I hope this message finds you well and as proud as ever to support VMI athletics. On behalf of the Keydet Club Board, I am pleased to share an update on the success of our current fiscal year, reflect on a productive board meeting held in February, and outline our priorities as we look ahead.
This fiscal year has been an encouraging one for the Keydet Club. Thanks to the generosity and commitment of our alumni and supporters, we are striving to meet key fundraising objectives and continue to provide meaningful support for our cadet‑athletes and athletic programs. On March 24–26, 2026, we hosted the fifth annual Compete to Win effort, raising over $331,000 from over 740 donors. Your engagement directly contributes to competitive success, the cadet‑athlete experience, and the long-term strength of VMI athletics. We are grateful for your continued belief in our mission.
In February, the board convened for an in‑depth and highly constructive meeting. The discussion reaffirmed our shared confidence in the direction of the Keydet Club and our partnership with the Institute. We reviewed strong financial results, assessed current initiatives, and aligned on strategic priorities that will guide us through the remainder of the year and beyond. The tone of the meeting was optimistic, focused, and unified around serving VMI and its cadet‑athletes at the highest level.
Looking forward, the board remains keenly focused on the evolving NCAA landscape. Changes in governance, NIL considerations, and competitive expectations continue to reshape college athletics, and it is essential that VMI remains informed, adaptable, and proactive. The Keydet Club will continue to evaluate how these changes impact our programs and identify opportunities to position VMI athletics for sustained success while remaining true to the Institute’s unique mission and values.
At the same time, we remain firmly committed to the three‑legged stool model that has long guided our approach: Supporting student‑athlete scholarships, enhancing facilities and resources, and ensuring strong programmatic and operational support. Balance across these three areas is essential for long‑term stability and competitiveness, and the board is aligned in maintaining this disciplined and thoughtful framework as we move forward.
Thank you for your unwavering support of the Keydet Club and VMI athletics. Your involvement makes a tangible difference, and we look forward to keeping you informed as we build on this momentum together.
Go Keydets!
Kelly M. Sweppenhiser ’06
Keydet Club Board President
