The Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets will conduct a Pass in Review on April 29, to honor the Class of 2012 as they become alumni of the corps. The parade will also usher in the Class of 2013 as the new cadet officers and commanders of the regiment.

The Change of Command Parade was changed to Sunday this year to allow the Corps of Cadets to participate in the Welcome Home Veterans Parade for all local veterans. The entire corps, led by the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets Color Guard and the Highty-Tighties, the regimental band, will march in the Blacksburg parade which starts on Eheart Street at 2 p.m. and will continue right on Main Street and left on Alumni Mall. 

Immediately following the conclusion of that parade the regiment will reform and conduct the Change of Command Pass in Review on the Drillfield. The approximate start time is 3 p.m.

The current regimental commander is Cadet Col. Amanda McGrath of Springfield, Vt., a senior majoring in history in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences and pursuing a minor in leadership studies who is a recipient of the Duncan A. Macleod '48 Memorial Emerging Leader Scholarship. She will attend pilot training following her commissioning in the U.S. Air Force this May. 

McGrath will pass command to Cadet Kareim Oliphant of East Orange, N.J., a junior majoring in psychology in the College of Science who is also pursuing a minor in leadership studies and is the recipient of the Stewart B. West '36 Highty-Tighty Emerging Leader Scholarship. Oliphant is a member of the Civilian-Leader Track and the Highty-Tighties.

“I am truly honored to serve as the fall 2012 regimental commander of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets. I know that next semester will be challenging, but rewarding as I endeavor to leave an indelible mark on all cadets under my leadership. I greatly anticipate the demands of fall semester, and am excited to see the great things that the corps will accomplish,” said Oliphant.

The Pass in Review will be on the Drillfield, centered in front of Burruss Hall. In addition, the Highty-Tighties will play and Skipper, the corps cannon, will be fired when the cadets first enter the Drillfield, at the first note of the national anthem, and the first note of “Tech Triumph.” A total of three shots will be fired.  

All are welcome to come and view this culminating event for the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets Class of 2012.

Free parking is available around the Drillfield and no visitor’s pass is necessary on weekends. Parking is also available in the Perry Street Lots and the Perry Street Parking Garage near Prices Fork Road. Find more parking information online or call (540) 231-3200.

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