In the News

Members of the VMI Class of 1996 gather with Col. Michael Obadal to celebrate his retirement. Photo Courtesy of VMI Alumni Agencies.

Alumnus Nominated to Serve as Army Undersecretary

March 12, 2025

VMI alumnus and retired Army colonel Michael Obadal ’96 has been nominated to serve as Army undersecretary. If confirmed, the role would see Obadal become the chief management officer of the Army and the force’s No. 2 civilian official.

Cole Jones '25, a lacrosse player and international studies major, talks about his responsibilities with everything as a cadet and cadet-athlete.

Behind the Balance: Cole Jones ’26 — Keydet Lacrosse

February 18, 2025

Since picking up lacrosse at age 5, Cole Jones ’26 has been drawn to the sport’s blend of physicality and speed — a pace that mirrors his packed schedule of academics, ROTC, and cadet duties. Jones credits the structure and camaraderie at VMI for teaching him how to prioritize.

Scott Streff talks about his struggles at VMI and how he came to earn Academic Stars.

The Vanguard — Scott Streff ’25

February 17, 2025

Scott Streff ’25 arrived at the Virginia Military Institute with dreams of playing lacrosse and seeking a future in the U.S. Army. While his initial goal was athletics, his journey evolved into something far greater, driven by personal growth, academic achievement, and a deepened sense of purpose.

Ryan Peterson '25, a baseball player and international studies major, talks about his. responsibilities with everything as a cadet and cadet-athlete.

Behind the Balance: Ryan Peterson ’25 — Keydet Baseball

February 4, 2025

Ryan Peterson ’25 has learned how to compartmentalize and focus. He said it’s something that his time at VMI has helped frame for him. The international studies major explained that the rigors of academics and playing a Division I sport makes it so he must focus on one task at a time.

Maj. Megan Roosevelt to appear on

Roosevelt Featured on “With Good Reason”

October 17, 2024

Maj. Megan Roosevelt, assistant professor in the Department of International Studies and Political Science at Virginia Military Institute, will discuss what drives anti-immigrant attitudes in the United States and Europe on the public radio program, “With Good Reason,” Oct. 19-26.

The Cadet Collective: Antonio Ahanj

August 13, 2024

Antonio Ahanj ’24 attributes much of his growth and success to the unique environment fostered at VMI, where supportive relationships and a culture of mentorship have played a crucial role for him. 

From legislative intern to Virginia Military Institute graduate, the next step for Jimmy Murphy ’24 is law school.   After spending several summers working in the U.S. Capitol, in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, Murphy will be heading to Notre Dame Law School in the fall.

Onto Law School: Recent International Studies Grad to Take on Notre Dame

July 16, 2024

After spending several summers working in the U.S. Capitol, in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, Jimmy Murphy ’24 will be heading to Notre Dame Law School in the fall.  

The memorial at Treblinka consists of thousands of stones of varying sizes symbolizing headstones for the 900,000 victims of the death camp.

Cadets Experience the Horrors of the Holocaust

June 27, 2024

Impactful, challenging, and exposure to atrocities are not ordinary descriptives for a trip to Europe for college students, but cadets at Virginia Military Institute don’t do ordinary. Recently, 18 commissioning cadets and two staff members traveled to Poland for seven days.

Earl Filgo '25

Embarking on an Influential Internship at U.S. Army War College: Earl Filgo ‘25

June 25, 2024

An internship at the U.S. Army War College was something Earl Filgo ’25 wouldn’t pass up. It was not a particular goal he had been striving for, but something he was required to do to complete his national security minor.  

Connor Cherry '25

Headed to Army War College: Connor Cherry ’25

June 11, 2024

The 1st Class cadet and international studies major from Mooresville, North Carolina, will be interning at the U.S. Army War College this summer.