VMI Turnouts - October 2024

In this Turnouts, see renderings of the new multipurpose center coming to VMI, meet the 1995 graduate who started an alumni chapter in Florida from the ground up, read about the 2024 Cadet-Alumni Career Networking Forum, and see photos from fall 2024 reunions. For more news from post and the playing fields, visit the On Post and Athletics sections.

Moody Hall Transition

In early 2028, VMI’s new multipurpose center will open its doors to the VMI family. It will support VMI academics, engagement, and philanthropy. Located between the corner of VMI Parade and Letcher Avenue and Letcher Avenue and Maiden Lane, it will be a three-level, 50,000-square-foot facility serving the entire Institute family and providing top-flight facilities for a wide variety of events.

High Ranks for VMI

VMI maintained its reputation as one of the nation’s best colleges, according to the 2025 Best Colleges rankings by U.S. News and World Report. VMI ranked No. 59 among more than 200 national liberal arts colleges, up from No. 63 last year. Among public liberal arts colleges, the Institute ranked fourth behind only the U.S. Naval Academy, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Military Academy.

Why I VMI: David Tillar '95

“The VMI network is what you make it.” That’s what David Tillar ’95 has to say about the strength of the bond among VMI alumni and the vital importance of keeping ties strong. For Tillar, a civil engineer with deep family ties to Virginia, sustaining that network has meant forming a new VMI alumni chapter in his adopted hometown of Gulf Breeze, Florida.

Mike Hicks ’84 Returns to VMI

Michael J. Hicks ’84, the George and Frances Ball Distinguished Professor of Economics at Ball State University, is teaching in VMI’s Department of Economics and Business this semester. Since 1998, Hicks has taught and led research centers at Marshall University and the University of Tennessee and taught at the Air Force Institute of Technology’s Graduate School of Engineering. In 2007, he joined the faculty of Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, as a professor of economics and director of the university’s Center for Business and Economic Research.

Reunions Show Support for VMI

The Class of 1999 presented its 25th Reunion gift of $1,399,999.99 to the Institute during the football game against Bucknell University Sept. 7. On Sept. 21, the Class of 2014 presented its 10th Reunion gift of $602,014.14 to the Institute during the football game against Norfolk State University. Read more and see photos from fall reunions.

Cadet-Alumni Career Networking Forum

Ongoing now for more than 15 years, the Cadet-Alumni Career Networking Forum returned to post Sept. 27–28, 2024, to help cadets think about the opportunities that await them after VMI—and allow them to meet alumni who can make introductions and open doors. This year’s event attracted almost 70 alums spanning the Classes of 1973 to 2023 and a large number of cadets.

VMI Board of Visitors Seeks Nominations

The VMI Board of Visitors has created a committee to select the next recipient of the Jonathan Myrick Daniels ’61 Humanitarian Award. The award emphasizes the virtue of humanitarian public service and recognizes individuals who have made significant personal sacrifices to protect or improve the lives of others. The award affords cadets a continuing reminder that it is possible to embody and display heroic qualities of honor, loyalty, and devotion at any age and in any circumstances. The committee is currently accepting nominations for possible award recipients.

A Message From the Keydet Club President

The Keydet Club Board of Governors met in Lexington Sept. 6–7, 2024. On Friday evening, the Keydet Club hosted its inaugural Keydet Club Kickoff Party, an exclusive stewardship opportunity based on the new giving ladder. What a great reminder of the spirit and passion our supporters have for VMI athletics!

On Post

In the On Post section, see how cadets took part in a tradition of honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice on 9/11, meet the first convocation speaker of the academic year, and learn about a cadet who spent part of his summer in quiet reflection as a monk.

Athletics and Keydet Club Updates

Catch up with the Keydets on the soccer field and on the track, meet VMI Basketball's new assistant coach, and read about how VMI's head water polo coach is making waves on a national scale in the Athletics and Keydet Club Updates section.