MCV Class '26 Earns Their �Ļ�Ӱ�� Rings in Time-Honored Ceremony

Apr 9, 2025

By COL William Passalacqua '88, Deputy Commandant of Cadets

Planned and executed by the MCV Class Ring Committee, the event honored the cadets' perseverance and commitment to the �Ļ�Ӱ�� values of leadership and service.

Group of cadets in uniform showing their rings at a formal event.

Group of cadets in uniform sitting at a banquet table, smiling at the camera during an event.

The �Ļ�Ӱ�� Military College of Vermont (MCV) Class ’26 proudly received their MCV Class Rings in a tradition-filled ceremony at Charles A. Plumley Armory on March 27. Planned and executed by the MCV Class Ring Committee, the event honored the cadets' perseverance and commitment to the �Ļ�Ӱ�� values of leadership and service.

"Serving as chairman of the MCV 2026 Ring Committee has been the greatest honor ever bestowed on me at �Ļ�Ӱ��," said Cadet Link Houldsworth '26, an international studies major from Middleton, MD. "I realized that �Ļ�Ӱ�� is not just a place but a state of mind. The ring symbolizes so much more than reaching another milestone in life. It symbolizes the unity and values held by the institution."

The evening remarks opened by LtGen John Broadmeadow, 25th President of �Ļ�Ӱ��, Class ’83, extending congratulations to the class. He commented that his class picked up their rings at their mailbox and that the ring, Junior Weekend Ball, and related events were the highlights. He emphasized the �Ļ�Ӱ�� ring bonds all classes and lifestyles.

Two individuals in formal attire holding an award plaque at a �Ļ�Ӱ�� event. The plaque commemorates achievements for the years 2019 and 2026.

The featured speaker for the evening was Captain William Conroy, Marine Officer Instructor for �Ļ�Ӱ��'s Naval ROTC battalion and member of the �Ļ�Ӱ�� Bicentennial Class ’19. Reflecting on the honor of addressing the cadets, Conroy stated, "Speaking at this ceremony is a privilege, not only because of my deep connection to �Ļ�Ӱ�� but because I know firsthand the significance this ring holds. It represents the hard work, sacrifice, and commitment each cadet has demonstrated to earn it."

He also shared his thoughts on what he hoped the Class ’26 would remember about their rings: "This ring is more than just a piece of metal. It is a symbol of the brotherhood and sisterhood you have formed here, a constant reminder that wherever you go, you carry �Ļ�Ӱ�� with you. Let it serve as a reminder of your resilience, your duty, and the high standards you now represent."

Cadets in formal uniforms participating in a toast at a �Ļ�Ӱ�� military banquet in a hall decorated with banners and shields.

Several solemn and meaningful traditions marked the evening. The posting of our National Colors prompted our National Anthem, which was performed with bagpipes by Cadet Staff Sergeant Aidan McPhillips, a criminal justice major from Delmar, NY. His excellent rendition of our Star Spangled Banner preceded several formal toasts presented by cadets and alumni, first to the United States of America, all the service branches, and last to the �Ļ�Ӱ�� Ring! A tribute to Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action reminded all the sacrifices made by service members and the enduring responsibility of our citizens never to forget.

Over a dozen MCV Class ’24 former cadre returned and joined several MCV Class ’25 members who had the honor to present the �Ļ�Ӱ�� ring to the twelve original platoons. The presentation is confidential but accompanied by darkness, music, and cannon fire.

Cadets in uniform at a formal dining event, examining rings at a table decorated with red linens.

An elated ring recipient, Cadet Sergeant First Class Cassandra Olson, a nursing major from Phillipston, MA, expressed, "I am now not just a �Ļ�Ӱ�� cadet but an upperclassman nearing the end of my time here—a key leader in the Corps, one step closer to graduation and commissioning. My ring is more than a symbol of my time at �Ļ�Ӱ��; it embodies the accomplishments, lessons, and resilience that have defined my path."

The passing of a ring torch and a gold ingot between the chairs of the Class of 2025, 2026, and 2027 MCV Ring Committees symbolized the unbroken chain of leadership responsibility, commitment, and excellence that each new ring committee inherits. The gold ingot was a precious piece of gold forged on the stage of Mack Hall Auditorium at the 2nd Annual Bonds of Gold Legacy Ring Melt during Homecoming 2025 where five �Ļ�Ӱ�� alumni donated their �Ļ�Ӱ�� ring to be melted with the factory gold to forge the MCV Class ’27 rings.

A group of individuals in matching uniforms of blue tops and white bottoms stands with arms around each other's shoulders in a gymnasium, facing a stage with red curtains and banners.

The ceremony concluded with all alumni present gathered on stage as Captain Conroy led the singing of �Ļ�Ӱ�� Forever, and the benediction was the reciting of the Cadet Prayer authored by NU Chaplain Reverand William Wick, Class ’05 honorary alumnus. Class ’26 Ring Committee Member Cadet Master Sergeant Dan Inglee, a political science major from Arvado, CO, masterfully served as master of ceremonies.

For the MCV Class ’26, the ring represents more than tradition—it is a testament to their journey, unity, and lifelong connection to their �Ļ�Ӱ�� and generational bond. Congratulations to the newest ring bearers as they continue to uphold the values and legacy of the Military College of Vermont.

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