LEXINGTON, Va. Aug. 19, 2024 — Matriculation Day at Virginia Military Institute was held Saturday, Aug. 17, beginning the Rat Line for the new academic year. This year marks the 185^th year of the Institute. Since 1839, VMI has been built on the core values of honor, excellence, self-discipline, courage, esprit de corps, selfless service, and resilience.

The balmy day included a fair in Cocke Hall where the students and their families were able to meet with local churches, VMI coaches and clubs, and community organizations. Various other VMI agencies were present, including the chaplain’s office with their new facility dog, CAVU, commemorating his first Matriculation Day. Also part of the process were uniform fittings and issuing of athletic uniforms in Cameron Hall, completion of paperwork, meeting department faculty, and the traditional signing of the Matriculation Book in the Corps Physical Training Facility. Throughout the morning, barracks were teeming with parents assisting their students moving into their rooms, and meeting their roommates.

In the afternoon, the Chaplain’s Prayer, an optional non-denominational prayer session for matriculants and their families was held in Memorial Hall, followed by the Superintendent’s Welcome in Cameron Hall.

Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85 welcomed the incoming matriculants and their families. He reminded the young men and women who will become the Class of 2028, that they will be challenged in the days to come, but that they have come to VMI to succeed, not fail. He reminded them the rat training only lasts about six months out of their four-year cadetship, and to keep it all in perspective. He advised them to lean into the training, and never quit.

Col. Lawrence Havird ’90, the new commandant, also addressed the rats. He pointed out that they chose VMI because they want a challenge, and a journey less traveled. He told them that to succeed at VMI, they must be willing and committed teammates. “Get to know each other quickly. Work together. Give your best each day, and strive to be better the next day,” he advised.

The matriculants took an oath during the ceremony. With hugs, cheers, and a few tears, they bid good-bye to their families, formed up with their companies for the first time. After marching up to barracks, they met their cadre, a group of cadets holding rank in each company, and are chosen based on performance and ability to serve as instructors for the Rat Mass.

This year’s Rat Mass comes from 36 states, as well as the District of Columbia and Guam, six foreign countries, with 62% from Virginia and 38% from out of state. Eighty-six are female, and 168 are recruited NCAA athletes. Forty-nine percent have selected a major in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) disciplines and 51% are majoring in the liberal arts.

Sean Bergman ’28, a history major from Richmond, is the nephew of the Institute physician, Dr. Melissa S. Krawiec ’01, a member of the first coeducational class at VMI. Krawiec shared that she is immensely proud of Bergman.

“Sean spent the last year working in the ‘real world’ putting in long hours and hard work and comes to VMI with experiences that a lot of rats have not had. I think that perspective makes him appreciate the opportunity to be in school and influence his own future. The fact that he chose VMI has, I think, very little to do with me and everything to do with his goals for his own future. Sean is excited and committed to doing well at VMI and I can’t wait to see what’s next,” shared Krawiec.               

Bergman wanted his first day as a rat to make a difference in the lives of others, so anticipating his rat haircut, he refrained from cutting his hair for nearly three years, in order to have hair long enough to donate to Children With Hair Loss, a nonprofit organization that provides human hair replacements at no cost to children and young adults facing medically-related hair loss.

The matriculation process continues throughout the week with the cadre leading the new arrivals in military drills and physical training, culminating with the Rat Crucible on Sunday, Aug. 27. The Rat Mass will officially become the Class of 2028 in the spring semester, after Breakout.

Members of the Old Corps return Saturday, Aug. 24, and classes begin Tuesday, Aug. 27. Details about events at VMI, including parades, guest speakers, and athletic competitions for the upcoming semester can be found at vmi.edu.

Marianne Hause
Communications & Marketing
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE