Nine Fork Union Military Academy juniors and seniors traveled to Mary Baldwin University on Tuesday for a campus visit designed to help them explore their college options and begin envisioning their next steps after graduation.

Organized by the Academy's Director of College Placement and Academic Services, Mrs. Kelsey Hill, the visit provided cadets with a firsthand look at college life, academic opportunities, and pathways for continuing their education and leadership development.

During their visit, cadets participated in an informational session with Mary Baldwin's Admissions Office, met with the university's ROTC Commandant, and spoke with two current ROTC cadets. These conversations offered valuable insight into the college experience and the opportunities available to students interested in combining higher education with military leadership.

The group also toured several campus facilities, including academic buildings, the library, a model freshman dorm room, and the dining hall, giving cadets a better understanding of what to expect as they transition from Fork Union to college.

Adding to the experience, the visit coincided with Apple Day, one of Mary Baldwin University's longstanding traditions. On Apple Day, undergraduate classes are canceled to allow students, faculty, staff, and alumni to participate in community service, apple gleaning for local food banks, and campus celebrations. The tradition gave Fork Union cadets a unique glimpse into the university's culture and commitment to service.

The trip also included an unexpected reunion with Fork Union alumnus Lance Gowans ’23, who is currently a senior at Mary Baldwin University. Gowans, a left-handed pitcher on the university's baseball team, continued his academic and athletic career at Mary Baldwin following his graduation from Fork Union. His presence offered cadets a familiar connection to the university and an example of the opportunities available beyond the Academy.

Fork Union and Mary Baldwin University share an established admissions agreement that provides additional opportunities for Academy graduates. Through the agreement, qualifying applicants to Mary Baldwin's undergraduate program are eligible for a $25,000 annual merit scholarship, helping make the transition to higher education more accessible.

Campus visits like this are an important part of Fork Union's college placement efforts, allowing cadets to explore different institutions, ask questions, and make informed decisions about their futures. By experiencing college campuses firsthand, cadets can better identify the academic environments and opportunities that align with their individual goals.

Fork Union Military Academy extends its appreciation to Mary Baldwin University for welcoming our cadets and supporting their continued educational journeys.