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Office of the Chaplain
Welcome
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— Col. John P. Casper '04, D.Min., Institute Chaplain
Our Mission
The religious convictions of our students are respected regardless of one’s faith preference, and the religious freedom of all cadets is assured through the Chaplains’ Office.
To this end, the office: provides pastoral care regardless of religious affiliation, contributes to moral and ethical leadership development of cadets, provides comprehensive ministry support programs, and advises VMI administration on issues of religion, morale, and cadet well-being.
What We Do
The VMI Chaplains' Office provides numerous opportunities throughout the year to encourage the development of interpersonal faith within the Corps of Cadets.
Bible studies and group activities are conducted by organizations such as the Newman Club, Canterbury Club, Officers Christian Fellowship, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and many others. We regularly connect with Hillel House next door at Washington & Lee to offer opportunities for cadets to practice, celebrate, and explore their Jewish faith. [NEED SOMETHING RE: other faiths (Muslim, etc.).
Our office also provides opportunities for mission trips, conferences, and retreats for various faith groups throughout the academic year.
In addition to our faith-based work on post, the office, through full-time staff and cadet chaplains, also serves as a point of support and contact for members of the Corps as they navigate life at VMI. Whether cadets seek advice or guidance with academic and military schedules and expectations, social and interpersonal relationships, or events occurring at home, our door is always open.
Religious Services on Post and in the Community
There are more than a dozen churches in the Lexington area and many of them provide campus ministries. Our cadets are frequently adopted by local church families and cared for while they are away from home. There are times during the academic year, such as during FTX and Family Weekend, where religious services may be hosted on post to align with cadet schedules.
An on-post non-denominational chapel service is held each Sunday evening at 8 p.m. during the academic year, and various faith-based fellowships and meetings take place each week.
As with other local churches, within the VMI chapel fellowship cadets are also cared for by host families made up of faculty, staff, and other members of the Lexington area community.
Sponsored Events
Our office works closely with appointed students who choose to attend VMI's Summer Transition Program (STP) to learn more about life at the Institute before they matriculate in August. This provides an important opportunity for these students to begin to build relationships of support and guidance in preparation for their cadetship. Our picnic is a time of brotherhood and fellowship.
Each year, the office holds a non-denominational prayer session for matriculants and their families who have come to wish them well as they start the journey at VMI. This event offers a quite time of fellowship and reflection amid the flurry of activity of Matriculation. The office also has a table at the Matriculation Fair to meet directly with new VMI families.
As with the Matriculation Fair, the office has a table at all open house events on post. We are able to meet with prospective students and their parents and guardians to start to build a foundation of support and faith community early on in the application process.
One of the most anticipated events of a cadetship at VMI is the presentation of a VMI class ring, taking place 2nd Class (junior) year. Our office hosts an optional ring blessing service each year after the formal ceremony. Hosted in Memorial Hall, this event is open to VMI faculty and staff, 2nd Class cadets, their dance dates, and family in town for the event.
A visually stirring event, and a highlight of the holiday season, the office hosts a candlelight service in Memorial Hall as part of Spirit Night at the Institute each December.
The office, cadets, and family and friends gather each May during Graduation week for a non-denominational Baccalaureate service. This annual event celebrates faith, fellowship, and service. Recognition plaques are given to graduating cadets who have been exceptionally active in the various faith communities on post.
Our Staff
Col. John P. Casper '04, D.Min.
Institute ChaplainOld Hospital | 540-464-7460 | casperjp@vmi.edu
Capt. Eli Facemire '19
Associate ChaplainOld Hospital | 540-464-7390 | facemireeb@vmi.edu
Mrs. Mary Cannon
Office AssistantOld Hospital | 540-464-7390 | cannonml@vmi.edu
Additional Points of Contact
