The Institute Report

o ume • urn ler Vi.. Jinia l\Iilitan Institute Newsletter a ' I , Davis named recipient of Settle receives international recognition Cox Professorial Chair as pioneer in laboratory robotics Col. Thomas W. Davis, pro­ Dr. Frank A. Settle, Jr., VMI professor of chemistry emeri­ fessor of history, has been se­ tus, was one of eleven scientists recognized as a Pioneer in lected the second recipient ofthe Laboratory Robotics at the tenth International Symposium on General Edwin Cox Distin­ Laboratory Automation and Robotics (ISLAR). The symposium, guished Professorial Chair in his­ held in Boston, Mass., October 25-28, attracted 425 participants tory and economics. The chair, from 31 states and 11 countries. fIrst held by Col. John G. Barrett Each award winner, by implementing laboratory robotics, in the Department of History, was responsible for developing a new application or for design­ was established by the VMI ing a unique solution to a technical problem. The Pioneer awards Foundation, Inc. are presented annually at the symposium, and the winners are The endowed chair is selectetl by a committee of previous winners from a group of awarded for a fIve-year period peer-selected nominees. and is based upon exceptional Settle was cited for pioneering laboratory robotics in both teaching ability, exemplary per­ education and research. He has used robotics to teach basic formance in keeping with the mission of VMI, profIciency as a concepts in chemistry by directing undergraduate students to scholar, service as adviser to cadets, effective membership on develop the qualitative analysis scheme using robotics. A press committees, and community service. The holder of the chair is release from ISLAR states, "This is an advanced idea that provided with a special award of $37,500, paid in annual install­ captures the interest ofthe students through the use oftechnology ments of$7,500. The appointment is made by the Superintendent and causes them to think far deeper than they normally would to ofVMI. provide the logical chemical steps for the automation. Through Col. Davis, a 1964 distinguished graduate of VMI, has been the use of technology, he has made the tedious work oflearning teaching at his alma mater for the past 20 years. He also served chemistry fun and challenging. The use of robotics in this two years as Associate Dean of the Faculty and was Acting Dean endeavor is uniquely inventive, visionary, and an outstanding during the 1989-90 school term. He received his M.A. and Ph.D. teaching device." from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and was on The release also said that his work as a part ofthe Consortium active duty with the United States Army from 1966 to 1968. on Automated Analytical Laboratory Systems is "on the cutting During his tenure at VMI, Davis has written a book about edge of the fIeld." His efforts on the Inorganic Demonstration VMI athletics, The Corps Roots The Loudest and was editor ofA Projects helped develop control protocol and unique software Crowd of Honorable Youths, a book of historical essays. In structure design. This work enabled the project to demonstrate ad~ition he wrote a book on British history and several scholarly the modularity and encapsulation ofmethods which are seperate articles. He has received national grants from the American from the software in manipulation of the robotic microwave Philosophical Society, the National Endowment for the Humani­ demonstration. ties, and the Danforth Foundation. He has also been the recipient Dr. Settle retired last spring of VMI's Distinguished Teaching Award and Distinguished following 28 years of service to the ~ervi~ Award. His major teaching areas are British history, VMI chemistry department. He re­ mcludmg Adam Smith and the classical economists, Western mains an adjunct professor with the Civilization, and the French Revolution and Napoleon. His department and serves as an adviser research interest focuses on the Age ofGeorge III (1760-1820) in religious and social history. for senior thesis research projects. For the current spring semester, he Col. Davis is the Institute's Faculty Chairman of Athletics, and Col. Donald E. Thomas, profes­ which carries chairmanship of the Athletic Coun cil, and is sor of history, are team teaching a chairman of the Foreign Study Committee. Former duties have history elective, HI 481, Making of Continued on page 3 the Atomic Bomb. From the Superintedent The current discussion in Virginia about cbange and improvement in higher education bears directly on the structure and goals of VMI's educational pro­ gram. The discussion began in 1989 when the Governor's Commission on the University ofthe 21 st Century stated in a 20-page report that "Virginia's col­ leges and universities need to reassess what they teach and the way they teach it if educators want their institutions to be competitive in the next century." The discussion has continued between the State Council of Higher Education and Virginia's college and university presidents and has focused on the issue of Cadets starui at attention during the salute to President Clinton's restructuring higher education in the Commonwealth. inauguration on January 20. After the barui played "Hail to the Like all other colleges in the state system, VMI has re­ Chief," General Knapp gave some briefremarks, then granted the sponded to the recommendations of the Commission of the 21st Corps amnesty. Century. Among our responses are the development of a Center for the Study of Science, Technology and SOCiety, and the Court Case Update establishment of an International Studies Program. In addition, a VMI Task Force on Science and Engineering is studying ways to VMI petitions United States Supreme Court strengthen these areas at the Institute, and concerted efforts are On January 19 VMI's legal team asked the United States being made to provide cadets and faculty with modem educa­ Supreme Court to review the decision" of the U.S. Court of tional information technology and services. These initiatives are Appeals for the Fourth Circuit on the constitutionality of the in line with the Commission's call for programs that respond to Institute's single-sex admissions policy. the need for competence in mathematics, science, technology, The Supreme Court should decide sometime between March communication, and the formation of a global perspective. and the end ofMay ifit will hear the case. Ifitdoes take the case, Across the Commonwealth, implementation of the recom­ the Court would likely set hearings next fall and possibly render mendations of the Commission on the 21st Century have been a decision by early spring of 1994. Ifthe Supreme Court opts not slowed down by the current economic downturn. In July of last to review the decision by the Fourth Circuit Court ofAppeals, the year, the college presidents issued a report on the effects ofsevere case reverts to Judge Jackson Kiser ofthe district court to which budget cuts on their institutions and on their declining ability to it was remanded by a three-judge panel of the Fourth Circuit provide essential services. Welcome news was received in No­ Court of Appeals. vember when much-needed funds were made available for capi­ That panel suggested that the Commonwealth of Virginia tal improvements through passage of the $472 million general had not sufficiently articulated its policy of diversity, and in so obligation bond referendum. VMI will benefit from the bond doing, the judges stated that the Commonwealth has at least three issue by receiving funds to continue Barracks improvement work options: 1. admit women to VMI and adjust the program accord­ and the transformation of Preston Library into the hub of an ingly; 2. establish parallel institutions or parallel programs; 3. information network. abandon state support, leaving VMI the option to operate as a The State Council of Higher Education has submitted a private institution. Judge Kiser's ruling in June 1991 upheld preliminary report to the General Assembly on the issue of VMI's admissions policy. change and improvement in higher education. The report, which calls for serious changes in the way teaching is done in Virginia's colleges and universities, proposes a fundamental shift in how colleges and universities deliver services through restructuring the curriculum, streamlining management, improving enroll­ ment planning, and committing to higher levels of quality. Although there has been a debate over the question of whether or not the colleges are being asked "to do more with less," the State Council's preliminary report supports institutions like VMI that are wholly undergraduate and that are committed primarily to teaching. VMI will respond to the issues raised in the SCHEY prelimi­ nary report through its strategic planning. The call for more emphasis on teaching is consistent with a long-standing commit­ ment at VMI; thus, our goals of quality teaching and the total development of the cadet will remain foremost as we plan for the 21st century. VMI joins Virginia Higher Education Nell Byers, instructor in fine arts, dies Broadcasting Consortium Nell Cooke Byers, a member VMI is among twelve state-supported colleges and univer­ of the VMI faculty since 1986 and sities which have joined the Virginia Higher Education Broad­ instructor in fine arts, died Decem­ casting Consortirnn. This organization is the result ofjointefforts ber 6 in Roanoke Memorial Hospi­ by public relations professionals at several of Virginia's state­ tal following a brief illness. She supported institutions and the State Council ofHigher Education was 34 years old. (SCHEV). Ms. Byers grew up in Lexing­ Efforts are underway to include all of Virginia's state­ ton; her father, Col. William F. supported schools in the Consortium. The purpose of the organi­ Byers, was a member of the VMI zation is to demonstrate to the citizens of the Commonwealth faculty and is professor emeritus of how Virginia' scolleges and universities add value notonly to the English. She attended Lexington lives of current students, but to those of all Virginians. public schools and received a bach­ The Consortium's first venture unites the state's public elor ofarts in art history from Mary colleges and universities with Virginia's public radio stations Washington College in 1980. and their audiences statewide through a half-hour, biweekly Upon returning to Lexington in 1982, she served as sales program. Titled "With Good Reason," the program features one­ manager for Phillips and Drake Co. before branching off as a on-one interviews with outstanding faculty members ontopicsof professional, free-lance artist Her illustrations were published interest to the general public. for two consecutive years in "The World Today Series" of "With Good Reason" premiered on WVlF-FM (89.1 FM/ Stryker-Post Publications. She also served as a cartoonist with Roanoke, Charlottesville, Marion) on January 12. Also carrying the Lexington News-Gazette. the program in the Shenandoah Valley, Lynchburg, and south­ She was active as a faculty member and within the commu­ west Virginia areas are WMRL (89.9 FMlHarrisonburg), and nity. In addition to showing many of her own works in Lejeune WVTU (89.3 FM) and WVTR (91.9 FM) of Roanoke. WCVE Hall, in 1989 she initiated a show during Finals weekend to (88.9 FMlRichmond) will cover the Richmond area extending exhibit cadet works, which has been an annual event since. She from Fredericksburg to South Hill, and WHRO (90.3FM) and was an officer in the LexingtonIRockbridge County Jaycees and WHRV (89.5 FM) broadcast to the Hampton Roads and Tidewa­ a chairperson of the Rockbridge Community Festival and the ter areas. Efforts are underway to sign on a northern Virginia American Heart Association. station. There are currently 290,300 potential listeners per show. In addition to her father, she is survived by her mother, Mrs. The show's host is Laura Womack, an experienced broad­ W.F. Byers, one sister and one brother. In lieu of flowers, the cast journalist who has worked for San Francisco's public radio family suggests donations be made to the American Diabetes station KQED-FM, as well as Voice ofAmerica. SCHEV has Association ot St Paul's Anglican Church. assumed coordination of the project. The cost of producing the program will be paid through Consortium membership dues. Each member institution will have a representative on the progranuning committee, and Consortium members are guaran­ teed one broadeast that features one of their faculty members during the year. No institution will receive more than two full­ length interviews in 1993. Check local public radio listings for time slots of "With Good Reason" or call 804-225-2637.

Cox Chair Continued from page 1 included faculty adviser to The VMI Cadet, Hop and Hoor Patton makes presentation to VMI Committee, and the Religious Council. Col. John M. Patton, VMI '42, presents Maj. Gen. John W. Knapp Within the community he is a past president ofthe Lexington with a manuscript that was written in January 1892 by John M. PIA, the Lexington Kiwanis Club, and the English-Speaking Patton, Jr., VMI Class of1846. The manuscript was preparedfor Union. Currently he is a trustee of the Historic Lexington Foun­ inclusion in a proposed Biographical Dictionary. It contains dation and a member of the Lexington City School Board. biographicalsketchesofJohnM. Patton, Sr. (1797-1858; Governor The Cox Chair was established by an anonymous challenge of Virginia) and his seven sons, all of whom served in the gift as an interdisciplinary chair to promote the study, research, Confederacy. Four were VMI alumni: Col. John M. Patton, Jr., and teaching of economic systems, with emphasis on the Ameri­ Class of 1846, who later served on the Board of Visitors; Col. can free enterprise system. It honors the late General Edwin Cox, George S. Patton, 1852, and Col. W. Tazewell Patton 1855, later a 1920 graduateofVMI, who was associated most ofhis life with assistant professors at the Institute; and Col. William M. Patton, the Virginia-Carolina Chemical Corporation and its affiliates. 1865, a New Market cadet and later professor ofengineering.

.. Religious Emphasis Weekend activities Budget amendment requests General scheduled for February 12-14 Asserrlbly to restore UMA funds February 12-14 marks the 12th annual Religious Emphasis VMI is requesting the Virginia General Assembly to restore Weekend at Virginia Military Institute. The weekend program, $464,020 in general fund appropriation for the Unique Military featuring speakers and concerts, draws attendance from area Activities Program (UMA) in fiscal year 1993-94. colleges as well as from the VMI community. All events are free The Governor's proposed 1992-94 operating budget re­ and open to the public. duced general fund support by $232,010 in FY '93 and $464,020 The activities open Friday, Feb. 12, at 7 p.m. with a in FY '94. This was based on the objective that non-Virginians concert in Cameron Hall by "Addison's Walk," a group whose pay 100 percent of their education costs. music combines rich harmonies and sophisticated guitar elements During its 1992 session the General Assembly restored the into a spiritual message that speaks about the joys and struggles of $232,01°in general funds for the current year, buttook no action living out our faith in a secular on the $464,020 for FY '94. The Governor's proposed 1993 world. At7: 30 music will be pro­ amendments did not restore the $464,020, but budget amend­ vided by the VMI Gospel Choir, ments to restore this amount, have been filed in both the Senate a group ofVMI cadets from each and the House. The patron of the Senate amendment is Frank of the four classes who sing gos­ Nolen ofthe 24th senatorial district with William Wampler, ofthe pel music. Lee Corder, chaplain 40th senatorial district, co-patron. On the House side Delegate to the Washington Redskins and Lacey Putney, 19th house district, is the patron with Delegates regional director of Young Life, George Heilig, 86th house district, and Creigh Deeds, 18th house will present an 8 p.m. address, district, the co-patrons. followed by music by "Mihai," The VMI amendment points out that non-Virginia cadets pay an a cappella group from Illinois 100 percent of their general education costs, but that UMA which features Dale Ely who has appropriation covers strictly military costs as identified by a1985 appeared here several times with State Council of Higher Education in Virginia study. It further the group "Someday." states that these costs are not found at any other State institution. Saturday activities include a brunch at 9 a.m. in VMI's Subs Mess with speaker Kathie Glenn, a hospice volunteer, and music by Addison's Walk:. Participants, and those individuals in the area who are interested, will have the opportunity at 1: 30 p.m. Mayerchak visits Middle East through for outreach with mission projects, which may include serving at Malone Fellows Program the Hospice, ministering to shut-ins, or other ways of serving the Col. Patrick M. Mayerchak, professor of political science Lord. The VMI Religious Affairs Committee and local churches and directorofVMI' s international studies degree program, spent will furnish a potluck supper at 5:30 for those who participated in two weeks during the Christmas break in the Middle East. He the mission projects. The VMI Gospel Choir and "Mihai" will visited the countries of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain participating in present music in Cameron Hall at 7 p.m. before the 8 p.m. concert the Malone Fellows program sponsored by the National Council by Steve Camp, who is a performer, minister, and exhorter. His for U.S.-Arab Relations. music speaks powerful messagesoffaith, life, and always the non­ Mayerchak was one of only 13 academics throughout the compromising message that challenges us to a radical encounter United States invited to take the trip which included two weeks with Jesus Christ. of high-level government briefings. Over the past five years the On Sunday morning, the weekend events will culminate National Council for U.S.-Arab Relations, whose current presi­ with the regular VMI Chapel Service in Jackson Memorial Hall at dent is Dr. John D. Anthony (VMI '62), has sponsored some 380 11 a.m. Lee Corder will present the sermon and special music will academics on trips to various parts of the Middle East region. be provided by the VMI Gospel Choir, "Mihai," and the VMI In Riyadh, the Saudi capitol, the Fellows met with top Brass Choir. government officials, including the minister offinance and petro­ leum. There was also a meeting with the head of ARAMCO (Arab-American Oil Company). In Bahrain, a small island state off the coast of Saudi Arabia, the group was briefed by the ministry of foreign affairs and education. The Fellows also had the opportunity to speak with local students at several schools. There were visits to various industrial sites in both countries, and the Malone Fellows were hosted by local and national Steve Camp, acontemporary chambers of commerce throughout their stay. Christian artist, presents an The group also found time to visit historical sites in the two 8 p.m. concert on Feb. 13 . countries such as the old city ofJidda, which dates to the fifteenth century, and the mountains of Taif above Mecca, which reach 10,000 feel. Col. Mayerchak had the opportunity to camp out on the desert one night at a gathering sponsored by the royal family in honor of the local diplomatic community. 'I h., III,titul<' ~" "Ii. anuan . ., a 't' ~ Tiny general offers a new living in a house with a cellar full of cadets, finning out Rats, twist to history of VMI walking penalty tours, rock music, dress parades in the living room, and those damn bugle calls day and night. Hasbro, Inc., the giant toy company whose "G.l. Joe" characters I.R. Sir, was your great-great grandfather named lma sell by the millions, just enjoyed another great Christmas season. Wimp, Jr.? This time they featured "Action Figure" number seven, General G.F. Ofcourse, you fool, buthe didn' t like the name. After James L Flagg, Ill. On the package, we are told that the four-inch he graduated in Preston's greathouse in 1832, he named his flfStSon figure is a graduate ofthe Virginia Military Institute, as were five - my grandfather - Notta Wimp, hoping it would help him fare generations ofFlaggs who preceded him. VMI alumni records list better in the military. Both Ima and Ima, Jr., made the Army their ~ named Flagg as ever having attended the Institute, so the careers, and neither rose above frrst lieutenant. And by the way, Institute Report decided to nU1ke a thorough investigation. Our Notta was the frrst Wimp to graduate from the ''new'' VMI, class of correspondent called Flagg, now retired, and a transcript ofthe 1854. interview follows: I.R. Was the next one Notla, Jr., sir? G.F. Of course, you imbecile, but he was the flfSt one I.R. GeneralFlagg,sir,I'mcallingforthe VMlnewsletter smart enough to take a new name when he graduated in 1876. He to find answers to some puzzling questions. First, we note that your became James Longstreet Flagg I, and rose to general officer rank GJ. Joe Action Figure wears a World War II cap. Were you really in the Army. Then his son, my father, became James L. Flagg II and a four-star general in that war? rose so fast that he became the flfSt G.I. Joe general. G.F. Of course, you dummy. I shouldn't even talk to you I.R. While you were talking, general, sir, I checked the or anybody else from VMI. I was graduated there in 1920 and alumni register and there's no record of anybody named Wimp received my fourth star after only 22 years in the Army. It was my going to VMI, either. How do you explain that, sir? inspirational name ''Flagg'' which allowed me to advance in record G.F. You idiot, it's common knowledge in ourfamily that time. Sounds so patriotic, so motivational. But VMI deserted me. after I graduated, VMI officials destroyed all records of the Wimp I.R. But general, VMI records don't indicate that family. They simply eliminated us from the records. They didn't anybody named Flagg ever attended the Institute. How do you want anybody -especially the corps of cadets at VPI to know that explain that, sir? Wimps had been enrolled at VMI . G.F. It's simple, you ninny. Flagg is my alias. My I.R. Did you have a son to send to VMI, sir? grandfather took that name when he graduated from VMI in 1876. G.F. I had no sons, but I did try to enroll my daughter, but Our real family name would have hindered him in his military they wouldn't take her. I guess there hasn't been a Wimp at VMl career, and if r d kept it, I might still be a lieutenant. since I left. I.R. Then what is the real family name, sir? I.R. Right, sir. G.F. Well, if you must know, you knuckle head, the family name is Wimp. Editor's Note: Hasbro states that ifGeneral Flagg's name has been I.R. Wow! - sir. This means that all those generations lostfrom VMl's academicfiles, it is only because Flagg has served preceding you were Wimps, too. with distinction on many clandestine operations for G./. Joe, and G.F. No, you numbskull, I'm telling you they were tried to cloak his identity in secrecy. ~ "Wimp," but they were real men. I.R. We understand, sir, but how could five generations of Wimps, or Flaggs, have graduated from VMI if you didn't get here until 1916. VMI was only 77 years old when you were a Rat. G.F. You're like all the otherVMIblockheads. You don't know the uue history of the place. The flfSt Wimp at VMI was my great-great-great grandfather, Ima Wimp. His parents had wanted a girl they could name Enuna, and in those days Ima was the masculine form ofEnuna. He graduated in 1810. I.R. But, your generalship, VMI wasn't founded until 1839. G.F. You nincompoop, when are you VMI people going to admit to your sordid early days? VMI actually started as a secret college for young men, with 20 enrolled. They lived and studied in the basement of the Preston home in Lexington, always out of sight. I.R. Sir, were these Prestons related to Col. J. T. L. Preston, the man generally regarded as the Lexington citizen who persuaded theGeneral Assembly of Virgini a to found the institution High ranking visitor. General Flagg visits Jackson Memorial Hall at the arsenal site? on a recent tour ofthe Institute. Flagg is a familiar individual to G.F. Of course, you dumbbell, they wereJ.T.'s parents. youngsters of all ages nationwide. Institute officials were made His real reason for asking the state to open a military college wasn't aware ofthe high ranking "alumnus"whenafatherrelatedthestory to get the rowdy soldiers out of town, as you people still advocate. to Museum Officials that his 7-year-old son wanted to visit the Hejust wanted some peace and quiet in his own home. Juslimagine college that Flagg had attended. Pa t' 6. Tht· Instituh' Rl' 1011• .lanuan 29. 1993 Janis Van Ness is key to Keydet Kanteen food association of post exchanges complained that "PX" was amisno­ mer, since that trademark requires a non-profit, tax-free operation selling only to military personnel. Still, VMI people use that term regularly. Debbie Hattersley, location manager for the Lejeune Hall ARA operation, says ofJanis, "She's totally reliable, dependable, and trustworthy. She's a great asset to our operation and to VMI, and makes my job a lot easier." Janis has more years at VMI than any other Keydet Kanteen employee, atrd she says the name "PX" will stick forever. "I once told a VMI alumnus that I worked in the Cadet Canteen, and he said 'where's thatT ", she reported, "and when I told him it was in Lejeune Hall, he said, 'oh, you mean the PX.'" Other than a couple of brief maternity leaves, Janis has never Afamiliar face. Janis Van Ness pauses a minute between orders missed a day. "I sort of consider the Corps and the employees as in the Keydet Kanteen. my 'other' family," she says, "so it isn't really like going to work. I feel like I belong there." She's obviously proud of her first Cadets and alumni tend to call it "Post Exchange," "PX," family, too; husband Ralph is with a building supply fum, eldest "The X," or sometimes by its real name-Keydet Kanteen-but son Ralph, Jr., 25, is assistant pastor at Hopewell's Broadway whatever the title, it offers the widest variety of food service in Baptist Church, Tommy, 23, has a good position with a yam it" history. In addition to standard short-order grill fare, it dyeing firm in Buena Vista, and 18-year-old Virginia May is in features salad bar, soups, deli subs and even freshly-made management training with Food Lion. pizzas. "It doesn' t both~r me if they want to call it 'PX,'" says Janis, Behind the scenes, the key to the operation is the head cook "but the one name change I'm looking forward to is mine­ and buyer, Janis Van Ness, truly ajill-of-all-trades. She arrives instead of 'Momma' I want to be 'grandma.'" each weekday morning (and on home football game Saturdays) at 7 a.m. to prepare for the opening ofthe snack bar at 8:30. Most of the time, she's a short-order cook, easily recognized by cadets, employees and alumni. Next month, she celebrates 23 years as a full-time cook, and says, "I still enjoy my work and the people I serve. It's really nice having alumni come back and remember me," she adds, "but it's a bit scary when they introduce me to their sons who are enrolling at VMI." Janis worked as a part-time cook in the late 60' s for Charles Tau Beta Pi inductions O. "Red" Turner, who managed the Cadet Cantcen (and earlier The Virginia Delta chapter of Tau Beta Pi, the prestigious the "PX") from 1954 until his retirement in 1986. Turnerrecalls national engineering honor society, recently inducted 15 cadets Janis and her entire family with fond memories. "In all, seven and two alumni into membership. members of her family worked forme," says Turner, "and they Tau Beta Pi was founded at Lehigh University in 1885 to were just what I nceded. Their work ethic was the very best, and mark in a fitting manner those who have conferred honor upon I considered them part of my family." their alma mater by distinguished scholarship and exemplary Janis's mother, Margaret Newell, was manager of the food character as students in engineering, or by their attainment as operation for Turner, and her thrce sisters also were on that staff alumni in the field of engineering, and to foster a spirit of liberal either part or full-time. Margaret's husband, Harry Newell, was culture in engineering colleges. custodian and handyman for Turner, and both daughters, Janis From the class of 1993 are civil engineering majors Paul J. and Alice, were part-time cooks. Janis became a full-timer in Ackerman, Jr., from Maple Shade, NJ.; PatrickE. Foley, Gambrills, 1970, and when her mother retired in 1982 she took over as head Md.; John B. Barefoot, Midlothian; and Thomas C. Hubard, cook and buyer. She worked every weekday, Wednesday nights Richmond. In addition, RobertL. Ramsey ofGreenville, Tenn., an and every other Sunday, and in those days she made the sand­ electrical engineering major, and Phillip W. Walker, a mechanical wiches for the vending machines on the fourth stoop as well as engineering major from Pensacola, Fla., were inducted. serving as a cook at the grill. Now, in addition to overseeing the Selected from the class of 1994 were electrical engineering preparation of all food items, she slices the meats for the deli majors Jason E. Doering, of Virginia Beach; Joseph E. Dupre, of foods, makes the salads (chicken, tuna, pimento and egg) and Erie, Pa.; Nimit Suwammarat, ofThailand; and Chung-Hsing Wei cole slaw, monitors the condition of all equipment, and does the of Taiwan; mechanical engineering majors Joseph E. Blanks, food buying. She does a complete inventory each week. Woodbridge; Michael D. Grose, Williamsburg; Kevin C. Miller, ARA Services, whose campus dining division operates Richmond; and civil engineering majors Jason J. Thomas, both the Keydet Kanteen/giftshop and the book store, gave it the Buchanan, and Matthew J. Zenker, of Springfield. new name when they completely remodeled it two years ago. Also inducted were alumni Joseph C. Lawrence, 1989 civil Officially, it had been the Cadet Canteen since 1962, when the engineering graduate, and Chinh Tuong Vu, 1990 electrical name had to be changed from "Post Exchange." The national engineering graduate. Thl' In,Wul,· Ul' JU". .!anuan 2'1. I'N.\. I',. •. 7 Lewis Preston attains goals by learning experience as well as a basketball experience. I also have hard wprk and sheer determination some job interviews lined up in case nothing else works out." Truly a young man in focus, he has all the bases covered. Never in the history of basketball at VMI-or at any other Almost ignoring the fact that he leads the team in scoring, the college, probably-has a new career record been established Corps roots the loudest when Preston rejects a shot. They particu­ which was ~as good as the oldone. That's what Keydet center larly like it when he slams the ball up into the stands, but he'sbeen Lewis Preston has a chance to do in the blocked-shots category. working on trying to slap it to a teammate. "I've been concentrat­ Preston led the Southern Conference in blocked shots in both ing lately on controlling a blocked shot sothat we get the ball, and ofthe last two seasons, and in his junior year he brought his career it seems to becoming along fIne," he says. "It'sjustanotherofmy total to 154. The old VMI mark was 103, set by Mike Herndon in goals, and I know I can reach it because the VMI experience has the seasons of 1982 through 1985. Now as a senior Preston has taught me that I can do anything I set my mind to. I'll be forever over 170 rejects with a dozen games remaining. grateful to Coach Cantafio for getting mehere and for pushing me Although he leads the team in scoring as well, he's particu­ to be the best I can be,just like myparents did before I left home." larly proud of his defensive talents, and attributes his success to "lots ofwork and lot., ofhelp from the coaching staff." Head coach Joe Cantafio, however, says the credit "goes to Lewis. He's worked hard and long to master the art of shot-blocking, and he takes full advantage of his long reach and his left hand. A lot of shooters," adds Cantafio, "can't cope with a left-hander defend­ Defense in action. Lewis ing them." Preston shows his form as he -- A Basketball Walk-on-­ blocks a shot from an Preston came to VMI as a walk-on, encouraged by Cantafio advancing offensive player. and his staff on the basis of what they felt was true potential. At Franklin County High School, as a ninth grader, he went out for basketball and didn' tmake the squad. The next three years he was a saxophonist with the band, rising to vice-president ofthe award­ winning marching unit. In his senior year, a new basketball coach, Ed Holstrum, asked him to try out again, and this time he made it. VMI coaches received a tip from a Roanoke sportswriter that they should take a look at this gangly lad, a senior in his fIrst basketball season. He was about six-and-a-half feet tall and a mere 170 pounds, but the coaches saw promise. As a "Rat" at Crims continue to instruct at the Institute VMI, he came to practice each day, learning the college game and serving as the photographer for videotaping practices and home Since Lt. Col. David M. Crim '45 retired from teaching games in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, his "I could tell that I wasn't ready for the transition to college brother John Crim '37 has taken over the instruction role at the basketball," he admits, "having played only about 15 games in my Institute. John annually makes the trip from New Market and career. But I was determined to make it, and my fIrst goal was to lectures the classes in Physical and Engineering Geology on bulk up so that I could compete physically." Today he stands six Gemology. He has had a varied career since leaving the Institute, feet nine inches tall and weighs in at almost 220 pounds. "In each but he currently owns the Evergreen Rock Shop in New Market. element of the game, I set a goal and worked on achieving it. His interests in gems is evident, and the cadet." especially the There were setbacks, of course," he says, "but that's how you third classmen, have many questions pertaining to the selection leam. I really believe that learning to correct your mistakes is the of their ring stones. He presents materials on how gems are most important thing in basketball or in life. That's the philoso­ discovered, mined, cut, polished, and sold. John, who Hnds gems phy my parents gave me as they stressed discipline and family and rocks fascinating, also brings many gems and rock samples values. Their lessons enabled me to use the VMI 'Ratline' as just to show the class. another teaching tool, and the entire VMI experience has been Colonel Crim's son, David C. Crim '79, spoke to the exactly right for me." senior seminar on the construction of the New Bridge over the Savannah River in Georgia. David, the Georgia Department of Highways District Construction Engineer for the Savannah Dis­ -- A Focused Young Man -­ trict, supervised the construction of the four-lane, high-level, A history major, Preston gives credit to his faculty members cable-stayed bridge. The total cost ofthe bridge and the 3.3 miles for the guidance they have offered, and for instilling a desire to of approach highway is $70 million. The bridge, 185 feet above learn about life. "Major Mixon and Colonel Davis (both of the the high tide mark and 2040 feet in length, contains 35,000 cubic history faculty) have inspired me, and my goal now is to teach at yards ofconcrete, 5,000,000 pounds ofreinforcing steel, and 330 the college level some day." He will apply to several graduate miles of supporting cables. In addition to sharing with the cadets schools, but may prolong that course if he can get into basketball the problems of removing the old structure and the construction at a higher level. "I know it's tough to make it in the NBA, but I'm of the new bridge, David explained the workings of the Georgia not saying I can't. And then there are several semi-pro leagues OOT and gave the cadets an overview of the duties of a young and the professional league in Europe, which would be a great engineer in a highway department.

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\ I'a l'lt 'I ht, In,titu\l' R., )4111 . .Jalluan 2'1. I'I'IJ Back in session for second semester; ERT asset to Institute and community Six new faculty members join VMI family

Classes began for the second semester on January 19 with a total cadet enrollment of1,202.Theclass breakdown includes 19 fifth-year students, 281 members of the Class of 1993, 276 second classmen, 283 third classmen, and 343 first year cadets. Joining the VMI family atsecond semester aresix new faces to the faculty: Four of the additions will be part-time with two new members joining the ROTC ranks, Captain Kenneth W. Britt is an assistant professor of military science and comes to VMI from the artillery training center in Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He holds an A.A. degree from Indiana State University (1980) and a B.S. from San Jose State University (1989). While in the Anuy he has completed Air­ borne school and both the basic and advanced Field Artillery Officers courses. The Emergency Response Team (ERT) at VMI, which For the spring semester Mr. Ed. R. Haden is an instructor became operational in January 1992, is approaching its first in the Department ofEnglish and Fine Arts. He is currently in his anniversary. The club'smission is to "assist in medical emergen­ final semester oflaw school at Washington and Lee University. cies on Post"andprovide quicker response to an injuryorsudden He received his bachelor ofscience degree in accounting and his illness to anyone on VMI property. Since August, the ERT has master of tax accounting degree from the University of Ala­ provided emergency assistance to 84 individuals. bama. He will teach a course in legal writing. The ERT provides a link between the Corps and the Lexing­ Dr. Marilyn R. D. Maisano has received a part-time ton Lifesaving Crew by setting up paging instruction and devel­ appointment as an instructor with the Department of Civil and oping protocols for emergency care. Environmental Engineering. She holds an A.B. degree from The ten cadets on the team have each completed a variety of Bryn Mawr College (1954) and M.S. (1972) and Ph. D. (1976) formal training. Six are Virginia certified Emergency Medical degrees from Arizona State University. She is currently senior Technicians (EMT) and four hold Red Cross certification and geologist for Dewberry and Davis in Roanoke and has also CPR. Though time consuming, those involved have found the worked in the private sector in Oklahoma, Delaware, Arizona, ERT to be a rewarding experience. West Virginia, and Virginia. She recently spent 18 months as With the assistance ofCol. N. Michael Bissell, commandant recycling coordinator for the Department ofWaste Management ofcadets, and Col. MikeE. Monsour, Institute counselor, the club in Lexington, and she has been very active in local community received funds for backboards, aid ki ts, neck collars, and a pager. and civic affairs. Sports Medicine also provided gauze, bandages, splints, and Ms. Julia Michele Merkel joins the Department ofEnglish other supplies. The club currently is raising funds for several and Fine Arts as an instructor of fine arts. She is currently an hand-held VHF radios for better rescue communication. adjunct professor of art history at James Madison University in Harrisonburg having received her masters from JMU in 1992. Her B.A. degree is from the University of Notre Dame in 1988. More cadets take advantage of foreign study Following graduation she has worked at the L'Arche Commu­ Six cadets remain abroad this semester while five first­ nity and the Museum of Native American Culture in Spokane, timers were granted academic leave for foreign study. Washington, andas an instructor and graduate teaching assistant Fourmembers ofthe class of 1994 and William Butler in the at James Madison. class of 1993 comprise the new foreign study group. English Joining the civil engineering department as a part-time majors Joshua Paulin and Christopher Ratchford are attending instructor is Dr. Gary K. Rogers, a private consultant in mining the University of Valencia in Spain through a program of the and geotechnical/geological engineering in Blacksburg. After University of Virginia, while Lolo LaSida (computer science) receiving his B.S. degree from West Virginia Tech in 1981, he and Michael Grose (mechanical engineering) are studying at the worked for the U.S. Anuy Engineering District in California Royal Military College of Science in England. Butler, a history where he earned his M.S. from the University of California! major, is in Salzburg, Austria taking courses through Bowling Berkeley. He also worked for a private engineering firm in Green State University's academic semester abroad program and California before pursuing his doctorate at Virginia Tech. He at the University of Salzburg. received his Ph.D in 1989 and has worked for private f1llIls in Continuing studies abroad this semester at the Bundeswehr both Blacksburg, and Beckley, West Virginia. University in Hamburg, Germany are Travis Homiak '95, John Lieutenant Kurt Schick is an assistant professor of naval Stann '95, and Robert Schonberger '92. Benjamin Hardy '94 science and joins that department from Mayport Naval Air returned to the Bundeswehr University at Munich. John Weeda Station in Jacksonville, Florida. He was the detachment mainte­ '93 joins cadets Paulin and Ratchford in Valencia, Spain, and nanceofficer for the Helicopter Anti Submarine Squadron (light) Andrew Rush '94 is at the University of Grenoble in France. 44. He received a B.A. degree from the University of Virginia Seven cadets who studied abroad during the fall returned to in 1987, and he also spent a year at the Naval Flight School. the Institute for the second semester.

/ \ TIlt' Imlilulc Ih' nl1. Jalman 2~. I~~.'. I'a '" ~

Potpourri * Lt. Gen. George R. E. Shell, VMI superintendent * Dr~ Mary W. Balazs, associate professor ofEnglish, had emeritus, was recently named honorary chairman of the Historic three more poems published in two scholarly journals. Phase and Lexington Foundation, a private, non-profit preservation organi­ Cycle, a poetry journal based in FortCollins, Colo., included her zation founded in 1966. Shell, who was VMI superintendent poem "Skinny-Dipper." Grab-a-Nickel , a journal published by from 1960 until 1971, resides in Lexington. the Barbour County Writer's Workshop carried her poems "Medi­ * Several VMI athletes who participated this fall received cal Report" and "Memento Man." Her third book ofpoetry, Out major post-season honors. Football: Lorenzo Carpenter was ofDarkness, is now in its third printing. During the fall, Balazs selected first team All Southern Conference (SC) and, for the worked with students in the Poetry Interest Group at Central second consecutive year, was second team Associated Press All Elementary School (Rockbridge County). In addition she gave American; both Carpenter and Dan Lyle received frrst team All a poetry reading in October at Messiah College in Grantham, Pa. State honors; Marlon Anderson was named SC Fresbman-of­ * Maj. John A. Brodie, Regimental Band director, was the-Year by league coaches. ~: Bill Kaushagen was se­ recently guest conductor of the All-Area Band composed of lected SC Freshman-of-the-Year. musicians from Alleghany, Bath County, Covington, Highland, * Two alumni re-elected to U.S. House * Rockbridge County, and Parry McCluer High Schools. After Two VMI alumni won re-election to the United States House only one day of rehearsal, the young musicians perfonned a ofRepresentatives this pa'itNovember. L.F. Payne, Jr. (VMI '67) concert of the music that they had not seen until that day. will continue to represent the fifth district in Virginia, and Harry Brodie was featured at the concert by the University­ A. Johnston, II (VMI '53) returns to Washington to represent Rockbridge Symphony Orchestra on January 16, when he per­ Florida's 19th district. fonned the "Trumpet Concerto" by Hummel. He was principal trumpet with the orchestra, which was conducted by guest conductor Alexei Gulyanitsky, chief conductor of the Annenian State Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra. * VMI's total utility bill of$967,349 for 1991-92 represents a decrease of $28,386 from 1990-91. This infonnation was reported by Col. Richard S. Trandel, chairman of the Energy Conservation Committee, in his January memorandum on the state of VMI's energy conservation program. Heating energy costs showed a slight increase over the previous year due to a Sports Scores colder winter, butcosts for electrical energy and water and sewer Basketball: were lower. VMI 83 - Imortal 73 (exhibition); VMI 91 - Bluefield 63; * VMI Regimental Band, under the direction ofMaj. John University of Richmond 77 - VMI 65; Radford 91- VMI A. Brodie, travels to New Orleans Feb. 19 to participate in the 88 (OT); Pepsi Marist Classic: Central Connecticut State Endymion Parade, the largest and most elaborate of the Mardi 84 - VMI 77 (OT), VMI 62 - Lafayette 56; Georgia Tech Gra'i parades and the only parade which concludes in the Loui­ 78 - VMI 52; ETSU 71 - VMI 54; VMI 61- Western siana S uperdome. The Band will be defending its title as the best Carolina 56; lITC 71 - VMI 62; VMI 93 - Appalachian military band, having received that designation for the last three State 86; VMI 76 - The Citadel 74; Georgia Southern 73 years. The band returns to VMI on Feb. 21. - VMI 70; Davidson 75 - VMI 64; Furman 73 - VMI61 December was an unusually busy month for members of the Swimming: Regimental Band. The VMIBrassQuintet presented a Christmas Richmond 118-VMI74; Georgetown 102 - VMI 93; Loyola concert at Southern Virginia College on Dec. 3. On Dec. 5 the 114- VMI91; Richmond 118 - VMI74; W&L 123 VMI Regimental Band marched in the Lexington Christmas parade 82; VMI 120 - Davidson 111; Georgia Tech 204 - VMI 44; and that evening 10 cadets and Maj. Brodie perfonned in the 40­ Tampa Invitational- not team scored; VMI 80-Marymount member Rockbridge Community Chorus orchestra, under the 61; VMI 131 - Frostburg State 68 direction of William McCorkle. The next day the Herald Trum­ Track: pets led the Lynchburg Christmas parade. Comfort Inn Invitational: Outstanding performancesllife­ * Lt. Brian Pettrey, assistant to the Chaplain, recently timepersonai bests in 35-lbweight--Fritz Ligday (5th at 54' traveled to Croatia to perform missionary work. He left on Dec. 5 112"); Frank Boehing (7th at 54' 2 112"); Zach Scott (9th 26, returning on Jan. 10, from a program sponsored by the at 52' 5 112"); Frank Boehlig 4th in shotput; mile-relay Northside Community Church in Atlanta, Ga. He flew into finished 7th (Ham, Alicea, Dubose, Ankoma-Sey) Budapest with three other missionaries, who were volunteers at Wrestling: a refugee camp. Keydet Invitational - not team scored; JMU Invitational­ * Dr. D. Rae Carpenter, who "retired" last spring, contin­ VMI finished 2 of 9 teams; Bloomsburg Invitational-VMI ues to represent the Institute through physics demonstrations to finished 4 of 9 teams; VMI 35 -W&M 13; VMI 32 - various groups and conferences. In January he gave programs at Longwood 10; Sunshine Open - not tearn scored; Va. Duals: Caroline County Middle School in Virginia, to a physics faculty Minnesota40 -VMI 0, Appalachian State 23 -VMI 12; VMI seminar at Memphis State University, had the keynote presenta­ 29 - Duke 9; VIL Championships: second in state; The tion at the Memphis organization of Science Teachers, and Citadel 22 - VMI 21 ; Washington & Lee Invitational- VMI perfonned two demonstrations at Western Kentucky University. 6 of 8 33 - VMI 6

/ a 0: • It, ",htuto: t· >,,11•. anuan 29. 1993 Calendar of Events 8 p.m. Religious Emphasis Weekend concert by Steve Camp, Tuesday, February 2: Cameron Hall. Noon Library Research Progress Report, "Metabolic Responses 8 p.m. Fine Arts In Rockbridge presents the Rockbridge Modem to the Rat Line; Or Toward an Understanding of Fatigue Dance Ensemble, W&L's Lenfest Center. ofRats, " by Majs. Thomas A. Baur and Richard A. Rowe, Sunday, February 14: Valentine's Day assistant professors of biology, Preston Library Rare 8 a.m. Rifle, Sectionals, Kilbourne Hall. Book Room. Bring your own lunch; coffee and dessert 11 a.m. Chapel service with sermon by Lee Corder and special provided. music by VMI Gospel Choir, "Mihai," and VMI Brass Friday, February 5: Choir, Jackson Memorial Hall. 4: 15 p.m. Review, parade ground. Friday, February 19: 5 p.m. Faculty Social, Moody Hall. 4:15 p.m. Review, parade ground. Saturday, February 6: Southern Conference Indoor Track Championships, VMI Winter Relays, Cormack Field House. through Febrnary 20, Cormack Field House. Sunday, February 7: Friday, February 26: Admissions Corps Visit Weekend Admissions Institute Scholar Interviews, through Mon­ 4: 15 p.m. Review, parade ground. day, February 8. 8 p.m. Rockbridge Concert-Theatre Series presents the Count Thursday, February 11: Basie Orchestra, Jackson Memorial Hall. 6 p.m. Army ROTC Dining-In with guest speaker Brig. Gen. Saturday, February 27: Admissions Corps Visit Weekend John Keane, Chief of Staff of XVIII Airborne Corps at 8 a.m. Rifle, Southeastern Invitationals, Kilbourne Hall. Fort Bragg, N.C., Cameron Hall. 8 p.m. FAIR presents the Rockbridge Chorns and Chamber Friday, February 12: Religious Emphasis Weekend Orchestra, W &L's Lenfest Center. Board of Visitors committee meetings. Thursday, March 4: 4: 15 p.m. Review, parade ground. 4:15 p.m. Review, parade ground. 7 p.m. Religious Emphasis Weekend concert by "Addison's 5 p.m. Friends of Preston Library spring program, Preston Li­ Walk," and VMI Gospel Choir, Cameron Hall. brary rare book room. 8 p.m. ReligiousEmphasisWeekendspeaker,LeeCorder,chap­ Friday, March 5: lain to the Washington Redskins and regional director of 7 p.m. Sounding Brass college poetry reading contest, Lejeune. Young Life, Cameron Hall. Thursday, March 11: 9: 15 p.m. Religious Emphasis Weekend concert by "Mihai," fea­ 8 a.m. Rifle, NCAA Championships, through March 13. turing Dale Ely from "Someday," Cameron Hall. Friday, March 12: Saturday, February 13: Religious Emphasis Weekend 4:15 p.m. Review, parade ground. 8:30 a.m. Board of Visitors meeting, Lejeune Hall. 5 p.m. Faculty Social, Moody Hall. 8 a.m. Rifle, Sectionals, Kilbourne Hall. Saturday, March 13: 9 a.m. Religious Emphasis Weekend brunch with speaker Kathie Noon Mid-semester furlough begins for Corps of Cadets. Glenn, hospice volunteer, and music by "Addison's Walk," Glee Club begins Spring tour (see next issue for details) Subs Mess. (Cadets will attend their regular classes). Monday, March 15: 1:30 p.m. Religious Emphasis Weekend mission projects. Robert A. Marr School of Surveying and Continuing 5:30 p.m. Potluck meal for mission projects participants furnished Engineering Studies, through March 18. by VMI Religious Affairs Committee and local churches. Sunday, March 21: 7 p.m. Religious Emphasis Weekend music, VMI Gospel Choir 10 p.m. Mid-semester furlough ends for Corps of Cadets. and "Mihai," Cameron Hall. VMI Public Relations Office Non-Profit Organization Virginia Military Institute 24450-0304 Lexington, Virginia 24450-0304 U.S. Postage Paid Lexington, V A Permit No. 14