Members of the VMI family and legislators gather for the annual Legislative Reception at the Library of Virginia on the evening of Feb. 7.—Photo courtesy VMI Communications & Marketing.
The VMI family was out in force at the Library of Virginia on the evening of Feb. 7 for the 2025 VMI Legislative Reception. This annual event in Richmond is hosted by the Institute as a way of expressing its thanks to the members of the General Assembly, key legislative staff, and government executives—for their support, financial and otherwise, of VMI, as well as celebrating the close and enduring partnership between the Commonwealth and the Institute.
As in previous years, the event drew many people from state government, as well as many alumni and friends. Approximately 100 people from the General Assembly—legislators and aides—and some senior executives, such as Aimee Guidera, the Commonwealth’s secretary of education, came to visit, as did some 240 alumni and friends. Also, there were 21 cadets who had participated in the annual Cadet Legislative Visit earlier that day and then remained in town for the reception. More cadets in the form of the Regimental Band’s jazz ensemble, The Commanders, provided music while the guests mingled with cadets and staff.
“Besides the opportunities the reception gives the VMI family to remind those in state government of the enduring value of the Institute to Virginia and the leadership and service that its alumni have provided the Commonwealth and the country, it also provides a chance for people to meet our cadets,” said David L. Prasnicki, VMI Alumni Agencies chief executive officer. “These young men and women are the walking and talking proof of just how effective and timeless VMI’s exceptional form of education really is.”
One of the evening’s highlights was remarks delivered by Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins ’85, superintendent. After being introduced by John Adams ’96, Board of Visitors president, Wins focused his remarks on the Institute’s new strategic plan, Forging 21st Century Leaders. He first stressed the broad-based foundation of the plan, which included the successes of Vision 2039 and his own initial action plan, One Corps, One VMI, as well as inputs from many cadets, faculty, staff, and alumni, and the determination to create a dynamic and positive on-post environment for all cadets. He also laid out the five priorities of the plan: To prepare exceptional leaders, strengthen academic excellence, foster esprit de corps, recruit top cadets and boost every cadet’s chance of success, and build and maintain the best infrastructure possible. He closed by thanking the special guests from the government “for everything you do for VMI and the Commonwealth’s future leaders.”
Meade B. King ’85, VMI Foundation chief operating officer and Alumni Agencies director of advancement, has attended several receptions during his service. “I always find the Legislative Reception a wonderful gathering of alumni and friends of VMI. This year was no exception. I had many good conversations with caring VMI people, and I met several legislators who admire the Institute and value it highly.”
Another group of people who made it to the reception were many of the volunteer leaders of the VMI Alumni Agencies. These men and women—most of whom are alums—offer their talents to the organizations that engage the VMI family in support of the Institute and the Corps of Cadets and devote countless hours of service to that task. Ernesto V. Sampson ’98, VMI Foundation president, who has attended several of these events, was again pleased he could make this year’s. “I always have a great time attending the Legislative Reception. I had the opportunity to have a meaningful conversation about VMI with Senator Mark Obenshain and Delegate Chris Obenshain. They emphasized their admiration for VMI. It goes without saying that anytime I have the opportunity to talk with cadets, I relish it. With VMI providing an opportunity for legislators, cadets, and alumni to mingle, the reception is always an annual success.”
“As a member of the VMI Foundation Board of Trustees,” said Elise G. Woodworth ’07, “I believe it is important to be a champion for VMI. I enjoy the Legislative Reception because it combines advocacy, connection, and sharing my passion for VMI all rolled into one event.”
Prasnicki expressed his thanks to everyone who took the time to attend the reception and demonstrate their devotion to VMI and their conviction about its enduring value. “I also must thank the team at the Alumni Agencies, led by Christina Cummings, who organizes the event, and the people from on post—the Institute’s senior leaders, faculty, staff, and cadets—who make the trip to Richmond to thank legislators, staff, and senior executives for their partnership in making VMI a stronger college.”
The communications officer supports the strategy for all communications, including web content, public relations messages and collateral pieces in order to articulate and promote the mission of the VMI Alumni Agencies and promote philanthropy among varied constituencies.
