The VMI alumni network is such a well-known part of Institute life that it often operates in the background, unseen and unacknowledged by many cadets and alumni. However, behind that network is a powerful team of VMI Alumni Agencies staff and alumni volunteers, each doing their part to support alumni during career transitions and also assist cadets by underscoring the efforts of VMI’s Office of Career Services.
The post-COVID-19 era has seen a resurgence of interest from both alumni engaged in career transitions and cadets seeking employment assistance. The level of interest from both alumni and cadets is impressive, as the career networking team has averaged one new alum or cadet request every other day, resulting in over 500 requests being serviced since summer 2023. This trend continues in 2026.
Under the leadership of Justin Tammelin ’09, director of alumni networking, and members of the VMI Alumni Association Board of Directors Outreach Committee, the career networking team has continued to grow its capabilities to meet this ongoing need. “We are continually seeking alumni to participate in our program, especially younger alums and females, who are a great complement to the older alums on the team,” said Tammelin.
“Volunteering for the career networking team has been a great experience,” said Howard “Chappy” Lucas ’79, a volunteer member of the Outreach Committee. “It provides the opportunity to not only engage with fellow alumni and cadets, but also to contribute and support their current employment search efforts and longer-term career objectives.”
An example of how the team has responded to a unique need is the focus on alumni transitioning out of the military. “Not surprisingly, approximately 40% of alums seeking assistance from the program are seeking their first employment outside of the military,” said Tammelin. To address this unique need, a dedicated effort has been established within the program, led by two team members, U.S. Army Reserve Lt. Col. Patrick “Pat” Haddock ’00, an Alumni Association Board of Directors member, and retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Salvatore “Sal” Sferrazza Jr. ’07.
The program’s support for the VMI Office of Career Services and cadets is highlighted each fall by the Cadet–Alumni Career Networking Forum, which allows cadets to meet with alumni working in their fields of interest, ask questions, and build network connections.
“Our goal for cadets attending the Cadet–Alumni Career Networking forum is for them to see the VMI network in action,” said Whitney Matthews ’07, Outreach Committee chair.
“For some cadets, this may be their first encounter with the network, and we want them to see the expanse of our alumni,” she noted. “This is their introduction to learning how to use the network and how to make those important social connections. We hope the cadets see how much alumni love VMI and that alumni are invested in the cadets’ future. The network is what sets VMI apart from other colleges because we take an interest in current cadets.”
This longstanding event, while highly visible, is just one part of a broader effort to support cadets in their search for employment opportunities and career advice.
When asked how alumni can participate in the career networking program, Tammelin responded, “Alumni participation in this program is tailored to fit the individual volunteer’s situation. Opportunities range from being available to have a phone call with an alum or cadet seeking your insights, to participating in the annual Cadet–Alumni Career Networking Forum, to becoming a full-time member of the team offering oversight to assigned alumni and cadets who have requested assistance with their employment search.”
Alums can also participate in additional tangible ways by engaging in conversation through the private alumni LinkedIn page created by the team and by activating their profiles on the newly launched myVMIalumni app. “This allows communication to flow more organically and directly between supporting alumni and the alumni and cadets seeking assistance,” added Tammelin.
VMIalumni.org contains additional resources for alumni and cadets seeking career assistance. Over the next several months, the team will be working to improve those resources and encourage alumni to submit suggestions for new and enhanced tools.
Going forward, Tammelin has high goals for the career networking program.
“In 5 years, I want the VMI Alumni Association career networking program to be a premier alumni networking staple in the world,” Tammelin stated. “I want to have national brand recognition on VMI, the product that it produces, and the network that we represent. I would like to see the team efforts continue to unify multigenerational relationships from older classes all the way through the present day.”
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Mary Price Communications Officer – Features
The communications officer – features leads the creation of compelling, mission-driven written content that often supports fundraising and donor engagement efforts. In addition to crafting development-focused communications, this role contributes to the editorial success of key Alumni Agencies publications through strategic, long-form storytelling and by maintaining close working relationships with volunteer leaders.
