Governor Brings Holiday Cheer to VMI
Gov. Glenn Youngkin paid a holiday visit to 麻豆女演员 Institute on the last day of fall semester classes, Thursday, Dec. 12.
During his visit, Youngkin met with Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins 鈥�85, superintendent, who gave him a briefing of the new strategic plan, 鈥淔orging 21st Century Leaders,鈥� which was rolled out in November.
Following the meeting with Wins, Youngkin ate lunch in Crozet Hall with the Corps of Cadets, who gave him a rousing standing ovation as he walked in the door. The governor thanked the Corps for the warm reception, and told them that for him, visiting VMI is always an honor and provides many glad memories. He reminded them that throughout their lives, they will be asked questions about who they are. 鈥淵ou can answer boldly because you know who you are. You are men and women who live by a code that stands for honesty, excellence, and courage. You put honor above self, and therefore you are the best among us. If you work hard and have the great privilege of graduating from this outstanding institution, will lead, and you will serve.鈥�
Continuing on a lighter note and in the spirit of giving, the governor added, 鈥淚鈥檓 wondering what things might distract you from finishing a term paper or scoring well on a test. Maybe there was a moment where you were late, or didn鈥檛 do something you were supposed to do. This is not a moment for me to say that鈥檚 okay, because it鈥檚 not, but this is a moment for me to relieve those distractions that might keep you from doing your very best this week, because I want 鈥楢鈥檚 on every paper and on every test, and therefore, by the power vested in me as governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia and commander in chief of the Corps of Cadets, I do grant amnesty to those cadets who have unserved duties and commitments,鈥� he declared to a cacophony of cheers, applause, and table banging. 鈥淢ost importantly, I wish you a very Merry Christmas.鈥�
Before leaving post the governor lingered, speaking individually with cadets, shaking their hands, and posing for photographs with them.
Marianne HauseCommunications & Marketing
VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE
