VMI Class of 2027: Continuing a Proud Legacy

At VMI, the ring symbolizes more than just a beautiful piece of gold; it represents a meaningful promise. When a cadet earns the privilege to wear it, they join a vibrant tradition of mentorship and memories that stretches all the way back to the Institute's earliest days. The dyke system highlights this enduring connection: each Rat is guided by a First Class cadet, forming a continuous chain across classes in three-year segments, affectionately known by Keydets as the dykeline in the tradition of the white military cross-dykes holding the breastplate and cartridge box on cadet uniforms. Throughout wars, integration, pandemics, and modernization, those dykelines have beautifully carried forward VMI's core values and history. Each graduating class adds a unique chapter to this enduring story, reflecting the passing of time and the lasting impact of national and Institute history on the Corps. For the Class of 2027, their connection begins with the Class of 2024 and reaches back through the years, highlighting moments from early graduates. Along the way, you'll find inspiring stories of Rhodes Scholars, football stars, Rangers, Marines, civil rights heroes, Medal of Honor recipients, superintendents, and leaders at the highest levels of government. What follows is a heartfelt tour of that dykeline—a glimpse into the men, women, and milestones that shape the proud legacy into which the Class of 2027 now steps. Class of 2024Leading the way in 2027's early scene is the Class of 2024, a group whose cadetship was shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic and a period of renewal within the institution. Virginia G. Townsend '24, elected valedictorian, spoke warmly in her commencement address about the strong bonds formed during the challenging pandemic. Jacob R. Kleinschuster '24, studying economics and business, was honored with the Jackson-Hope Medal as the top scholar in his class. During their time at Post, the Institute proudly opened the new Corps Physical Training Facility Phase II, an advanced aquatics and fitness complex that modernized VMI's approach to physical training while maintaining fitness as a key part of leadership development. The 2023–24 academic year also marked VMI's 185th anniversary, celebrated with Founder's Day ceremonies, a lively Corps parade, and warm alumni gatherings that beautifully connected current cadets with nearly two centuries of tradition. Class of 2021The Class of 2021 went through one of the most challenging times in recent history. Their cadetship was deeply influenced by the pandemic, leading to virtual classes, socially distanced drills, and adapted parades. Despite these hurdles, they remained committed to the Corps' traditions and their commissioning mission: out of about 326 graduates, just under 170 proudly commissioned into the armed forces. This class also saw a change in Institute leadership. Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins '85 was appointed as the new superintendent, making history as the first African American to hold the position. Around the same time, a dedicated group of cadets known as "The Group of 4," led by Editor-in-Chief Johnathan Krauss '21 and supported by alumni, brought new life to The Cadet as an independent student newspaper, restoring it to its proud 1871 roots as the voice of the Corps. Class of 2018For the Class of 2018, athletics and facilities really took center stage. During this time, VMI continued to invest in up-to-date training facilities and Division I competition. One of their proud Brother Rats, pitcher Josh Winder '18, was drafted by the Minnesota Twins and eventually made his Major League debut, putting VMI in the national sports spotlight. This era reflects a Corps balancing traditional military discipline with exciting new opportunities in academics, athletics, and post-graduate careers. Class of 2015The Class of 2015 navigated a challenging world of global conflict and evolving warfare. We are proud that Capt. Rachael M. Clift '15 was among the first women from VMI to graduate as a Ranger-qualified Army officer, and she warmly credits the Rat Line for helping her develop the mental toughness required to succeed in Ranger School. Institutionally, VMI celebrated its 175th anniversary during this period, highlighting its contributions during both wartime and peacetime. The inclusion of cybersecurity in the curriculum became a lasting feature, highlighting the increasing significance of digital defense and opening exciting new opportunities for cadets to serve in uniform or in civilian roles. Class of 2012By 2012, the Institute refreshed its academic and ethical training to better reflect today's conflicts. The ethics curriculum was expanded to include real-world leadership examples from recent military operations, encouraging cadets to address actual dilemmas rather than hypothetical ones. Meanwhile, VMI's international programs proliferated, welcoming more cadets than ever to study or train abroad. The Institute genuinely believed that tomorrow's officers and leaders would need to thrive in a global setting, not just in their familiar surroundings. Class of 2009The Class of 2009 trained at the height of the Global War on Terror's influence on campus life. VMI introduced a Corps-wide fitness initiative emphasizing functional fitness, aligning physical training with contemporary military standards. This period also laid the groundwork for exciting future achievements in leadership diversity. Over the next decade, cadet Kasey Meredith '22 proudly became VMI's first female Regimental Commander, continuing the meaningful progress made by the classes of the late 1990s and 2000s. Class of 2006The Class of 2006 came to VMI shortly after 9/11, stepping into a world shaped by ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many cadets eagerly received their commissions and soon found themselves heading straight into deployments. For many of them, the walk from the Parade Ground to the commissioning stage directly led to the battlefield. Cadets in this era also took part in Hurricane Katrina relief operations and similar missions, applying their leadership training to humanitarian crises as well as combat. Class of 2003In 2003, the Institute and its Corps embraced a new chapter in leadership with the arrival of Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III '62 as superintendent. Under his guidance, VMI grew its academic programs, modernized its facilities, and successfully navigated the challenges of post–Cold War and post–9/11 military life. Class of 2000The class of the turn of the millennium produced figures at the forefront of modern warfare. Stanhope S. Spears Jr. '00 served in the U.S. Army Special Forces, deploying to Afghanistan and Iraq, and earned the Bronze Star Medal for valor. Brig. Gen. Robert M. Hylton Jr. '00 later took on senior roles in Army intelligence and cyber operations, embodying the blend of traditional soldiering with high-tech warfare. The renovation of Foster Stadium around this time enhanced not only the football experience but also the ceremonial space where the Corps presents itself to alumni and the public. Class of 1997The Class of 1997 marks a historic milestone at VMI with the integration of women into the Corps. After the Supreme Court ruled that the Institute must admit women, the first female cadets eagerly enrolled in 1997 and soon gained national recognition. Pioneering alumnae like Marine 2nd Lt. Erin Claunch became inspiring symbols of perseverance and successful change. These pioneering women established standards in barracks life, physical training, and leadership roles that now seem routine to today's cadets, but were hard-fought during their era. Class of 1994The Class of 1994 was part of the exciting early digital era. During this time, VMI proudly launched its official website, marking its first steps toward reaching out and connecting online — alumni like Brig. Gen. Robert M. "Bo" Dyess Jr. '94 has carried this spirit forward, helping to shape the future of U.S. Army capabilities by designing and deploying the next generation of combat systems. Class of 1991The dykeline of 1991 connects with Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Although it wasn't the largest war in VMI's history, the Gulf conflict was the first significant U.S. campaign after Vietnam, and VMI made a point of honoring its alumni who served. Founder's Day ceremonies that year emphasized the Institute's proud citizen-soldier spirit, especially as the nation watched a brief yet intense war unfold on TV. Class of 1988By 1988, discussions around gender integration were gaining more attention among VMI's leadership. The Board of Visitors began official policy reviews, which paved the way for women's admission less than 10 years later. That same year, Gen. Sam S. Walker concluded his time as superintendent with a warm farewell. His dedicated leadership, marked by genuine connections with cadets and alumni, helped steer the Institute through a period of exciting modernization, always honoring the cherished traditions that make it special. Class of 1985The mid-1980s marked a period when VMI looked beyond its borders. In 1985, the Institute hosted an exchange with Britain's Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, highlighting a growing focus on international military collaboration. British cadets who visited Lexington experienced the daily routines of Rat Line and Corps life, while VMI cadets gained insight into allied training cultures. Class of 1982The Class of 1982 carried forward that bright and modern spirit. Gen. Darren W. McDew '82 went on to command U.S. Transportation Command as a four-star general, managing the global movement of troops and supplies. His inspiring journey "from Matriculation Day to four-star" is often shared as proof that a VMI cadetship can genuinely lead to the highest ranks in the military. At Post, VMI warmly welcomed its very first computer lab, open to all cadets and ushering in a new world of technology. This class is also fondly remembered as one of the last to experience full "breakouts up the stoops," in the old style, a physical and emotional milestone passed down in dykeline lore. Class of 1979Few stories are retold with as much amusement as the Class of 1979's role in dismantling the old sentinel box in Barracks after the traditional burning of the woolies—and even generously paying to replace it, not just once, but twice. Their list of notable figures includes Gen. Surapong Suwana-adth, the Chief of Defence Forces of the Royal Thai Armed Forces and member of the Thai Senate, and Anthony "Tony" Hamilton, who made history as the first African American class president. These anecdotes depict a class that blended mischief, global influence, and strong leadership. Class of 1976America's Bicentennial year gave the Class of 1976 a special place in national and Institute history. VMI celebrated this milestone with a lively parade, during which cadets dressed in Revolutionary War–era uniforms and demonstrated impressive drills. The Corps' precise performance received warm praise from visiting dignitaries, beautifully highlighting the Institute's strong ties to the country's proud military tradition. On the athletic front, VMI men's basketball made an exciting run to the NCAA Elite Eight in 1976, marking a significant moment in Keydet sports history. Whether for cadets cheering from the stands or watching on grainy broadcasts, it was a proud reminder that a small military school could compete on a national stage. Class of 1973The Class of 1973 saw the end of the draft era and the beginning of the All-Volunteer Force. As the Selective Service's draft authority expired and Vietnam activity slowed down, cadets faced important career decisions amidst a changing military landscape. VMI hosted a joint ROTC training exercise with West Point, which included exciting field competitions and a fun, friendly rivalry. Some of the stories from that event, such as a memorable tug-of-war match won by VMI, highlight both the competitive spirit and the close-knit professional culture shared by America's military academies. Class of 1970The Class of 1970 trained during the height of the Vietnam buildup. Later, their notable alumni included officers such as Lt. Gen. Carl A. Strock '70, who became Chief of Engineers and led the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers through both peacetime projects and national crises, including Hurricane Katrina. On Post, VMI started introducing computer science courses to engineering students, recognizing the growing importance of digital technology (https://www.vmi.edu/about/history/). Early computers occupied entire rooms, and cadets learned programming with punch cards, a far cry from today's laptops in barracks rooms. Class of 1961The Class of 1961 holds a special and legendary place in Corps history. Known for being the class that "never broke out" in the usual way, '61 experienced a series of policy changes leading up to the famous "Step-Off," a memorable confrontation over early return requirements that brought the Corps and the administration into a spirited debate. Their unwavering stance, now part of VMI's rich history, is often cited as an example of cadet camaraderie and solidarity. This class truly produced some of VMI's most remarkable leaders. Gen. Charles C. Krulak '61 went on to become the 31st Commandant of the Marine Corps and introduced the innovative "Three Block War" concept, highlighting the importance of ethical decision-making in today's combat. Jonathan Myrick Daniels '61, who was valedictorian, showed incredible courage when he lost his life protecting a young Black girl during the civil rights movement in Alabama; VMI and the world celebrate him as a true martyr for justice. Students like Lee Badgett, a Rhodes Scholar and Regimental Commander; Col. William "Bill" Powell of the 2nd Ranger Battalion; NFL draftee Don Kern; Hall-of-Famer Bill Haeberlein; and Lt. Gen. John E. Miller add to the list of some of the most accomplished individuals in the history of the Institute (various sources including VMI archival materials, The Washington Post, and VMI Sports Hall of Fame and football record-book entries). Mid-20th Century: 1950s–1940s The 1950s were an exciting time of growth and change after the war. Maj. Gen. Ronald E. Cox '58 and Maj. Gen. Robert J. Patterson '58 proudly took on senior leadership roles in the Air Force, representing VMI during the new era of air power. Meanwhile, barracks renovations made living conditions better while preserving the unique architecture that beautifully surrounds the Parade Ground. During the early 1950s, a Civil Engineering Research Center was established, marking a growing commitment to applied science (https://www.vmi.edu/about/history/). Courses from 1952 helped shape future leaders like Lt. Gen. William R. Desobry and Maj. Gen. Carroll Thackston Jr., who proudly carried VMI's name into important roles in Europe, Vietnam, and various command posts, including NATO planning rooms and state-level commands. In the late 1940s, classes such as 1949 and 1946 experienced an exciting transition from wartime to peacetime. Veterans, empowered by the G.I. Bill, brought a diverse mix of seasoned combat veterans and fresh-faced younger cadets, highlighting the growing importance of the air domain in America's strategic landscape. World War II and the Interwar YearsBy 1943, life in Lexington had really changed because of the Second World War. VMI sped up its school schedule so officers could be sent out faster, and cadets humorously noted that the only "vacation" was just walking between classes. Many from the Class of 1940 and nearby groups saw their fellow cadets quickly transition from Barracks to the battlefields across Europe and the Pacific, highlighting the urgency of the times. During the interwar years, VMI continued to grow and adapt. Exciting developments, such as new ROTC units, including Air Corps divisions, highlighted the growing importance of aviation. Academic buildings like Nichols Engineering Hall and the first dedicated library showed that the school was increasingly committed to academics as well as military training. Leaders like Marine legend Gen. John A. Lejeune and later Gen. George R. E. Shell brought their military experiences to influence cadet life. The Early Classes: 19th Century FoundationsFarther down 2027's dykeline, you'll find some of the earliest graduating classes of the Institute. For example, Gen. George C. Marshall '01, known as the "architect of victory" in World War II and later serving as Secretary of State and Defense, often credited VMI with teaching him self-control and leadership skills. Back in the late 19th century, VMI cadets eagerly responded to national calls: volunteering in the Spanish-American War in 1898, participating in the dedication of the New Market Battlefield Park in 1892, and being active in public ceremonies that connected their small Lexington school to important national events. Superintendents Francis H. Smith and Scott Shipp, connected to the classes of 1839–89 and 1859, respectively, played a vital role in shaping the core of the Institute. Smith's introduction of the Honor Code and a formal drill schedule in the 1840s, along with Shipp's leadership of the Corps at New Market and later as superintendent, truly defined what it meant to be a VMI cadet. The Rat Line grew into an official system around the 1850s. Cadets proudly stood guard during the execution of John Brown, fought bravely in the Civil War, and then returned to help rebuild the Institute from the ashes in 1865. By the 1870s and 1880s, VMI was embracing new opportunities with the addition of modern languages, a lively marching band, science buildings, and fresh athletic clubs. The creation of The Cadet in 1871 gave cadets their own printed voice, a tradition that still inspires today. These exciting developments—honor, the Rat Line, the Corps' involvement in national events, and a robust academic program—have become integral parts of what the Class of 2027 carries forward with pride. What It Means for '27From the earliest gray uniforms and the first Honor Code to today's advanced aquatics center and innovative cyber curriculum, the Class of 2027's dykeline beautifully shows how VMI has grown with the nation while remaining committed to its core values. These Brother Rats, whether they are generals, journalists, martyrs, athletes, engineers, or Marines, may come from different eras, but they all share the same ring and walk the same bricks, creating a strong sense of unity and tradition. As '27 receives its rings and steps into First Class leadership, this history becomes more than just something stored in archives or marked on plaques; it's now their heritage. The dykeline that stretches from the 1840s to 2024 is now part of their story. How they lead in barracks, on the field, and in the years after graduation will shape what a future cadet journalist writes when they tell the story of the Class of 2027 and the proud legacy they carry forward. And remember, they can't catch you drinking if you drank it already, congratulations! The Cadet Foundation maintains a detailed history of each class's dykeline and continually seeks input from classes to improve it. For more information or to participate in the project, contact The Cadet Foundation at info@thecadetfoundation.org. Please help The Cadet remain independent and cadet-run - The Cadet is 100% self-supporting through advertising and tax-deductible donations, true to its origins in 1871. Please make a tax-deductible donation to help us remain so at: https://thecadetfoundation.org/participate-and-support/