VMI Graduation Highlights Excellence and Achievement

On December 19, 2024, the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) celebrated its latest cohort of distinguished graduates in a memorable ceremony featuring inspiring addresses, well-earned recognitions, and an impressive roster of academic accomplishments. Maj. Gen. James P. Work, Commanding General of the 82nd Airborne Division, delivered a keynote speech that underscored the values of discipline, leadership, and service. Thirty-eight cadets were awarded their diplomas, marking the culmination of years of dedication, discipline, and academic rigor. The ceremony was highlighted by an inspiring address from Maj. Gen. James "Pat" Work, Commanding General of the 82nd Airborne Division. A West Point graduate and seasoned military leader, Maj. Gen. Work drew from his extensive career to share valuable lessons on resilience, adaptability, and service. Reflecting on his time as an officer in varied leadership roles, he emphasized the importance of integrity and commitment in navigating the challenges of military and civilian life. His address resonated deeply with the graduating cadets and their families, leaving a lasting impression of what it means to lead with honor and courage. Among the graduating cadets, several earned recognition for their academic rigor and dedication. Institute Honors:Owen Michael Clarke: Bachelor of Science in Biology (Virginia), recognized with Institute Honors for his exemplary academic performance. Bachelor of Science Degrees: Applied Mathematics: Brendan Thomas Killeen, David Lavan Mack (both Virginia). Chemistry: Parker Jackson Brown, Nicholas Irving Clark (Virginia); Julio DaSilva (Pennsylvania); John R. Harris, Christopher H. Hicks (Virginia). Harris graduated with distinction. Computer Science: Owen Mitchell Rosen (Indiana). Mechanical Engineering: Jarrett Taylor Herndon (North Carolina), a Double Minor in Mathematics and Physics and a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army; Jacob Vincent Patterson (Maryland); Joseph Matthew Slezak (Virginia), Minor in Physics, Second Lieutenant USA. Physics: Jaydon De Shawn Burgos (Virginia), Minor in Mathematics; Robert Wheeler Hudson (Virginia). Bachelor of Arts Degrees: Biology: Melanie Abigail Jimenez (New Jersey), graduating with distinction. Economics and Business: Graduates included Christian Scott Dunn, Joseph Cole Holtz, Shamus Andre Jones, and John Charlesworth Thompson (Virginia). Notable distinctions were earned by Hunter Grayson Robbins (Virginia) and Holden Reid Wilkerson (Virginia). History: Vaughn Austin Hall (Florida), with distinction and a concentration in Military History; Antonio Cirrus Ahanj (Tennessee), and Brayden J. Hohman (Virginia), among others. Modern Languages and Cultures: John Gordon McGarry II, Gerik Walter Trevisan (Virginia). The event commenced with the call to order by Col. Gary A. Bissell '89, the National Anthem, and an invocation by Col. John P. Casper '04. Brig. Gen. Robert W. Moreschi, Deputy Superintendent for Academics, presented the candidates for degrees, while Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins '85, VMI Superintendent, conferred the degrees. A reception in Memorial Hall followed the ceremony, providing a venue for cadets, faculty, and families to celebrate their accomplishments. These graduates leave VMI equipped with the values of honor, duty, and leadership, ready to excel in military and civilian careers. Maj. Gen. Work's closing challenge to the graduates to lead with integrity and courage encapsulated the spirit of the day: a celebration of achievement and a call to future greatness. Congratulations to the VMI Class of 2025 on their outstanding accomplishments!