Brooks Freeman ’25, an English major at Virginia Military Institute, sought a common core between the philosophies of Jalāl al-Dīn Rūmī, a 13th century Middle Eastern Sufi mystic and poet, and SØren Kierkegaard, a 19th century Danish philosopher, theologian, and poet, in his honors presentation.

Nickole Chavez ’26 excels in writing and enjoys it, though she finds science and math less appealing. Her professors recognized her discipline, focus, and strong engagement in class, making her stand out among her peers.

Simon Moore ’25 was drawn to Arthur Schopenhauer’s pessimistic views and honesty about pain and suffering. He said it might be considered a taboo subject, but it intrigued him.

The challenges and structure of VMI drew Virginia Price ’28 to the Institute — a test of resilience, discipline, and academic excellence. In just a few months, Price has embraced this demanding environment, thriving both in her studies and in extracurricular activities.

Ace Atkins, who started his writing career as a crime beat reporter, read a few excerpts to the audience from his popular Quinn Colson series, which consists of 11 novels. He addressed cadets, staff, and the community with conversation and readings from his fictional literary works.

Mattie Queensberry Smith, Ph.D., instructor in the Department of English, Rhetoric, and Humanistic Studies and Col. Shannon Eskam, assistant superintendent for strategic enrollment management/director of financial aid, were recognized during the Feb. 8 home basketball game against The Citadel.

Mattie Quesenberry Smith, Ph.D., instructor in the Department of English, Rhetoric, and Humanistic Studies at Virginia Military Institute, was recently appointed the commonwealth’s new poet laureate by Governor Glenn Youngkin.

Becoming one of the co-captains of Virginia Military Institute’s men’s soccer team, Colin Blandford ’26 didn’t expect to carry so much weight. It was a stark contrast to him serving as captain in high school.  

The schedule Gretal Shank ’25 keeps ensures she’s able to get all her tasks done. On top of a sport, she’s taken a heavy credit load her entire time at VMI — taking 20 credits this semester, three of which are dedicated to her honor’s thesis.

“Céad míle fáilte” is Gaelic for “a hundred thousand welcomes,” and captures the spirit of the warm hospitality a group of 11 Virginia Military Institute cadets and their two professors recently experienced while on an educational journey in Dingle, Ireland.