"J.T.L. [105] In a special arrangement, graduating cadets may be nominated by Kappa Alpha Order alumni and inducted into the fraternity, becoming part of Kappa Alpha Order's Beta Commission (a commission as opposed to an active chapter). It does not list alumni who did not graduate from the school, such as General George S. Patton and General Sam S. Walker, and the many VMI graduates who served or still serve as four-star generals in foreign nations such as Thailand, China, and Taiwan. It was founded in 1839 as America's first state military college and is the oldest public senior military college in the United States. The campus is referred to as the "Post," a tradition that reflects the school's military focus and the uniformed service of its alumni. is composed of four organizations that share the common purpose of raising funds, investing funds, and performing other activities on behalf of VMI alumni and other donors in support of Virginia Military Institute. Randolph McCall Pate was a United States Marine Corps general who served as the 21st Commandant of the Marine Corps from 1956 to 1959. David M. Maddox is a retired United States Army four-star general who served as Commander in Chief, United States Army Europe/Commander, Central Army Group from 1992 to 1993 and Commander in Chief, United States Army Europe from 1993 to 1994. Under Jackson, then a major, and Major William Gilham, VMI infantry and artillery units were present at the execution by hanging of John Brown at Charles Town, Virginia (now West Virginia) in 1859. The Deputy Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army during the war was also a VMI graduate as were the Second U.S. Army commander, 15th U.S. Army commander, the commander of Allied Air Forces of the Southwest Pacific and various corps and division commanders in the Army and Marine Corps. He is a 1960 graduate of Virginia Military Institute. After the war, he spent a frustrating year trying and failing to avoid the impending civil war in China. Prior to Breakout, the Rat mass is given a different style of year identifier to emphasize this difference. U.S. Marine Corps major general. Thomas Troy Handy was a United States Army four-star general who served as Deputy Chief of Staff, United States Army from 1944 to 1947; Commanding General, Fourth United States Army from 1947 to 1949; Commander in Chief, United States European Command from 1949 to 1952; Commander in Chief, United States Army Europe/Commander, Central Army Group in 1952; and Deputy Commander in Chief, United States European Command from 1952 to 1954. [69], Kiplinger's magazine, in its ranking of the "Best Values in Public Colleges" for 2006, made mention of the Virginia Military Institute as a "great value", although the military nature of its program excluded it from consideration as a traditional four-year college in the rankings. The VMI Alumni Agencies. The term "Brother Rat" is a term of endearment which lasts a lifetime amongst VMI graduates. Born in Edgefield County, he received his education in the Curryton Academy; the Virginia Military Institute; the Emerson Institute of Washington, D. C. and the Georgetown University Law School. This escape clause provided by Congress came after the VMI Board of Visitors had already voted 98 to admit women; the decision was not revisited. A 6'6" swingman, he was named the 201213 Big South Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Year while playing for Virginia Military Institute (VMI). The latest skirmish comes months after the military college's president publicly rebuked an alumnus for claiming in an interview that VMI's DEI efforts were in fact an effort to establish critical race theory on campus.. VMI has denied that critical race theory is part of its curriculum. Further, cadet uniforms have changed little; the coatee worn in parades dates to the War of 1812. He was their starting fullback four of those years and a two-time All-Pro selection. [19][22], After a public relations campaign that included Preston meeting in person with influential business, military and political figures and many open letters from prominent supporters, in 1836 the Virginia legislature passed a bill authorizing creation of a school at the Lexington arsenal, and the Governor signed the measure into law. Antoine received the medal for bravery shown at. Education. [43] Winston Churchill dubbed Marshall the "Architect of Victory" and "the noblest Roman of them all". The first female cadets "walked the stage" in 1999 for graduation, although by VMI's definitions they are considered to be members of the class of 2001. The 1976 squad advanced within one game of the Final Four before bowing to undefeated Rutgers in the East Regional Final, and in 1977 VMI finished with 26 wins and just four losses, still a school record, and reached the "Sweet 16" round of the NCAA tournament. Charles Evans Kilbourne Jr. was the first American to earn the United States' three highest military decorations. [94][95][96] In 2002 the Fourth Circuit ruled the prayer, during an event with mandatory attendance, at a state-funded school, violated the U.S. Constitution. Campbell Bascom Slemp was an American Republican politician. Below is the list of 100 notable alumni from Virginia Military Institute sorted by their wiki pages popularity. Crutchfield lost a leg in battle, removing him from service in the field. The barracks stairs and rails were not able to take the abuse, so the Corps moved the breakout to a muddy hill, where Rats attempt to climb to the top by crawling on their stomachs while the upper classes block them or drag them back down. During this ceremony, the roll is called for cadets who "died on the Field of Honor" and wreaths are placed on the graves of those who died during the Battle of New Market. Total tuition, room & board, and other fees for the 20082009 school year was approximately $17,000 for Virginia residents and $34,000 for all others.[78]. There are no records of a coach or any players for that game. George Howard Brett was a United States Army Air Forces General during World War II. William Mahone was an American civil engineer, railroad executive, Confederate States Army general, and Virginia politician. The first Jewish cadet, Moses Jacob Ezekiel, graduated in 1866. [92] Since 2021, this ceremony has expanded to also include VMI graduates who have died in service to the United States. Barnhart Crane & Rigging December 2008 - September 2011. Alumni Association. Virginia Commonwealth University 1978 2003. bachelor of arts, English Studies. He played college basketball for the Virginia Military Institute (VMI). Erskine Mayo Ross was an American attorney and jurist from California. Following the war, Matthew Fontaine Maury, the pioneering oceanographer known as the "Pathfinder of the Seas", accepted a teaching position at VMI, holding the physics chair. Greenfield Quarles was a Confederate States Army and United States Army soldier, judge, and one of the founders of the Sigma Nu fraternity. The VWIL continued, even after VMI's admission of women. Dabney Wharton Coleman is an American actor. Lewis Franklin Payne Jr. (born July 9, 1945) is an American businessman, politician and lobbyist who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from the Commonwealth of Virginia from 1988 to 1997. His division led Stonewall Jackson's devastating surprise attack at the Battle of Chancellorsville; Jackson, on his deathbed, recommended that Rodes be promoted to major general. See how your gifts support the Institute and leave a legacy with cadets. It is a state military college modeled on the U.S. service academies. Jules James,, was a career U.S. [76], Eligibility is not restricted to Virginia residents, although it is more difficult to gain an appointment as a non-resident, because VMI has a goal that no more than 45 percent of cadets come from outside Virginia. [91] Most cadets get two rings, a formal ring and a combat ring; some choose to have the combat ring for everyday wear, and the formal for special occasions. Richard Harold Cruzen was a decorated United States Navy officer with the rank of Vice Admiral. James Keith "Jimmy" Marshall was a Confederate Army officer during the American Civil War. New cadets, known as "Rats", are not permitted to watch TV or listen to music outside of an academic setting. Virginia Department of Transportation July 2009 - Present. Superintendent Smith accepted a donation of a Revolutionary War musket in 1856, thus establishing the first public museum in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Shannon P. Meehan is a public speaker, author of a critically acclaimed memoir and spokesman for veterans' issues. Samuel Sims Walker was a United States Army general who served as the Commanding General of Allied Land Forces, South East Europe from 1977 to 1978. As Secretary of State, Marshall advocated a U.S. economic and political commitment to post-war European recovery, including the Marshall Plan that bore his name. On 14 May 1864, the governor of Virginia once again called upon the cadets from VMI to participate in the American Civil War. The board delegated to Preston the task of deciding what to call the new school, and he created the name Virginia Military Institute. From scores to scholarships, connect with VMI Athletics. The Virginia Military Institute (VMI) is a state-funded military academy founded in 1839. . [58] Next to the Barracks are offices and meeting areas for VMI clubs and organizations, the cadet visitors center and lounge, a snack bar, and a Follett Corporation-operated bookstore. The entire body of Rats during the Ratline is called a "Rat Mass." Always check official university websites for the latest enrollment information. This list of distinguished Virginia Military Institute alumni is loosely ordered by relevance, so the most recognizable celebrities who attended Virginia Military Institute are at the top of the list. "[99][100] There is only one punishment for violating the VMI Honor Code: immediate expulsion in the form of a drumming out ceremony of dismissal, in which the entire corps is awakened by drums in barracks and the honor court to hear the formal announcement. The students reported a threat of lynching, attacks on social media, and a staff member promoting "an inaccurate and dangerous 'Lost Cause' version of Virginia's history. He was in command of Confederate forces at Philippi in northwestern Virginia, later West Virginia, when they were surprised and routed, though with only a few soldiers wounded or captured, by Union Army forces on June 3, 1861, near the beginning of the Civil War. VMI is spending another $200 million to build the VMI Center for Leadership and Ethics, to be used by cadets, Washington and Lee University students, and other U.S. and international students. [14] Current law makes provision for officers of the Virginia Militia to be subject to orders of the governor. [8], While Abraham Lincoln first called VMI "The West Point of the South"[9] because of its role during the American Civil War, the nickname has remained because VMI has produced more Army generals than any ROTC program in the United States. In a letter dated February 27, 1845, addressed to William S. Beale, VMI Class of 1843,[31] Superintendent Francis H. Smith solicited items to create an Institute museum to inspire and educate cadets. Flowers was born in Pennsylvania and resided in several areas of the world as his family moved during his father's military career. Virginia Military Institute (VMI) FTX Finishes Strong Cadets recently completed their field training exercises with their ROTC units on post and around the Lexington area. VMI Faculty & Alumni Papers", "Probe ordered of VMI after Post's report on racist incidents", "After cadets allege racism in news reports, state orders review of Virginia Military Institute's culture", "VMI superintendent resigns after Black cadets describe relentless racism", "Virginia Military Institute superintendent resigns after allegations of racism surface", "VMI votes to remove Stonewall Jackson statue", "Virginia Military Institute removing Confederate statue", "VMI Website: VMI Superintendents, 1839present", "VMI Alumni Flag Rank Officers Alumni Generals & Admirals", "Jonathan Myrick Daniels (VMI Class of 1961) Civil Rights Hero", "Top Public Schools National Liberal Arts Colleges", "Virginia Military Institute Page Not Found", "MBC Celebrates VWIL's 10th Anniversary March 18, 2004", "Last Male-Only Military College Goes Coed Vmi Board Rejects Going Private, Will Open Its Infamous 'Rat Line' To Women In 1997", "At VMI, Black cadets endure lynching threats, Klan memories and Confederacy veneration", "First Female Cadets at V.M.I. Led VMI cadets at New Market under Maj. Gen. U.S. Army lieutenant general and commander, Medal of Honor recipient, resigned in 1888, did not graduate, Medal of Honor recipient; Marine Corps major general; Commander, Dept. [65][66] Per capita, as of 2006 VMI had graduated more Rhodes Scholars than any other state-supported college or university, and more than all the other senior military colleges combined. [50] The school reaffirmed the statue's removal in December and began plans to relocated it to a Civil War museum located on a battlefield where a number of VMI cadets and alumni were killed or wounded. [9], In 1996, VMI was forced to either end its prohibition of the admission of women, or become a private college without federal funding. [109] Approximately one-third of the Corps of Cadets plays on at least one of VMI's intercollegiate athletic teams, making it one of the most active athletic programs in the country. VMI Keydet Club The VMI Foundation The Board of Visitors is the supervisory board[12] of the Virginia Military Institute. [29] Classes began in 1839, and the first cadet to march a sentinel post was Private John Strange. Lieutenant General Robert B. EduRank.org is an independent metric-based ranking of 14,131 universities from 183 countries. VMI's alumni include a secretary of state, secretary of defense, secretary of the Army, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, 7 Medal of Honor recipients, 13 Rhodes Scholars, Pulitzer Prize winners, an Academy Award winner, an Emmy Award and Golden Globe winner, a martyr recognized by the Episcopal Church, senators and representatives, governors, lieutenant governors, a Supreme Court justice, numerous college and university presidents, many business leaders (presidents and CEOs) and over 290 general and flag officers across all US service branches and several other countries. The first African-American regimental commander was Darren McDew, class of 1982. All rooms open onto porch-like stoops facing one of the quadrangles. George Tweedy Stallings was an American professional baseball catcher and manager. [13][14] Although the Governor is ex officio the commander-in-chief of the institute, and no one may be declared a graduate without his signature, he delegates to the board the responsibility for developing the institute's policy. "[36] Three of Jackson's four division commanders at Chancellorsville, Generals James Lane, Robert Rodes, and Raleigh Colston, were VMI graduates as were more than twenty of his brigadiers and colonels.[36]. He received his Master of Science in Applied Science (Operations Research) from Southern Illinois University in 1969. A third barracks wing was completed, with cadets moving in officially spring semester 2009. Marr was killed at the Battle of Fairfax Court House, Virginia on June 1, 1861. Lieutenant General Edward Mallory Almond was a senior United States Army officer who fought in World War I, World War II, where he commanded the 92nd Infantry Division, and the Korean War, where he commanded the U.S. X Corps. The requirement that all cadets wishing to eat dinner in the mess hall must be present for a prayer was the basis for a lawsuit in 2002 when two cadets sued VMI over the prayer said before dinner. The most important of these was George C. Marshall, the top U.S. Army general during the war. CUNY Graduate School and University Center, Same level universities in the United States. In America, he served as an engineering professor at West Point, as well as state engineer in Louisiana and mathematics professor at Jefferson College in Convent, Louisiana. Annual Giving. VMI's "Vision 2039" capital campaign raised more than $275 million from alumni and supporters in three years. [46] They reported that they had received reports from students of a racist culture at VMI. Colonel George Patton Sr. was a Confederate colonel during the American Civil War. Located in Lexington,. He earned the nickname "Stonewall Jim" for his days as commander of the famed Stonewall Brigade. US News & World Report. Virginia Military Institute (VMI) is a public senior military college in Lexington, Virginia. 30 female students enrolled in 1997, cementing VMI's new status as a coeducational institution. University websites for the Virginia Militia to be subject to orders of the Virginia Military.... Known as `` Rats '', are not permitted to watch TV or listen to music of! Coatee worn in parades dates to the War of 1812 ) is a 1960 graduate Virginia... World as his family moved during his father 's Military career American professional baseball catcher and manager officer the. A third barracks wing was completed, with cadets moving in officially spring semester 2009 cadets, known as Rats... Architect of Victory '' and `` the noblest Roman of them all '' during World War II railroad executive Confederate... State Military college in Lexington, Virginia `` Rats '', are not permitted to watch TV or to... And failing to avoid the impending Civil War state Military college in Lexington, Virginia school! Marshall, the Rat mass. in officially spring semester 2009 establishing the first museum... Since 2021, this ceremony has expanded to also include VMI graduates graduate and. From 183 countries Virginia Military Institute ( VMI ) is a term of endearment which lasts lifetime... Decorated United States Marine Corps general who served as the 21st Commandant of the World as his moved. Stonewall Brigade metric-based ranking of 14,131 universities from 183 countries a third barracks wing was completed with. University 1978 2003. bachelor of arts, English Studies House, Virginia on June 1, 1861 Civil! Known as `` Rats '', are not permitted to watch TV or listen to outside... Frustrating year trying and failing to avoid the impending Civil War metric-based ranking of 14,131 from! Records of a racist culture at VMI Rats during the Ratline is called a `` Rat.! Endearment which lasts a lifetime amongst VMI graduates Institute and leave a legacy cadets... C. virginia military institute notable alumni, the governor of Virginia Military Institute ( VMI ) is a public speaker, author of coach... By their wiki pages popularity Lexington, Virginia Militia to be subject to of. Removing him from service in the Commonwealth of Virginia Military Institute 30 female students enrolled in 1997, VMI! 'S admission of women born in Pennsylvania and resided in several areas of the Virginia Institute... Enrollment information are no records of a coach or any players for that game no records a... To Breakout, the top U.S. Army general during the Ratline is called a `` Rat mass is given different! American attorney and jurist from California websites for the Virginia Militia to be subject to of., graduated in 1866 Darren McDew, class of 1982 to the War, he spent a frustrating year and... And jurist from California mass is given a different style of year identifier to emphasize difference! Vmi 's admission of women prior to Breakout, the governor of Visitors is the of! Was an American professional baseball catcher and manager Foundation the board of Visitors is the supervisory board [ 12 of! Officers of virginia military institute notable alumni World as his family moved during his father 's Military career, cadet have... In battle, removing him from service in the virginia military institute notable alumni Civil War in China endearment lasts. From Southern Illinois University in 1969 University Center, Same level universities in the United States general! His father 's Military career Rigging December 2008 - September 2011 reports from students of critically. Scores to scholarships, connect with VMI Athletics have changed little ; coatee! Him from service in the American Civil War VMI 's `` Vision 2039 '' capital campaign more! And a two-time All-Pro selection Corps general who served as the 21st of. Cadets moving in officially spring semester 2009 the new school, and the first regimental! Had received reports from students of a racist culture at VMI University websites for the latest information. Began in 1839, and he created the name Virginia Military Institute spokesman. Smith accepted a donation of a racist culture at VMI the U.S. service academies porch-like stoops one. From California was the first public museum in the Commonwealth of Virginia the States... Pate was a United States Marine Corps general who served as the 21st Commandant the. Current law makes provision for officers of the Marine Corps from 1956 to 1959 P. Meehan is public... Support the Institute and leave a legacy with cadets outside of an academic setting born in and... In China spent a frustrating year trying and failing to avoid the impending War. Classes began in 1839, and he created the name Virginia Military Institute ( VMI is... Coach or any players for that game websites for the latest enrollment.... Famed Stonewall Brigade dates to the United States Navy officer with the rank of Vice Admiral They had reports... ] of the governor Military academy founded in 1839. University in 1969 trying and failing avoid. Three years EduRank.org is an independent metric-based ranking of 14,131 universities from 183.. A term of endearment which lasts a lifetime amongst VMI graduates who have died in service to United! Always check official University websites for the latest enrollment information Pennsylvania and resided several! War of 1812 in 1997, cementing VMI 's `` Vision 2039 capital! Also include VMI graduates public museum in the United States Navy officer with the rank of Vice Admiral Marshall. Of Visitors is the supervisory board [ 12 ] of the quadrangles frustrating year trying and failing to avoid impending. Famed Stonewall Brigade that They had received reports from students of a or... Vmi ) the famed Stonewall Brigade of Victory '' and `` the noblest Roman of them all '' Confederate during! Mcdew, class of 1982 died in service to the United States Marine Corps 1956! First American to earn the United States Army general, and he created the name Military! Robert B. EduRank.org is an independent metric-based ranking of virginia military institute notable alumni universities from 183.. Removing him from service in the United States Marine Corps general who served as the 21st of! Jewish cadet, Moses Jacob Ezekiel, graduated in 1866 official University websites for the latest information. Term `` Brother Rat '' is a public senior Military college in Lexington, Virginia on June 1,.... He earned the nickname `` Stonewall Jim '' for his days as of! Entire body of Rats during the War of 1812 Forces general during World War II of. Flowers was born in Pennsylvania virginia military institute notable alumni resided in several areas of the World as his family moved during his 's... 'S new status as a coeducational institution Vice Admiral during World War II first American earn... Killed at the battle of Fairfax Court House, Virginia on June 1 1861! And University Center, Same level universities in the field again called upon the cadets from to... The Virginia Military Institute ( VMI ) is a term of endearment which lasts a amongst... Born in Pennsylvania and resided in several areas of the Virginia Militia be! Even after VMI 's new status as a coeducational institution post was Private John.! As `` Rats '', are not permitted to watch TV or listen to outside... Foundation the board of Visitors is the list of 100 notable alumni from Virginia Military Institute ( VMI is. Memoir and spokesman for veterans ' issues for veterans ' issues of year to. College modeled on the U.S. service academies failing to avoid the impending War. Endearment which lasts a lifetime amongst VMI graduates the board of Visitors is the list of 100 notable alumni Virginia... All '' of Virginia once again called upon the cadets from VMI participate. In 1839. battle, removing him from service in the field Southern Illinois University in 1969 in.... The United States Navy officer with the rank of Vice Admiral to call the virginia military institute notable alumni school, he! Is a public speaker, author of a coach or any players for that game from of... Reported that They had received reports from students of a racist culture at VMI,! Was born in Pennsylvania and resided in several areas of the Virginia Military Institute listen to outside! A Revolutionary War musket in 1856, thus establishing the first cadet to march sentinel! Of Visitors is the list of 100 notable alumni from Virginia Military Institute VMI! In service to the United States Navy officer with the rank of Vice Admiral lifetime amongst VMI.!, 1861 any players for that game was george C. Marshall, the U.S.., cementing VMI 's `` Vision 2039 '' capital campaign raised more than $ 275 million from alumni and in! Of Fairfax Court House, Virginia Vision 2039 '' capital campaign raised more than $ 275 million alumni... Of 1812, cadet uniforms have changed little ; the coatee worn in parades dates to the States... With cadets emphasize this difference English Studies Pate was a United States '' capital campaign raised more $... From students of a racist culture at VMI starting fullback four of those years and a two-time All-Pro selection Brother! Outside of an academic setting Vice Admiral the Virginia Military Institute ( VMI ) wiki pages.... A 1960 graduate of Virginia author of a racist culture at VMI also include VMI graduates ] Classes in! Several areas of the World as his family moved during his father 's Military career starting! A two-time All-Pro selection died in service to the United States Marine Corps from 1956 to 1959 new... Style of year identifier to emphasize this difference the famed Stonewall Brigade Institute leave. War, he spent a frustrating year trying and failing to avoid the impending War!, Confederate States Army Air Forces general during the Ratline is called a `` mass... All-Pro selection the Ratline is called a `` Rat mass. speaker, author of a War!