Published: May 20, 2025
These questions have been prepared by the VMI Alumni Agencies communications team in coordination with the VMI Office of Finance and Administration.
Moody Hall, a state-owned facility, has served as the central gathering site for alumni since 1969. Originally designed for mid-20th century needs, its capacity no longer meets the demands of modern alumni programming, class gatherings, or Institute events.
The largest space, the activities room, holds only 175 people—insufficient for many class events. As a result, reunions are often held elsewhere, such as the Hall of Valor or off-post. A new facility is needed to better support larger gatherings, provide flexible meeting and academic support spaces, integrate advanced technology, and offer formal settings. The new design will meet these needs.
Yes. A VMI alumni panel, organized by the VMI Alumni Association, will meet over the summer to address questions and provide feedback on the use and interior design.
The working name is The Center for Advancement: Engagement, Academics, Philanthropy, abbreviated as “CA.” This is a temporary name, pending a potential naming opportunity.
Moody Hall has hosted academic events, conferences, and guest speakers for both the Alumni Agencies and the Institute. The CA will continue this tradition, offering a more efficient, modern space to meet today’s needs.
The Commonwealth of Virginia is fully funding construction and furnishings—no donor or Alumni Agencies funds are being used. The Institute will be responsible for maintenance. The building will house the staff offices of all VMI Alumni Agencies, currently located in Moody and Neikirk Halls.
Upgraded Wi-Fi and enhanced communications infrastructure will improve support for alumni groups and events. Like other academic buildings renovated over the past 20 years, Moody Hall has become outdated and struggles to support modern technology. The new building will resolve issues such as Wi-Fi failures during VIP presentations, staff meetings, and alumni conferences.
Other improvements include:
- Pre-function areas with digital video walls for event information and storytelling
- Outside patios for gathering and reservations
- A large ballroom with a capacity of over 700
- Additional meeting and work spaces
Yes. During normal business hours, alumni will have access similar to current practices. The top-floor activities room—also known as the Alumni Lounge—will feature more casual furnishings, a large-screen TV, and space for informal gatherings.
The alumni panel will explore extending access hours. For example, while the building may close at 5 p.m., the Alumni Lounge could remain open until 8 p.m. This space may occasionally be reserved for events but will primarily serve alumni.
The CA will offer significantly more event space than Moody Hall. Instead of one activities room, there will be two, both with access to front balconies. Conference and meeting rooms will be available for scheduling, as well.
Yes. As with Moody Hall, advanced planning and coordination will ensure successful event scheduling. While Institute events may occasionally take priority, the increased number of venues and meeting spaces will better accommodate alumni needs.
No. Alumni will continue to enjoy free access for class events, conference rooms, affinity group meetings, and Alumni Association events. Private events, such as weddings or graduation parties, will still incur a fee.
The CA has a budget of $68 million, fully funded by the Commonwealth of Virginia. No private or donor funds are being used for construction.
The current plan is to vacate Moody Hall in early spring 2026, with construction of the new facility beginning in early summer 2026. Timelines may shift slightly.
Naming opportunities are available for the building and its key spaces, such as the ballroom, balconies, and conference rooms. The building name will be finalized through donor support and approval by the VMI Board of Visitors.
The VMI Alumni Agencies staff currently located in Moody and Neikirk Halls will move into the new facility.
As the building is owned by the Institute and will be maintained and operated by the Institute. A building coordinator will be appointed, and the VMI Alumni Agencies will participate in managing its use.
The decision to exclude overnight accommodations was based on several factors:
- Full state funding
- Availability of local hotels
- Operational programming needs
- Liability concerns
However, a VIP suite—similar to the one in Moody Hall—will be included.
Review the floorplan and renderings for the new multipurpose facility.
View Renderings