At Virginia Tech, "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve) isn't just a motto; it is a way of life. And nowhere is that spirit more alive than in the Corps of Cadets.
The VTCC is unique. It is a Senior Military College embedded within a bustling public university. Cadets live a life of intense discipline, morning formation, and military training while sitting in class next to civilian students. They bridge two worlds, emerging as leaders who are socially adaptable and professionally lethal.
If your Hokie is preparing to graduate and commission, they have successfully navigated the rigorous training of the Upper Quad and are ready to lead. Because VTCC graduates commission into the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps, finding the right gift requires versatility.
Here is a guide to meaningful gifts that honor their time in Blacksburg and prepare them for their future service.
1. The Sword for Any Service: The Universal Sword Display
Depending on their track, a Virginia Tech graduate might be heading to flight school, the infantry, or the fleet. They might carry an Army Saber, a Navy Officer Sword, or a Marine Mameluke.
Because of this diversity, the Universal Sword Display is the perfect choice for the Hokie family.
Future-Proof Design: Its open-cradle architecture is engineered to securely hold the regulation sword of any military branch. You don't need to know the exact measurements of their future service weapon; this display fits them all.
Matching the Aesthetic: We offer this display in Black Walnut, Natural Maple, and Classic Cognac.
Design Tip: The Walnut finish looks particularly striking for graduates entering the Army or Marine Corps, while Maple offers a clean, modern look often favored by Air Force and Space Force officers.
It’s a sophisticated way to take their symbol of authority out of the box and onto the wall of their first home or office.
Shop the Universal Sword Display
2. Memories of the Pylons: The Commissioning Plaque
Commissioning ceremonies at Virginia Tech are steeped in tradition, often taking place near the iconic War Memorial Pylons. It is the moment they officially trade their cadet grey for the uniform of a U.S. military officer.
Our Personalized Commissioning Plaque captures this transition. Frame a 5x7 photo of their First Salute or the pinning ceremony alongside the crest of their new branch (Army, Navy, USAF, USMC) and a custom engraved message.
Engraving Idea: Connect their school pride to their service.
2nd Lt Jane Doe
VTCC Class of 2026
Ut Prosim
Design a Custom Commissioning Plaque
3. Hokie Pride & Service History: The Coin Display
From "Bud" coins to summer training awards, a VT cadet collects significant mementos long before they graduate. As they enter active duty, that collection will grow rapidly.
A Solid Maple Coin Display is a practical, handsome gift that organizes their history. It’s the perfect place to display their VTCC coins alongside the unit coins they will earn in their first assignment.
Shop Our Engraved Challenge Coin Displays
4. The Hokie Stone Tradition
Virginia Tech is famous for its Hokie Stone architecture. While we work in wood, we know that the Class Ring is a massive part of the VT tradition. Ensure your graduate has a safe place to keep that heavy gold ring when they are in the field or deployed. A high-quality ring box pairs beautifully on a shelf next to our sword display.
Go Hokies!
The Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets produces leaders of character who are ready to serve. Whether they are heading to a ship, a squadron, or a platoon, give them a gift that honors where they came from and where they are going.
Ut Prosim.
- The Blades Raised Team
