VMI Turnouts - December 2024

In this Turnouts, check out photos from a special reunion of former Keydets, hear from a Class of 2007 alum about why she enjoys staying connected to the Institute, and learn how Army ROTC cadets made history this fall. For more news from the Institute, visit the On Post and Athletics sections.

1974 SoCon Championship Reunion

Approximately 170 former teammates, coaches, and support staff gathered on post Nov. 1–2, 2024, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of an extraordinarily special event: The 1974 Keydet football team winning the Southern Conference championship. “Witnessing the emotion and excitement of the members of the ’74 Southern Conference Championship Team 50 years later was special,” said Andrew Deal ’12, Keydet Club chief operating officer and Alumni Agencies chief development officer. “I want to thank the committee that worked tirelessly to help make this weekend special for all. This weekend was proof of the bond that is formed amongst teammates in athletics.”

2024 Honor Roll of Donors

The 2024 Honor Roll of Donors presents all who made a gift or commitment to the Institute in Fiscal Year 2024. This page also includes information about the critical importance of private financial support to the Institute. Your philanthropy ensures that each member of the Corps of Cadets receives a leadership-focused education that is second to none

Why I VMI: Elise Woodworth '07

“The more that I come back to VMI, and the more that I give back, the more that I’m getting out of it.” That’s what Elise Woodworth ’07 has to say about her decision to stay involved with VMI on top of raising her five children and running her own business. Woodworth is a member of the Foundation Board of Trustees and a passionate advocate for the Institute.

Saving a Permanent Seat for POW/MIAs

A POW/MIA Chair of Honor was dedicated in Foster Stadium before the football game against Norfolk State Saturday, Sept. 21. These chairs are found all over the United States in stadiums, arenas, and government buildings. They are meant to represent those service members who are unable to fill them because of their sacrifices. Jamaal Walton ’07, director of intercollegiate athletics, stated that installing the chair was the right thing to do. “It’s a no-brainer that it should be in our stadium, so when I learned that there was a way to do it, it made sense that it needed to reside here at VMI. This group is very important and leaving that seat open shows how we are always honoring those prisoners of war and missing in action.”

VMI Army ROTC Cadets Win Bronze Medal in Welsh Event

Eight Army ROTC cadets—members of Ranger Challenge, the “varsity sport” of the Army ROTC program—made history when they traveled to the Welsh mountains of the United Kingdom to participate in Exercise Cambrian Patrol, the British Army’s premier patrolling event. They are the first ROTC unit from the U.S. to participate, and they won the bronze medal.

A Message from the VMI Foundation President

Coinciding with VMI’s commemoration of Founders Day, the VMI Foundation Board of Trustees and I celebrated a milestone with members of the Institute Society. In a span of 50 years from November 1974 to November 2024, VMI alumni, family, and friends have been investing at annual leadership levels to help ensure VMI’s distinctive place in higher education. Their generosity is seen everywhere cadets are thriving.

Athletics & Keydet Club Updates

Check out updates from the Keydets on the mat, the field, and the track this fall in the Athletics section.

On Post

See photos of the Class of 2026 Ring Figure festivities, read about VMI faculty making a difference in the academic community, and much more in the On Post section.