Graduation at the Virginia Military Institute is an exciting time for cadets, family, faculty, staff, and the VMI community to celebrate the achievements of 1st class cadets as they complete their journey at the Institute. With ceremonies held for Institute Awards, Change of Command/Graduation Parade, Commissioning, and Commencement, Graduation celebrates the achievements and excellence of all aspects of a cadetship at VMI.

May 2023 Events

Please note, any changes to this schedule will be posted to this page if and when they become necessary, and will also be noted on the VMI homepage.

ⓘ  Livestream Events: Video feeds will be added as they become available on the individual event pages as noted below.

ⓘ VMI Community: To receive important information concerning emergencies, weather, traffic, and parking, text the word "Keydet" to 772-95.

SCHEDULE

Saturday, May 13, 2023

• 8 p.m. - Glee Club/Band Concert, Memorial Hall

Sunday, May 14, 2023

• 8 a.m. - Commandant Awards, Memorial Hall
• 10 a.m. - Institute Awards, Marshall Hall, Gillis Theater
• 2 p.m. - Cadet Change of Command/Graduation Parade, Parade Ground
• 7 p.m. - Baccalaureate, Memorial Hall

Monday, May 15, 2023

• 9 a.m. - Joint Commissioning, Cameron Hall
  
  • The ceremony will be livestreamed on the Joint Commissioning web page
• 2 p.m. - Memorial Parade and Reading of Alumni Names, Parade Ground

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

• 8 a.m. - Post is open to parents and other visitors. No access to post prior to 8 a.m. will be permitted without a valid VMI identification card.
• 9:30 a.m. Cameron Hall open to the parents and guests.
• 11 a.m. - Commencement, Cameron Hall
  • The ceremony will be livestreamed on the Commencement Ceremony web page

VMI has implemented a clear bag policy for all major events which limits the size and types of bags that may be brought into Foster Stadium and Memorial Hall. Only clear tote bags that do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12", or one-gallon plastic freezer bags. Small handheld clutch purses no larger than 4.5" x 6.5" will be permitted. Cameras and smartphones are permitted to be carried into VMI facilities.

This information is subject to change, check this site frequently for updated information. All activities occur at VMI.

No tailgating is permitted on post from 13 to 16 May.

Commencement

Commencement is the culmination of four years of study at the Institute. The walk across the stage during this ceremony is a moment every graduate remembers.

Ceremony info

Commissioning

This ceremony, in which new officers take their commissioning oaths, marks the end of a four-year journey of education, training, and self-discovery and the beginning of a journey of military service. 

ROTC details

Institute Awards

Numerous awards recognizing the accomplishments of cadets are presented. Awards are presented by civic groups and the Institute, as well as the ROTC components.

Awards presented

Frequently Asked Questions