VMI Alumni Association

VMI once again scored well on Money magazine’s Best Colleges in America list, earning 4.5 stars out of 5. In recent years, the rankings have been done using the star system, based on quality of education, affordability, and student outcomes. VMI also landed on Money’s Best Public Colleges and Best Colleges in the South lists for 2026.

VMI Recognized on Money’s Best Colleges in America 2026 - VMI Alumni Agencies VMI once again scored well on Money magazine’s Best Colleges in America list, earning 4.5 stars out of 5. In recent years, the rankings have been done using the star system, based on quality of education, affordability, and student outcomes. VMI also landed on Money’s Best Public Colleges and Be...

August is National Make-A-Will Month. Often our most impactful gifts are made through a short provision in a will or trust. A gift in your will can be simple and transformational. As you reflect on your estate plans this month, consider advancing the mission of VMI through a charitable bequest. Visit vmilegacy.org or contact our staff to learn more.

Football season is here!
Join us Sept. 18-19 in Davidson, North Carolina, for pregame celebrations, as the Keydets prepare to take on the Wildcats. Enjoy great food and great company—the perfect way to kick off the action!

VMI vs. Davidson Football Weekend - VMI Alumni Agencies Friday Mix and Mingle Sept. 18, 2026 6–8 p.m. Where: Brickhouse Tavern 209 Delburg St. Davidson, NC 28036 Cost: Pay as you go Saturday Sept. 19, 2026 11 a.m.–1 p.m. pregame | 1 p.m. kickoff Tailgate Location: 205 Ridge Road ​​​​​​​Davidson, NC 28035 Game Location: Davidson College ...

Congratulations to U.S. Army 2nd Lts. Trey Riemann ‘25, Owen Herbert ’25, Kenneth Dinkel ‘25, Matthew Sisk ‘25, and 1st Lt. Rachael (Dickenson) Richter ’22 on their graduation from Ranger School at Fort Benning, Georgia, July 17, 2026. RVM!

“I remember Colonel Harbach, when we matriculated August 20, 1986, got up in front of our Rat Mass and said, ‘You eat the elephant one bite at a time. Set small, achievable goals.’”

That advice is what helped Lt. Col. David Kaulfers ’90 endure the Rat Line then, and now it is helping him take on one of the most famous hikes in the country: The Appalachian Trail. Kaulfers began his trek of the more-than-2,000-mile trail in March and has been cataloging the experience with daily videos to his YouTube channel.

“I’ve effectively been training all my life,” he says of his preparation for the journey, “remaining physically fit at VMI and in the Army, and in 2010, I became an adult leader with my son’s Boy Scout troop in San Francisco. There, we went on multiple backpacking trips.” Kaulfers also hits the gym every day and enjoys hiking on the weekends.

“I think one of the most interesting aspects of the trail is how social it is,” Kaulfers explains. “You come to a shelter at night, [and] people of all walks of life who don’t know each other sit down at a picnic table and share their meals and share their stories. Everyone is very friendly. I can honestly say that I haven’t met a single person on the Appalachian Trail who wasn’t friendly.”

To keep up with Kaulfers’ adventures on the trail, visit his YouTube channel below.

David Kaulfers Share your videos with friends, family, and the world

All the perks of the VMI network in one convenient location—myVMIalumni is not just a space to socialize with fellow VMI alumni, it’s where you can make your next career move or find your next hire. Joining myVMIalumni brings the alumni job board right to your fingertips. Network with others in your field and connect with professionals who all share one thing in common: The uncommon experience of VMI.

Visit myvmialumni.org to join.

Today is the last day to register for some of our rat send off events. Make sure to visit our website to find your chapter's event and sign up today!

https://www.vmialumni.org/about/alumni-association-initiatives/local-alumni-chapter-signature-events/