A legacy 25 years in the making

Greetings. Today marks the beginning of one of the momentous times in the history of the Institute. You, Old Corps and Rats alike, will decide VMI's success on this journey of integrating the nation's women into the nation's premier military school. Many VMI alumni have gone before you, giving themselves in allegiance to the Constitution that governs the United States. That same constitution and the laws derived from it have spoken. With that decision, the time for personal opinions on the issue of women at VMI pass into history. For all those that love VMI, there can be only one challenge now: make the change a success. The entire nation will be looking at you in the days and months ahead. You have in your hands the opportunity for success. That means upholding the traditions of integrity, discipline, and impartiality that always have been a part of VMI. That means that some of you, both men and women, will not be at VMI this time next year. But most of you, both men and women, will return, because you are the material that is the Virginia Military Institute. As the nation watches for you to take the Institute successfully into the future as a co-ed corps, no single group will be observing more closely than VMI alumni. Since 1839, we have dedicated ourselves to making the Virginia Military Institute successful and something of which all can be proud. We now have put our trust in you to continue and improve upon what those ahead of you have done. Give us, and yourselves, a reason to believe that our faith in you is well deserved. Sincerely, Michael L. Parish, VMI 1977 &emsp;&emsp;The above is a Letter to the Editor that was published in the 12 September 1997 edition of The Cadet. In the Fall of 1997, the Rat Mass marching into barracks looked very different than it had in years past. Standing within the ranks that had historically been all-male, were the first women to ever enter the gates of VMI as Matriculants. Twenty-five years later, many of these women, as well as the women of later classes, returned to the institute to celebrate the quarter-century milestone that began in 1997. &emsp;&emsp;In 1996, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of women being allowed the opportunity to attend the Virginia Military Institute and thus began VMI's journey towards equal opportunity. The following year, roughly 30 women matriculated into the Rat Mass of 1998+3. Four years later, the Class of 2001 graduated as the first co-ed class with thirteen women. Since then, countless women have broken out, earned their rings, and graduated alongside their Brother Rats. &emsp;&emsp;This past weekend, the 25th Anniversary of Women reunited alumni from all over the country back at the beloved Mother I. Amidst these celebrations, current cadets were given the opportunity to step into history and receive words of wisdom from those that once walked in their shoes. Not to mention, the women of the last quarter-century were able to revisit the place where they were a part of such tremendous change; a change that did not occur without the perseverance of VMI cadets. &emsp;&emsp;It was a change that evoked lasting resilience in both current generations and generations to come. It was said best by COL Angela Scott, '01 this past weekend, who stated, "it was almost cartoon-like easy, going through adversity because we create resilience here [at VMI]." The Corps of Cadets at VMI is no stranger to hardship, nor do they back down from a challenge, especially when they are faced with implementing a better future. At the time, there was more than enough unrest among both the Corps and Alumni. However, in true VMI fashion, cadets understood what needed to be done and set about completing their mission: to implement women into the Corps. &emsp;&emsp;These women went on to have tremendously successful careers in both the military and the civilian sector. But regardless of where they ended up, they retained the grit earned from the rigors VMI that continuously set them apart from the average citizen. &emsp;&emsp;Today, there are more than enough accusations against VMI for mistreating all groups of people. However, these accusations fail to address the important factors that make VMI what it is. All Rats, regardless of their history, are put on the same playing field. No one is less than anyone else, but more importantly, no one is more important than anyone else. From the words of the current 1st Battalion Sergeant Major, Madison Cappellano '24, "no one is out to get you." Without a doubt, being a woman at VMI is a different experience, but "it is entirely possible for every individual to be successful here at VMI." For SGM Cappellano, her success "is driven by [her] desire to be the strongest woman [she] can be." The most important aspect of VMI is that it allows you to overcome the obstacles placed before you and become the strongest versions of yourselves. And as the first women of the institute proved, women are just as capable of rising to the occasion, and putting forth the effort, as men are. &emsp;&emsp;The prevalent preconceived notions are coming from people who haven't lived this life, "but until you put your best foot forward and try to be with the men - with the other cadets - you cannot truly grasp the value that you can possess from these experiences." That is what VMI has always offered. The opportunity to put in the effort to become your best self. And it maintains the perfect atmosphere to get the job done. Of course, "there will always be people that look at you differently or make comments about anything you do." This was as true for the Class of 2001 as it is today. But as SGM Cappellano eloquently stated, "as long as you put the effort in - even if you're dead last - you'll gain the respect from those around you." &emsp;&emsp;This aspect of VMI is still true today. As many current and past Cadets can attest, there were times where we put in our all and still thought we had failed. But our Brother Rats respected us more for never giving up than being first. The women of the Class of 2001 had the daunting task of being the first females to prove their resilience. Today, their strength is evident in the women who continue to refuse to give up. And it has resulted in a respect amongst the Corps of Cadets for each other. &emsp;&emsp;The institute has undergone tremendous trials - some of which it is still facing - arising from both within itself and from external forces. However, as proven 25 years prior when women matriculated in the first co-ed class: VMI is more than prepared to uphold their standards and produce men and women of strong and honorable character. This is even evidenced by Mr. Michael Parish in his letter. It is the job of the Corps to decide the success of the future and VMI is always prepared for the challenge. There are still many challenges that VMI must traverse, however, there are none that will overcome the Corps of Cadets. &emsp;&emsp;In the words of Mrs. Carole Green, a woman who worked tremendously hard for the fair introduction of women: "Some women want that challenge; some don't. But the ones who go through VMI and complete that challenge are so impressive." The same is true for every cadet that undergoes the rigors of this Institute. Some people want the challenge that VMI offers; the challenge that the Institute will never cease to provide. It takes a special type of person to earn their diploma from VMI, and the first co-ed class proved it is not a physical attribute that characterizes these hardworking and courageous people who can.