Matriculation Week culminated with Rat Crucible, which included training on the North Post, obstacles, and swimming in the Maury River to Jordan’s Point Aug. 25, 2025. The event concluded with a march up Letcher Avenue and the first Old Yell for the Rat Mass of 2026+3.—VMI Photo by Kelly Nye.
VMI’s Matriculation Day was held Aug. 16, 2025, marking the beginning of the Rat Line for the new academic year and the 186th year of the Institute.
The sweltering day began with a fair in Cocke Hall, where incoming cadets and their families met with VMI coaches and clubs, local churches, banks, restaurants, and other community organizations. Various other VMI agencies were also present, including the chaplain’s office, VMI police, and auxiliary services. In Cameron Hall, the rats were measured for their uniforms and issued their athletic wear. In the Corps Physical Training Facility, they completed admission paperwork, were given opportunities to meet and talk with department faculty members, and, as their last act as ordinary teenagers, signed the Matriculation Book, adding their names to the long list of all those who have come before them in committing to not doing ordinary.
In the afternoon, the chaplain’s prayer, an optional nondenominational prayer session for matriculants and their families, was held in Memorial Hall, followed by the superintendent’s welcome in Cameron Hall.
Brig. Gen. Dallas Clark ’99, acting superintendent, welcomed the Rat Mass of 2026+3 and their families, telling them this would be a date they would always remember and thanking them for choosing an experience that would be formative in their development. “Embrace VMI’s Honor Code, internalize what it means to live an honorable life, [and] apply that principle in your life every day. You came to VMI to succeed. Work together, develop, and come together as a class. These are the beginning workings of the notorious VMI bonds. You are all now part of VMI,” said Clark. To the parents and guardians, Clark said, “You’ve entrusted us with your remarkable sons and daughters. We are honored. They have chosen to join us, and we are committed to helping them succeed.”
Col. Lawrence Havird ’90, commandant, also addressed the rats. He told them they are taking on a unique challenge in their college experience, embracing hardship while finding the best version of themselves. “The next month will be mentally and physically challenging for you. You will be tested like never before. You will, at times, feel isolated and alone in the Rat Line journey. … Your brother rats are here to support you. Rally alongside to navigate this challenge together,” said Havird.
With cheers, applause, warm embraces, congratulatory pats on backs, and a few tears, the rats bade goodbye to their families and formed up with their companies for the first time. They then held up their right hands and took the Cadet Oath. Led by Cadet Devin Auzenne ’26, regimental commander, the rats marched from Cameron Hall onto Main Street, up Letcher Avenue, through Marshall Arch, and into New Barracks, where they fell into formation.
As parents and other onlookers craned their necks to catch a glimpse past the guards and the iron pickets of the arch gates, the rats met their cadre.
This year’s Rat Mass totals 469 and comes from 33 states and six foreign countries, with 62% from Virginia and 38% from out of state. Seventy-five are female, and 143 are recruited NCAA athletes. Forty-seven percent have selected a major in STEM disciplines, and 53% are majoring in the liberal arts.
Grayson Talbott, Rat Mass 2026+3, is following in the footsteps of his sister, Cadet Hayden Talbott ’27, and joining her in Band Company and on the track team. “We have always been close, so him joining me here will only increase that bond. He has a lot of people who will be looking out for him, and soon he will find where he fits at VMI. I’m excited to see firsthand the journey he will embark on. It is both the humbling and gratifying experiences that make the VMI journey what it is, and I hope he embraces every second of it,” she said.
Grayson, who will be a thrower on the track team and plans to play the bagpipes, feels blessed to be given the opportunity to join his sister. “Words cannot express my gratitude toward Coach Scott [Zack Scott ’89, director of cross country and track and field] for allowing me to continue my passion of throwing, while learning from his knowledge and experience. As a member of the Pipe Band, I’ll get to learn to play a beautiful and world-renowned instrument. I am excited for the challenges and development at VMI that will shape my future.”
Ryan Quesenberry, Rat Mass of 2026+3, is also a part of a VMI legacy. His brother, Cadet Andrew Quesenberry ’26, is a 1st Class cadet, and their father, Travis Quesenberry, is a Class of 1999 graduate. Andrew shared that having his brother join him on post is special, saying, “I know what challenges await him, and luckily, I’ll be here to support and help him through his rat year.” Both Ryan and Andrew spent their summer as volunteers at the Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke, doing maintenance work on the Norfolk & Western Class J No. 611, the iconic steam locomotive built locally in 1950.
The matriculation process continued throughout the week with the cadre leading the rats in military drills and physical training, culminating with the Rat Crucible Aug. 24.
On Sept. 15, the Corps will welcome and meet Lt. Gen. David J. Furness ’87, VMI’s 16th superintendent. The Rat Mass will officially become the Class of 2029 in the spring semester after Breakout.
Editor’s Note: VMI released demographic information regarding the Rat Mass of 2026+3, and it is also available on the VMI Alumni Agencies Volunteer Resources page.
Editor's Note: Story originally published by Virginia Military Institute.
