskam, assistant superintendent for strategic enrollment management/director of financial aid, have been named members of the All-Southern Conference Faculty and Staff Team for the 2024–25 academic year. https://lnkd.in/e5DAud8S

Congratulations to retired U.S. Army Col. Michael Obadal ’96, who is nominated to serve as Army undersecretary. If confirmed, Obadal would become the chief management officer of the Army and the force’s No. 2 civilian official. ? Pictured above attending the Obadal’s retirement ceremony in October 2022 are (from left) Maj. Gen. Tom Drew; Brig. Gen. Clair Gill; Obadal; retired Maj. Gen. Clay Hutmacher; Ryan McCarthy ’96, former secretary of the U.S. Army; and Lt. Gen. Jon Braga.

In this Turnouts, see photos from the VMI Legislative Reception held in Richmond recently, meet an alumna whose affinity for VMI has impacted both her personal and professional life, and learn how a 2003 alum began competitive skiing in his 40s with his family.

“Pressure makes diamonds.” That’s how Cadet Eleyah Armstrong ’25, Keydet track and field star and team captain, describes her perspective on VMI cadetship. The psychology major from Hampton, Virginia, who plans to commission into the U.S. Army, has thrived under the challenges of the Institute and credits them for the bright future ahead of her.

There's only one week left to apply for graduate school scholarships! VMI holds several agreements with graduate and professional schools in a number of academic disciplines and graduates from VMI may apply for postgraduate scholarships to support their graduate and professional study. More information on how to apply is available on our website. https://lnkd.in/e7QqFbve

Every year in early November, the Blue Angels—officially, the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron—perform their traditional Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida. It marks the squadron’s return home after a season that began in early March and took it to more than 20 states. For U.S. Navy Cmdr. Jack Keilty ’10, it had a personal significance: It concluded his first season flying with the Blue Angels. https://lnkd.in/e-y9uR8X

Today, VMI pauses to commemorate the life and sacrifice of?Jonathan Daniels '61?an alumnus and Episcopal seminarian who was an active participant in the civil rights movement. Visit the link below to see a historical video, photos, and an article on Daniels' life and impact at VMI. https://lnkd.in/d9ghM4D

The VMI College Debates and Discourse Program continued its development throughout the fall semester, beginning with a partnership with the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia and the national College Debates and Discourse Alliance. https://lnkd.in/ediwR5E7

Congratulations to U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James W. Bierman Jr. ’87 for being named the next Commandant of the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M University. His tenure begins Aug. 1 after retiring from active duty. Bierman is currently?the deputy commandant for the U.S. Marine Corps Plans, Policies and Operations. In the announcement,?retired U.S. Air Force Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, Texas A&M?University president, said, “[Bierman] is an exemplary combat-proven leader and a decorated Marine?infantry officer. His commitment to service and leadership aligns perfectly with the mission and?core values?of Texas A&M and the Corps of Cadets.” Rah Virginia Mil! Photo Courtesy: U.S. Marine Corps

Come join our team! The VMI Alumni Agencies is currently seeking applicants for the director of alumni engagement position within the Alumni Association. If you or someone you know is interested in applying, visit our website for more information. https://lnkd.in/guBteCP8