Secretary of Defense Sends Off VMI Graduates VMI Receives Grant To

Volume XXXV, Number 7, June 2008 Secretary of Defense Sends Off VMI Graduates

By Wendy Lovell Secretary of Defense Robert M. forward and commit to public Gates congratulated graduating service,” said Gates. “While the VMI cadets on making it from the obligations of citizenship in any Rat Line to the finish line at an democracy are considerable, they institution more demanding than are even more profound, and more most colleges and universities in demanding, as citizens of a nation his commencement address May with America’s global challenges and 16 in Cameron Hall. responsibilities and America’s values He added that he’s impressed by and aspirations.” the increasing number of men and Since 2001, 75 cadets have been women from VMI who commission mobilized during their cadetship, into the military – it’s a tribute to 41 of them in Iraq or Afghanistan. the values the Institute instills in its In addition, 10 cadets are currently students, he said. Fifty-two percent deployed overseas. More than 1,200 of the 246 members of the Class of VMI graduates have served in Iraq or 2008 had commissioned into the Afghanistan, and eight did not come U.S. military the day before. home, said Gates. “It is precisely during these Graduating Cadet Brittany Ray shakes hands with Secretary of He encouraged the graduating trying times that America needs its Defense Robert Gates, who gave the commencement address class to follow in the footsteps of best and brightest young people, during the ceremony May 16 in Cameron Hall. – VMI Photo by alumni like Gen. George C. Marshall, from all walks of life, to step Kevin Remington. who came out of retirement when Please see page  VMI Receives Grant to Enhance Arabic Program

By Wendy Lovell The Virginia Military Institute has received a three-year, $665,000 which will also serve as a model for other institutions to improve upon grant from U.S. Department of Defense to enhance its Arabic studies their curricula and build their enrollments. Enhancing awareness of program and provide opportunities for cadets to study the language and foreign cultures is a key cadet development goal for the Institute, and culture abroad. VMI is one of eight schools to receive funding through this initiative also dovetails nicely with our goals for the Institute.” the Reserve Officer Training Corps – ROTC – Language and Culture The grant supports the establishment of a writing, reading and oral/ Project. aural center in Arabic in VMI’s department of modern languages and The project is designed to provide ROTC students with the opportunity cultures; provides Arabic summer study abroad scholarships for ROTC to study languages and cultures of world regions critical to U.S. national commissioning cadets, including those in engineering and science; security. It is sponsored by the DOD’s National Security Education and provides funding for commissioning cadets who major or minor Program, a federal initiative designed to build a broader and more in Arabic to attend supplemental summer immersion Arabic language qualified pool of U.S. citizens with foreign language and international programs at U.S. institutions with well-established Arabic programs. skills. Twelve commissioning cadets have been selected for 2008 summer “We have a mature Arabic program that is firmly established as the scholarships, 12 cadets will continue their study of Arabic, 10 ROTC second most studied foreign language at VMI,” said Brig. Gen. Charles F. cadets will study in Morocco and two commissioning cadets will attend Brower IV, deputy superintendent for academics and dean of the faculty. an intensive immersion program at Dartmouth College. “This generous grant allows us to enhance our already strong program, In addition, the grant will support a cross-cultural conference at Please see page  Page , The Institute Report, June 2008

Honoring Those Who Fought

Cadets lay a wreath in front of the statue, Virginia Mourning Her Dead, during the New Market Parade and Ceremony May 15. The ceremony honors the VMI cadets who fought at the Battle of New Market on May 15, 1864. Six of the 10 cadets who died as a result of the battle are buried at VMI. – VMI Photo by Kevin Remington.

VMI Superintendent’s Contract Renewed

Mr. G. Gilmer Minor III ’63, president of the VMI increase commissioning, enhance maturity of the Board of Visitors, is pleased to confirm that the Board cultural environment, and preserve VMI’s history and has signed a new contract with VMI Superintendent tradition. Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62. The agreement extends “The Board is excited over the direction in which VMI General Peay’s term at VMI through 30 June 2013, is headed; it has recently reaffirmed its endorsement which will provide him with a decade of service to of Vision 2039 and is delighted that General Peay has VMI. accepted the Board’s offer to extend his contract,” The announcement was made at the Board’s spring added Mr. Minor. “We are particularly enthused by his meeting May 3. energy and passion, and the favorable response from “General Peay’s leadership over the past five years our alumni towards the Institute’s direction… and has been dynamic,” said Mr. Minor. “The Institute future.” has had remarkable success in all areas, with Vision General Peay expressed his enthusiasm in accepting 2039 initiated by General Peay serving as a beacon to J.H. Binford Peay III ’62 the extension. guide VMI toward its 200th anniversary. Vision 2039 “Pamela and I have thoroughly enjoyed our five years is a blue print for academics, the military, and athletics – to include in Lexington,” he said. “As I said in 2003, I owe so much to VMI and academic excellence, increased commissioning, emphasis on ethics, giving ‘something back’ has been my great motivation. I look forward values, culture, discipline, the physical environment, and winning to working closely with the Board of Visitors, the faculty and staff, our athletics. The known 14 ‘simplified descriptors’ of the Vision cover coaches, and the Corps as we move the Institute to the future, producing every aspect of VMI’s unique educational system operated within a graduates as citizen soldiers and future leaders of our nation.” military framework.” The academic program is central to the VMI experience. Through the dedicated work of the Dean’s Office and a vibrant faculty, and with the aid of the Jackson-Hope Fund, there have been dramatic enhancements in academics…all leading to the Institute receiving full reaccreditation, without conditions, from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) in December 2007. The new Core Curriculum initiative propels VMI into the next decade. Produced by the Office of Communications and Marketing Lt. Col. Stewart MacInnis – Acting Director General Peay recognized early on the necessity for upgrades to VMI’s Sherri Tombarge – Editor infrastructure and the need for capital improvements. These projects are Burton Floyd – Publications Coordinator instrumental in balancing all aspects of Vision 2039. The infrastructure Bob Holland, Wendy Lovell, and Lori Stevens - Writers upgrades and capital projects along with the beautification of the Kevin Remington and Lori Stevens - Photography Post, are serving to enhance the Institute aesthetically, improve the Printing – McClung Printing,Waynesboro, Va. Eight issues are printed during the academic year. Inquiries, suggestions, news items, or address changes should be directed to: image of VMI to all of its constituents, support the academic program Editor, The Institute Report, VMI Communications and Marketing, through modern facilities and technology, strengthen athletics, Lexington, Virginia 24450-0304, Telephone 540-464-7207, Fax 540-464-7443 The Institute Report, June 2008, Page 

A Record Effort

Samuel B. Witt III ’58 (holding microphone), 50th Reunion Fund chairman, and Stirling Williamson ’58 (holding check), class president, present a check for a 50th Reunion Fund record amount of $16,158,518.58 to VMI’s superintendent, Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62 (far right), and James F. Spellman Jr. ’85 (far left), president of the VMI Alumni Association. The check was presented on behalf of the Class of 1958 at the Reunion Parade April 26. – VMI Alumni Association Photo by Kathryn Wise.

Secretary of Defense Continued from page  called to continue serving his country, and Army Col. Jonathan Ives, For members of a graduating class who will pursue careers of a mobilized reservist from the Class of 1980. As commander of Task leadership in the military and civilian sectors, a visit from a major Force Cincinnatus in northern Afghanistan, Ives, like the Afghan national national leader was an inspirational way to end their cadetships. Prior security forces he works with, takes up arms when he must and puts to being named secretary of defense, Gates was president of Texas A&M them down when he can. University, director of the Central Intelligence Agency and assistant to “The citizen-soldier is no myth,” said Gates. “He is real, and I have the president and deputy national security adviser at the White House seen him in my travels around the world.” for President George H.W. Bush. Gates called upon the graduates to heed the trumpet’s call no matter Also addressing the graduates was Cadet Jesse Burnette of Marion, what career path they take. N.C., the Class of 2008 valedictorian; Cadet Jason Webb of Bowie, Md., “If in the 21st century, America is to be a force for good in the world, class president; and Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III, superintendent. if America is to continue to be a beacon for all who are oppressed, if Special awards presented during the ceremony included the First America is to exercise global leadership consistent with our better Jackson-Hope Medal for highest attainment in scholarship to Cadet angels, then the most able and idealistic of your generation must step Kevin Sullivan of Nokesville, the Second Jackson-Hope Medal for second forward and accept the burden and the duty of public service,” he highest attainment in scholarship to Michael Vinacco of Poquoson, and said. “I promise you that you will also find joy and satisfaction and the Society of Cincinnati Medal for efficiency of service and excellence fulfillment.” of character to Cadet Will Flathers III of Rixeyville. VMI Receives Grant to Enhance Arabic Program Continued from page  VMI in 2011 that will focus on themes including literature, religion, include one part-time instructor and two full-time professors, who history, language, politics, pedagogy and Islamic-Christian amity. The teach more than 270 cadets. Currently, 26 cadets are declared majors grant also will support the addition of two adjunct professors to assist in Arabic and 11 are pursuing a minor. The curriculum includes in implementing this program. courses in elementary and intermediate Arabic, Arabic composition and “This is a wonderful opportunity for cadets who are commissioning,” conversation, Arabic civilizations and cultures and Arabic literature and said Col. Kathleen Bulger-Barnett, head of the department of modern poetry. In addition, about 20 cadets participate in a VMI study abroad languages and cultures. “This grant will allow them to further their program in Morocco each summer. study of Arabic, which is so very important not only for obvious strategic The DOD has also awarded ROTC Language and Culture Project reasons related to world events, but also for commerce, cross-cultural grants to Georgia Institute of Technology, North Georgia College and understanding and to develop leaders who understand this region of State University, the universities of South Florida and Utah and Arizona the world which is so rich in civilization and culture.” State, Louisiana State and Texas A&M universities. Established in 1997, VMI’s Arabic program has grown steadily to Page , The Institute Report, June 2008 TAPS - First Sgt. Luke J. Mercardante Marine 1st Sgt. Luke Mercardante, who served on the staff of the VMI Naval ROTC unit from 2002 to 2005, was killed in action in Afghanistan on April 15. Mercardante, 35, was acting sergeant major for Combat Logistics Battalion 24 of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit when he died. He was buried April 22 in Athens, Ga. While at VMI, he served as an assistant Marine Officer Instructor in the Naval ROTC unit. Mercardante’s impact on training cadets was so appreciated by the VMI Class of 2007 that the class selected him as an Honorary Brother Rat. He attended Ring Figure for the Class, and he returned to the Institute in 2007 to participate in the commissioning ceremonies. He was engaged to be married at the end of his deployment. He is survived by two children from a previous marriage. Marine 1st Sgt. Luke Mercardante Valedictorian Gains Strength from VMI’s Challenges

By Wendy Lovell Had it not been for three members of in Company E. VMI’s Army ROTC department, Cadet Jesse The newly commissioned second lieutenant Burnette would not have graduated from will train at Fort Lewis in Washington before the Institute. Yet not only did he continue landing at his initial duty station, the 82nd his studies, but he ended his cadetship as Airborne Division at Fort Bragg in North the Class of 2008 valedictorian. Carolina, where his lifelong dream of serving as Following a rough spring on Post his 3rd a paratrooper in the military will come true. class year, Burnette took an air assault class at “Serving is a family tradition,” said Burnette, a Fort Campbell in Kentucky. Richard Winters native of Marion, N.C. “My dad was in Vietnam and other members of the well-known World and both of my grandfathers served in World War II 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment of War II, and to the best of my knowledge, I the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division were will be the first officer. I think there is really at Fort Campbell that summer, as well. The something special about an 18-year-old kid excitement of meeting his “Band of Brothers” who raises his right hand and says he is ready heroes coupled with the challenges he faced to serve and die if he has to.” at VMI had Burnette strongly considering One of the benefits of completing his degree enlisting in the Army following the course. in military history at VMI was traveling to the “We had been in contact by phone with Class of 2008 valedictorian Cadet Jesse Burnette sites where his military heroes fought. In Jesse during his class at Fort Campbell, addresses his class at the commencement 2007, Burnette accompanied Col. Malcolm and we knew he was considering leaving ceremony May 16 in Cameron Hall. – VMI Photo Muir and fellow cadets to Guam and Iwo Jima, VMI,” said Capt. Todd Pegg, then one of by Kevin Remington. and this spring, he went with Muir and other Burnette’s ROTC instructors. “Capt. [Terri] cadets to World War I and World War II sites Dorn, Kristy Funkhouser and I took a leave of absence and surprised in France, Luxembourg and Belgium. Jesse at his graduation. We were actually on the road when he called “A cadet with a sharp interest in earlier generations who served their to tell us how excited he was to meet some of the members of the Band country in uniform, Jesse Burnette has made a wide-ranging study of Brothers, and it was a trip I’m glad we made.” of American military history from the Revolution to the global war Burnette is glad they visited him, too, as he is proud to have weathered on terrorism,” said Muir. “To examine the ground where Americans the challenges the Institute hands to its cadets. He said the experiences, defeated ruthless and skillful enemies, he spent spring breaks visiting both good and bad, have well prepared him for a career in the Army. battlefields from the Meuse-Argonne and the Bulge in Europe to Guam “VMI is one of the most comprehensive educations in the country, and Iwo Jima in the Pacific.” and it is baptism by the fire of adversity,” Burnette told his classmates at Now that he has completed his time at the Institute, it is Burnette’s commencement on May 16. “I am grateful to Col. [Harold] Worrell and turn to serve his country and make his own history. the ROTC department for the training, coaching, teaching and mentoring “It will be a privilege to lead people who have been on as many they gave me and for the academic department. My professors instilled as four combat tours,” said Burnette. “If I show them I’m willing to in me a desire to learn that will not fade.” learn from them, I think they’ll work with me. I think my 88-year-old In addition to attaining academic stars throughout his cadetship, Burnette grandmother said it best: ‘It’s been a hard four years, but it’s only going was a member of the rifle team for two years and was an executive officer to get tougher.’” The Institute Report, June 2008, Page  Career Services Provides Crucial Services

By Wendy Lovell When the Corps returned from To that end, Career Services is furlough in January, the pace of enhancing its relationships with cadets knocking on Career faculty and staff to create a stronger Services’ door quickened, community of support for cadets. peaking before spring break Over the summer, the department with 1st Class cadets seeking is implementing a new Web- jobs and seconds hunting for based electronic recruiting system internships. that will expand functionality But if VMI’s Career Services for cadets, employers, faculty department had its way, cadets and staff involved in the job- would begin knocking long search process. Also, the office is before their first-class year. working on developing the Career “The work we do with cadets Services Web site to better address is a developmental process,” the needs of all of its constituents said Col. Sam Ratcliffe, director – cadets, employers, faculty, staff, of Career Services. “We typically Cadet Brian Steel ’09 talks with alumni Calvin “Gene” Loving parents and alumni. begin by helping cadets construct ’81 of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (left) “Technology has had major their resumes, and we can be and Lloyd Davis ’02, a consultant servicing the U.S. Marine implications on our department more helpful to them the sooner Corps at Quantico during a breakout session for careers in over the past 10 years,” said we connect. Some cadets don’t government at the Alumni-Cadet Networking Forum earlier Ratcliffe. “Not only do we consider worry about their job search this spring. – Photo courtesy of Career Services. our job to be career advising but until after they graduate, but we also information brokering, and make it a point to reach out to all of them and to let them know we’re as our cadets have become embedded in technology, we have here to help.” addressed emerging needs. We are fortunate here at VMI to have Former Cadet Joel Keneipp waited until last fall to make initial the support we’ve needed not only to be high tech but also high contact with Career Services, and he found the department to be touch.” a hidden treasure. Lt. Col. David Chase helped the mechanical Ratcliffe, Chase and office manager Kaye Taylor reach out to engineering major develop his resume and identify potential job every 1st Class cadet to offer assistance and to monitor status opportunities. Keneipp left VMI on May 16 with a diploma and a job. in the job search process. Additionally, significant outreach He soon will work for Dominion Power at its North Anna Nuclear initiatives are ongoing with underclass cadets regarding internship Power Station in Louisa County. opportunities. “Lt. Col. Chase helped me play up my strengths, showed me good Alumni are an important focus for Career Services as potential avenues to look for employment, kept in touch to check on my employers and a key resource for providing internship opportunities. progress and supported me every step of the way,” said Keneipp. During the fall, many alumni return to Post for networking events, “Career Services is a highly underrated resource at this school. If job fairs and interviews. Throughout the year, many support cadets you’re looking to join the working world, make a stop early on, and by participating in informational interviews, reviewing resumes and they will give you all the tools you need to find a good job.” serving as an advocate for the Institute at their companies. Keneipp is one of many graduates to successfully transition beyond Career Services counts alumni among its village of support, as well VMI. In fact, 70 percent of graduates during 2006-07 reported as parents, faculty, staff and the cadets themselves. During the past salaries above the national means for their majors. year, a team of cadets received in-depth training to serve as career While it provides crucial support to job seekers, Career Services is a ambassadors among the Corps. Armed with a flash drive and basic treasure trove for cadets seeking internships, and Ratcliffe and Chase knowledge about the resources and benefits of Career Services, these agree that cadets should heed the growing importance of internships cadets are encouraged to point their fellow students in the right in securing the best jobs and admission to graduate school. direction when it comes to career assistance. “Today, 75 percent of college hires have had at least one internship, “We’re pleased with the program so far and think these career and 60 percent of hires are chosen from the internship pool,” ambassadors will go a long way in reaching out to students and said Chase. “If we can engage cadets early on, we can better serve encouraging them to use our services early on,” said Ratcliffe. them not only in finding and applying for internships, but also in “Career Services is a gateway to the world beyond VMI, and we want helping them maximize their academic experience with an eye to to make sure they utilize that gateway as one of several resources to the future.” become successful in the future.” Page , The Institute Report, June 2008 More than 120 Commissioned in VMI ROTC Ceremony

By Sherri Tombarge S i x t y - o n e c a d e t s w e r e little different.” commissioned into the U.S. Army, At least five members of his family, 26 into the Marine Corps, 11 into including his father, retired Cmdr. the Navy and 27 into the Air Force Peter Brookes, were in the Navy. The May 15 during VMI ROTC’s Class of younger Peter Brookes, however, 2008 Commissioning Ceremonies opted for the field artillery and at Cameron Hall and Memorial will head to Fort Sill, Okla., for Garden. training. After the pinning ceremony in “I’m ready,” he said. “It’s been a Memorial Garden, Air Force 2nd long four years.” Lt. Thomas Cunningham reflected Cadet 2nd Battalion commander on the past four years, saying he and now Ensign Allan Fortier also never saw himself coming to VMI. reflected on the time it took to Growing up in a nonmilitary family graduate from VMI. in Groveport, Ohio, Cunningham “I saw my dyke commission three watched from his backyard as years ago. … I never thought this Blue Angels out of Rickenbacker day would come,” he said, adding, Air National Guard Base swooped Cadets commissioning with the U.S. Marine Corps take the “It’s pretty amazing.” out of the sky. He knew then that Commissioning Oath in Cameron Hall May 15. – VMI Photo by Fortier said members of his family he would someday attend the U.S. Kevin Remington. were in the U.S. Marine Corps, Air Force Academy. Navy and Coast Guard, so it seemed A wrestling scholarship, however, drew Cunningham to VMI, and he’s natural for him to commission. never looked back. “I want to serve my country,” he said, “and fly jets, too.” “The greatest thing about this place is everyone’s so close,” he said. Fortier will be heading to Pensacola, Fla., for flight school. “I’m going to miss my friends. …This place has done a lot for me. I All were admonished to serve earlier that morning during the formal just hope I can give back.” Commissioning Ceremony in Cameron Hall by Army Lt. Gen. Robert Cunningham’s first station will be in Georgia, but he expects to attend L. Van Antwerp, Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Joseph F. Weber, Navy Rear flight school in Colorado and learn to fly those jets in Texas, all within Adm. Charles E. Smith and Air Force Lt. Gen. Daniel J. Darnell, who the next two years. each addressed the commissioning cadets and then administered the New Army 2nd Lt. Peter Brookes Jr. also sought to do something “a Commissioning Oath.

Commissioning Marine Makes Surprise Presentation

By Sherri Tombarge A great deal more than metal changed unit, passed the second piece of birthday hands May 15 when VMI Cadet Aaron cake to the youngest Marine present, Christopher Alderman took part in the symbolic of the experienced Marine U.S. Marine Corps pinning ceremony passing knowledge and tradition to the at Memorial Garden. new Marine. The new second lieutenant received “Today, I am truly passing down his bars, and he also made a presentation knowledge to the young,” he said of his of his own. son’s commissioning. Catching his father, a Marine Corps “I feel like a childhood dream has come noncommissioned officer, by surprise, true,” said the younger Alderman. he presented him with an NCO saber. Chris Alderman got that dream without “Every enlisted Marine has a sword,” explicit encouragement from his father, said Master Gunnery Sgt. James but through “silent leadership,” said the Alderman, Chris Alderman’s father. elder. “I never acquired one for myself. That “I’m a long way from the rat I was on Aug. was the only missing link between me 18, 2004,” commented Chris Alderman. “I Commissioning 2nd Lt. Chris Alderman ’08 presents and the Corps. This completes me.” feel like a rough stone refined.” an NCO saber to his father, Master Gunnery Sgt. The elder Alderman cited many “And,” added his father, “the finishing James Alderman, during the U.S. Marine Corps pin-on Marine Corps birthday celebrations polish is about to take place. The stone ceremony May 15. – VMI Photo. when he, as the oldest man in his is about to become a gem.” The Institute Report, June 2008, Page  Helping Schoolchildren ‘Wonderful Experience’ for Cadet Volunteers

By Bob Holland About two dozen cadets to be “a wonderful experience.” volunteered their time and Brown and his fellow cadets had k n o w l e d g e t o h e l p a r e a the 5-year-olds read to them from schoolchildren via the Big Brothers/ books of gradually increasing levels Big Sisters program during the of difficulty. It was gratifying, he said, just-completed academic year. to see the kids’ confidence steadily “Overall, I think the cadets increase. who participate in this program “When they reach the point at which are pretty dedicated,” said Cadet they are running to welcome me Jackie Morton ’09, cadet in charge. when I enter the room each week, “We have a busy schedule at VMI, they have settled into a comfort and it’s asking a lot of someone zone that allows them to fly through to give up an hour and a half of their books and continue to move sleep or running or homework to forward in the learning process,” go help a fourth-grader with math, said Brown. but we continue to have a good Cadets in VMI’s Big Brothers/Big Sisters program spent time Cadet Kyle DeVerna ’10 went turnout.” working with children in area schools this year. – Photo courtesy to Central each Tuesday to help Morton noted that this spring she of Jackie Morton ’09. children individually with everything actually had more cadet volunteers from constructing sentences to than available slots at certain schools. Next year, she hopes to see Big interpreting data from a paragraph to covering material likely to be on Brothers/Big Sisters expanded with the addition of more schools. upcoming tests. During the past year, cadets went in groups to help at Central “I believe this experience has been very beneficial to us as well as Elementary, Waddell Elementary and Maury River Middle schools. At the students,” DeVerna said. “I have really enjoyed ‘teaching’ these kids the elementary schools, they mostly helped the children with homework and helping them with their work. However, I liked just talking with the or specific problems. At Maury River, the cadets spent one-on-one time kids about their interests: what sports teams they like, what they got for mentoring middle-schoolers. Christmas, etc.” Cadet Chris Brown ’09 was among cadets who went to Waddell each Morton said, “the students seem to really enjoy interaction with cadets Wednesday just past noon to read with the kindergartners. He found it and getting help from someone other than their teachers.” VMI Business, Engineering Team Chosen to Compete Nationally

By Wendy Lovell An interdisciplinary team from VMI is one of 10 that will compete The competition caps two years of work on the ELF-SD project. this fall in the American Society Of Mechanical Engineers’ Innovation “Our selection for the IShow is solid evidence that VMI ranks Showcase –IShow – which provides a platform for top collegiate student among the elite institutions in the nation for its ability to produce teams to compete for seed money to commercialize their ideas. While technologically creative products that solve pressing social needs demonstrating their technological creativity and business acumen, and simultaneously have strong commercial viability,” said Maj. winners must provide the commercial feasibility of their products to a Elizabeth Baker, assistant professor of economics and business. “It judging panel and audience of successful innovators, industry experts, is a remarkable achievement of the cadet team to be honored with venture capitalists and intellectual property specialists. this invitation.” Team members Bradley Simpson ’09, an economics and business The IShow was founded in collaboration with the National Collegiate major, and Mario Capuozzo ’09, an electrical and computer Inventors and Innovators Alliance and the Idea to Product (I2P) engineering major, will attend a training session for competitors competition at the University of Texas, Austin. This fall, the VMI team this summer prior to the IShow, which will be held in October in will compete against teams from Baylor University, Massachusetts Boston. They will represent the team of cadets who are developing Institute of Technology, Pennsylvania State University, Rensselaer and marketing the extremely low frequency seismic detector (ELF- Polytechnic Institute and University of California, San Francisco, as SD), an underground-to-surface communication device to improve well as two teams each from the University of California, Berkeley, mining safety. and Johns Hopkins University. Page , The Institute Report, June 2008 Outstanding Employees Recognized at Breakfast

By Lori Stevens

Nine employees and the Physical Plant staff received certificates of Also receiving certificates and departmental nominations were Joe Fix, excellence signed by Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, superintendent, at a carpenter with the Physical Plant, for Agency Star; Dorothy Gearhart, the Service Award and Recognition Breakfast May 19. Six of these, and administrative assistant with the physics and astronomy department, the Physical Plant, had been nominated by VMI for Governor’s Awards Career Achievement; and Charlie Moore, supply department foreman in the Virginia Public Service Week award program, which recognizes with the Physical Plant, Customer Service. state employees for hard work and dedication to the Commonwealth. Thirty-nine employees were also recognized at the breakfast for years Burton R. Floyd, graphic design manager in the Communications and of service to the Institute: Marketing Office, was nominated for the Governor’s Award for Agency Forty years service: Linda R. Covington, Preston Library. Star. Thirty-five years: Christine B. Clark, Communications and Marketing; Col. William D. Badgett, professor of English and Fine Arts, was Karen S. Robinson, Intercollegiate Athletics; and Stevie L. Zollman, nominated for the Governor’s Award for Career Achievement. Physical Plant. Laurin Hanger, computer network support technician, was nominated Thirty years: James M. Hamilton, Physical Plant, and Alice J. Lee, for the Governor’s Award for Customer Service. George C. Marshall Foundation. The entire Physical Plant staff was included in the nomination for the Twenty-five years: Robert T. Agnor, Armory; Anita F. Cruze, Chemistry; Governor’s Award for Teamwork, and three individual staff members Gerald J. Higgins, Laundry; and Wanda S. Sorrells, VMI Foundation. received separate nominations. Twenty years: Bennett L. Arthur, Jeffrey L. Wines and Larry L. Camper, Capt. Todd Pegg, staff engineer and certified energy manager, was Physical Plant; Rita M. Blackwell, VMI Foundation; Wanda S. Deacon, nominated for the Governor’s Award for Innovation. Laundry; Lt. Col. Michael P. Friski, Military Store; and Cathy J. Wells, Norris Dudley, barracks carpenter, was nominated for the Governor’s Preston Library. Award for Community Service and Volunteerism. Dudley, who is a church Fifteen years: Anita H. Davis, Comptroller’s Office; Cindy F. Dudley, deacon, “is a great ambassador in the local community and well known Tailor Shop; P. Alan Funk and Daniel B. Hostetter, Physical Plant; Jeffrey for his willingness to help others in need, including volunteering his L. Parrent, Civil and Environmental Engineering; Ronald L. Weeks, time to do house repairs for the elderly,” said Lt. Col. Jay Williams, post Physical Education; and John A. Wilson, Laundry. engineer. Ten years: Diane J. Coleman and Alfreda M. Crawford, Physical Plant ; The Physical Plant safety officer, Mike Jennings, was nominated for Troy D. Fitzgerald and Loretta I. Sorrells, Laundry; Karen S. Ford, Postal the Governor’s Award for Workplace Safety. “Since his selection as the Services; Mary L. Kludy, Preston Library; Allen E. Shafer and Donna H. safety officer in March 2007, Mike has been instrumental in establishing Young, Institutional Research; Teresa M. Thompson, Protocol; and a work environment that is safety-focused,” Williams said. Francis G. Watts, Intercollegiate Athletics. Although none of VMI’s nominees were selected for a Governor’s Five years: Elizabeth M. Carter, Physical Plant ; Jane O. Gray, VMI Award this year, the director of communications at the Virginia Foundation; Amanda C. Liskey and William L. Zirk, New Market Department of Human Resources Management said that VMI submitted Battlefield State Historical Park; and B. Katherine Palmquist, Dean’s some exceptional nominations and that one “made it to the final cut.” Office.

Moore Receives Award How Will You Use Phyllis Moore, who retired last summer, Your Tax Rebate? is presented with a As this issue of the Institute Report goes to press, many alumni VMI Achievement and friends of VMI already have received the 2008 tax rebates from Award by Gen. J.H. the federal government. Depending on their incomes and number of Binford Peay III ’62, dependent children, these rebates can be worth more than $2,000. superintendent. Admittedly, everyone who is selling something would like you to Moore began work spend the money at his or her store, be it online or more traditional. at the Post Hospital Furthermore, many people already have earmarked the money for in 1961 as a clerical home repairs, vacations or a new appliance. and administrative However, in your plans for the rebate money, please consider using a s s i s t a n t . S h e some of it to make a gift in support of VMI and its ongoing efforts was cited for her to prepare today’s cadets to be what this country needs: honorable, dedication and principled and purposeful leaders. devotion during 46 years of service to the Institute. – VMI For more information on how to make a gift to VMI, please visit www. Photo by Kevin Remington. vmialumni.org and click on “Support VMI.” The Institute Report, June 2008, Page 

Promoting the Strength Component

Corey Parsons ’09 performs a lift during the 2008 Iron Keydet Bench Press Contest held May 12 in the Cocke Hall gym. Parsons won her weight class, below 150 pounds, in the women’s division. Maj. Jay Johnson, assistant professor of physical education (seated) was one of three judges, while Brandon Bryant ’08 (standing, at right) served as the main spotter. Other winners in the event, which powerlifting coach Monte Sparkman said was held to promote a strength component on Post, were Michelle Feole ’10 in the women’s 150 and above class and Johnathan Pope ’10,150-180; Tommy Cunningham ’08, 151-180; Joe Taylor ’09, 181-210; Chad Truslow ’08, 211-230; and Ben Brandt ’10, 231 and above. – VMI Photo by Kevin Remington.

Post Briefs Faculty Awarded Leaves for 2008-09 Year security programs as holder of the Edwin P. Conquest ’14 Chair. As holder Eight VMI professors will be on leave for the 2008-09 year. Lt. Col. Charles of the Wachtmeister Chair, Dr. Joyce Blandino will teach a mechanical Bott will research biological nutrient removal through a Wachtmeister engineering instrumentation laboratory in the fall; “Quantitative Faculty Development leave; Maj. Dennis Foster will research the Physiology for Engineers,” a senior mechanical engineering elective, in relationship between the legislative and executive branches on issues the spring; and introductory biology and a biomedical/bioengineering of coercive foreign policy through an Ayres Faculty Development Leave; seminar. Neil Evans, president and founder of the National Park and Col. Myke Gluck will assess computer forensics software usability Guardians and of Capitol U, will hold the Thomas Bahnson and Anne with applications to VMI computer science and the science and security Bassett Stanley Professorship in Ethics and Integrity, and he will teach programs through a VMI Awards Faculty Development Leave. Jackson- Institute Honors forums, a course on public policy formulation and Hope Faculty Development leaves have been awarded to Lt. Col. Mary “Environment Myth, Ethics, and Justice.” B. Drummond Ayres, Jr.’57 Ann Dellinger, who will work on “The Muse Unchained: Politics, Prison, will remain in the department of English and fine arts as the Dean’s and Poetry in Franco’s Spain”; Lt. Col. Matt Hyre, who will work on Distinguished Visiting Scholar, teaching journalism and other courses numerical modeling of glass-forming processes and the development in service of the Institute Writing Program. of reconstructed simulation environments; Lt. Col. Tinni Sen ,who will research anticipated future changes under state-dependent pricing VMI Competes in Baja Car Challenge rules; Lt. Col. Daren Timmons, who will research flavonoids in crystal For the second year, VMI mechanical engineering students competed in engineering; and Col. Bruce Vandervort, who is writing a book on the the Baja Series of the Society of Automotive Engineers’ annual collegiate Italian invasion and conquest of Libya in 1911. design challenge May 1-3 at Tennessee Tech University. Participants must design, build, test, promote and race an off-road vehicle that will Miller Academic Center Represented at Conferences survive rough terrain and sometimes water. Participants must also In April, Lt. Col. Anna Crockett, associate director for Miller learning generate financial support for their projects. VMI was among 95 schools programs, presented “Hill, Skill and Will: Components of Executive competing from as far away as France, Korea, Puerto Rico, Mexico Function Processes Applied to Teaching, Learning and Mentoring” at and Canada. From the 73 schools that passed technical inspections the Mid-Atlantic College Reading and Learning Association conference to compete, VMI placed 59th. Cadets Will Russo, Matt Mitchell, in Charlottesville. She and Cadet Vince Abruzzese ‘09 presented “Peer Frank Muntean, Tim Hichak, Jim Duke, Thomas Gottwald and Andrew Academic Mentoring: Promoting the Development of Executive Function Rohrback attended the competition, accompanied by department Processes and Self-Regulated Learning in a Nationally Certified Program” machinist Ron Chandler. at the International Mentoring Association Conference in Las Vegas. Bott Honored by Virginia Tech Dean Names Visiting Chairs Lt. Col. Charles Bott, associate professor of civil engineering, last Five visiting scholars have been appointed or reappointed for the 2008- month received an Outstanding Young Alumni Award from the Charles 2009 academic year. Louis Blair will remain in the Economics-Mary Edward Via Jr. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Moody Northen Chair, and he will teach a fall Institute Honors seminar Virginia Tech for his contributions to his profession, Virginia Tech and on the 2008 presidential election, sections of the Honors Forum both the community. Bott received his doctorate in civil and environmental semesters and an international studies or history elective in the spring. engineering from Virginia Tech in 2001, and he is a distinguished 1996 In the spring, Dr. Robert W. Pringle, an independent contractor for the graduate of VMI. Raytheon Corp., will teach in the international studies and science and Page 10, The Institute Report, June 2008

Retiring VMI Faculty Members Honored at April 18 Parade

Seven retiring faculty members he has added rigor to the course were honored for service to VMI curriculum through examples with resolutions by the Board of of leadership and case studies. Visitors at the Retirement Parade In addition, 100 percent of April 18. Each also received the Navy-option cadets have passed VMI Meritorious Service Medal, the summer training program, awarded by Gen. J.H. Binford and VMI NROTC has attained Peay III ’62, superintendent. the highest graduation rate Col. R. Meredith Bedell at Marine Officer Candidate is retiring after 32 years at School. Grace is honored for 27 VMI. Though her specialty is years of service to his country in 19th- and 20th-century British the U.S. Navy and for his service literature, Bedell coordinated to VMI. the Public Speaking course and Col. Steven Riethmiller ’63 developed a 200-level course, Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62 (right) honors retiring faculty joined the VMI faculty in the Literature of Africa: Twentieth members (from left) Col. William Grace, Col. C. Dale Buckner, fall after his graduation, and, Capt. Ronald A. Erchul, Col. R. Meredith Bedell and Col. Century, and a 400-level course, with the exception of four Steven Riethmiller during the 18 April Retirement Parade. English Language: History and years active duty in the U.S. Air Not pictured are Col. James O. Tubbs and Brig. Gen. Michael Use. She was director of the VMI Force and leave to complete his L. Bozeman. – VMI Photo by Kevin Remington. Writing Laboratory and revised doctorate in chemistry, he has the first-year English composition courses. In 2006, she was honored been a permanent resident at the Institute. A master teacher, he was as a Wye Fellow by the Aspen Institute. honored in 1992 with the VMI Distinguished Teaching Award and has Dr. Robert Bedell received a Certificate of Excellence for 10 years worked closely with cadets involved in undergraduate research. In of service as an adjunct professor in the Department of English and 1994 he was selected head of the Department of Chemistry, serving Fine Arts and for 20 years as a teacher with the College Orientation five years, and in 1998 he was named the recipient of the John C. Workshop. Allen ’62 Distinguished Professorship in Chemistry, to which he Col. C. Dale Buckner joined the Civil and Environmental was reappointed in 2003. He was honored for 40 years’ service to Engineering Faculty in 1985. He received VMI’s Distinguished VMI. Teaching Award in 1988 and in 1994 the Benjamin H. Hardaway Jr. Col. James O. Tubbs, a 1980 graduate of the Air Force Academy Institute Professorship in Engineering, a position to which he was who was honored for 28 years’ service to the Air Force, came to twice reappointed. He developed a new structural design course VMI in 2005. Under his watch, the VMI Air Force ROTC detachment and wrote a textbook in 2006 on structural concrete design. He has maintained record-high enrollment and is in the top 10 percent was department head for six years beginning in 2001 and is editor- nationally for officer production. He assisted Air Force ROTC cadets in-chief of the ASCE Journal of Structural Engineering. from across the country in summer training as commander of a field Capt. Ronald A. Erchul, a 20-year Naval officer who is retiring training unit at Maxwell Air Force Base and commanded a rising after 27 years at VMI, joined the Civil and Environmental sophomore program in operational activities at Lackland Air Force Engineering Department in 1981. He has twice been the recipient Base. of VMI’s Matthew Fountain Maury Research Award, and he created Brig. Gen. Michael L. Bozeman was honored for 23 years as head a minor in Environmental Leadership and Management. Under track and field coach. Under Bozeman’s leadership VMI won 12 his leadership, the VMI Research Laboratories, received lucrative conference championships, and he was honored as conference research contracts have been awarded to VMI and conferences Coach of the Year 13 times. His mentorship helped produce scores have been held at the Institute, handled by the Conference Office of All Conference performers and two NCAA All Americans in the Erchul helped establish. Keydet ranks, and he was instrumental in VMI receiving membership Col. William Grace took the helm of VMI’s Navy Marine ROTC unit in the Intercollegiate Association of Amateur Athletes of America in August 2004. During his four years at VMI, two as joint ROTC Conference. From June 1994 to July 1996 he served as commandant coordinator, the Navy and Marine Corps service has produced 138 of cadets, and he was interim athletic director for five months in ensigns and second lieutenants, helping to increase commissioning 1998. Bozeman built the women’s track and field program when rates at VMI to over 50 percent. Within the Naval ROTC department, the Institute assimilated women into the Corps of Cadets in 1997. The Institute Report, June 2008, Page 11 Board of Visitors Elects New President

By Lt. Col. Stewart MacInnis Thomas G. Slater Jr. ‘66, a partner in the Richmond law firm Hunton of the Monogram Club ’65-’66. & Williams, was elected president of the Virginia Military Institute’s Slater has been with Hunton & Williams law firm since 1969. He Board of Visitors at the board’s meeting on May 3. became a partner in the firm in 1976 and is currently co-head of the Slater’s term begins July 1, when he will take the place of G. Gilmer firm’s Litigation-IP and Antitrust Group (approximately 300 lawyers). Minor III ‘63, chairman of Owens & Minor Inc., a Richmond-based He is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, American Bar Fortune 500 distributor of medical and surgical supplies. Minor was Foundation and Virginia Law Foundation. He is a past president of the elected president of the board three years ago and has been a member Bar Association of the City of Richmond and served on the Executive of the board since 2000. Committee of the Virginia State Bar from 1996 to 1998. He is a director of Slater has been a member of the board since 2003 and has been Tredegar Corporation and a trustee of the Virginia Historical Society. active in VMI alumni organizations since his graduation. Slater is married to the former Martha Scott Newell (Scottie). After graduating from VMI with a bachelor’s degree in history, Slater The board also elected three vice presidents: Paul D. Fraim, a member then attended the University of Virginia law school where he received his of the VMI Class of 1971, of Norfolk, Va.; William A. Paulette, VMI Class LLB in 1969. At VMI, he was on the dean’s list, co-captain of the varsity of 1969, of Richmond, Va.; and James E. Rogers, VMI Class of 1967, of football team ’65, letterman varsity football ’63, ’64, ’65 and president Richmond. VMI Well Represented at NCUR The National Conference history, cadets Andrew Breer ’08, for Undergraduate Research Gregory Lippiatt ’09, Daniel McCord celebrated its 22nd meeting ’09, Bryceon Venteicher-Shulman ’08 in April at Salisbury University and Brittany Ray ’08; psychology and in Maryland. VMI was well philosophy, cadets Jeffrey Burchett represented by 27 cadets from ’08 and Tanner Sewell ’10; electrical nine academic departments. They engineering, Cadet Robert Davis shared their faculty-mentored ’08; international studies and the research in either a 15-minute science and security minor, cadets oral presentation or during a two- Tyler Anthony ’08, Ryan Kennedy hour poster session. ’08, Jaime Maldonado ’08, Phillip “I attended most all of the VMI McCloskey ’08, Brian McGettigan presentations and was extremely ’08, Kevin Pelletier ’09 and Phillip proud to hear from faculty and Wilkerson ’08. students of other institutions Jeremy Adams ’08 takes part in a poster session at NCUR at Three faculty members were chosen who spoke of the high quality of Salisbury University last month.– Photo courtesy of Undergraduate to attend NCUR through an initiative our cadet’s work and their depth Research. that exposes new faculty to cadet of knowledge,” said Col. James research activity: Col. Rick Kilroy, E. Turner ’65, professor of biology and chemistry and director for professor of international studies; Maj. Sam Allen, assistant professor undergraduate research. of economics and business; and Maj. Leah Lanz, assistant professor of Representing the biology department were cadets Jeremy Adams mathematics. They were selected from nominations made by department ’08, Katherine Bopp ’08, Casey Brown ’09, Erin Squires ’08, Chad chairs. Zurcher ’08 and Alex Houser ’10. The chemistry department sent The three were joined at the conference by Turner, who is serving a Gene Allgood ’10; math and computer science department, Cadet James second three-year term as a member of the NCUR Board of Governors. Andrew ’08; economics and business department, cadets Alex Menas He was elected to serve as the board’s secretary and will begin his term ’08, Isaac Putnam ’09, Bradley Simpson ’09 and Rhys Williams ’08; next year.

Correction

The caption for the photograph accompanying the story receives the Andrew Jackson Montague 1864 Scholarship, chats “Stewardship Lunch Brings Benefactors, Cadets, Faculty Together” with Robert Montague of Urbanna and Alexandria, Va., whose aunt, in the April 2008 issue of the Institute Report was incorrect. Gay Montague Moore, established the scholarship, at the annual It should have read as follows: “Christian Dolbey ’10, who Stewardship Luncheon April 4 in Moody Hall.” Page 12, The Institute Report, June 2008 Jackson-Hope Board Awards Grants

By Wendy Lovell The Jackson-Hope Board of Overseers has approved more than $2 for faculty recruitment, $31,000 for an economics and business million in new grants that address strategic initiatives for academic department internship coordinator and accreditation expenses, program development and faculty enhancement in support of Vision $40,000 to the international studies and political science department 2039. for the science and security minor, $10,000 to the modern languages “With these awards, the Jackson-Hope Board has committed nearly and cultures department for a media center software license and cadet $11 million dollars to academic program initiatives since the fund was experiential development, $15,000 for academic competitions and created seven years ago,” said Brig. Gen. Charles F. Brower IV, deputy $300,000 for the Leadership and Ethics Center. superintendent for academics and dean of the faculty. “Over that period, The engineering division received a $112,000 grant for 3-year support remarkable and generous Jackson-Hope Fund support has enabled us to of a civil and environmental engineering lab technician and one-year, add 19 faculty positions, build an undergraduate research program of part-time positions in mechanical engineering. national renown and provide support for faculty development through Five-year grants include $423,000 for a faculty position in travel and leaves.” international studies and political science, $424,000 for a mathematics One-year grants include $100,000 for faculty development, $118,000 faculty position and $423,000 for a philosophy faculty position. Triathletes Finish Well in First National Competition

By Sherri Tombarge VMI put three cadets in the top 25 percent represent the Institute well,” said Tubbs. VMI’s of their brackets when the club triathlon team finish was, he said, “a very good first showing.” competed in the Collegiate National Triathlon “I hope it becomes a stepping stone for next Competition April 19 in Tuscaloosa, Ala. It was year,” he added. the first time the team had competed at the Also competing for VMI were Bill Hyatt ’09, who national level. finished with a time of 2:28:53; Scott MacDonald “As soon as we got there, we were surrounded ’10 with 2:36:35; Sam Dobbins ’10, 3:02:39; and by an atmosphere of extreme energy, with 1,000 Becky Harris ’09, 3:17:14. college athletes converging on the University “In triathlon, up to a certain level, you’re going of Alabama,” said Ira Gallagher ’09, cadet in to be faster, you’re going to be better, simply by charge and top finisher for VMI. He was 115th putting in more miles,” said Maj. David Cotting, out of 454 undergraduate men and 119th out professor of psychology, who will be the team’s of 709 competitors, with a time of 2:15:24. coach next year, when he hopes to increase access Karsten Bloomstrom ’10, assistant cadet to equipment and facilities. in charge, finished 120th of undergraduate Cadet Roxanne Franck ’09 leaves the “We have some good swimmers, but they don’t men and 124th overall, with a time of 2:15:45, river and heads for her bike in the swim enough,” he said. Ideally, the team would and Roxanne Franck ’09 finished 53rd of 255 transition to the final leg of the Collegiate have three organized practice sessions in each undergraduate women and 335th overall with National Triathlon Championship. event each week. a time of 2:32:10. – Photo courtesy of Cadet Life. “That’s a nine-hour minimum, really,” said “This particular race is done at the recognized Cotting. Olympic distance,” said Col. James Tubbs, professor of Air and Space Acquisition of cycles for indoor workouts would help with that goal, Studies and the team’s coach. It consisted of a 1.5K swim (.9 miles), allowing for safer, more efficient practices than road bicycles, with no a 40K bike race (24.8 miles) and a 10K run (6.2 miles). team member leaving others behind. “They [the team members] actually swam in the [Black Warrior] “I want to instill more of a team spirit,” said Cotting. “That’s why river in Tuscaloosa,” added Tubbs. spinning bikes are good. You have others of the same level; you have For this they were well prepared. Though VMI team members often the motivation, you have others lifting you.” worked out on their own in the months leading up to the competition, Cotting, who has competed in Iron Man events, which challenge team transition workouts included swimming in the Maury River, on athletes with much longer distances, is enthusiastic about the collegiate which experience Gallagher had a single comment: “Brrrr.” national event. On April 19, only part of the team competed. Cotting, The competition itself, said Bloomstrom, was “a great experience for who is also assistant coach of the rugby team, would like to see the entire us as cadets and a huge step for the VMI triathlon team.” team compete next year so that VMI would qualify for a team ranking “We were competing against teams like Colorado State [University], in addition to individual rankings. Florida State [University] and the service academies,” said Bloomstrom. A better team practice regime could improve performances across “These teams were drawing athletes from programs with much larger the whole team and catapult VMI into the top 35 next year, he said. groups of athletes and much higher funding.” “We could potentially break the top 15 in the country,” he added. “Overall, I think we had a very successful year because the main “That would be phenomenal for a school that has [approximately] 1,200 goal … was to put together a team that could travel to nationals and students.” The Institute Report, June 2008, Page 13 Bopp and Peterson Run Boston Marathon

By Bob Holland Running in the Boston Marathon amid the things as running to and from club softball practice. festive backdrop of a Patriot’s Day in New Now, she said, “I have become addicted to running,” England is about as good as it gets for a dedicated and “I am excited to see how more training might runner. improve my times.” Not just anyone can try it. Bopp noted that Boston-area colleges and many First, it is necessary to qualify by meeting a businesses were closed for the day, and supportive rigorous time standard for one’s age group in a spectators – some 500,000 of them – packed “every certified marathon. inch” of the course. On April 21, two VMI cadets were among She was impressed with many runners she met the 25,000 qualifying competitors who set off who were competing for a cause. She herself had from the small town of Hopkinton to cover the a message on the back of her T-shirt that attracted 26.2 miles before wildly cheering throngs into much positive comment: “24 days and a wake-up downtown Boston. ’til graduation and commissioning!” Cadets Sean Peterson ’09 and Katie Bopp ’08 Peterson noted that spectator support “was much both finished the 112th Boston Marathon, the greater compared to the other two marathons world’s oldest annual city-based marathon, and I have run,” the Marine Corps marathon in both were enthusiastic about the experience. Washington, D.C., and Outer Banks Marathon in Peterson, who is the cadet in charge of the Cadet Katie Bopp ’08 runs in the North Carolina. club marathon team, came in at 3:09:08, a Boston Marathon April 21. – Photo “I was pleased with my time on the course. The performance that was good enough to qualify him courtesy of Katie Bopp. Boston Marathon is said to be one of the toughest for Boston again next year, should he choose to marathons to run. The first half is gradually run. The standard is sub-3:10 for men 18-34. He averaged 7:13 per downhill, forcing the runners to push the pace. At around mile 14, the mile, a brisk pace. marathon starts to become challenging. Bopp entered as a recreational runner rather than club member after Peterson said the fabled “Heartbreak Hill” was not as bad as reputed, admittedly surprising herself by achieving a sub-3:40 Boston qualifying but it is nevertheless a challenge because it comes between mile 20 time for women 18-34 in the Air Force Marathon in Dayton, Ohio. Taking and 21 the point at which many runners are said to “hit the wall.” a relaxed approach – “enjoying the experience and talking to people “I ran conservatively in the beginning so I was able to keep on- who were there from all over the world” – Bopp finished in 4:00:45, a pace for the final few miles. All in all, I was happy about it, and it is pace of 9:11 per mile. nice to know that if I want to run next year I’m already qualified.” “I didn’t understand the prestige of the Boston Marathon until I actually VMI’s marathon club competes in one half-marathon and one full got there,” Bopp commented. “I gained a deep appreciation for it.” marathon each semester, typically sending about 10 runners, said Lacking much spare time to train for the marathon, she did such Peterson. The club is currently deciding which races to run next year. Investment Group Creates Leadership Award

By Scott Belliveau ’83, VMI Alumni Association In late April, the Cadet Investment Group inaugurated a new annual chief executive officer. He served in that position for four years. cadet award to recognize exceptional leadership. Given annually to A dedicated alumnus of the Institute, Schubmehl served as a member the officer of the Cadet Investment Group who has “demonstrated the of the VMI Foundation’s Board of Trustees from 1999 to 2007 and as leadership, knowledge and dedication required of successful investment a member of the VMI Investment Committee from 2000 to 2008. The professionals,” it is named the William P. Schubmehl ’54 Investment rationale for the Investment Excellence Award stems from the 23 years Excellence Award. of service Schubmehl provided to the Cadet Investment Group. A long-time leader in Virginia business, William P. Schubmehl is “Mr. Schubmehl is well known for the exceptional generosity he a vice chairman of the Richmond-based investment firm of Scott & showed with his time,” said Col. Robert Moreschi, one of the two Stringfellow. After graduation as a civil engineering major and four years faculty advisers for the Cadet Investment Group. “He has had regular of service as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, Schubmehl attended conversations with the faculty advisers about the Group and its activities the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business and was awarded and faithfully attends every year-end banquet. On many occasions, he a master in business administration degree in 1961. has come to VMI to speak to the group as a whole and meet individually His first position after graduation was with Wheat First Securities in with the officers.” Richmond. After nine years with Wheat First, he worked for Branch, According to Col. Clifford West, the Group’s other faculty adviser, Cabell & Co. and the Bank of Virginia Trust Co. At Scott & Stringfellow, Schubmehl also has introduced changes that have enhanced the Schubmehl served 13 years as head of the company’s retail branch experience of the cadets. system and, in 1992, was promoted to the position of president and Please see page 18 Page 14, The Institute Report, June 2008

Marshall Award Speaker Athlete Honored for Academics Sen. James Webb addresses the top 267 VMI track and field athlete Kevin Sullivan ’08 has been named Army ROTC cadets a recipient of the Big South Conference’s George A. Christenberry from around the U.S. Award for Academic Excellence, the highest academic honor who attended the 2008 awarded by the conference. George C. Marshall Sullivan has received numerous other honors, including Army ROTC Award being named a Big South Presidential Honor Roll member three Seminar held April times, a cadet Distinguished in Academic Merit at VMI, ESPN 15-18 at VMI, W&L and the Magazine/CoSIDA Academic All-American Second-Team Natural Bridge. The honoree in 2007, two Academic All-District distinctions, Big cadets participated in South Scholar-Athlete of the Year for Indoor Track twice and roundtable discussions Outdoor Track Scholar-Athlete of the Year in 2007. with subject-matter experts in national security issues and met with senior Army, government and civilian officials. – VMI Photo by Kevin Remington.

High School Alumni Group Creates Scholarship at VMI

By Scott Belliveau ’83, VMI Alumni Association From 1915 to 1971, Richmond, Va., was home to an extraordinary of VMI, initiated contact with the VMI Foundation on behalf of the educational institution: John Marshall High School, a public high school Association. with a corps of cadets. “There are many connections between the John Marshall Corps The school’s cadet corps bore a striking resemblance to the Corps of Cadets and VMI,” said Warren J. Bryan ’71, vice president of the of Cadets at VMI. Cadets wore a grey blouse; first-year cadets were VMI Foundation, who represented the Foundation in the discussions, known as “rats” ; the cadets were subject to an honor court and often “connections that included the commandants as well as the many John served to escort and otherwise welcome prominent visitors to Virginia’s Marshall cadet alumni who came to VMI and who went on to stellar capital. careers. Thanks to this long and close relationship, the Association soon According to Richard Barrett, current president of the John Marshall decided to pursue the transfer of the Trust to the VMI Foundation.” Cadet Alumni Association, the resemblance is no coincidence; when “Basically,” explained Barrett, “we petitioned the court to allow the the cadet corps was founded in accordance with a federal law meant Trust to be moved to the VMI Foundation in order to support cadets to encourage military “preparedness” before the United States entered from Richmond as well as Henrico, Chesterfield, Hanover, Goochland World War I, a VMI connection also was established. and Powhatan counties.” Following the issuance of a consent decree “The first commandant of the John Marshall Corps of Cadets was allowing the transfer in September 2007, the John Marshall Cadet Edwin P. Conquest, VMI Class of 1914. Although he served a relatively Memorial Scholarship was officially established. short time before leaving for service in World War I, Conquest left an Like the original trust, the Scholarship honors the 76 alumni of the indelible stamp on the cadet corps, giving it a strong similarity to VMI John Marshall High School Corps of Cadets who fell in the country’s that lasted until the corps was disbanded.” defense. Conquest’s original influence was reinforced by the fact that 13 of the “We are,” said Barrett, “remaining true to the mission of the John corps’ 16 commandants were VMI alumni. Marshall Corps of Cadets of which we were — and are — proud Also like VMI alumni, the John Marshall Corps of Cadets alumni were members because VMI agreed to select as recipients of the Scholarship renowned for their service to the country and their ardent loyalty to their young people with the traits noted in the original indenture: ‘academic alma maters and their classmates. In December 1952, they established merit, good character, leadership and physical ability.’” the John Marshall Cadet Memorial Scholarship Trust as a tribute to the The long-term goal is for the Scholarship to support one cadet in more than 70 former cadets who had been killed in action in the two each class at VMI. world wars and Korea in order to provide scholarships to John Marshall Jim Adams ’71, executive vice president of the VMI Foundation, said cadet corps alumni who went to college — many of whom used it to of the gift, “All of us at the Foundation were touched by the confidence attend VMI. that John Marshall High School cadet alumni have in VMI and in the In 2006, however, these alumni confronted the fact that the corps’ VMI Foundation. disbandment in 1971 meant that the number of them who could properly “They have entrusted us to be the repository of the legacy of their administer the scholarship was dwindling. In May 2006, therefore, the corps and their association as well as to continue the almost 60-year John Marshall Cadet Alumni Association began looking for another party effort to memorialize their fallen alumni. It is no small responsibility, to accept the Trust. but certainly everyone at the Foundation and at VMI is looking forward Richard Collier, a former John Marshall cadet and a 1957 graduate to meeting it.” The Institute Report, June 2008, Page 15 Keydets Fall to Canisius in MAAC Title Game The No. 2-seeded Canisius Golden Griffins had just three. knocked off the VMI Keydet lacrosse team The second period was marked by two Canisius 14-5 in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference goals. VMI turned the ball over six times and only championship game in Loudonville, N.Y., May cleared successfully two of five times. 10. A six-goal run in the third quarter pushed the With the loss, one of the most successful Golden Griffins’ lead to 10-2 after three frames. seasons in program history ends for VMI. The Canisius opened the fourth with two additional Keydets conclude the campaign that ended with scores, pushing the advantage to 12-2. their first-ever post-season appearance with a Tim Moran scored a man-up goal at the 10:36 6-10 record overall and a MAAC Tournament mark to end the run and cut the deficit to 12-3, runner-up slot. but the Golden Griffins responded with two goals Save 2005, the six victories are the most VMI midway through the final quarter. The Keydets has had since 2000, when the Keydets won got goals from Brett Leonard and Weimer in the seven games. After being picked to finish eighth game’s final minute, accounting for the final 14-5 in the pre-season coaches’ poll, VMI finished margin. fourth during the regular season and then On the day, the Keydets were two-of-four in posted the runner-up finish in the conference extra-man opportunities, and they successfully tournament. cleared the ball 14 of 18 times. The Keydets got off to a solid start, as Jacob VMI was led by Weimer’s four points on two Weimer took a Brett Leonard pass and put it Kevin Hill, shown on the field at the goals and two assists, while Leonard, Moran and by the Canisius goalkeeper at the 5:42 mark. Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Piazza added scores as well. The Keydets notched VMI took an early 1-0 lead off the sophomore’s championship game May 10, was one of three selections on the All-Tournament team: goal, but it was the only lead VMI would hold three VMI lacrosse players selected for Kevin Hill, Patrick Zanelotti and Moran. all day. the All-Tournament team. – Photo courtesy The game brings to a close the career of VMI’s Canisius answered with two Adam Jones goals, of Sports Information. nine seniors, including 2008 MAAC Offensive and VMI responded with a Matt Piazza goal to tie Player of the Year Kevin Hill, who ends his four the game. Weimer assisted on Piazza’s third goal of the season and second years with 81 career goals, eighth on VMI’s all-time list. He also finishes of the tournament, and after one period, the game was tied at 2. second on the all-time assist list, with 83, and concludes his VMI career During the first period of play, Canisius had six turnovers, while VMI with 164 total points. Governor Promotes Former VMI Superintendent Knapp

By Lt. Col. Stewart MacInnis In a ceremony on April 28, Gov. Industrial Authority. Timothy Kaine and Maj. Gen. Robert B. Members of Knapp’s immediate Newman, adjutant general of Virginia, family were present at the promotion promoted John W. Knapp to the rank of ceremony at the Capitol Building in lieutenant general in the Virginia Militia Richmond. (Unorganized). Also attending were John Marshall, Knapp, who retired from the U.S. Virginia secretary of public safety; Army Reserve with the rank of major Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ’62, general, served as Superintendent superintendent; Brig. Gen. Robert of VMI from 1989 to 1995 and was L. Green ‘67, deputy superintendent; appointed superintendent emeritus Lt. Gen. (Virginia Militia) Carroll upon his retirement. He graduated from Thackston ‘55, former Adjutant Gov. Kaine promotes John W. Knapp to lieutenant VMI in 1954. After active duty and a General of Virginia and a former general in the Virginia Militia with the assistance of period in industry, he returned to VMI member of the VMI Board of Visitors; Knapp’s wife, Beth. – Courtesy of the Office of the Governor. in 1959 and served on the faculty until Maj. Gen. James M. Morgan Jr. ‘45, his appointment as superintendent. former VMI dean of the faculty; former commander of the 80th He served for 10 years on the Lexington City Council, the final Division (Training), USAR, Lt. Gen. (Virginia Militia) L.H. Ginn eight years as mayor. In the same period, he headed a military task III; and David Dickson, executive director of the Virginia National force for the Jamestowne 2007 Commemoration, and he is currently Defense Industrial Authority. serving as a director and vice chair of the Virginia National Defense Knapp and his wife, Elizabeth (Beth), reside in Lexington. Page 16, The Institute Report, June 2008 Students, Well-Known Poets Gather for Symposium

Over the years, the VMI community magazines featuring Sounding Brass has benefited from readings by well- adviser Lt. Col. Kurt Ayau and editor known poets such as Brian Turner, Rod Cadet Greg Lippiatt, and advisers and Smith, Allen Ginsberg and Elizabeth editors from James Madison University Seydel Morgan, but in April, two days and Sweet Briar College. Student poems were dedicated to promoting this form were written in free, blank and rhymed of literature not only among cadets but verse, and they consisted of meditations, also students and faculty from several love songs, sestinas and odes. area colleges. “I thoroughly enjoyed the joint reading The inaugural symposium kicked of the two poets,” said Lippiatt. “It was off on April 4 with readings by an incredibly powerful presentation of distinguished poets Bruce Weigl and poetry, and I wish I could hear art like Claudia Emerson. Weigl is a professor that more often. Meeting Dr. Weigl was and Vietnam veteran, and Emerson, also a wonderful experience, and I had a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet who A student from Washington and Lee University addresses some wonderful conversations with teaches at the University of Mary the inaugural Poetry Symposium at VMI April 4. – VMI him about military life, current foreign Washington. Photo by Kevin Remington. policy and art.” Saturday’s day-long program Thirty-nine students made included a keynote address by Emerson on the power of poetry, as presentations, representing VMI, Roanoke and Sweet Briar colleges, well as student presentations of original papers on poetry, original the University of Virginia, Virginia Tech and James Madison, Hollins, poems by student authors and a roundtable discussion of student literary Washington and Lee and Southern Virginia universities. Unity, Civility Priorities for New Corps Commander

By Bob Holland A traditional ceremony May 14 in front of Youngsma advocated uniting the Corps under Barracks accented continuity and change in “one purpose, one Corps, one team” – an the top leadership of the Corps of Cadets. objective in line with what General Peay has Cadet First Capt. Roger Leonhart, 2007-08 described as “commonality of purpose.” regimental commander of the Corps, turned One objective will be to bridge any divide the regimental colors – the symbols of the between NCAA athletes and non-NCAA athletes: command – over to Superintendent Gen. J.H. “The Corps will support our teams to victory Binford Peay III ’62, who in turn presented while the teams will support the Corps in all of them to the 2008-09 regimental commander, its various activities. Zachary M. Youngsma. “Under the same theme of civility, the Corps is Later, Leonhart reflected on the “eye-opening very diverse – incorporating different genders, learning experience” that went with the privilege races, beliefs, religions, ROTC units and ranks of serving the Corps and ensuring that standards within the Corps. I plan to unify all these under were “not only met but exceeded.” A key lesson Cadet Roger Leonhart (left), 2007-08 a greater civility push.” was the value of planning: “We all learned regimental commander, shakes the hand Youngsma began his rise in the ranks during how much attention to detail, foresight and of Cadet Zachary M. Youngsma, 2008-09 his 3rd Class year, serving as a color corporal. supervision truly go into planning something. regimental commander, after the change When he became 1st Battalion sergeant major in “I feel that my greatest accomplishment was of command ceremony May 15. – VMI his 2nd Class year, he began learning how big a being able to pass off the lessons I’ve learned photo by Kevin Remington. role the Corps command plays in the daily life of to next year’s leadership and know that they are the Corps and how a staff functions. completely competent for the challenges of cadet leadership.” Reflecting on four years at VMI, Leonhart said he had been able to In accepting the reins, Youngsma said the main challenge for the learn “so much more than just academics,” and he is “thankful and coming year will be “raising the standard of the Corps,” to include proud of what I’ve been able to experience.” greater respect and civility. Lessons learned have included sacrifice, discipline and taking “A culture change is the only way this can happen,” he commented. responsibility as a Rat; the ability to take ownership and teach as a Cadre “VMI is built on traditions, and I do not plan on touching those. I plan to corporal training Rats; enforcing standards while dealing with peers change the way the Rat Line is run and the way the Corps conducts itself. as regimental sergeant major; and, finally, applying all the leadership “A more professional Rat Line is needed; we are in the 21st century, lessons the past year. and we need to understand that. No longer will personal attacks against After commissioning into the Army as an infantry officer, Leonhart the Rats be tolerated, but a tough, strict and physically demanding Rat will be going to Gold Bar Recruit at the University of Maryland, College Line will carry on.” Park, and ultimately he expects to be stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C. The Institute Report, June 2008, Page 17 Cadet Group Takes on Wilderness and ‘Insurgents’

By Bob Holland Cadets who joined the Cadet Life injuries and our mission was completed club aptly known as the Special successfully.” Action Detachment weren’t looking The scenario was that U.S. interests in for much “down” time between the the nation of Shenandoistan had been end of exams and commencement. threatened by an insurgency that had Instead, they had a lot of “up” time caused many local police to desert, thus and adventure, starting with a lift threatening the stability of the region. May 9 from a Blackhawk helicopter SAD’s mission was to infiltrate, contact to a remote location on private the police chief and his American adviser land outside Harrisonburg near the and assist them in ending the threat and George Washington National Forest. stabilizing the region. There, they engaged in two days of The cadets put their recon and anti-terrorism operations against observation/listening post studies insurgents played by current and Cadets participating in a Special Action Detachment into action and launched offensive former military and law enforcement post-exams wilderness FTX prepare to depart by operations against the insurgents, who personnel. Blackhawk helicopter. – VMI Photo by Kevin Remington. countered by attacking the police station The purpose of the group is to train and capturing the chief. SAD members interested cadets in the rigors and uncertainties of combat outside the had to plan and execute a raid to free the chief and move to an standard ROTC curriculum. Participating cadets “want to make the extraction point, which marked the end of the exercise. most of their time here at VMI by learning through trial and error what “The purpose of the FTX was to integrate all the tactics, techniques works and what doesn’t” as combat leaders, noted the cadet in charge, and procedures that our team has trained for throughout the year in Andrew Stiles ’08. an unknown environment against active, unpredictable enemy units The unstable, stormy weather affecting the region was another foe to and interact with local civilian and law enforcement personnel,” said be overcome. Capt. Jimmy Sheldon and his aircrew from the Virginia Stiles. “Our team was able to practice their skills in an environment as Army National Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 224th Aviation (Assault) dropped free-flow and realistic as possible.” participants at an alternate location to avoid aborting the mission. He added that SAD’s adviser, Capt. Todd Pegg, spent hundreds of hours “The team performed extremely well despite bad weather and limited in gathering resources and setting up the scenario. Many of role-players resources,” said Stiles, who a few days after the FTX commissioned as were friends whom Pegg enlisted for the weekend exercise. a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Plans are in the works for SAD to grow and improve next year, and “We were forced to change our plans in order to avoid serious cold- its leadership will be “of the highest quality,” Stiles said. Cadet Shane related casualties on two occasions, but the morale and discipline of Keys ’09 will be CIC. the team was high even in harsh conditions. There were no serious Parents Council Prepares for Busy ’08-’09

By Bob Holland One of the Parents Council’s central tasks is helping parents son Jacob, an honors graduate of Spotswood High School in Rockingham understand the VMI culture and seeing to it that their questions are County, will be matriculating at VMI. fully answered. The Council tries to ease some of the apprehension of After assisting with the Summer Transition Program in July, the Parents the unique VMI experience by being visible and responsive to cadets Council will host a reception for incoming families the evening of Aug. and their families. 22, the night before Matriculation. That is when many questions will be “If we don’t have the answers, we try to find someone to provide asked and answered. the answers,” said Cherry Tharp, Parents Council co-president with During the fall, that communication will continue, with countless her husband Ric for the 2008-09 year. “We try to be a liaison between phone and e-mail inquiries and in person during football weekends at parents and the Institute. Parents need support.” the Parents Council tailgating tent. That is most obviously true for parents of young men and women Much of the Council’s work, which includes projects to assist both the just starting at VMI and facing Cadre Week and the Rat Line. There are Institute and the VMI Foundation, is accomplished through a system of many questions parents of new cadets have throughout the summer, four committees. Committee co-chairs for the coming year will be Dan from what to bring to how to get to Lexington. and Donna Saragnese and Andy and Sharon Brown, activities; Anna and When the process starts anew with Matriculation in August, the Kirk Schultheis, communications; Bill and Pam Collier, development; Parents Council will be led by parents with an unusually encompassing and Allen and Sharon Simpson, recruiting. perspective – from veteran to newcomer. Assisting the Tharps in overall leadership of the Council will be Parks Cherry and Ric Tharp’s oldest son, Zachary, an EMT cadet who works and Mary Ann Taylor, co-vice presidents. Col. Thomas Moncure ’72 is with the Lexington Rescue Squad, will be a 1st Class cadet, while youngest the VMI administration’s liaison officer for the Parents Council. Page 18, The Institute Report, June 2008 Investment Group Continued from page 13 “It was Mr. Schubmehl’s idea to invite the Group’s officers to attend another fact about VMI that, until recently, wasn’t noticed much off a VMI Investment Committee meeting, which has occurred for the past Post: that VMI, while a demanding place, also is a very sound academic three years,” said West. “Through this opportunity, the cadets have had institution.” the opportunity to meet and listen to the presentations of professional Schubmehl also had high praise for the faculty support of the money managers and to make presentations to the Investment Committee Group. about the CIG and its money management. This extraordinary experience “The Cadet Investment Group could not have become and remain would not have been afforded the cadets were it not for Bill’s initiative a success without faculty support. From the very beginning, the and enthusiasm.” Department of Economics – now, the Department of Economics and “I have been involved with the Cadet Investment Group from its beginning Business – has been behind the program enthusiastically. Through the in 1985,” said Schubmehl, “when my Brother Rat, Bob Wentz, who was years, the advisers to the Group, like the current ones, Cliff West and with the VMI Foundation at the time, invited me to help establish it. Bob Moreschi, have been instrumental to its success.” “One reason I was attracted to this idea is that, whenever people talk Moreschi returned the compliment: “Bill Schubmehl is a consummate about VMI, they always seem to focus on its toughness and rigor. Another investment professional, who exemplifies all of the traits that VMI hopes was that, when I was a cadet, there was nothing like this to engage cadets its cadets will exhibit in their professional and personal lives. Truly, I who were interested in a career in finance and investment. The Cadet cannot think of a better example for the Group’s cadets than Bill and Investment Group was a way for cadets to become involved in financial no better way to pay tribute to his dedication to excellence within the management and to have some fun, to enjoy themselves.” profession and his dedication to VMI and the Group’s cadets than “Over the years,” continued Schubmehl, “the Group has fulfilled that establishing this annual award in his honor.” purpose; the group is one of the more popular extracurricular activities “Working with the Cadet Investment Group has been a wonderful among cadets, and many of the cadets who have been involved in the experience for me, and I am very, very honored by the establishment of CIG have gone on to very successful careers in banking, finance and this new award,” said Schubmehl. “And I hope I’ll be around to present investment. Furthermore, the Group’s enduring success has underlined it for a very long time.” Army ROTC Commissions 72 New Lieutenants

By Maj. Brandon Bissell ’98, Army ROTC Sixty-three VMI Army ROTC cadets friends moved up to Memorial Gardens for received their bars as second lieutenants the individual oath of office, pinning and in the United States Army at the Spring “first salute” ceremonies. The first salute Commissioning Ceremony held May 15 is a time-honored tradition in which newly at Cameron Hall. commissioned second lieutenants present a Sixteen of these new officers were silver dollar to the first non-commissioned selected as Distinguished Military officer who renders them a salute. Sgt. Maj. Graduates by the U.S. Army Cadet William Allen and Sgt. 1st Class Shawn Rost Command: John Arthur, Peter Blades, of Army ROTC, as well as Sgt. Maj. John Neel Jesse Burnette, Mackenzie Colella, of the Commandant’s Office, rendered many Shane Cox, Christopher Haviley, John of the first salutes. Larue, Roger Leonhart, Nicholas Following graduation on May 16, these Orzechowski, Brittany Ray, Jonathan new second lieutenants headed off to a Roland, Garrett Smith, Alexander Smith, variety of posts to begin their professional Andrew Sullivan, Jacob Swanson and Cadet John Arthur receives his first salute from officer training in armor, aviation, chemical Mark Woodard. As cadets, they were Sgt. Maj. William Allen during his individual corps, corps of engineers, field artillery, in the nation’s top 20 percent for their commissioning in Memorial Garden on May 15. infantry, military intelligence, military police, accomplishments in military training, – Photo courtesy of Army ROTC. medical service corps, ordinance and leadership and academics. transportation. Another nine cadets are expected to commission this summer The Army commissioning officer and speaker was Lt. Gen. Robert L. following the Leader Development and Assessment Course at Fort Lewis, Van Antwerp, the chief of engineers and commanding general of the U.S. Washington, bringing the final total to 72. Army Corps of Engineers. He received his commission from the United This year’s commissioning class is represented by cadets from VMI, States Military Academy as an engineer second lieutenant following Washington and Lee University and Mary Baldwin College/Virginia graduation in 1972. He completed Ranger, Airborne and Air Assault Women’s Institute for Leadership. VMI’s Army ROTC Department also training, the Engineer Officer Basic Course and the Engineer Officer commissions cadets from Southern Virginia University though none Advanced Course. He holds a master of science degree in mechanical from SVU commissioned this year. engineering from the University of Michigan and a master of business After the commissioning ceremony, the new officers, family and administration degree from Long Island University in New York. The Institute Report, June 2008, Page 19 Naval ROTC Commissions 37 New Officers

By Lt. j.g. Michelle Mecklenburg, Naval ROTC T h e N a v a l ROTC U n i t approximately six months. Following commissioned 11 ensigns in the this training, they will select their Navy and 26 second lieutenants military occupational specialty and in the Marine Corps during this continue along their selected career year’s Joint ROTC Commissioning paths. Ceremony May 15th in Cameron Three of them, however, will go to Hall. During the ceremony Lt. Pensacola, Fla., after Basic School to Gen. Joseph F. Weber administered begin their training as Marine Corps the Oath of Office to the Marine aviators. Four of the ensigns will also Corps commissionees and Rear transfer to Pensacola to begin their Adm. Charles E. Smith, ’79, training as naval aviators. administered the Oath of Office to Three ensigns were selected as the Navy commissionees. surface warfare officers and will The new ensigns and second soon transfer to their ships: USS lieutenants were individually Midshipmen Walter Stull, Stephanie Mills and Jonathan Princeton (CG 59), homeported in given the Oath of Office by the Ostermann are sworn in as ensigns. – VMI Photo by Kevin San Diego, Calif., and USS Bainbridge commissioning officer of their Remington. (DDG 96) and USS Ramage (DDG choice and had their new rank pinned to their uniforms by their families 61), both homeported in Norfolk, Va. and loved ones in the “pinning on” ceremony afterward at Memorial One ensign will attend naval nuclear power training in Charleston, Garden. Finally, in an emotionally charged moment representing the S.C. prior to becoming a submarine warfare officer. culmination of four years of hard work and sacrifice, these young men Naval ROTC also has the privilege of commissioning several young and women received their first salutes as commissioned officers. officers into highly selective communities. Two ensigns will undertake The majority will begin training in their respective fields within the Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training in Coronado, Calif., in next few months. order to pursue careers as Navy SEALs. One ensign will report to The Marine Corps second lieutenants will all report to Quantico, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., to commence training in explosive ordnance Va., to undergo a rigorous training curriculum at The Basic School for disposal. It’s Straight to Graduate School for Outstanding Cadets

By Maj. Randy Maraj and Capt. Sabrina Sparkman, Air Force ROTC Two VMI Air Force ROTC C. Marshall/Hap Arnold Award cadets were recently selected winner, is a mechanical engineering to attend graduate school after student. He will also attend the AFIT commissioning through “direct Graduate School of Engineering and accession” to the Air Force Management resident campus at Institute of Technology, which Wright-Patterson. offers undergraduate, graduate Additionally, Will Flathers, an and doctoral level degrees at Air Force Distinguished Military Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Graduate and an electrical and Ohio and at civilian universities. computer engineering student, was Less than 2 percent of newly selected earlier this year as the first commissioned Air Force VMI student to receive the Marshall second lieutenants receive this Scholarship award. He will spend opportunity, and VMI cadets two years conducting research Benjamin P. Switzer and Michael Air Force ROTC cadets (from left) Benjamin P. Switzer, Michael in automatic control and systems J. Vinacco are among those elite J. Vinacco and George W. Flathers were selected to enter engineering at the University of few. Their first assignments as graduate school as their first assignments after commissioning. Sheffield in the United Kingdom. second lieutenants will be as full- Photo courtesy of Air Force ROTC. Directly following his studies, he time graduate students. will enter into the Euro-NATO Joint Switzer, a mechanical engineering major, has been selected to be an Jet Pilot Training program at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas. Air Force developmental engineer. He will attend the AFIT Graduate Having three second lieutenants selected to attend graduate school School of Engineering and Management resident campus at Wright- demonstrates the outstanding quality of VMI’s engineering programs Patterson. and the dedication to excellence of cadets Flathers, Switzer and Vinacco, an Air Force Distinguished Military Graduate and the George Vinacco. Page 20, The Institute Report, June 2008 Darrin Webb Named Director of Track and Field and Cross Country

By Brad Salois, Sports Information Longtime VMI assistant coach Darrin Webb has been and field program. named the Institute’s new director of track and field Since joining the Keydet staff, Webb has been part and cross country. of five Southern Conference team championships. “Darrin Webb has been a stalwart in his role at VMI He trained and coached 61 conference champions as an assistant and associate head track coach for and more than 90 athletes who have achieved All- 14 years,” said Donny White, athletic director. “He Conference honors in the Big South Conference and understands VMI, he knows what it takes to have a Southern Conference. successful track program, and he is a team player. I The new head coach also has to his credit a 2004 am confident that Darrin will continue VMI’s excellent Indoor NCAA All-American in the 200m, five NCAA tradition in track and field.” qualifying marks in the 100m, 200m and high jump Webb, a 1994 graduate of Syracuse University with and a 1996 provisional qualifier in the decathlon. He a degree in exercise science, came to the Institute Darrin Webb has coached five IC4A champions, in the high jump shortly after his graduation. A native of Phelps, N.Y., Webb served as (2), 55m dash and the 200m (2). an assistant under retiring VMI coach Mike Bozeman for six seasons The 2004 Indoor IC4A champion also holds the meet record of and was promoted to associate head coach in the year 2000. 20.85 in the 200m. Webb has also coached more than eight athletes “It is a great honor to be named the director of track and field and that have scored at the IC4A championships, in events ranging from cross country at Virginia Military Institute,” said Webb. “I would like the heptathlon, decathlon, pole vault, high jump, long jump, and to thank General Peay, Director White, Coach Bozeman and everyone 110-meter hurdles. in the VMI track and field and cross country community who have Since arriving at VMI, Webb has worked with athletes who have shown support for me and my family not only throughout this process, recorded over 82 top-10 performances in the history of the VMI but also over my entire 14 years at VMI. Rest assured, I will work day program, added nine new men’s school records and 21 women’s and night to build upon the successes created by the four outstanding school records. head coaches who have come before me, Coach Read, Coach Cormack, “I am excited about the future of the program, as our team possesses Coach Williams, and of course, Coach Bozeman.” both youth and outstanding senior leadership. I am confident that During his tenure at VMI, Webb’s responsibilities have included all of the program’s longtime supporters and alumni will be given a recruiting, budget management for travel, home meet management team to be extremely proud of as we go forward,” Webb said. and coordination with academic services, the admissions office and the Webb and his wife, Michelle, have a 6-year-old daughter, Savannah sports information office for all publications regarding the VMI track Louvier. The couple currently lives in Lexington.

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