2026 VMI Legislative Reception

The annual VMI Legislative Reception took place again this year at the Library of Virginia in Richmond, Virginia. This year’s event, held Feb. 18, 2026, unfolded amid heightened interest in legislation concerning the Institute moving through the General Assembly. As news coverage and commentary surrounding the bills increased, many in the VMI family followed developments at the Capitol more closely than usual. The VMI Alumni Agencies encouraged alumni and supporters to engage with their delegates and senators regarding the legislation, either in person or through mail and electronic communication. In this atmosphere, this year’s 2026 Legislative Reception drew more attention than usual.

As in previous years, the Institute hosted the event in Richmond with assistance from the VMI Alumni Agencies. The reception allows VMI to express its gratitude for the support—financial and otherwise—it receives from the Commonwealth and to highlight one of the Institute’s greatest strengths: The young men and women of the Corps of Cadets.

The reception was well attended. Almost 300 alumni and friends of the Institute—all of them eager to make the case for VMI—were present, as were 39 cadets of various classes. The cadets were concluding a somewhat long day, having visited the Capitol offices as part of the annual Cadet Legislative Visit. Approximately 100 legislators and staff from the General Assembly attended the reception. Several members of the executive branch also visited. According to Col. Kimberly C. Parker, VMI’s government relations director, they included Connor Andrews, deputy secretary of education; Grant Neely, the governor’s deputy chief for policy and communications; and Michael Maul, Department of Planning and Budget director.

Meade B. King ’85, VMI Foundation chief operating officer and Alumni Agencies director of advancement, described the event as “another excellent gathering of the VMI family, highlighted by the presence of our cadets. Spirited fellowship, good food, and an atmosphere of confidence in VMI’s leadership and hope for the future filled the room.”

John Williams ’88, VMI Foundation president and VMI Alumni Agencies Board of Directors chairman, described the attendees as “an energetic and engaging crowd. It was a great mix of alumni, VMI family and friends, faculty and staff, and, of course, members of the General Assembly, who were actively circulating and engaging in conversation. The mood was energetic and upbeat.”

A definite highlight of the evening came at 6:45 p.m., when a bugle sounded “attention” and Williams introduced VMI’s superintendent, Lt. Gen. David Furness ’87. “This evening wraps up a virtual tour de force for our superintendent,” said Williams. “Over the past 7 days, he has traveled across Virginia, meeting with and speaking to nine alumni chapters, reinforcing support, and reassuring supporters.

“Lieutenant General Furness is a principled and resolute leader,” he continued. “He cares deeply for the men and women in his charge, and he sets the standard and the example in all he does. VMI sure is lucky to have him as our 16th superintendent.”

In his remarks, Furness offered his heartfelt thanks to alumni, parents, friends, faculty, staff, and cadets for their support of VMI and its cadets. He also acknowledged the legislators and their staff members and members of the executive branch in attendance and added that VMI will do all it can to learn, grow, and perform in a manner that befits the excellence for which it has long been renowned. The Institute, he assured everyone, has a bright future.

Overall, the reception provided opportunities for legislative and executive leaders to become acquainted and reacquainted with VMI, its proud legacy of service and leadership that its alumni have provided Virginia and the country, and the enduring value of the Institute to the Commonwealth. It also gave those attending the opportunity to meet cadets, those young people who are living proof of the transformative power of VMI’s extraordinary education. Parker said, “Reactions to interactions with the cadets at the event are always positive. One senator said she came to the reception just to connect with the cadets who had visited her office earlier in the day during the Cadet Legislative Visit.”

Editor’s Note: The VMI Alumni Agencies thanks everyone who made the effort to come out on a cold, rainy night and again show their dedication to VMI and their commitment to ensure it will continue to serve its “native state.” Thanks, too, must go to those at the Alumni Agencies staff, led by Christina Cummings, VMI Alumni Agencies director of advancement services, who organized the event, and the senior leaders, faculty, staff, and cadets who traveled to Richmond to express their gratitude to people in the state government for their enduring partnership with VMI.