Terry McGowan

A resident of Rockbridge County, Terry McGowan serves as a store clerk at the VMI Military Store. With 45 years of service, his hard work, loyalty, and dedication are a testament to the mission of the department in supporting the Institute.

His favorite color is blue and favorite food is hamburgers or hot dogs. Neither a dog or cat person, he has a pet snake, and if he could have any super power, he would choose the ability to fly.

Geneva Thompson

A resident of Goshen, Va., Geneva Thompson is one of the talented tailors working at the VMI Tailor Shop. She has been with the Institute for 21 years, brining her experience and passion for her art that began as a child as she was taught to sew by her mother.

Her favorite color is green and favorite food is green. Between cats and dogs, she happily chooses dogs, her spirit animal. Devoted to her close-knit family, Geneva also is a member of the larger Goshen community, running her produce business six months of the year.

Tarika Carter

2024 Crozet Hall Associate of the Year

Tarika Carter is a sous chef in Crozet Hall and has been at VMI for 8 years. A fan of salmon, fishing, and roller skating, her favorite part of her job at the institute is making good food for the Corps of Cadets, and celebrating their birthdays throughout the year.