The Virginia Military Institute Alumni Association Member Handbook
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section
I. II. III. IV. V. VI. VII. VIII. IX.
The VMI Alumni Association Inc. ................... 3 Services Available Online.................................. 15 Alumni Association Board of Directors........... 16 Publications Available to Alumni..................... 21 The VMI Foundation Inc…………………........ 26 The VMI Keydet Club Inc…………………...... 28 Transcripts…………………………………….... 30 VMI Post-Graduate Scholarships..................... 31 Alumni Agencies Directory…………………... 34
PUBLISHING OFFICE—The VMI Alumni Association, Inc., VMI Moody Hall, P.O. Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450 Internet address — www.vmialumni.org; Photographs taken by Kathryn Wise and from past issues of the Alumni Review.
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Dear Alumnus, I hope this handbook is a useful resource as you look for ways to revisit VMI and the unique experience you shared here with your Brother Rats. We are fortunate as an association and alumni body to have such a rich heritage and privileges in return. Since its inception in 1842, the Alumni Association has been committed to “Excellence in Service.” We embrace that motto and hope to guide you to understanding your privileges in the pages that follow. This handbook is designed to provide information about what services are available on post and what is expected of you as an alumnus. Hopefully, this can be a guide to navigating your first alumni experiences. Where you do not find answers, please call my staff or reach out to alumni near you. We are a family, and our connection exists because we share a common interest in the Institute, our system of education and the value of time shared in pursuit of both honor and education. In the bonds, Richmond P. Lykins ’73, President The VMI Alumni Association Inc.
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I. THE VMI ALUMNI ASSOCIATION INC. The Alumni Association sponsors alumni activities, including chapter organization, reunion weekends, new cadet recruiting, alumni tours and various other activities which are more fully described elsewhere in this handbook. Alumni of the Virginia Military Institute are defined as “all graduates of the Institute and all matriculants of the Institute who shall have been in good standing at the time of their departure.� A former cadet who has left VMI in good standing is not considered to be an alumnus until his or her class graduates, and therefore he or she cannot exercise his or her privileges as an alumnus of the Institute until after that event. A cadet in attendance five or more years is considered to be an alumnus when he or she graduates with a subsequent class or otherwise leaves in good standing.
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Moody Hall William L. Moody Jr. Hall was opened in the fall of 1969. The building was a gift to VMI from Mr. Moody’s daughter, Mrs. Mary Moody Northen, honoring her father, a member of the class of 1886. The structure provides meeting rooms and entertainment facilities for VMI alumni and faculty, limited overnight accommodations for alumni and offices of the Alumni Association. Moody Hall is a completely smoke-free environment, both inside and outside the building. Dress Code: Our standards are based on excellence in everything, including dress. It is requested that appropriate attire be worn in Moody Hall at all times. The spirit of the dress code is that you be properly dressed for the event that you are attending. Men are expected to wear a business suit, appropriate uniform or sport coat ensemble when participating in organized alumni activities. For pre- and post-game lunch/festivities, acceptable casual attire is a collared shirt, khakis or jeans. Women are expected to wear a business suit, comparable business attire or appropriate uniform when participating in organized alumni activities. For pre- and post-game lunch/festivities, the acceptable casual attire is a semi-casual sweater/ blouse or collared shirt, khakis or jeans. This policy is enforced by members of the Alumni Association. Overnight Accommodations: Alumni are welcome to stay in Moody Hall free of charge. Accommodations include six bedrooms on the upper level with two single beds and one bathroom (with 4
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shower) in each room. There is also a dormitory room on the lower level with six beds, and there is a large locker room type bathroom across the hall from the dormitory. Reservations are required and may be obtained by calling the Alumni Association (ask for Carole Green). There is a 15-day limit on length of occupancy. Wireless Internet Access: Moody Hall is a wireless area and allows guests and visitors to use their laptops or other devices to connect to the internet. The VMI Alumni Association provides free wireless Internet access to all alumni visiting Moody Hall. If your laptop computer does not have a wireless adapter, there are a limited number of adapters available that Spring 2010
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can be provided by Alumni Association staff. Contact Adam Volant ’88, whose office is located on the lower level of Moody Hall, for instructions on connecting to the wireless network. Rooms in Moody Hall: There are various rooms available in Moody Hall, each of which serves a unique function. There is a charge for the use of Moody Hall. For additional information, please call the Alumni Association (ask for Carole Green). Activity Room: The Moody Hall Activity Room, which is the primary gathering area on the main level of Moody Hall, is available to VMI alumni for wedding receptions and other approved functions. It will seat 162 guests for a plated meal and 135 for a buffet event. Larger groups can be accommodated depending upon set-up in the room. Executive Dining Room: The Executive Dining Room is a smaller dining area that provides seating for 24. It is a great place for smaller groups to meet and have the benefit of a private room. Mary Moody Northen Library: The Mary Moody Northen Library is located on the main floor off the main lobby. It contains a board room-sized rectangular table and is an ideal place in which to hold small meetings. It has a great view of the Parade Ground and Barracks. This room is ornately decorated and contains a small collection of historical books. Board Room: The Board Room is located on the top level of Moody Hall. It can be arranged to fit various types of meeting formats. The VMI Alumni Association Board of Directors meets 6
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in this room three times per year to conduct official business of the Alumni Association. Mary Moody Northen Suite: The Mary Moody Northen Suite is located on the top floor of Moody Hall. This elegant executive bedroom suite serves as quarters for the president of The VMI Alumni Association during his brief stays at the Institute. The suite also serves as quarters for visiting dignitaries, subject to the approval of the president or executive vice president of The VMI Alumni Association. Reunions Alumni return to VMI for reunions four times a year. Two such gatherings are held on weekends in the fall; one on a weekend in the spring; and a fourth on two weekdays during the spring.
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The first reunion for each class is at the five-year mark and then every fifth year after that. The class agent or class president will appoint a committee which will formulate plans for your reunion. An announcement will then be sent to all members of the class. The VMI Alumni Association staff will provide a Reunion Planning Handbook to the reunion committee and will help to coordinate the weekend. Visiting Barracks All visitors, including alumni, must sign in at the Guard Room prior to visiting in Barracks. Appropriate conduct is always expected. Alumni are expected to abide by the guidelines of the Institute and the commandant’s staff during visitation in Barracks Class Rings The ring manufacturer will not honor your request for a new class ring without the proper authorization from the VMI Alumni Office. 8
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To Obtain a Replacement Ring: Write or call the Alumni Association (ask for Lisla Danas) to request an authorization form which will certify that you are eligible to wear the VMI class ring. The Alumni Association will then forward the authorization form to you, or you can obtain it on line at www.vmialumni. org. Contact the manufacturer, who will then advise you of the cost, deposit requirements, etc., and to whom you will have to send the completed authorization form. Want to Order a Miniature? This also requires an authorization form which can be obtained in the manner stated above. Need Your Ring Repaired? Simply contact the ring manufacturer and advise them of the problem. They will instruct you concerning where to send the ring. No authorization form is needed to have your ring repaired. Class Agents Each class elects a person to act as the primary communications resource for the class and write class notes for the Alumni Review. Class agents assist in reunion planning and are the focal point for updates within the class. The class agent is supported by the Alumni Association and by the VMI Foundation, which provides resources for writing letters, making calls and Spring 2010
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remaining in touch with classmates. Class agents serve in the position for a period of five years and are then re-elected or changed during reunion weekends. Provisional Appointments If you would like to have a provisional appointment made for someone in your family, please contact the VMI Admissions Office and provide the following information: •Name of appointee •Address •Date of birth •Name and class of alumnus making request •Alumnus’ relationship to appointee •Address to send provisional appointment Alumni Placement Office As a VMI alumnus, there is no expiration date on career services and assistance offered here for you. Regardless of when you graduated, these services will always be available simply because we believe in you and what you have to offer. This includes lifetime career resources and guidance by our staff of professionals, and the invaluable contribution of VMI alumni who are well-placed in the business community. Alumni from VMI are renowned for the way they are connected in life experience, the workplace and through their shared exposure to the Institute. Because of this common bond and shared experience, alumni are able to make connections and network for information in a way that is distinctly different from that experienced by graduates from other colleges. 10
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Networking with alumni can take on many forms: • Networking within your alumni chapter: Your chapter may offer informal, regularly occurring meetings that allow for the exchange of information. (Check to see if your chapter leaders have this program in place.) • The VMI Online Directory: Alumni have 24/7 free access to an online database that provides contact information for all alumni. These names can be sorted by location, employer, job description or name. The opportunity to look up VMI contacts can increase the number of people you may utilize as a part of your employment network. To learn more, go to www. vmialumni.org. • Alumni Placement Office: Contacting The VMI Alumni Association Placement Office will allow you to speak with someone who can connect you to other alumni. • Other Services Offered: The Placement Office can provide you with information about executive recruiters and reports of those specializing in your chosen field. • Job listings and current information on The VMI Alumni Association Web site: Go to www.vmialumni.org. Spring 2010
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New Cadet Recruiting The Alumni Association created the New Cadet Recruiting program in order to help prospective cadets, their parents, high school counselors and teachers more fully understand the value of a VMI education and our citizen-soldier philosophy. Therefore, it is the mission of New Cadet Recruiting to mobilize alumni in support of the recruitment of the best applicants for admission. Our alumni recruiters attend and host informational receptions, staff college fairs, interview applicants and visit local high schools. With the support of our alumni nationwide, we hope to help today’s young men and women consider something much more than a college experience: a VMI education! If you want to become involved in New Cadet Recruiting, contact the Alumni Association (ask for Adam Volant ’88). Alumni Chapters VMI’s extensive worldwide network of alumni chapters stretches from Alaska to Hawaii and from Thailand to Virginia. The network’s goal is to serve as a connecting link to the Institute between alumni, cadets, prospective cadets, friends and supporters. 12
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The purpose of alumni chapters is “To renew and foster good fellowship among VMI alumni; to strengthen our ties with VMI and to remain informed of what VMI is doing; to share VMI with interested students and with the community; [and] to support The VMI Alumni Association.� A chapter event connects former classmates and friends throughout the year when they attend golf outings, VMI football and basketball games, chapter dinners and holiday parties. These events
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are coordinated through the Alumni Association’s volunteer network of chapter presidents and other chapter leaders in each chapter. The administration of the chapter is run by its chapter officers. Officers are elected for a term of two fiscal years, and they are eligible for re-election for an additional year. Each chapter operates under its own set of regulations, so variations do exist in the leadership terms. The chapter leadership positions are: president, first vice president, second vice president, secretary/treasurer and chapter representative to The VMI Alumni Association Board of Directors. Your involvement in your local chapter is a clear indication of your allegiance to the Institute, as well as your desire to stay connected with your fellow alumni for networking and strengthening the VMI bonds. If you want to become involved in your local chapter, contact the Alumni Association (ask for Adam Volant).
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II. SERVICES AVAILABLE ONLINE The VMI Alumni Association offers access to an online community, The VMI Ranks, which functions as the central point for online information about chapter events, reunions, sporting events and opportunities to meet other alumni. Join the ranks – it’s free to all alumni – and you can enjoy the many benefits of this web site as a resource and tool. How to Register: Go to http://www.vmialumni.org and click on the link “Click Here to Register or Login.” The Benefits Include: Online event registration; an online directory of alumni; alumni news; an event calendar; and a VMI job board. In addition, you’ll get a free e-mail address and the ability to manage your own profile and subscribe to newsletters. Spring 2010
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III. THE VMI ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS The affairs of The VMI Alumni Association are controlled by a board of directors which meets three times a year; once in the fall, once in the winter and once in the spring. The board of directors is composed of 28 voting members who serve a three-year term in their respective office of regional director or director-at-large. Each member of the board is assigned to a committee by the officers of the board. These committees complete work during meetings held three times per year or during intervening periods as required. The committees report to the entire board of directors during their combined session or at another time as determined by the president. The members of the voting board are elected from the alumni population at large and are confirmed at the Annual Meeting of The VMI Alumni Association. Members of the board are typically prior chapter presidents, are active in chapters and are alumni who have dedicated time in service to the Institute. Five of the elected directors (two directors-at-large and three regional directors) must be from the classes that graduated within the last 15 years. The operating budget for the Alumni Association is provided from funds raised by the VMI Alumni Annual Fund, an organization within the VMI Foundation Inc. 16
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Committees of the Board Executive Committee The Executive Committee is made up of the president of The VMI Alumni Association, who serves as its chairman; the first and second vice presidents; the immediate past president; one director-at-large; and two regional directors, provided that the members of the Executive Committee shall first be approved by a majority of all the voting directors in office when the action is taken. The director-at-large and two regional directors are recommended to the board of directors by the president. The senior executive vice president serves as secretary of the Executive Committee, but has no vote. The Executive Committee provides direction for the Association and the board of directors. The Executive Committee is the senior committee among those of the board and provides oversight for alumni chapters, alumni activities and specific issues with respect to alumni. The overall operation of the Alumni Association is approved and guided by the Executive Committee under the Spring 2010
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leadership of the president of the Alumni Association. The committee votes on issues of importance and has the ability to meet outside of the required location and frequency as determined by the president. Finance Committee The Finance Committee is charged with the review of annual budgets of The VMI Alumni Association Inc., including the budget for all operations and resources of the Alumni Association. The committee reviews the annual audit of the corporation and makes recommendations on the budget approved by the entire VMI Alumni Association Board of Directors. New Cadet Recruiting Committee The New Cadet Recruiting Committee manages the effort of alumni to actively contribute to the admissions process in recruiting top quality cadets to the Institute. The NCR Committee assists chapters nationally in promoting their activities to support high school students who are interested in VMI. Additionally, alumni chapters, interested alumni and other volunteers are trained to work at college fairs in a wide variety 18
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of locations. Activities such as receptions, picnics, training sessions and other meetings are planned and sponsored under the auspices of the Alumni Association and the New Cadet Recruiting Committee. Recent studies of incoming students indicate that the alumni network is the single greatest attribute of the Institute that attracts students. The NCR effort uses this precept as an opportunity to meet with interested students and engage them with timely and accurate information about VMI, thereby increasing the overall quality of incoming cadets. Placement Committee The Placement Committee monitors the activity and direction of the full-time executive responsible for the placement office inside the Alumni Association. The committee oversees the program to ensure that alumni have a conduit to connect to other alumni and employers in the workplace. The office provides services for alumni who are transitioning in the workplace and seeking new opportunities for employment. The office actively seeks relationships with businesses to widen the audience for alumni seeking opportunities and continue to engage market needs with qualified candidates. The Placement Committee reports to the alumni board and ensures that quality service is provided to alumni and employment contacts at the individual and chapter level. Nominating Committee The Nominating Committee consists of at least five members of the corporation who are appointed by the president and approved by the board of directors. At each annual meeting, the Nominating Committee recommends the names of nominees Spring 2010
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to serve as directors-at-large and regional directors. At each annual board meeting, the Nominating Committee will present for election at that meeting the names of the nominees for election as officers of the corporation. As often as may be required to comply with the code of Virginia (1950), as amended, the Nominating Committee shall recommend to the board of directors candidates for membership on the VMI Board of Visitors. The final appointment of members of the board of visitors is made by the governor of Virginia. The Nominating Committee shall, by majority vote, approve or disapprove honorary alumnus nominations and refer all approved nominations to the president for referral to the board of directors.  House Committee The House Committee is made up of not less than three members of the corporation and includes the second vice president. Through the executive vice president, this committee supervises the operation and management of Moody Hall. The committee recommends rules and regulations concerning the use of Moody Hall and shall assure that its equipment and facilities are properly maintained. Changes to the infrastructure and modifications or repairs to the building are supervised by the committee. Young Alumni Committee The Young Alumni Committee serves at the pleasure of the president as an ad-hoc committee. It was established to serve and to support those alumni who are within 15 years of graduation from VMI with programs and communications at the chapter and Alumni Association level that are uniquely tailored to their needs and perspective on VMI. 20
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IV. PUBLICATIONS AVAILABLE TO ALUMNI The VMI Alumni Review The VMI Alumni Review, the official publication of The VMI Alumni Association, is published four times a year. It is mailed to all VMI alumni, parents and friends without a subscription fee. Parents of cadets receive the Review automatically until their son/daughter graduates, at which time they are removed from the list. If parents want to be added back to the list, they must contact the Alumni Association to request it. Class Notes: Items of interest to your Brother Rats should be sent to your class agent prior to the deadline to be included in the next issue. The name and address of your class agent appears in the class notes section of the magazine. Alumni News and Updates: Notification of alumni marriages, births, advanced degrees, deaths, job changes, promotions or other business news should be sent to the following address: VMI Alumni Review, P.O. Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450, or e-mail the information to review@vmiaa.org. Alumni in Combat (During Conflicts): Send photos and information about alumni in combat via e-mail to review@vmiaa. org or mail (VMI Alumni Review, P.O. Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450).
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For each alumnus serving, provide the name, class year, rank, branch and location (if available and unclassified). When sending a photo, include a caption as described in “Picture Submission” below. Also submit stories or articles about alumni in combat (for example, medals awarded). Picture Submission: Standard photo prints or digital photos should be submitted via e-mail to review@vmiaa.org or by mail (VMI Alumni Review, P.O. Box 932, Lexington, VA 24450). Below are guidelines to use when taking photos and submitting them: Digital Photos: For most digital cameras, use the following file types when shooting: •3-5 megapixel - Highest quality JPG. •Over 5 megapixel - Highest quality JPG; second highest may be adequate. Submit in .JPG or .TIF format. Do not embed in any other document (such as a Word file). Resolution requirements are 300 dots per inch (dpi), or in other words, high resolution. Note: Photos that are copied from a web site are typically 72 dots per inch and are too small in dimension to be of adequate quality for publication. Standard Prints: For print film, use slow ISO speeds. Send large (4x6 or 5x7) prints. Use only glossy, matte or semimatte print paper; avoid highly textured surfaces like Pearl. If you want a print returned to you, please request at the time you submit it that you want it returned, and the staff will do so after the issue in which it appears is published. 22
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Slides: Please do not submit slides. A photo shop can convert slides to prints which can then be mailed to the Review staff. Photo Captions: For each photo, provide a caption that includes answers to the following questions: Who is in the photo (list names and class years, left to right); where was the photo taken; when was it taken; why was it taken (i.e., what were the circumstances around the photo, such as Founders Day celebration, wedding, mini reunion, etc.)? Spring 2010
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The Institute Report Published by VMI’s Office of Communications and Marketing, The Institute Report is published for faculty and staff members, cadets and other readers important to VMI. The Report is published monthly during the academic year, with a total of eight issues released during the year. Readers of The Institute Report can sign up for a free electronic subscription to the publication. The subscription provides a worldwide e-mail notification of the availability of the publication when it is posted on the VMI web site. In the notification is a link to the latest issue of The Institute Report, which usually is available well before the print version is mailed. The electronic version of The Institute Report is available as a PDF 24
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file, a widely used format that presents documents in a form nearly identical to a printed version. The file can easily be printed on a home or office printer for a hard copy. To enroll, fill out the brief subscription form (www.vmi.edu/subscribe/) on the VMI web site. Register of Former Cadets Printed every five years, the Register of Former Cadets lists each alumnus alphabetically by class, including all who have attended VMI for any length of time and who have remained in honorable status while at VMI. Information provided in the Register for each alumnus includes academic major, graduate studies, military service and current contact information, as of the date of publication. The Register also provides some historical information about VMI. The Register is available to alumni through The VMI Alumni Association. Contact the Alumni Office for details. VMI Keydet Club Newsletter The Keydet Club periodically distributes the Keydet Newsletter to its members. The newsletter provides information on Keydet Club fundraising efforts and events, as well as about VMI Division I athletic news. Spring 2010
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V. THE VMI FOUNDATION INC. Operating since 1937, the VMI Foundation is a private non-profits establishment 1936, the VMI Foundation hasof it Since corporation based on Postinthat is committed to the support the Virginia Military InstituteVMI andwith The Association. worked diligently to provide theVMI extraAlumni financial support The VMI Foundation supports VMI Alumni Association in its it needs to maintain VMI’s The singular education and toInc. ensure ongoing effort to maintain and strengthen the bonds that alumni have that young people who are attracted to “the VMI way” have with the Institute and each other as well as its work with VMI to attract the means young to attend thetoInstitute. high-quality people the ranks of the Corps of Cadets. It directly assists class agents in their vital work on behalf of their Brother Rats and the Institute and, throughlaunched its office of and Reunion giving,effort coorThe VMI Foundation itsAlumni first official fundraising dinates efforts tofocused raise gifts commitments forfor VMI. also in 1939;classes’ the campaign onand providing benefits theItfacaids The VMI Alumni Association,program the VMI Keydet Club and the ulty, improving the academic and increasing the George fundC. Marshall Foundation by providing banking, accounting, computer ing then-new PrestonasLibrary. the decades since that first and for investment services well as In personnel benefit management. campaign, VMI Foundation hassupport expanded its VMI support of VMI. Moreover, it the furnishes administrative to the Development Board, which has no employees or staff, and serves as a repository for all totally unrestricted (academic, co-curricular and intercollegiate) funds donated to better VMI. The Foundation also serves as the executive agent for all major fundraising campaigns on behalf of VMI. The VMI Foundation’s main purpose, however, is to ensure the Institute’s academic and co-curricular programs, the programs that affect every cadet’s education; to have the financial resources it needs to accomplish its mission of preparing young people for success and leadership in their chosen professions; and to serve the Commonwealth, the country and the world. The VMI Foundation has been raising money for VMI since 1939. Its first official campaign focused on raising money to provide support to VMI’s faculty and its academic program as well as the then-new Preston Library. In recent decades, the importance of private financial support to VMI has increased markedly. In the past, money from the Foundation provided “a margin of excellence,” assistance to help VMI create and sustain the academic and co-curricular programs that maintained VMI as an extraordinary college. This stemmed from the fact that money that VMI received from cadets’ tuition and fees and the Commonwealth of Virginia was sufficient to support the annual operations of VMI.
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Almost every aspect of the Institute’s extraordinary educational system – the demanding academic program, the widely admired This situation changed in the 1970s and 1980s. As it did for other military system, and the Corps of Cadets’ extracurricular state-supported institutions, state support as a many percentage of VMI’s anactivities – is began bolstered by private thatthe is raised nual revenues to decline. At thesupport same time, cost ofthrough adhering to “the VMI way”by – e.g. top-notch professors, a demandand managed thesmall VMI classes, Foundation. Every cadet, professor ing life – increased markedly every Soon, the money andBarracks staff member benefits – directly oryear. indirectly – from the that came to VMI from private sources was essential to maintaining the work of the Foundation’s trustees and staff and the generosity Institute’s singular education. In recent years, private financial support of its vast donors. Without the financial support provided through – the majority of which comes from the VMI Foundation – has the Foundation, is doubtful that VMI stand operating out as boldly as accounted for it approximately a third ofwould VMI’s annual budget. State support accountedoffor about a quarter it. it does on thehas landscape American higherofeducation. It’s not just current operations that need financial support, but also the projects and programs associated with the Institute’s strategic plan, Although it has taken new responsibilities and embraced new Vision 2039. Over the past years and well into the future, the capital techniques and the VMI Foundation projects related to technologies Vision 2039 assince well as1936, its ambitious program eleremains fixed on its enduring to ensure therequire Virginia ments – especially those related mission: to leadership trainingthat – will substantial private financial Military Institute and Thesupport. VMI Alumni Association can adhere The VMI Foundation’s volunteer and small efficient staff to their shared standards of leaders excellence. Thebut VMI Foundation provide VMI with the tens of millions of dollars in private money it has been most fortunate to have leaders and donors who apneeds every year through a combination of: preciate the critical role that constant and generous private · Energetic fundraising: Engaging the VMI family – alumni, parents, faculty and staffmission – and motivating to support plays in friends, accomplishing that and whothem realize that sustained provide financial support for VMI. action is necessary to generate such support. · Diligent stewardship: Ensuring that donors receive proper recognition for their generosity and proper respect for their the Institute has and made considerable since Although privacy, that all gifts commitments are progress directed accord 1939, it faces the donors’ same challenge didallinoperations that year: must ing to the wishes, anditthat areitcon- on a strong ethical basis. prepare itsducted graduates to provide forthright, principled leadership · Choosing the proper investmentsocial, ve to a worldPrudent that isinvestment: undergoing profound technological, hicles in order to create maximum income for VMI while economic and political change. In order to continue to prepare safeguarding endowments in order to ensure long-term young men and women to be the strong leaders who have made financial stability. and maintained VMI’s reputation, VMI must develop a dynamic · Dedication to mission: Committing wholeheartedly to the program welfare and advancement of the Virginia Militaryfrom Institute as it preserves that which sets VMI apart other andthat the Corps Cadets.a VMI education so valuable. institutions, whichofmakes
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VI. THE VMI KEYDET CLUB INC. The VMI Keydet Club Inc., a private foundation, is the Institute’s primary fundraising arm for its intercollegiate athletic program. [The Commonwealth of Virginia does not allow public funds to be spent for athletics.] The Keydet Club consists of a voluntary 40-member board of governors, who are elected by The VMI Alumni Association Board of Directors. Its day-to-day operations are managed by an executive vice president and four staff members. VMI depends on the Keydet Club to solicit gifts each year in support of athletic grants-in-aid and athletic operations. Recently, a Young Associates group was established by the Keydet Club to get more recent graduates involved with the club. While these individuals do not have a vote, they are included in all normal Keydet Club board meetings and activities. Donors of $1 or more in a fiscal year become a member of the Keydet Club for that year. Along with membership come certain benefits, associated with the giving level. In addition, the Keydet Club has approximately $18 million in endowment, 28
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much of which is established in named scholarships by individual VMI classes and by individuals to honor some of VMI’s greatest athletes, coaches and fans. Successful athletics benefit our Institute, alumni and the Corps of Cadets in many ways, both tangible and intangible. Not only does the Institute gain free media exposure, which can result in higher enrollment applications, gifts and prestige, but athletics comprise the third leg of VMI’s Three-Legged Stool approach to education (academics, service and athletics). Athletics enrich the life-long VMI experience for the Corps of Cadets, alumni, parents and friends. For more information on the VMI Keydet Club, please visit the web site at: www.vmikeydetclub.com. How to Order Football Tickets Tickets may be ordered by calling 540-464-7266 Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Game day hours: 9:30 a.m.-halftime.
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VII. TRANSCRIPTS A transcript is a copy of a cadet’s permanent academic record at the time of issue. All transcripts are issued as a cumulative summary of a cadet’s performance at VMI. How To Order a Transcript A transcript will be issued only upon written request by the alumnus concerned. Transcript requests must be made in writing, either by mail, FAX or in person to: The Office of the Registrar Virginia Military Institute 303 Carroll Hall Lexington, Virginia 24450 Fax Request: 540/464-7726 Provide When Requesting a Transcript •Full name while in attendance at VMI •Date of attendance at VMI or graduation date •Class year •Name and address of recipient •Social Security Number •Name, address and phone number where you can be reached •Original signature of cadet 30
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VIII. VMI POST-GRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS Regardless of whether you go to graduate school right after VMI or wait several years, VMI has established a scholarship program to assist with graduate school tuition. Application materials and instructions are available from Maj. Dennis Foster, assistant professor of international studies, at fosterdm@ vmi.edu or 540/464-7088. Applications will be reviewed and recommendations made by the Graduate Education Committee each year beginning in January with an application deadline of March 15. The available scholarships are: Alfred Dickinson Barksdale ’11 Law Scholarship The application for the Alfred Dickinson ’11 Law Scholarship should state that the applicant has been accepted by an accredited law school, naming the school and giving the score the applicant received on his Law School Admissions Test. The applicant should state his or her need, if it exists, for financial aid. Financial need is not the determining factor but in case of applicants of equal ability, the one demonstrating financial need will be given preference. The applicant also should state whether he or she intends to practice law upon graduating and include a discussion of personal goals that led him or her to pursue a legal education. The scholarship is set at approximately $1,000, or more as income promises, and will be granted to the applicant to be approved by a committee that has been chosen by the donors: The Hon. William W. Sweeney ’49B, who is a judge in Lynchburg, Virginia, and Michael W. Maupin ’59, who is an attorney in Richmond, Virginia. Upon satisfactory work Spring 2010
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at the end of each law school year, the scholarship may be renewed on application. John E. Woodward ’23 Graduate Scholarship Any graduate of VMI, including graduating cadets, or any member of the VMI faculty may apply for the John E. Woodward ’23 Graduate Scholarship in order to pursue graduate study. The letter of application should contain the name of the graduate school where the applicant has been accepted and should describe the course of study to be pursued. The goals of the applicant also should be given. Applications favorably considered will be presented to the superintendent, who will make his recommendation to the VMI Foundation Board of Trustees. James C. Wheat Sr. Memorial Scholarship The James C. Wheat Sr. Memorial Scholarship is awarded in recognition of academic excellence and general merit to an alumnus or to a graduating cadet who shows a mature interest in and dedication to the American free-enterprise system. The scholarship was established by James C. Wheat Jr. ’41 in memory of his father. The award was established to provide assistance to VMI alumni for two purposes: (1) to obtain the master of business administration degree, and (2) to obtain advanced degrees in appropriate fields subject to their returning to the Institute to teach. Priority will be given to those alumni attending the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia. Scholarships are awarded at the discretion of the superintendent based upon the recommendation of a VMI faculty committee. Subject to satisfactory performance, scholarships may be renewed for a second year. 32
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IX. ALUMNI AGENCIES DIRECTORY The VMI Alumni Association Inc. 800/444-1839 or 540/464-7221 Fax: 540/464-1011
Adam C. Volant ’88……..…...........Executive Vice President Carole Green.…..……….................Vice President, Alumni Activities Matthew J. Schwarzmann ’90……..Information Officer Jennifer M.G. Palmer……………….NetCommunity Planner Lisla K. Danas……………..….........Executive Assistant Diane M. Brown………...................Alumni Assistant VMI Alumni Review Hope Hennessey………………........Editor Traci Mierzwa……………..…..........Assistant Editor Brenda Stoner………......................Editorial Assistant 34
Association Handbook
ALUMNI AGENCIES DIRECTORY (continued) The VMI Foundation Inc. 800/444-1939 or 540/464-7221 Fax: 540/464-4545 Brian S. Crockett…….…................CEO* Patrick Webb…………..…............... Vice President, Alumni and Reunion Giving Norma Robinson……………........... Administrative Assistant Terrie Conrad……………................ Vice President, Constituent and Planned Giving Marilyn Dudley…………….............. Assistant Director, Alumni and Reunion Giving David Morris…………………........... Senior Gifts Officer Joseph Irby ’85……………............. Gifts Officer The VMI Keydet Club Inc. 800-444/1839 or 540/464-7221 Fax: 540/463-2695 Greg Cavallaro ’84…………....CEO* Donald Ross ’74…………........Vice President Doug Bartlett…………………...Vice President Susan Wood……………...........Assistant Vice President Jackie Clark……………..........Officer Mgr. and Admin. Asst. * Chief Executive Officer
Spring 2010
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NOTES
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Association Handbook