During the Keydet Club Scholarship Banquet Jan. 18, 2020, were, from left, Meade King ’85, Keydet Club chief operating officer; Col. William Wanovich ’87, commandant; Dr. Dave Diles, director of intercollegiate athletics; Samantha Franklin ’20, Three-Legged Stool award recipient; Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent; and Brig. Gen. Bob Moreschi, dean of the faculty.
More than 400 scholarship benefactors, cadets and members of the Keydet Club Board of Governors gathered in the Hall of Valor in Marshall Hall for the annual Keydet Club Scholarship Banquet Jan. 18, 2020. The night began with Steve Maconi, VMI Alumni Agencies chief executive officer, greeting the crowd, along with an invocation offered by Cadet Samantha Franklin ’20. Andre Thornton ’98, guest speaker, moved the crowd with his inspiring speech. He touched on his unique experience while at VMI and stressed the importance of relationships and expanding your network.
The Three-Legged Stool award was presented to Franklin. She was joined on stage by Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent; Brig. Gen. Bob Moreschi, dean of the faculty; Dr. Dave Diles, director of intercollegiate athletics; Col. William Wanovich ’87, commandant; and Meade King ’85, Keydet Club chief operating officer. Franklin’s remarks reflected her appreciation to the countless people who helped her along her way, stating that if she could break the award into pieces, there are others who are just as deserving.
A term originally coined by the late Giles Miller, Class of 1924, one of the Institute’s most beloved sons and ardent athletic fans, the Three-Legged Stool represents the fullness of VMI’s educational philosophy – that each cadet might thrive academically, athletically and militarily. Since its founding, VMI has endeavored to ensure that cadets receive the training and encouragement necessary to successfully balance each leg of this stool as they become educated and honorable difference-makers.
The VMI Keydet Club is especially pleased to sponsor this award, recognizing the 1st Class cadet-athlete who has excelled throughout his or her cadetship. Franklin is a four-year starter and team captain of the women’s soccer team and was named to the 2019 SoCon All-Tournament Team. She holds a 3.78 GPA as a double major in modern languages and cultures and international studies. Franklin currently serves as the SAAC president and has been active in the community working with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army, Read Across America and RARO Soccer. Upon graduation, Franklin will commission in the U.S. Air Force. She currently serves as the regimental S-7 captain.
The VMI Keydet Club chief operating officer provides oversight of programs and staff to ensure they meet the goals and objectives of the club’s strategic plan, supports the president of the VMI Keydet Club Board of Governors and is responsible for the formulation of the policies, goals, objectives, and procedures of the Keydet Club. The COO works closely with VMI leadership, VMI athletics, the CFO and across the VMI Alumni Agencies to develop and execute programs consistent with the missions of VMI and the Keydet Club. The COO reports to the VMI Alumni Agencies CEO.
Additionally, as the chief development officer, he is responsible for the comprehensive planning, implementation, management, and oversight of all fundraising.
