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It’s Time to Say Goodbye

I have just finished my last semester as the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets alumni director.

Eight years have gone by quickly, and so much has taken place with the Corps during that time. Brodie and Rasche halls came down, and, like you all, I will forever miss those gorgeously-ugly buildings and the memories they held. But Pearson Hall East and Pearson Hall West (newly named in May) are not only beautiful and have the features — i.e. Wi-Fi — that cadets now require, they also carry our heritage, inside and out.

Patience Connelley Larkin gives a kiss to Corps ambassador Growley II.
Patience Connelley Larkin E’87 gives a kiss to Corps ambassador Growley II. Larkin has been the advisor for the Growley Program since it started four years ago.

The Growley program started almost four years ago. Growley II (call sign “Tank”) has turned out to be a fantastic ambassador for us all, and that program is thriving.

I will miss the commandant, his staff, and especially the cadets — particularly those I advised over the years on the Gregory Guard, Growley Team, the Black Cadet Organization, and the Cadet Alumni Team. I consider all these folks and “that dog” my family.

But mostly I will miss hearing from and seeing all of you, MY alumni.

I want to thank all of you who have participated in our reunions, dinners, panels, flyovers, Rat Pack, Class Champions, both alumni boards, Project Graduation, etc. You were always quick to volunteer anytime we needed you.

There are special alumni I was close with who passed during my tenure who I will never forget, Brig. Gen. Whitey Lemmond ’54, J.B. Jones ’45, Maj. Stan Cohen ’49, and Col. T.O. Williams ’59. These alumni loved the Corps until their very end and are the reason this job is more than just a job … and has meant so much to me. I want to thank all for your support.

Ut Prosim and EIGHTY-SEVEN!

Patience Connelley Larkin E’87

A crew from Strike Fighter Squadron 32 are recognized in Lane Stadium after performing a flyover at the 2019 homecoming game.
A crew from Strike Fighter Squadron 32, the “Fighting Swordsmen,” at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, Virginia, including Cmdr. Stacy Uttecht ’00, Lt. Cmdr. Elliott Shoup ’02, Lt. Cmdr. Sean Reed ’06, and Lt. Alex Mickle ’13, are recognized in Lane Stadium after performing a flyover at the 2019 homecoming game.

Seeking Alumni Military Pilots

The alumni office is in search of current military flying units who are available, interested, and approved to perform a flyover during a Virginia Tech home football game this fall.

Before you say “yes” (because it would be awesome), please check with your chain of command. Believe me, we have learned our lesson in the past. If the answer is still “yes,” then please email Michele Messner as soon as possible to let us know you are interested, so we can put in a request to your service headquarters.