VMI Kicks Off Major Fundraising Campaign   LEXINGTON, Va., Nov. 12, 2014 – Virginia Military Institute today announced the start of the public phase of a major effort designed to raise $225 million to support all aspects of the Institute. To date, more than $180 million has been raised toward the goal. Titled An Uncommon Purpose: A Glorious Past, A Brilliant Future: The Campaign for VMI, the campaign recognizes the contributions VMI and its alumni have made to the state and the nation since its founding as it seeks to gather the resources to ensure it can fulfill that purpose as the new century unfolds. “VMI and its alumni have been at the center of the major events in our country’s history since the Institute’s founding,” said Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent. “When the nation looks to us again and again in the years ahead, we must and will provide outstanding leaders for the nation. This campaign will go a long way towards positioning VMI for its role in the 21st century.” The announcement of the commencement of the campaign coincided with the 175th anniversary of the founding of VMI on Tuesday. The founding of VMI is dated to Nov. 11, 1839, when the first cadets reported for duty. “The crowning achievement of VMI is not to be found in the great moments in its history or even in its most renowned alumni,” said Donald M. Wilkinson ’61, campaign chairman. “It is to be found in its continuing ability to graduate – for 175 years – men and women of strong character, rock-solid integrity and sound intellect who possess a fervent sense of duty and a willingness to provide selfless service.” The gifts and commitments generated by the campaign will be directed into five general areas, Wilkinson noted, though the campaign will touch every corner of the Institute. Academics is slated to receive the largest share, but substantial support is also going to Corps life, athletics, programs that preserve and promote VMI’s legacy, and unrestricted annual gifts and endowments. Joining Wilkinson on the campaign cabinet are James E. Rogers ’67, Conrad M. Hall ’65, John J. Jumper ’66, William A “Bill” Paulette ’69, Walter C. Perrin II ’62, and Thomas G. Slater Jr. ’66. Brian Scott Crockett, chief executive officer of the VMI Foundation, is orchestrating the campaign’s long-range strategy and coordinating its day-to-day operations. For more information, visit www.vmi.edu/campaign.

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