Supporting Cadets in need to preserve the VMI legacy

Ring Fund

Each year, The Cadet Foundation plans to work with the Ring Figure Committee to help those Cadets facing documented hardships pay for their Rings. Eligibility is determined by the Second Class leadership and Ring Figure Committee as recommended to the Foundation for Funding.

The Cadet Foundation assists in covering the ring costs of these cadets who may not otherwise be able to afford what is one of every graduate's most prized possessions. In turn, the cadets helped are on their honor to repay the no-interest amount granted to the fund before their 5th Class reunion so we can continue to support the generation of cadets that follow.

History and a proud legacy

The Brother Rat spirit is core to the VMI ethos and has been what’s made the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) a place of honor since 1839. Despite recent challenges from many circles to change VMI to “sameness,” it is unique how the VMI Family, consisting of alumni, cadets, and parents, come together in times of one another’s need.

Mr. Dan Prall ’62 started the effort in honor of his roommate and Brother Rat Sam Clement ’62, who passed away on August 11, 2022, from complications after spinal surgery. Mr. Clement ’62 himself had a hard road to VMI. His mother passed away when he was very young, and his father, Navy Commodore Samuel Averett Clement Sr., passed away when Sam was only in the 6th grade, after which he was adopted by his first cousin and moved to Winter Haven, Florida. Sam graduated from VMI with the highest honors and as a Distinguished Military Student. He was both the Editor-in-Chief of The Cadet and Chairman of the 1962 Ring Figure Committee. After graduation, Sam was commissioned in the Army and spent five years on active duty, including a tour in Germany and Vietnam, earning a Bronze Star and separating as a Captain. In Sam's honor, this project supports both helping Cadets in need keep their rings and supporting Sam’s other passion,

The VMI Ring

Ring Fund

By The Cadet Foundation

Ring Fund

Helping Cadets in need and the independent voice of the Corps