Today lieutenant governor Ralph Northam provided the keynote address at the Virginia Military Institute’s (VMI) Convocation ceremony, the annual assembly of students and faculty to recognize the beginning of a new academic year.
In his remarks, the lieutenant governor emphasized the value of public service and ethical conduct which have been instilled in Cadets since the school’s inception. “At the core of the VMI experience is exposure to world class academics, which prepare cadets to enter the competitive 21st century workforce. Much emphasis is also placed on developing one’s ability to lead, and to serve with honor, integrity, and a strong code of ethics. The VMI experience has been my compass and I am confident that it will continue to serve this core of cadets and the classes that will follow.”
lieutenant governor Northam graduated from VMI in 1981 with distinction, after serving as President of the Honor Court. He then served in the U.S. Army for eight years.
Located in Lexington, the Virginia Military Institute was created in 1839 on the site of an arsenal so that cadets could pursue academic careers while protecting the stand of arms. VMI is unique from the other federal service academies in that while cadets are required to participate in n the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), upon graduation they can accept a military commission or pursue civilian endeavors.
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