Events

A Strong Connection: Class Reunions Go Virtual

By Victoria Ferris, Assistant Director of Reunions

Whether it had been five years since graduation or 70, nothing could stop our alumni from celebrating their reunions this fall—not even a global pandemic. Coronavirus regulations and precautions led to the cancellation of six reunions scheduled for 2020. The VMI Alumni Association hosted virtual gatherings for these six classes.

Some aspects of the virtual reunions were the same for each class—like recorded tours of post and an Old Yell from the Corps of Cadets. Just like in-person traditional reunions, though, each class’s gathering featured something unique to them.

For instance, the Class of 1960 had the opportunity to hear from the most recent recipient of the Captain Paul Bayliss Class of 1960 Memorial Scholarship. For the Class of 1975, one highlight of the evening was the viewing of “Spirit of VMI,” a look back at the Keydets’ victorious 1974 football season.

“The virtual option gave so many the opportunity to reunite with each other; even those who, under normal circumstances wouldn’t have been able to be present in person,” said Corri Sensabaugh, associate director of reunions. “Even better is hearing about so many classes keeping the excitement alive by incorporating more regular virtual events on their own.”

Patti Cook, director of annual and reunion giving, saw what was necessitated by the pandemic and is turning the experience into an opportunity for future reunions.

“I think one of the positive discoveries that came out of the virtual reunion experience is that we have the ability in the future ... to include a virtual option into any of our reunion weekends,” she said. “This will provide an opportunity for BRs to connect, even if they are unable to come to the in-person event.”

Several attendees agreed that, due to personal circumstances, they might not have been able to attend their reunion at all if not for the virtual option. For some, it is the only reunion they have ever attended. That was certainly the case for the Class of 2015.

“The team worked hard to provide an update for the classes despite our unique circumstances,” said T.J. Lighton ’15, reunion giving officer for the VMI Alumni Agencies. Lighton’s class was one of the six with reunions affected by COVID-19. “In times like these, it was nice to connect with BRs and reflect on our time in barracks and all the things we have been up to since graduating.”

From the more intimate gatherings to the events that drew almost 100 participants, VMI alumni have proven that, even through tough times, the brother rat spirit remains strong.

Class of 1950B

Class of 1960

Class of 1975

Class of 2005

Class of 2010

Class of 2015

Central North Carolina – Raleigh Chapter Gathers

The Central North Carolina – Raleigh Chapter held an Old Corps gathering on Zoom Oct. 27, 2020. Don Brown ’71, Bill Gibson ’65, Paul Johnston ’61, Larry Wilson ’62, Megan Ayers ’19, Mike Kelly ’73, Ron Wall '69, Thom Brashears ’95, Parky Parkman ’66 and Drew Turner ’72 attended (pictured). The group also gathered on Zoom in August with Bill Gibson ’65, Parky Parkman ’66, Paul Johnston ’61, Mike Kelly ’73, Charlie Ramsburg ’66, Thom Brashears ’95, and Larry Wilson ’62 attending. Brashears provided an update as to current Institute activities.

Middle Tennessee – Nashville Chapter Gathers

The Middle Tennessee – Nashville Chapter gathered for lunch at the patio of Mere Bulles restaurant in Brentwood, Tennessee, Oct. 20, 2020. Hunter Fede ’11, Eric Smith ’98, Steve Chapin ’75, John Manley ’64, Mark Searles ’06, David Miller ’70, and Dave Pitts ’88 attended. Pitts is the chapter president.

Commissioning Information for Classes of 1990-2009

To more accurately reflect commissioning percentages at VMI, the Institute is seeking to uncover those alumni who have commissioned in any branch of service following their graduation through an officer candidate program or other commissioning avenue.

VMI believes that there may be a sizeable number of alumni in this category. If you commissioned after graduation, by some means other than direct commission through VMI ROTC, please contact Col. Gary Bissell ’89, deputy chief of staff and operations, by email at bissellga@vmi.edu or by phone at 540/464-7104.

Graduate School Partnerships

The Virginia Military Institute has forged relationships with graduate and professional schools in Virginia and across the U.S. These agreements offer opportunities, including admissions concessions, internships, guaranteed interviews and, in some cases, guaranteed admissions.

Partnerships include Virginia Commonwealth University, University of Virginia, Virginia Tech, Florida State University, Norwich University, Arizona State, and the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine. Programs include law, medicine, business, engineering, and communications.

Contact Bri Holland at hollandbm@vmi.edu for more information.

Thailand Chapter Gathers, Celebrates Military Promotions

The Thailand Chapter, which is well-represented across Thai armed forces, gathered to celebrate recent promotions Sept. 26, 2020. Promotions included Maj. Gen. Sumonchai Sanusan ’85, senior specialist, Royal Thai Army; Lt. Gen. Paisarn Ngarmwongwan ’87, chief of staff, National Defence Studies Institute; Lt. Gen. Songwit Noonpakdee ’88, Royal Thai Army deputy chief of staff; Maj. Gen. Kultawat Vaijai ’88, deputy director general of joint intelligence, Royal Thai Armed Forces Headquarters; Maj. Gen. Painwaut Subrungruang ’92, director general of the international affairs department at the Ministry of Defence Office of Policy and Planning; Maj. Gen. Jakkrit Thammavichai ’93, Navaminda Kasatriyadhiraj Royal Air Force Academy chief of staff; Maj. Gen. Noppadon Kuljanavivant ’96, expert, Office of the Permanent Secretary for Defence; and Senior Col. Pattana Punmongkol ’97, Washington, D.C., Royal Thai Embassy defense and military attaché.

Jonathan M. Daniels 1961 Seminary Scholarship

Dr. G. Lee Southard ’59, and his family established the Jonathan M. Daniels 1961 Seminary Scholarship in 1985. The purpose of the scholarship is to assist VMI graduates pursuing an advanced degree leading to Protestant Christian ministry. The scholarship is named in honor of Jonathan M. Daniels ’61, who, after graduating from VMI, followed a call to ministry and entered seminary.

For more information, applications and instructions, please contact Mary Cannon, administrative assistant in the VMI Chaplains’ Office at cannonml@vmi.edu.

The degree pursued must lead to service as a pastor or military chaplain in Protestant ministry. The deadline for submitting the application is June 15 of each year. Scholarships are awarded in July.