About the VMI Alumni Agencies and Related Organizations
VMI Alumni Agencies
Creating strength of purpose for efficient and effective operations, stewardship, fundraising, communications, events, advancement services, and engagement in support of the VMI alumni family, the Corps of Cadets, and the future of the Institute. The VMI Alumni Agencies Board consists of the president and vice president of the Foundation Board of Trustees, the Alumni Association Board of Directors, and the Keydet Club Board of Governors, as well as a representative from the VMI Board of Visitors.
Forming the Agencies
Between 2014–16, the heads of the Alumni Association, Keydet Club, and Foundation thoughtfully and intentionally formed a plan for a combined Agencies headed by a single executive in order to improve support for VMI.
Building on a study done by an outside firm in 1989, three alumni—Turner Perrow ’96, then-Alumni Association president; Hugh Fain ’80, then-Foundation president; and Bill Paulette ’69, then-Keydet Club president—asked Paul B. Maini ’66 and George H. Roberts ’68 to analyze restructuring the Agencies. In the past, Maini and Roberts had selflessly served the Agencies and the Institute in numerous capacities. The report thoroughly explored possible organizational structures for a combined Agencies and effects on a committed, active alumni body and—ultimately—the Institute. After receiving and studying this report, Perrow, Fain, and Paulette prepared a resolution that proposed restructuring the Agencies under a single chief executive officer.
After a search for senior executives was announced in fall 2016, an outside search firm narrowed the field to six qualified candidates who went through the interview process in the winter.
Restructuring the Agencies is a model of selfless alumni cooperation toward the ultimate objective of advancing VMI.
VMI Alumni Association
Primary purpose: To organize alumni in one general body to keep alive the memories of Institute life and to efficiently aid in the promotion of the welfare of the Institute and the successful prosecution of its educational purposes in the future. The VMI Alumni Association supports alumni engagement and the Institute through chapter activities, admissions recruiting, Moody Hall activities, career support, and alumni reunions with support from advancement services.
VMI Foundation
Responsible for fundraising and comprehensive giving options, including vital unrestricted funding, directed giving funds and scholarships, cadet life and leadership programs support, and planned giving—all types of financial support with the exception of NCAA Division I athletics. The VMI Investment Holdings, LLC board has the overall responsibility for the management of the VMI endowment, operating within fiscal best practices and processes to secure a strong future for the Institute.
VMI Keydet Club
Responsible for the financial support of NCAA Division I cadet-athletes via scholarships, coaches’ salaries, academic support, and operating budgets for VMI’s 18 individual NCAA teams. The Keydet Club provides directed communications to donor leadership and supports engagement at sporting events. Financial support from the Keydet Club creates opportunity for cadet-athletes.
