First Gentleman Adam Spanberger Flips Pancakes—and the Script—at Science Museum Breakfast

On the morning of the 18th, First Gentlemen Adam Spanberger hosted a pancake breakfast at the Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond. He is Virginia's first-ever First Gentleman and embraced that role head-on by hosting this event. Mr. Spanberger was joined by his daughters and an estimated 200 guests. The guest list included supporters, volunteers, and ticketed guests selected via lottery. Governor Abigail Spanberger was unable to attend the function, per Adam Spanberger: "She is already hard at work and couldn't be here, but I wanted to publicly thank her." Time is a valuable asset for a high office, requiring sacrifices to meet the demands of the job. The Science Museum of Virginia hosted the event, a strong acknowledgment of the Spanbergers' mission to ensure quality education. A pop-up diner was built outside the atrium, designed for this event. A scientist from the museum performed a mid-breakfast science experiment with the Spanbergers that ended with a colorful plume of steaming foam. Each guest table also featured multiple Rubik's Cubes, a toy associated with learning and problem-solving. The Cadet Newspaper Staff had the opportunity to meet Mr. Spanberger before his address. The discussion was casual yet professional and allowed cadets to represent the Corps to the Spanbergers. After some quick small talk about VMI, particularly the parade, the staff snapped a photo with him. This lighter attendance and slower pace allowed for a stress-free meeting. Guests dressed in business casual and casual attire, a relief after the packed, energetic Inaugural Ball the previous night. Overall, the vibe was much more relaxed, providing what felt like an authentic meeting and breakfast with Mr. Spanberger. Following this, Mr. Spanberger threw on his chef's apron and went behind the grill. Chef Torrece "Chef T" Gregoire joined him behind the counter. Chef T is a cookbook author, appeared on Hell's Kitchen and Big Restaurant Bet, and is the owner of Culinary Concepts. Together, they flipped pancakes and added a local syrup from Southfork Road Farm in Wise County, Virginia. Farmer Brian Hubbard shipped 15 cases (180 bottles) of his farm's syrup after Chef T learned about the product. Using Virginia-harvested and made syrup symbolized unity between the Capitol and all regions of Virginia. Mr. Spanberger and his 3 daughters spoke to the crowd. He opined, "a lot of you know about Abigail", so he took the opportunity to talk about himself and his support for his wife on her political journey. His personal life included engineering, being a committed University of Virginia (UVA) basketball fan, and cycling in 30 U.S. States on his way to achieving his goal of cycling in all 50. Mr. Spanberger emphasized the adventure Governor Spanberger's tenure will be, and he plans to "spend those days helping the governor any way I can to make Virginia the best place…". The speech provided insight into Governor Spanberger's personal life outside of politics. Mr. Spanberger even made a 6-7 dad joke (and gesture), which the crowd ate up. This differed from the inauguration ceremony, which primarily focused on Governor Spanberger reaffirming her support for her community and state on her political beliefs and actions. He closed the speech with a special thanks to Chef T for the instruction and breakfast. With a spatula and fresh pancakes in hand, Mr. Spanberger made rounds through the building, serving food and greeting guests. Guest mingled during this time with state legislators, local officials, and even some of the weekend's performers who stopped by. This event served as a gesture of gratitude and a relaxed celebration for supporters, rather than an opportunity to significantly expand support in Virginia. Although the event primarily felt more laid-back and personal, it is still a political event and represents Governor Spanberger's views. All the proceeds received from the event were directed to a S.T.E.M. Education fund at the science museum. Through the duration of the event The Cadet Staff were able to freely move around the event, film from the media riser, and Governor Spanberger's staff granted Cadet Elizabeth Stann '28 a front row position with other journalists in the "media buffer". Cadets August Melschau '27 and Patrick Lowry '27 filmed the event from the media riser with an unobstructed view. Cadet Gracie Harlow '27 provided oversight and photography to the event. The Inaugural Committee consistently assisted the staff and provided opportunities, for which The Cadet cannot thank them enough. A special thanks to the VMI Alumni, The Cadet Foundation, and the Inaugural Committee for supporting this opportunity and making it possible! Please consider donating to help The Cadet remain independent at www.thecadetfoundation.org. We do not receive any funds from VMI or VMI AA, remaining true to our founding to be the independent voice of the Corps and alumni since 1871.