LEXINGTON, Va. Nov. 12, 2024 — Virginia Military Institute presented a new strategic plan, “Forging 21^st Century Leaders,” as it celebrated the 185^th anniversary of its founding. It was Nov. 11, 1839, when 23 young Virginians were mustered into the service of the state and, in falling snow, the first cadet sentry — John B. Strange of Scottsville — took his post.

The strategic plan, approved by the VMI Board of Visitors in November 2023, builds on the success of “Vision 2039,” the strategic plan presented to key stakeholders first in 2004, during the time Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62 was superintendent, and was written to ensure VMI remains a state and national treasure in the 21^st century, and well beyond the Institute’s bicentennial in 2039.  

“Forging 21^st Century Leaders” was officially rolled out to employees at a launch party Oct. 24 in Marshall Hall. In the Hall of Valor, faculty and staff enjoyed networking with colleagues, viewing architectural renderings of renovations of current post buildings as well as new buildings to be constructed, eating hors d’oeuvres, and receiving mementos commemorating the launch. Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85, superintendent, shared with them that “Vision 2039” vastly improved VMI’s infrastructure, providing much needed capacity for the growing Corps as well as modern facilities conducive to learning and training, and set the Institute on a path of thinking strategically about the future.

“The new plan is a culmination of two years of collaboration among cadets, faculty, staff, board members, and alumni, and is a call to action built on five critical initiatives, each designed to push us further, raise our standards higher, and ensure we continue to be a premier institution of higher education known for the character of the graduates we produce.”

The five initiatives include:

1. Preparing Exceptional Leaders: producing educated and honorable citizen-leaders
2. Strengthening Academic Excellence: equipping cadets with the intellectual tools to navigate and shape the future
3. Fostering Esprit de Corps: unity, pride, and mutual respect that binds
4. Recruiting Top Cadets and Boosting Success: sharpening recruitment strategies and attracting top talent from across the world
5. Delivering 21^st Century Infrastructure: investing in modern classrooms, labs, technology, and physical fitness facilities

With the implementation of this plan, Wins sees VMI 10 years from now firmly secured in its place as the premier small college in the nation, unequaled in producing educated, honorable, and adaptable citizen-soldiers and leaders.

“A VMI with a global reputation for academic excellence, a renowned model for leadership training, and a shining example of what it means to lead with honor, courage, and selfless service.”

Following his remarks, he recognized several members of the faculty and staff who, in addition to their usual responsibilities, worked diligently developing and designing the strategic plan and leading the execution of the plan thus far, including Lt. Col. Michelle Ellwood, Olivia Fowler, Col. Jeff Kendrick, Cmdr. Julie Shank, Col. Stacey Vargas, and Robbin Youngblood.

The plan was introduced to the public during Founders Day commemoration, Nov. 8. People attending the parade were given the opportunity to see the architectural renderings, view banners hanging from post light poles, and receive pocket guides of the plan, along with other commemorative mementos.

Special guest at the parade was actor Gary Sinise, founder and chairman of the board of directors of the Gary Sinise Foundation, a charitable organization that honors veterans, first responders and their families, and others in need. Sinise is best known for his role as Lt. Dan in the major motion picture, “Forrest Gump.” His portrayal of that character formed an enduring connection with the military community.

During his speech at the parade, Sinise expressed his admiration for the Corps of Cadets for all the hard work and discipline to get into and succeed at VMI. He shared that unlike them, he was never a good student.

“But in fourth grade, my parents bought me a guitar and music would be the only thing I was interested in,” he shared. He played guitar and bass throughout elementary, middle, and high school and was a member of many bands. A love for acting was introduced to him when he was cast in his high school’s production of “West Side Story.” He continued to perform in many plays in high school, but after graduating, there was no theater in which to perform, so he and a couple friends started their own theater company called Steppenwolf Theatre Company. “What was started by teenagers with no money is now a Chicago institution with a massive multimillion-dollar theater complex. It is still going strong, and we are celebrating our 50^th anniversary this year. I speak about this as an American dream story; start with nothing but a passionate idea, work hard, and in the United States of America, you can achieve great things. Our freedom certainly allows us the opportunity to do that. And this is how it all began for me,” he stated with pride.

As time went on, Sinise’s career grew and evolved into a successful film and television acting career including roles in “Of Mice and Men,” “Apollo 13,” “Ransom,” and “The Green Mile.”

“And in 1994, 30 years ago, I played Lieutenant Dan Taylor in ‘Forrest Gump.’ I'll share a little bit of the unknown back story for that character, although it is never mentioned in the film. You know, you create a back story for your character going in. And so, I decided that Lieutenant Dan had been a graduate of VMI,” he quipped to the cheer of the crowd.

In closing, Sinise tenderly asked the assembly to never forget from where their freedom comes, and to always remember those who have fallen to defend that freedom. He described the Corps of Cadets as a glorious asset in peace, and a tower of strength in war.

Directing his last words to the cadets he said, “You will carry that model with you for the rest of your lives, as you enter a life of service to others and endeavor to lead good lives strengthening our nation as the leaders of tomorrow. Standing here looking out on this Parade Ground and this Corps of Cadets, I want to say thank you for extending me the privilege of speaking with you today. You give us hope for a better future for our country. God bless you and God bless America.”

Sinise was guest speaker at the Institute Society Dinner, VMI Foundation’s annual celebration of those alumni and friends who are leaders in support of the Institute and the Corps of Cadets, held later that evening.  

Earlier in the day, Rat Olympics, the culmination of Rat Challenge, the 10-week physical fitness program was held primarily in the Corps Physical Training Facility, with challenges also held on North Post obstacles. Events at Rat Olympics included tug-of-war, relays, dodge ball, rope race, rock climbing, and indoor and outdoor obstacle courses. Companies competed for the Stockwell Cup, named for the late Col. Bill Stockwell, and awarded to the company that works the hardest and displays the best attitude.

Founders Day and strategic plan launch celebrations continued the following day during tailgating prior to and during VMI’s home football game against Mercer University.

More about “Forging 21^st Century Leaders” may be found here.

Marianne Hause
Communications & Marketing
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE