We Will Be Stronger
By J. Pearson ’87, chairman, Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets Alumni Inc.
COVID-19 caused us to cancel all our fall events. At least there was football, although we could not be in Lane stadium, jumping and cheering our Hokies on. (Dang it.)
We had our fall Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets Alumni Inc. board meeting and virtual homecoming week by Zoom. Most of us never heard of Zoom until this crisis came about. Meeting virtually and all the technical parts that go with it has been a challenge, but we have persevered.
Our cadets continue to adapt to the new regulations created to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Their discipline, along with the commandant’s leadership, have enabled the Corps to lead the university in containing the virus.
The Class of 2024 has 374 members.
Our Corps is now 1,182 cadets strong. They come from 26 states/territories and 25 countries.
Our efforts to be more inclusive are paying off, too. The Corps is now 22 percent female (largest percentage ever), with 55 percent from in-state, 45 percent from out-of-state. Our Corps now represents 38 percent Army, 22 percent Air Force, 20 percent Navy, 6 percent Marine option, and 14 percent Citizen-Leader Track.
I hope we have our normal spring events such as our board meeting and our junior and senior cadet socials in person. Look for more announcements as we get closer to spring.
I hope and pray that all of this will be over by then.
The cadets are adapting to the challenge of COVID-19 without complaint. They are wearing masks in formation on the Drillfield, just as they are when they go to class. The Corps is bigger, and smarter than ever before. Our cadets, as well as we alumni, will emerge stronger in the end!
I hope you and your family stay safe.
Remember: As alumni we must communicate, participate, and donate!
Go Hokies!