THE INSTITUTE REPORT, MAY 31, 2004, PAGE 1VOLUME XXX, NUMBER 7, APRIL/MAY, 2003

Volume XXXI, Number 8 May 31, 2004

Chairman Tells VMI GradsNation Needs Their Leadership

The two hundred and thirty-fivecadets who received degreesduring the Institute’scommencement exercise May 15enter a world that needs theleadership they will provide.

That was among the messagesgiven them by Air Force Gen.Richard B. Myers, chairman of theJoint Chiefs of Staff, in hiscommencement address in acrowded Cameron Hall.

“This moment in the history ofour nation is far too important,”he said. “The stakes are incrediblyhigh. We are fighting a war againstextremists who use terror as their preferred weapon.”

Speaking just two days after returning from a visit to Iraq, Myers saidhe had confidence in Americans serving in the military and their leaders.He added that there was never a more important time for Americans toserve their country.

“You don’t have to wear auniform to serve,” he said. “Thereare plenty of ways to serve. But forthose of you who took the oath ofoffice yesterday, much will beasked of you.”He was referring to the 93 cadets

who were commissioned asofficers in the U.S. armed forcesthe day prior to graduation. Inaddition, seven internationalcadets were commissioned in themilitary services of their nativecountries.Myers said their talents as leaders

will be needed in the militaryservice. He predicted many of the new graduates who enter militaryservice will be deployed and will be asked to serve in harm’s way.

Whether in the armed forces or in civilian lives, he said, the educationthey received at VMI will stand them in good stead because they have

Continued on page 12

Students to AttendJunior War College

As many as 300 high school students from across America will cometo Lexington during the summer to participate in the first-ever JuniorWar College, according to Col. Floyd Duncan, Roberts Professor of FreeEnterprise Economics and director of the program.

“The students who attend the Junior War College are truly unique,”Duncan said. “Almost all of the students who accept this invitation areinterested in a military career — many are enrolled in JROTC pro-grams.”

Sponsored by the national non-profit organization LeadAmerica, theprogram consists of three sessions lasting 10 days each. The first ses-sion begins June 27 and the last session ends July 30. As many as 100students will participate in each session, and they will use facilities atboth VMI and Washington and Lee University.

LeadAmerica sponsors a variety of invitational leadership conferencesfor young people with leadership potential. Through briefings and

Continued on page 11

Cadet Matthew York ’04 General Richard Myers

Little Sorrel, Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson’s warhorse, is man-handled up the steps of the Marshall Museum to its temporaryexhibit space. The horse died in 1886 and its hide was mountedon a wood-and-plaster frame. Little Sorrel was moved May 24 asthe VMI Museum is being cleared for renovations that will beginearly next year.

PAGE 2, THE INSTITUTE REPORT, MAY 31, 2004

The Institute ReportOffice of Communications and Marketing

Col. Ken White, DirectorLt. Col. Stewart MacInnis, Associate Director

Burton Floyd, Publications Manager

Other Contributors:Chris Clark; Kevin Remington; Scott Belliveau ’83; Capt. Kristin L. Galloway, USAF;

CDR Timothy McElhannon, USN; Maj. John Wranek, USA ’85; Wade Branner ’83;Amy DeHart; Cadets Joel Andrus ’04.

Printing – The News-Gazette, Lexington, Va.The Institute Report is published by the VMI Office of Communications and Marketing. Eightissues are printed during the academic year. Inquiries, suggestions, news items, or addresschanges should be directed to Editor, The Institute Report, VMI Communications and Marketing,Lexington, Virginia 24450-0304. Current and past issues are available on the world wide web at:

http://new.vmi.edu/show.asp?durki=458Telephone 540-464-7207 Fax 540-464-7443 E-Mail:vmireport@vmi.edu

Warfare Specialist to Take Biggs ChairDr. Geoffrey Jensen, an expert on counterinsurgency and modern European military history, will join the fac-

ulty in August to take the prestigious John Biggs ’30 Cin- cinnati Chair in Military History.Jensen is currently an associate professor of history at University of Southern Mississippi.“Geoff Jensen is one of the most brilliant historians

working in the areas of counterinsurgency and modernmilitary history, and I am very eager to have him at VMIand working with our cadets,” said Brig. Gen. Charles F.Brower IV, deputy superintendent and dean of the fac-ulty. “Military history is a natural and valued niche forVMI, and by joining our faculty Geoff provides additionalluster to that aspect of our curriculum.”

A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Indiana University, Jensenearned both his master’s and doctoral degrees at Yale. During 1999-2000, he was a visiting senior lecturer at Great Britain’s Royal MilitaryAcademy, Sandhurst.

Jensen is an internationally respected scholar whose primary aca-demic interest is modern European military history. He is author of theforthcoming biography, Franco: Soldier, Commander, Dictator. Hisother major publications include Irrational Triumph: Cultural De-spair, Military Nationalism, and the Ideological Origins of Franco’sSpain and War in the Age of Technology: The Myriad Faces of Mod-ern Armed Conflict, co-edited with Andrew Wiest.

He has also published articles or chapters in the SSPHS Bulletin, LaHistoria en el 92, and the Journal of Contemporary History. He has

received Mellon, Fulbright, and MacArthur FoundationFellowships. Jensen has begun a book-length study ofSpanish colonial policies in North Africa.“I’m very excited about coming to VMI,” Jensen said.

“I especially look forward to teaching the Institute’scadets and joining such a strong history department. Ihave always been impressed with VMI’s strong sense oftradition and history, and I feel honored to become apart of it.”

Jensen’s courses this fall at VMI will be “A Broken World: Europefrom 1919-1945,” and “Modern Spain: Civil War and Colonial Con-flict.” He also expects to involve cadets in his research program, perhapsincluding archival research in Spain and elsewhere in Europe duringthe summers. He plans to continue his research into, and teaching of,European counterinsurgency in North Africa and its relationship to simi-lar campaigns elsewhere.

In addition to his teaching duties, Jensen will continue as editor ofSociety for Spanish and Portuguese Historical Studies Bulletin, animportant journal with an international readership that he will bringwith him to VMI.

NSF Funds Planning for Chemistry ConsortiumThe National Science Foundation has provided $50,000 to plan for an Undergraduate Research Center in Chemistry by a consortium of

educational institutions that includes VMI, said Col. Henry Schreiber, outgoing head of the Department of Chemistry.Schreiber credited Dr. Rob Granger of Sweet Briar College and principal investigator for the project, for pulling together a proposal that was

well received at the NSF. Granger taught at VMI from 1993 to 1999.A detailed proposal seeking as much as $1 million over several years to implement the project will be produced with the planning grant, and

is expected to be submitted in time for consideration by NSF in January.The consortium will allow each institution to draw on the strengths of other members. The institutions have had a combined total of 43

summer undergraduate researchers in chemistry. Implementation of the project will allow that number to be doubled within five years, and willallow for the placement of 20 additional students each summer either in an internship or in a cooperative experience.

In addition, the consortium will help provide improvements to facilities and instrumentation at the member institutions, as well as create aformal network of stakeholders and new partnerships with industry and K-12 schools in the region.

Other members of the consortium are Lynchburg College, Randolph-Macon Woman’s College, Hampden-Sydney College, Washington and LeeUniversity, and Hollins University. Additionally, faculty at Central Virginia Community College and the Central Virginia Governor’s School for Mathand Science have expressed and interest in participating in the consortium.

Report to Investors andHonor Roll of Donors On-Line

The VMI Alumni Agencies’ Report to Investors and the HonorRoll of Donors for Fiscal Year 2003 remain available on the VMIwebsite. Links to both publications can be found on the homepageof the VMI Foundation: www.vmi.edu/show.asp?durki=774. Both arepresented in Adobe PDF format.

A printed version of the Honor Roll of Donors will appear in theforthcoming edition of the VMI Alumni Review. An unbound, printedversion of the Report to Investors is available as well. Requestsshould be directed to Scott Belliveau ’83, the VMI Foundation’s di-rector of communications. He may be reached by telephone at (800)444-1839, extension 242, or via e-mail at reportrequest@vmiaa.org.

THE INSTITUTE REPORT, MAY 31, 2004, PAGE 3

Annual Giving Making a Strong FinishThe rapid pace with which Reveille is approaching the $200 million mark can be credited to a number of people, but a group deserving

special mention is this year’s donors to VMI Annual Giving.As of May 1, all three funds that constitute Annual Giving have posted gains over their performance last year and are performing so strongly

that there is a good chance that Annual Giving could surpass the record of $3.8 million set just last year.Last year, the Foundation Fund had raised $1.26 million by this time; this year, it already has received $1.39 million. The Keydet Club

Scholarship Fund had raised about $888,000 by last May; it started May 2004 with more than $1.05 million. The Athletic Operations Fund hasmade extraordinary gains, taking in $495,219 by May 1 — an increase of $217,893 over its tally of a year ago.

All told, VMI Annual Giving’s receipts are up by $519,299 from last year at this time and total $2,947,061.The VMI Alumni Agencies have been concerned about the decrease in the percentage of alumni who donate to Annual Giving. The latest

figures, however, show a dramatic increase in alumni participation and within all three funds. Thus, as of May 1, VMI Annual Giving had 3,243donors, a gain of 620 from 2,623 on May 1, 2003.

“It is, of course, very satisfying to see the increase in dollars that have been received by all three funds,” said Jane Dunlap, acting director ofAnnual Giving. “The big news, however, is that this year may prove to be the one in which 14 years of decline in alumni participation is reversed.In the next few weeks, we hope that the momentum of these past few months continues and Annual Giving ends fiscal year 2004 by not onlysetting a new contribution record, but also by positively changing the direction of participation in this annual effort to support VMI and itsexciting future.”

Reveille: Down the Stretch It Comes!

Pierpoint Named Olmsted ScholarAir Force Capt. Nathan R. Pierpoint ’98 is among 17 officers from all military branches selected in as Olmsted Scholars this year.The scholarship will allow Pierpoint, an electronic warfare officer, to study for two years at Budapest University of Economics. Pierpoint is only

the second VMI graduate to win one of the prestigious Olmsted Scholarships. He is scheduled to begin his two-year course of studies in Budapestin September.

Established by the late Maj. Gen. George Olmsted, the program’s aim is to give rising American military leaders more exposure and sensitivityto foreign cultures – something Olmsted thought Americans lacked.

A 1922 West Point graduate, Olmsted was instrumental in setting up a network of factories and supply routes along China’s rivers during WorldWar II. While in China, he had to interact with Chinese and Japanese officials. It was then he realized that in order for our nation to prosper, wehad to understand other cultures.

The George and Carol Olmsted Foundation provides educational grants for career line officers from the four branches of the military to pursuegraduate-level studies in a foreign country. With this year’s scholars, more than 400 officers have studied in 48 countries in the 46 years since theprogram was established.

In the months of May and June, even casual sports fans are aware ofthe running of the storied Triple Crown. Undeniably, the most thrillingpart of a race, like the Preakness, comes when the horses pound downthe stretch toward the finish line.

Now, Reveille: A Call to Excel is in its own home stretch with thefinish line of June 30 in sight.

While a comprehensive capital campaign’s final days might not makepeople leap to their feet to watch the finish, what they might mean forVMI’s future is worth the attention of the VMI family. Spurred by a strongperformance by Annual Giving, as of May 1 the campaign had raised$196.4 million in gifts and commitments.

In other words, it was less than $4 million away from the $200 millionmark with a mere eight weeks to go.

“As always, I am satisfied by the campaign’s progress in terms ofdollars pledged and received because every penny raised means astronger VMI,” said George G. Phillips Jr. ’60, chairman of Reveille. “Iam pleased that, too, of the more than 15,500 people who have made agift or commitment, 8,152 are alumni. That’s 56 percent of our alumni!

“Now, its time for those who have procrastinated about Reveille to jointhis effort,” Phillips added. “If just 2,000 donors made a commitment of

$200 a year for five years, it would mean $2 million for VMI overthe next five years and do a lot to fulfill Reveille’s overarchinggoal: to accelerate the progress of every program at VMI.”

Keep Up with ReveilleWith The Institute Report on hiatus until late August, the

best way to keep up with Reveille: A Call toExcel will be on the campaign’s site on theWorld Wide Web.

Hosted by the VMI website, the Reveillesite will feature updates on the campaign’sprogress in its last few weeks and storiesrelated to the campaign, including profilesof people who are prominent in philan-thropy on behalf of VMI.

The address for the Reveille news page is:www.vmi.edu/show.asp?durki=140. So, please visit, bookmarkthe site, and return often for updated news and features asReveille finishes its important work for the Institute.

PAGE 4, THE INSTITUTE REPORT, MAY 31, 2004

Undergraduate Research ProgramAchieves National Recognition

VMI’s Undergraduate ResearchProgram continues to grow in stat-ure with invitations forpresentations and articles con-cerning the program extended fora national audience of educators.

In addition, VMI is joining withWashington & Lee University tohost the 2005 National Conferenceof Undergraduate Research, orNCUR, next April.

NCUR is the only annual eventfor undergraduate students at hun-dreds of colleges nationwide topresent research from a broad lib-eral arts curricula, politics tophysics, literature to fine arts.More than 2,500 students and fac-ulty members from across thenation are expected to attend the2005 conference in Lexington.

Col. James E. Turner ’65, pro-fessor of chemistry/biology and director of Undergraduate Research,was asked to address the 2004 NCUR conference on the “Institutional-ization of Undergraduate Research at VMI.” Turner was also elected toa three-year term to the NCUR Board of Governors.

Turner said VMI was also invited to submit an article on the Institute’sUndergraduate Research Initiative for the Council for UndergraduateResearch national publication, Quarterly.

VMI stresses undergraduate research in all disciplines. Research in-volves scholarly activity in the broadest sense: as either an applicationof professional expertise or as a critical investigation conducted ac-cording to standards of the discipline involved.

Every academic department sponsors individual cadet projects, rec-ognizing that often the most meaningful academic experiences comethrough one-on-one interactions with faculty advisers outside the tra-ditional classroom environment.

The largest contingent of VMI cadets ever made presentations to the2004 national conference. Seventeen cadets attended the 2004 NCURconference held in Indianapolis, April 15-17.

In addition, five faculty members and one staff member accompa-nied the cadets from the Departments of Biology, Chemistry, CivilEngineering, Electrical Engineering, History, as well as the Undergradu-ate Research Office. Overall, cadets made sixteen presentations andsubmitted eight manuscripts for publication in the NCUR 2004 Pro-ceedings, which was the largest number ever for VMI.

Eight cadets representing the biology department were Josh Fox ’04,Matt Park ’04, Andy Cochet ’05, Joshua Simulcik ’05, Yang-His Tsai’05, Heather Brown ’06, Jessica Fulton ’06, and Mary Kathryn Osborne’06. Turner and Maj. Wade Bell, assistant professor of biology, mentoredthe biology cadets.

Cadets Derrick Borthwick ’04, Andrew Paul ’04, and Heather Marie

Miras ’06 represented the chem-istry department. Turner mentoredthe chemistry cadets.

Cadet Matt Anderson ’04 at-tended from the Department ofCivil Engineering. Col. GriggMullen, professor of civil engineer-ing, mentored Anderson.

The Department of ElectricalEngineering was represented bycadets Kanchanadet Banchusuwan’05 and Wei-Han Jeng ’05, whowere mentored by Col. ShawnAddington, professor of electricalengineering. Another EE team con-sisting of cadets Paul Kuwick ’05,Thomas Largi ’05, and DennisCrump ’06, was mentored by Maj.Jim Squire, assistant professor ofelectrical engineering.

Cadet Charles Feazelle ’05 of theDepartment of History was

mentored by Col. Malcolm Muir, professor of history and director ofthe Adams ’71 Center for Military History and Strategic Analysis.

The Physics Department was represented by a presentation of thework of Cadet Rob Serig ’04. He was mentored by Lt. Col. Stacy Vargas,associate professor of physics and astronomy.

Also attending the meeting was Mary Wright, special assistant to thedean, Col. Turk McCleskey, professor of history and the NCUR 2005Program Co-Chair, and Washington and Lee faculty members.

Marshall Day

More than 75 cadets presented the results of their research in morethan 60 sessions during the Undergraduate Research Symposiumheld April 20. The sessions representing research by cadets in ev-ery discipline represented at VMI, and showed the depth ofcommitment to undergraduate research, said Brig. Gen. Charles F.Brower IV, deputy superintendent for academics and dean of thefaculty.

A helicopter lands on VMI’s parade ground on Marshall Day,April 16. Hundreds of cadets and visitors took the opportunity

to view the numerous displays of military equipment.

THE INSTITUTE REPORT, MAY 31, 2004, PAGE 5

Cadets Recognized at Awards CeremonyThe Institute recognized the accomplishments of cadets during the

annual Cadets Awards Ceremony held May 13 at J.M. Hall.The awards were presented by Dolores Smith, president of the Virginia

Division of the United Daughters of the Confederacy; Rebecca Ferguson,recorder general of military service awards for the United Daughters ofthe Confederacy; Capt. Norman Jasper, member of the Military Order ofWorld Wars and department commander of the Military Order of thePurple Heart; Sam Ukrop, member of the Sixth Marine DivisionAssociation; Wilfred Howsmon Jr., chairman of the BurressMarksmanship Award of the 100th Infantry Division Association; andCol. Thomas Fergusson, U.S. Army (retired).

The John Ryd Bush Award, to a member of the fourth class deemedmost worthy because of valiant character and military proficiency, toDaniel Strasser ’07.

The John Randolph Tucker Carmichael Award (third class), forsignificant accomplishments in biology studies, to Mary Osborne ’06.

The Alvin F. Meyer, Class of 1941 Award, to the first-standing firstclassman in civil engineering studies, to Eric Hepfer ’04.

The Civil Engineering Award, to the graduating member of the civilengineering curriculum who is declared by the department head tohave stood first in civil engineering for four years to Eric Hepfer ’04.

The John Bowie Gray Award, to the first-standing third classman incivil engineering, to Kyle Schriefer ’06.

The Lemuel MacKennie Long Jarman Award, for outstandingscholarship, conduct, and character in a member of the fourth class, toJamaal Walton ’07.

The Philip H. Killey Award (second class), for significantaccomplishments in biology studies, to Walter Shakespeare ’05.

The Commodore Matthew Fontaine Maury Award, to the first-standinggraduate in the mathematics/computer science curriculum, to MorganHarris ’04.

The John H. French Medal, to a member of the graduating class forhighest proficiency in mathematics, to Morgan Harris ’04.

The United Daughters of the Confederacy Stonewall Jackson Award,to the first-standing graduate in the physics curriculum, ThananartKlongcheongsan ’04.

The Ralph Bowen Linville Award, for excellence by a member of thefourth class majoring in chemistry, to Carolyn Lanier ’07.

The Richard F. Stolz International Studies Award, for the graduatingInternational Studies major who best exemplifies integrity, scholarship,and an abiding curiosity of international affairs, to Ryan Consaul ’04.

The Colonel Herbert Nash Dillard ’34 Memorial Award, to a memberof the graduating class best emulating Col. Dillard’s scholarship anddedication to a broad liberal arts education, to Ryan Consaul ’04.

The Adolfo Ponzanelli Award, for excellence in the study of modernlanguages to a cadet in the graduating class, to Peter Dreisbach Jr. ’04.

The Alan D’Andelot Belin Memorial Prize, to a fourth classman whohas earned the respect of their Brother Rats and the Corps of Cadets byperformance within the rat system, to Salvatore Sferrazza Jr. ’07.

The Intercollegiate Sports Awards, for all-round excellence inintercollegiate athletics, to Kelly Sweppenhiser ’06 and Jason Cox ’04.

The Paul R. Meyer ’24 Award (fourth class), for significantaccomplishments in biology studies, to Daniel Plitnik ’04.

The Herbert E. Ritchey Third Class Award, for excellence in the studyof organic chemistry, to Seth Brunner ’06.

The Asa S. Dearing Medal to a member of the graduating class whohas demonstrated the highest proficiency in the study of English andEnglish Literature, to Robert Gregory II ’04.

The Military Order of the Purple Heart Leadership Award, to a secondclassman from each of the four ROTC components and a cadet thatholds rank within the corps of cadets. The recipients of this awardhave distinguished themselves through selfless service, integrity,initiative, and courage while in a leadership position, to Marine, SaulNewsome ’05; Navy, Conor Heely ’05; Air Force, Derek Rankin ’05; andArmy, Eric Huggard ’05.

The Patrick Henry Patriotism Award to a cadet who has excelled inpatriotic activities in memory of Dr. Charles A. Young ‘38, to TerrenceSlack ’06.

The Francis H. Smith Award, to a cadet of the rising first class whohas exhibited outstanding academic achievement, extracurricularparticipation, leadership ability, and demonstrated potential for aprofessional career, to Ty Denby ’05 and Jonathan Corrado ’05.

The Charles H. Dayhuff. Jr. ’31 First Captain Award, to the highest-ranking cadet in the cadet regiment for 2004-2005, to Jonathan Corrado’05.

The Captain John W. Kennedy ‘69 Award, to the outstanding Air ForceROTC graduate, to Roderick James ’04.

The Scottish-American Military Society Dirk Award, to a cadet whoexhibits leadership characteristics in keeping with the Scottish AmericanMilitary Traditions, to Scott Campbell ’04.

The Maj. Gen. Richard C. Coupland ‘15 Electrical Engineering Award,to a second classman majoring in electrical engineering who hasdemonstrated academic excellence, outstanding leadership abilities,and high moral standards, to Kanchanadet Banchusuwan ’05.

The Leslie German Second Class Award, for excellence in the study ofanalytical chemistry, to Daniel Harrison ’05.

The Herbert E. Ritchey First Class Award, for excellence in the studyof organic chemistry to Jillian Hafer ’04.

The Richard Driggs LeMay Jr. Award, for highest proficiency in militaryhistory, to Benjamin Nehrke ’04.

The Commander Harry Millard Mason Military Proficiency Award, toa graduating cadet selected as the most militarily proficient, to BenjaminNehrke ’04.

The Lt. Randolph T. Townsend Award, to the first-standing graduatein the history curriculum, to Nadia Wendlandt ’04.

The James Preston Taylor Award, to a fourth classman for outstandingacademic achievement in civil engineering, to Jessee Kopczynski ’07.

The Henry Johnson Award, to an outstanding athletic team managerchosen by the athletic director and the coaches of the athletic teams, toMichael Bang ’04.

The Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the United StatesMedal, to a graduating cadet who has demonstrated significantimprovement in leadership skills, to Raymond L’Heureux Jr. ’04.

Gen. Douglas MacArthur Cadet Award, to a cadet emulating andpracticing the qualities exemplified by Douglas MacArthur anddemonstrating the most soldierly performance by a senior class cadetconsidering academics, athletics, and leadership, to Benjamin Hassell’04.

The Col. Earl L. Brown Award, to VMI’s Marshall ROTC awardContinued on page 12

PAGE 6, THE INSTITUTE REPORT, MAY 31, 2004

Firebot Rolls Into Top 10 at International MeetMore than 1,000 hours and $500 after they

started, six cadets from the Department of Electri-cal Engineering were on their way to Hartford,Conn., in mid-April to compete in the 11th AnnualTrinity College Fire Fighting Robot Contest. The ef-fort gained the team the ninth-place ranking of the55 teams competing in the senior division of theinternational competition among engineering stu-dents.

Cadets Matt York ’04, Ryan Shealy ’04, Christo-pher Johnson ’04, Edward Cooper ’04, JoshuaWright ’04 and Wei-Han Jeng ’05 attended the con-test, along with three 2nd Classmen who observed.Also working on the robot project with those whoattended the contest were Cadets John Puvogel ’04and David Smit ’05.

The team’s showing in the Trinity contest wasnot the first success brought by the project. Theteam also beat out a team of Virginia Tech engi-neering students in a Feb. 19 regional competitionsponsored by the Virginia Mountain Section of the Institute of Electricaland Electronic Engineers.

The firefighting robot project was part of a senior design course thatwas conducted over the last several semesters. The cadets began work-ing on the robot during spring semester of 2003, finished building itthis past fall, and finally took the robot to the contest, which was heldApril 17-18, according to York.

Teaching the capstone design course in which the cadets designed,

built, and refined the robot were Col. Dan Barr,Col. Dave Livingston, and Lt. Col. Todd Smith.

“Stoop Run,” as the VMI team named its robot,worked with infrared sensors. As it would cometo each room, it would search the room for theinfrared light that the candle flame would giveoff, and if it found the flame it would approach itand extinguish it with its fan built in to the top ofthe robot.

The purpose of the contest was to simulate ahousehold fire, which meant the robot had to startitself from a tone that resembled that of a smokedetector, autonomously search individual roomsfor the fire, when the fire — in this case, a candle— is found it would extinguish it, and then re-turn to its original starting position. The cadetsdesigned the robot with the ability to navigatearound furniture and to travel over uneven sur-faces.

The contest was graded on the amount of timethat the robot took to complete these tasks, but time could either beadded for penalties or reduced for bonus points, said Johnson. Penal-ties included touching the wall or the candle, and bonus points couldbe collected by giving the robot extra obstacles to maneuver around.

This is the 11th year that the Trinity contest has been held. Thoughcadets have competed in other robotics competitions in recent years,this was the first time a contingent from VMI has participated in theTrinity contest.

Cadet Wei-Han Jeng uses a smoke de-tector alarm to activate “Stoop Run.”

Cadets Give Presentation on MentoringCadets Brandon Smith ’04 and Chase Porter ’05 recently presented the session “Peer Academic Mentoring: A Unique Paradigm” to audiences

at regional and national conferences. Co-presenting was Lt. Col. Anna Crockett, director of the Miller Academic Center.In March they presented at the Mid-Atlantic meeting of the College Learning and Reading Association, or CRLA, in Lynchburg. In April they

made their presentation at the national “Diversity In Mentoring” conference in Tampa, Fla.The presentations described VMI’s program that connects successful upperclassmen with new cadets whose quarterly grades raise concerns.Crockett said both Smith and Porter are among the nearly 30 cadet mentors who volunteer their time each year to help other cadets. VMI’s

academic mentoring program was developed in accordance with CRLA certification requirements that set standards for mentor selection,mentor training, and assessment of mentoring programs. The VMI program was awarded certification last August.

“The mentoring experience is valuable in many ways,” Crockett said. “Mentoring gives outstanding cadets a chance to develop their skills.Strengthening their communication, leadership, and academic skills not only helps them become effective mentors, but gives them an edge asjob, professional school, and graduate school applicants.”

Cadets who are recommended by faculty, staff, and current mentors based on academic skills and personal qualities are invited to apply toserve as mentors. They receive eight hours of training at the beginning of the year and additional training on a regular basis as the academic yearprogresses. Mentors are facilitators who guide their partners in identifying obstacles to success, constructing a plan, and monitoring progress.The mentors and their new cadet partners meet at least once a week.

“Officially, the mentoring lasts one semester,” Crockett said. “However, cadets often develop a strong mentoring partnership and choose tocontinue beyond that term. In addition, it takes time to change attitudes and habits. Sometimes the changes can be quite dramatic; other times,changes are more subtle and are internalized over a period of time.”

New cadets face the same challenge all new college students face — a sudden freedom from parental supervision. VMI’s demanding academiccurriculum is another challenge, because many cadets haven’t had to work hard for good grades, and for that reason have not developed strongstudy skills. Cadets also face the additional challenges imposed by the strict military environment of Post. Mentors help their partners learn tobalance multiple responsibilities.

“One of the most important messages that mentors have to impart is that cadets have choices,” Crockett said. “They make decisions everyminute of their daily lives. Helping them recognize obstacles, identify options, and make responsible choices are cornerstones of the program.”

Crockett stresses that mentors aren’t tutors who assist with specific courses; rather, one of the mentor’s primary roles is to serve as liaison tothe other resources available to cadets on Post, ultimately helping their partners succeed by becoming self-responsible.

THE INSTITUTE REPORT, MAY 31, 2004, PAGE 7

Cadet Honors AncestorAmong New Market Fighters

When Cadet John C. Ginder, second lieutenantof the Corps of Cadet’s Company C, marched inthe school’s annual New Market Ceremony May 14,he was paying homage to the 261 cadets whocharged Federal guns during the Battle of NewMarket.

He was also paying homage to the cadet who, in1864, was the second lieutenant of Company C andfought in that battle — Ginder’s great-, great-grandfather, Albert Boggess. With VMI’scommencement exercise — and Ginder’s gradu-ation — occurring on May 15, the anniversary ofthe battle, the New Market ceremony was held aday earlier.

“It’s a little strange, but it’s really cool,” said thenative Texan. “It’s especially cool when you thinkthat I’m graduating 140 years to the day from thebattle.”

The battle marked the only time the entire Corpsof Cadets of any American military school has fought as a unit in abattle. The victory against the Union forces that day came with a price:10 of the “New Market” cadets who made the charge were killed and47 were wounded.

Ginder’s great-, great-grandfather’s uncle, Caleb Boggess, was a mem-ber of the Class of 1845 and began the family tradition of sending arepresentative to VMI every generation or so. Ginder is the sixth mem-ber of the family to attend VMI

The Boggess clan haled from the Ten-Mile Creek community nearClarksburg in present-day West Virginia. When Virginia seceded in 1861,the state’s western counties separated from the Old Dominion and wereestablished as a member state of the Union. After the war, Ginder’sgreat-, great-grandfather found the West Virginians back home less thanwelcoming to a Confederate veteran, so he moved to Texas and joinedthe faculty of Baylor University.

“From that started a tradition of the men of the family returning toMother Virginia to attend VMI for two years, then finishing up at Baylorand then marrying a good Southern Baptist woman,” said Ginder’s fa-ther, Bill, who broke both traditions. He completed his four years atVMI, graduating in 1971. He also he married a Presbyterian.

Bill Ginder’s grandfather, Robert W. Boggess Sr. ‘13, influenced himto attend VMI.

“I had never laid eyes on VMI, but I knew this was the only place Iwanted to go to school,” said the Houston, Texas, area commercial realestate marketing associate. “He was always telling stories about it andtelling what it was like. I thought he had graduated from VMI. I nevereven knew that he had gone to Baylor and got his degree there.”

Other members of the family who attended VMI were Albert BoggessJr. ’27 and a cousin of William Ginder’s grandfather, and Robert W.Boggess Jr. ’40, who was killed in action during World War II.

The younger Ginder had grown up on stories about VMI and wasdetermined to attend there as well. He knew from the stories that ca-dets who made themselves conspicuous often attracted the unwanted

attention of upper classmen. His plan to keep alow profile was shattered in his first days at VMIwhen the superintendent at the time, Lt. Gen.Josiah Bunting III, sought him out for a conver-sation.

“He said my father had written asking for meto be assigned to Company C because my great-,great-grandfather was a member of the company,”John Ginder said. “There was no low profile afterthat.”

Over the years, John Ginder has stood out inother ways, working his way up through the rankstructure of the Corps of Cadets. He served as abattalion color sergeant one year. This year, inhis last year at VMI, he was appointed second lieu-tenant of his company.

“I got lucky to be in C Company to begin with,”he said. “Then when I was made second lieuten-ant it was great, but at first it didn’t dawn on me

that here I was in the same position” as his great-, great-grandfather.“New Market is my favorite parade of the year,” he said. “It’s differ-

ent from all the other parades. There’s a very special reason we do it.”And for him, there is an extra reason: When Ginder executed the

eyes-right salute as the Corps marched past Virginia Mourning HerDead he knew the name of Albert Boggess is listed as second lieutenantof Company C in the list of cadets who fought to rout Union forces fromthe field of battle that day 140 years earlier.

Cadets approach the finish line of the Boston Marathon wherethey marched the distance to raise awareness about servicemembers lost in combat in the War on Terror. The cadets, all 2004graduates commissioned into military service, were Josh Mulford,Ross Garrett, Richard Connaroe, Joseph DiDomenico, and JustinBierens, Also participating was ROTC Instructor Capt. JoseDeVarona. The group also raised money for Treats for Troops, anorganization that sends packages to deployed service members.

John Ginder and his father Bill.

PAGE 8, THE INSTITUTE REPORT, MAY 31, 2004

Awards Convocation CelebratesSuccess of Faculty, Cadets

The Institute’s annual awards convocation held April 27 in CameronHall brought recognition to a range of faculty members and cadets whohave dedicated themselves to the mission of VMI.

Institute Professorships were awarded to:— Col. Dale Buckner, professor of civil engineering, was awarded

the Benjamin H. Hardaway ’13 Institute Professorship. His rigor as ateacher, his prolific scholarly and research efforts, his service to theprofession of civil engineering, and his leadership as the head of theDepartment of Civil and Environmental Engineering were cited in theaward of the professorship.

— Lt. Col. Shawn Addington, associate professor of electrical andcomputer engineering, was awarded the Jamison-Payne Institute Pro-fessorship. He has been effective in the classroom and the laboratoryas a colleague, adviser, mentor, and teacher. He was instrumental inthe establishment of a microelectronics concentration, which has pro-duced numerous undergraduate research experiences. Cadets havepresented their research findings at a number of prestigious regionaland national conferences.

— Capt. Michael Sexton, professor of mechanical engineering, wasawarded the Charles S. Luck Jr. ’20 Institute Professorship. His uniquemix of academic, military, and industrial experiences allow him to bringrigorous academic subjects and professional practice together in theclassroom. He is a trusted adviser and mentor to cadets and facultymembers. During his tenure as department head, his department suc-cessfully completed an ABET accreditation.

Receiving the Award for Distinguished Teaching were:—Lt. Col. James J. Hentz, associate professor of international stud-

ies, for inspiring cadets by challenging them in their studies, sparkingcreativity and critical judgment.

—Col. Peter Hoadley, professor of civil engineering, for demanding,dedicated, and effective teaching style. He is accessible to students, of-ten helping them outside of class and demonstrating the importance of

life-long learning by regular involvement in professional activities.— Col. Richard Rowe, professor of biology, for leading the Biology

Department through a major curricular revision, the development of aconcentration in cell and molecular biology and in microbiology, andthe modernization of laboratories. He is valued by cadets as a teacher,counselor, and mentor.

Receiving Faculty Merit Scholarships were:— Cadet Jonathan Corrado ’05, mechanical engineering, who has a

3.963 grade point average and participated in both sessions of the Un-dergraduate Research Symposium last summer, was cited for his“persistent work ethic, his dependability, and his consistently outstandingcourse work.”

— Cadet Mark Lenzi ’05, economics, who has a 4.0 grade pointaverage, was cited for his “stellar academic record” and dedication toacademic excellence.

— Cadet Daniel Harrison ’05, chemistry, who has a 3.844 gradepoint average, was cited for “a wonderful work ethic and being a joy toteach in that he is forever interested and enthusiastic about his sub-jects.” He also received the Chemistry Department’s German Award asthe top student in analytical chemistry.

Receiving the Wilbur S. Hinman Jr. ’26 Research Award for excel-lence in stimulating, encouraging, and conducting research were:

— Cadet Jillian Hafer ’04, chemistry, and Maj. Daren Timmons, as-sistant professor of chemistry. Hafer’s research in inorganic chemistryover two years is expected to form the bases for two publications inpeer-reviewed journals, as well as the presentation of the results of herwork at a prestigious national meeting. Timmons, who supervised Hafer’sresearch, was cited as a superb mentor and advocate of undergraduateresearch.

— Cadet Jason Brightwell ’04, psychology; Capt. William Hughes,professor of psychology; Lt. Col. Lenna Ojure, learning disabilities co-ordinator in the Miller Academic Center; and Air Force Capt. Kristin

THE INSTITUTE REPORT, MAY 31, 2004, PAGE 9

Galloway, assistant professor of aerospace studies. Brightwell’s study ofthe relationship between schizophrenic spectrum disorders and EEGpatterns formed the basis of a presentation he made to the Associationfor Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback. The faculty memberscited served as mentors to Brightwell during his research.

— Cadet Jonathan Corrado ’05, mechanical engineering, and Maj.Jon-Michael Hardin, assistant professor of mechanical engineering.Corrado collaborated with Hardin on an investigation of metal fatigue.Corrado is continuing his research during this year’s Summer Under-graduate Research Institute, and expects to report his findings at the2005 National Conference on Undergraduate Research.

— Cadet Austin House ’05, history, and Col. Mark Wilkinson, pro-fessor of history. House and Wilkinson collaborated on the productionof a study of the Japanese planning for the attack on Pearl Harbor.House examined the papers of the late historian Gordon Prange andmarshaled the previously unpublished interview notes and other pri-mary sources to support the thesis of his paper.

The Thomas Jefferson Teaching Award was presented to Maj. DarenTimmons, assistant professor of chemistry. He was cited for his supportto cadets in and out of class, and his success in developing young re-searchers through the undergraduate research program.

Receiving the Matthew Fontaine Maury Research Award were:— Maj. Matthew Hyre, assistant professor of mechanical engineer-

ing. His research in glass forming technology has resulted in numerouspublications and presentations. He has involved 23 cadets in 15 differ-ent undergraduate research projects while teaching a full load. Hisresearch efforts both enhance his classroom teaching and provide ba-sic research opportunities for cadets.

—Lt. Col. David Rachels, professor of English. Scholarly books hehas edited have been published, he is a co-editor of new editions ofpopular Civil War novels, and he has contributed numerous articles toprestigious scholarly journals and anthologies. In addition, he has writ-ten or co-written novels, screenplays, and short stories.

Receiving the Faculty Mentor Award were: Eric Osborne, adjunct as-sistant professor of history; Maj. Troy Siemers, assistant professor ofmathematics; Col. Holly Richardson, professor of physical education;Capt. James Cook, assistant professor of military science; and Col. JohnBrodie, director of the Regimental Band.

Receiving the Distinguished Coaching Award was William J. Nicholson,head swimming coach. In only his second year as swim coach he leadthe team to a second place finish in the conference meet. More cadetsare members of the team since Nicholson took charge, and the teamgrade point average is the highest among VMI varsity sports. He is inthe process of building a women’s swim program.

Receiving the Award for Distinguished Service were:— Maj. David Hess Jr., head of media services, for his “technical

competence, patience, and easy-going pleasant manner.” He helps fac-ulty and cadets, serves as professional librarian in reference andcollection development responsibilities, and serves regularly as AOC inBarracks.

—Felicia Matheny, benefits administrator, for assisting new, current,and retiring employees in securing benefits; helping more than 100VMI retirees and widows in the area with health insurance and Medi-care claims and tirelessly battling the bureaucracy of pension plansand health insurance providers for employees.

— Clifford W. “Buck” Shorter, assistant director of physical plant,for working many hours after normal duty times to make emergencyrepairs; working tirelessly to repair damage from the 1995 flood; anddisplaying a strong sense of integrity in the supervision of departmentpersonnel.

Cadet Josh Mulford ’04 receives an 1866 Boston, Hartford & ErieRail Road Company bond certificate with a sheet of couponsattached in recognition of recieving the Captain of Industry Award.The award, inaugurated by the late G. Haley Garrison Jr. ’61,recognizes the cadet considered the most valuable player in theCadet Investment Group. Presenting the award were Garrison’sdaughter, Iona (left), and his widow, Hannelore.

Sauder Physics AwardCadet Robert W. Serig ’04 wasawarded the Sauder PhysicsAward for outstanding academicand undergraduate researchachievement. The award was es-tablished in memory of WilliamSauder, who served in the de-partment 43 years until hisdeath in 1998. Serig, who gradu-ated in May, was commissionedan ensign in the Navy and isscheduled to attend flightschool.

House Wins AwardCadet Austin House ’04 won a second place award in the state Phi

Alpha Theta conference held in April with his paper “Minoru GendaOpened Their Eyes.”

The paper traces the background and contribution of CommanderGenda, a Japanese officer generally credited with being responsible forplanning the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor. The paper was prepared aspart of House’s project in the history department’s capstone experiencecourse under the direction of Col. Mark Wilkinson, professor of history.

In researching his paper, House examined papers of the late historianGordon Prange at the University of Maryland at College Park. Prange,who taught at the university, interviewed Genda during the Americanoccupation of Japan after World War II. The interview results appearedin Prange’s account of the Pearl Harbor attack, At Dawn We Slept.

PAGE 10, THE INSTITUTE REPORT, MAY 31, 2004

Rare Firearms to Find a Place in MuseumFor Col. Keith Gibson ’77, the frustration in having an outstanding collection of rare firearms in the possession of the VMI Museum but not

being able to display them will continue for another two years until renovations to Jackson Memorial Hall are completed.Cramped quarters at the museum have prevented the display of more than a small selection from the collection. The renovations that are

currently underway will greatly increase the space available for exhibits.The Porter Revolving Vertical Turret Rifle and the Artemus Wheeler Flintlock Revolving Arm are among an elite breed as two of the rarest

firearms in the world. Both are part of the museum’s Henry Stewart Antique Firearm Collection. The collection was given to VMI in 1988 throughHenry M. Stewart’s ’35 estate.

The collection includes more than 800 separate pieces, and nearly half of those are patent models, which means they are the inventors’original designs, and each one is unique. Along with these one-of-a-kind models is an extensive collection of Colt’s Peterson revolving handgunsand longarms, as well as a collection of air rifles, which includes a rifle made by Isaiah Lukens used on the Lewis and Clark expedition.

Stewart graduated from VMI in 1935 with a degree in Civil Engineering. It was during his work with the VMI Museum, which at that time wasstill housed in Preston Library, that he became interested in multiple shot revolving cylinder firearms, Gibson said. He became particularlyfascinated with the 1855 Colt revolving rifle, around which is what much of the collection centers.

After graduation he spent more than 50 years building his collection. He became not just a collector, but also a scholar of these rare arms,Gibson said.

Each year the VMI Museum receives many visitors from all over the world just to view this collection. Just this past year the Great Britain LongRange Muzzle Loading Rifle Team, which was in the United States for the Long Range World Championships, stopped to visit the collection on itsway to North Carolina for the tournament.

Currently, the VMI Museum is closed for renovation and expansion. When remodeling is complete, the museum will be able to put nearly theentire collection on display. Now much of the collection has been put into storage, but researchers can still access the collection by appointment.

Turner Named VP ofVa. Academy of Science

Col. Jim Turner ’65, professor of biology/chemistry and director ofthe VMI Undergraduate Research Program, has been elected vice presi-dent of the Virginia Academy of Science.

Turner, who served as the Academy’s secretary, was formally installedin his new position at the Academy’s annual meeting May 26-28 at Vir-ginia Commonwealth University in Richmond.

Established in 1923, the Academy members are interested in scienceand scientific research in all its branches, and are dedicated to pro-moting the civic, agricultural, academic, industrial and commercialwelfare of the people of Virginia.

The VMI Colors are dipped as the color guard of the Corps of Ca-dets marches past Virginia Mourning Her Dead and the graves ofsix of the 10 New Market cadets killed in the Civil War battle. TheCorps held its annual ceremony honoring the New Market cadetson May 14.

Koons Speaks on ValleyCol. Kenneth Koons, General Edwin Cox ’20 Institute Professor of

History, presented two public lectures recently focusing on the peopleliving in the Shenandoah Valley and how they used the land.

On March 23 he provided an overview of the historic and modernland use of the area, focusing on agriculture and forest resources. Thelecture, “People on the Land in the Shenandoah Valley in Modern Times,”was presented at the Frontier Culture Museum in Staunton as part ofthe museum’s March Lecture Series.

On April 7 Koons presented the C. Gratton Price Lecture onShenandoah Valley History at the Knowledge Point, ShenandoahUniversity’s historical and tourism center in Winchester. The lecture,“Ordinary People and Everyday Life in the Valley of Virginia During theAge of Grain,” examined the nature of economic life and social experi-ence among ordinary men and women during the region’s past when itformed the premier wheat-growing region of the American South.

Sigma Pi SigmaThe VMI Chapter of Sigma Pi Sigma, an organization of the American

Institute of Physics that honors outstanding scholarship, has inductedthree cadets.

Cadets John D. Leacock II ’05, Douglas J. Macdonald ’05, and StephenW. Sawyer ’05 were inducted into the chapter on April 29

Founded in 1921, Sigma Pi Sigma has chapters at colleges and uni-versities of recognized standing that offer a strong physics major.Inductees must attain high standards of general scholarship and out-standing achievement in physics. Those elected for membership musthave a B average in all coursework, and no grade for a physics courselower than a C.

THE INSTITUTE REPORT, MAY 31, 2004, PAGE 11

19th Century BandHonors Civil War Sailors

England, RussiaStops for Band

The Institute Brass, VMI’s brass quintet, played a series of concertsthroughout the United Kingdom in March, then in April Col. John Brodieand two cadets toured Russia with the Washington and Lee UniversityWind Ensemble.

Brodie, director of the band, said the Institute Brass landed in Lon-don March 13 and toured the World War II Air Museum in Dunstable,a U.S. Air Force Base in Lakenheath. They then proceeded to play aseries of one-horn concerts in St Mary at Watton, Essex, the Royal Mili-tary College of Science in Shivenham, and the Royal Military School ofMusic in Twickenham. The group then proceeded to Dover, where theyperformed at the Duke of York’s Royal Military School.

Members of the quintet then traveled to Dublin for St. Patrick’s Dayand back to London for sightseeing, the theatre, and touring activities.It was the ensemble’s second concert series in England.

“I was very pleased with their many performances and their musi-cianship,” Brodie said. “The cadets were well-received everywhere theyperformed and did an excellent job.”

In April, Brodie and Cadets Jill Hafer ’04 and Daniel Plitnick ’07traveled to the Russian Federation as part of the W&L group’s springbreak concert tour.

The cadets were part of the ensemble through the shared class ofVMI and W&L Concert band, of which Brodie is the associate conduc-tor. The eight-day tour took the cadets from Moscow to St. Petersburgand the Baltic Sea by plane, bus and an overnight train ride.

The eight-day trip included several concerts in Moscow and St. Pe-tersburg. The cadets performed in concert on shared programs withthe Moscow State Symphony Orchestra, the St. Petersburg Teacher’sCollege, and the Vasilov Ensemble.

Hafer, who served as executive officer of Band Company, performedas first clarinet, and Plitnick was the ensemble’s only baritone saxo-phonist. Brodie conducted several pieces and was featured as a trumpetsoloist in two of the concerts.

discussions with national and international leaders in the fields they are studying, and through realistic, hands-on simulations, students have theopportunity to experience leadership in action and to learn about the complexities of decision-making in a chosen field or profession.

Duncan said this is the first time a Junior War College has been offered for high school students.“The Junior War College was designed to give students a broad understanding of the nature of war,” Duncan said. “There is a lecture on

military strategy, covering the works of Sun Tzu and Clausewitz. The students will study wars ranging from the American Revolution to the War onTerrorism, and they will be exposed to war from the lowest level — the private in the trenches — to the highest levels of command.”

The program presents a balanced look at war, focusing on both the successes and failures of our nation. In addition to lectures by invitedspeakers, the students will participate in field trips to the D-Day Memorial in Bedford, to Washington, D.C., and to the New Market Battlefield.

They will also participate in a battlefield simulation based on the invasion of the Philippines in late 1944 and early 1945. This battle, aspresented by B. David Mann ’49C, in his book Avenging Bataan: The Battle of ZigZag Pass, will be used as the backdrop for studying themilitary decision-making process, the principles of war, and leadership.

Duncan said the students will also discuss the human side of combat after viewing classic war films, and will hone leadership skills bynegotiating the VMI obstacle course, a leadership challenge course, and a series of leadership exercises.

Additional information is available at the program’s web site (www.floydduncan.com/jwc/).

Junior War CollegeContinued from page 1

Eleven cadets of VMI’s Cabell-Breckenridge Brass Band traveled toCharleston, S.C., April 17, to perform at the interment of the crew ofthe CSS Hunley.

Billed as the last funeral of the Civil War, the ceremony honored thecrew of the first submarine to sink a ship in wartime. In 1864, the crewof the Hunley died when their vessel sank in Charleston Harbor shortlyafter setting a torpedo that sank the Union warship USS Housatonic.

The remains of the Confederate crewmembers were recovered in2000 when the wreckage of the Hunley was raised. The band partici-pated in ceremonies at the Battery and at the Hunley burial plot inMagnolia Cemetery. Among other groups participating were Civil Warreenactment groups and the Citadel Pipe Band.

The VMI ensemble was invited to participate in the event by theCharleston Historical Society, and it was the only Civil War-era brassband selected to march in the funeral procession to Magnolia Cem-etery. Viewed by more than 50,000 people, the ensemble played 19thcentury funeral music for three hours during the four-mile procession.

The Cabell-Breckenridge Brass Band is a unique unit that performson reproductions of 19th century over-the-shoulder saxhorns, the hall-mark instruments of Civil War-era brass bands.

The Cabell-Breckenridge Band started at VMI in the fall of 2000 thruthe support of Mr. Cabell Brand ’44 and Ran Cabell and has performedannually at civil war ceremonies, parades, and New Market Day at VMI.

PAGE 12, THE INSTITUTE REPORT, MAY 31, 2004

learned much about themselves during their four years at the Institute.“You really need to believe in yourself and focus and be the best you

can be,” he said. “The key is to always be the best at whatever you’reasked to do.”

Also addressing the graduates was the Class of 2004’s valedictorian,Matthew R. York of Blackstone, Va., and Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III ‘62,superintendent of VMI.

“I have excruciatingly wonderful memories of the last four years,”York said.

He recited the three legs of the VMI education: academics, military,and athletics. “What holds the three legs together is the top of the stool,”he said. “The top of the stool is you, my Brother Rats.”

Peay said the Class of 2004 had produced an outstanding recordduring its four years at the Institute.“VMI is as much about personal and individual accomplishments as it

CommencementContinued from page 1

recipient, to Benjamin Hassell ’04.The Superintendent William H. Milton Jr. Class of 1920 Award, to the

first-standing graduate in mechanical engineering, to Ryan Taylor ’04.The Charles R. Martin ’55 Award, to a graduate accepting a regular

commission and who has demonstrated excellence in military studiesand outstanding leadership in the Corps of Cadets, to Joshua Powers’04.

The Gen. Lemuel C. Shepherd Jr. ’17 Sixth Marine Division Award, tothe top Marine graduate of the Naval ROTC program, to Metin Yaman’04 and Joseph Montagna ’04.

The Alvin F. Meyer Award, for the second classman showing highestproficiency in the study of environmental engineering, to Jarod Wheeler’05.

The Gen. Withers A. Burress Marksmanship Award, for skill in riflemarksmanship, to David Harris ’04.

The Alfred H. Knowles Award (first class), for significantaccomplishments in biology studies, to Mariah Green ’04.

The Nathaniel Willis Pendleton ’22 Award, to the first classmen takingfirst stand during his first class year in the civil engineering curriculum,to Anthony Miller ’04.

The VMI Distinguished Third Class Leadership Award, to a thirdclassman who has participated as a member of the New Cadet Cadre orRat Training Cadre, and who has exhibited the most praiseworthyleadership, to Christopher Back ’06.

The James C. Wheat Jr. Medal, for excellence in economics studiesby an economics and business major in the graduating class, to BrandonSmith ’04.

The Frank Summers Team Leadership Award, to an athlete in the firstclass chosen by the Athletic Committee as the outstanding team leader,to Radee Skipworth ’04.

The John Robert Philpott Medal, to a graduating economics andbusiness major who excels in the study of business subjects, to JohnGregory ’04.

The Stewart W. Anderson ’08 Memorial Award, for superior academic

performance in the electrical engineering curriculum, to Matthew York ’04.The Col. Thomas St. John Arnold Award, to an outstanding graduating

first class private accepting an active duty commission in the U.S. Army,to Christopher Russo ’04.

The William Brent Bell ’67 Award, to a third classman who has shownexcellence in military studies, to Anastasia Kovarik ’06.

The American Mechanical Engineering Award for Highest ScholarlyAttainment, to a member of the graduating class who is selected fortheir significant accomplishments in mechanical engineering studiesand has demonstrated potential for a professional career, to TimothyErwin ’04.

The Maj. Gen. Richard C. Coupland ‘15 Electrical Engineering Award,to a third classman majoring in electrical engineering who hasdemonstrated academic excellence, outstanding leadership abilities,and high moral standards, to Dennis Crump ’06.

The Jeff Shaara Scholar-in-Residence Award, for the best researchtopic proposal working with the interpretive staff at the New MarketBattlefield State Historical Park, is given to Catherine Zaremba ’07.

The Robert H. Knox Prize, for excellence in mathematics, presentedto the most promising mathematics major in the third class, is awardedto Christopher Rogers ’06.

The Garnett Andrews Class of 1890 Award to a member of thegraduating class who submits the best paper on a military subject, toRobert Serig ’04.

The Garnett Andrews Class of 1890 Award to a member of thegraduating class who submits the second-best paper on a militarysubject, to Joseph DiDomenico ’04.

The John Letcher Memorial Award, to a first or second classman fora paper written on a political subject, to Laura Mack ’05.

The Lt. Gen. Edward Mallory Almond ’15 Award, to a graduating cadetfor academic, athletic, and military excellence, to Matthew Sharpe ’04and William Simmons ’04.

The Earl L. Valentine Jr. Award, to a graduating cadet excelling inleadership in the Corps of Cadets, to William Simmons ’04.

Cadet AwardsContinued from page 5

is about a group working together,” he said. “We congratulate the Corps,but we also need to congratulate each and every individual cadet fortheir accomplishments.”

Peay noted the continuing academic renaissance taking place at VMI.He also noted the increasing numbers of cadets receiving commissions.

“An increase in commissioning, especially in time of war, iscommendable and reinforces VMI’s historical role of a producer ofcitizen-soldiers,” he said.

Special awards presented at the ceremony included the First Jackson-Hope Medal for highest attainment in scholarship to Richard J. ConnaroeII of Roanoke, Va.; the Second Jackson-Hope Medal for second highestattainment in scholarship to Eric N. Hepfer of Chambersburg, Pa.; andthe Society of Cincinnati Medal for efficiency of service and excellenceof character to Matthew D. Sharpe of Chesterfield, Va.

THE INSTITUTE REPORT, MAY 31, 2004, PAGE 13

Base in Afghanistan Pays Homage toMarine Hero

By Gunnery Sgt. Keith A. MilksIn a remote patch of arid Afghan

desert in south-centralAfghanistan, a new forwardoperating base bears the name ofone of the Marine Corps’ mostrespected combat veterans and aformer commander of VMI’s NavalROTC unit.

Forward Operating Base Ripleyis named for Col. John W. Ripley,who served at VMI from 1990 to1992, when he retired from theservice. From it, elements of the22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit(Special Operations Capable) willconduct combat and civil militaryoperations as part of Combined Joint Task Force 180.

“He’s a hero to the Marine Corps,” said Col. Kenneth F. McKenzie Jr.,commanding officer of the 22nd MEU. “He’s a true warrior and anhonorable man.” McKenzie puts Col. Ripley with the small group ofMarine leaders mentioned prominently in the Corps’ proud history.

Ripley enlisted in the Marine Corps in June 1957 and won anappointment to the United States Naval Academy a year later.

During the 1972 North Vietnamese Easter Offensive while in his secondVietnam tour he earned the Navy Cross. A captain, he was an adviser toa South Vietnamese marine battalion that found itself in the path of the

North’s advance. Realizing theDong Ha Bridge in the battalion’ssector in the northern borderregion was a key avenue for theNorth Vietnamese advance, Ripleyset about destroying the bridge.

His actions, in addition towinning him the second-highestaward for bravery, were recountedin the book, The Bridge at DongHa. A large diorama of the actiontitled “Ripley at The Bridge,” wasinstalled in Memorial Hall at theNaval Academy as the single act torepresent actions of all Academymen who fought in Vietnam.

Ripley held a succession of staff and command positions after Vietnamand before arriving at VMI for his last active duty assignment. Whilehere, he was credited with creating the largest, most productive NROTCunit in the country.

He went on to become the president, and later chancellor, of SouthernVirginia College in Buena Vista, Va., until 1996 when he moved on toassume responsibility as the president of the Hargrave Military Academy.

Ripley is currently director of Marine Corps History and Museums,and Director of the Marine Corps Historical Center. He lives in Annapolis,Md.

New Army, Naval ROTC LeadershipThis summer more than 60 years of military service will be retiring from Kilborne Hall. Both Col. William L. Faistenhammer ’74, professor and

head of the Department of Military Science, and Col. Thomas E. Minor, professor and head of the Department of Naval Science, will be takingtheir leave of the military and VMI. Coming into replace Faistenhammer and Minor will be Col. Robert L. Suthard Jr. ’79, as the new professor ofMilitary Science, and Col. William R. Grace, as the new professor of the Naval Science.

Faistenhammer, who retired from military service at the end of the academic year, has over twenty-five years experience as both a specialforces and infantry officer. He served as joint special operations commander for U.S. forces during Operation Provide Relief in Somalia. Alongwith his 1974 diploma from the Institute, Faistenhammer has completed the Army’s Command and General Staff College and the U.S. Army WarCollege.

For Suthard, the incoming Army ROTC head, this assignment will be his second tour with the VMI Military Science Department. He taught hereas an assistant professor of military science from 1986-1990. Since then, though, he has served as chief of Engineer Branch. That branch is“responsible for all engineer personnel and assignments for the United States Army,” according to Brig. Gen. Charles F. Brower IV, deputysuperintendent for academics and dean of the faculty. Suthard, along with his VMI degree, holds master’s degrees from George WashingtonUniversity and the National Defense University.

At Naval Science, Minor ends a 24-year career in the Marine Corps when he hands leadership of the department over to Grace this summer.Minor is a 1974 Naval Academy graduate, and he earned a master’s degree in national security from the Naval War College. He has spent most ofhis career as an infantry officer, moving from platoon to regimental levels and staff tours as adjutant, operations officer, executive officer, andfuture plans officer. Minor served as the assistant chief of staff, G-3, for the Marine Expeditionary Force in Okinawa, Japan, immediately prior tohis assignment at VMI.

Grace is a 1981 graduate of Texas A&M University. An aviator, Grace’s assignments have included flying for Marine Helicopter Squadron One,where he flew White House Missions worldwide in four different countries. Grace has over 5,900 hours of flight experience and several medals,including the Navy Commendation Medal, the Gold Star and the Presidential Service Badge.

John Ripley as a captain in 1972 and today.

PAGE 14, THE INSTITUTE REPORT, MAY 31, 2004

2004 Navy and Marine CommissioneesNaval Reserve Officer Training

Corps, VMI, commissioned 24Navy ensigns and Marine secondlieutenants May 14. Additionally,four graduating cadets have or willearn commissions via the USMCPlatoon Leaders Course.

Newly commissioned Marineofficers Eric Damon, CraigHamilton, Matthew Hendricks,Ray L’Heureux, Joshua Montero,Brian Trueblood, and MetinYaman will all report to The BasicSchool (TBS) at Marine CorpsBase Quantico, Va., in June for the six-month Basic Officer Course.

There they will learn the common fundamental leadership, tacticaland administrative skills required of an infantry platoon commander.Four months into their training they will select and receive their pri-mary Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) in the broad fields ofcombat arms, combat service support, or aviation. After completion ofTBS, they will all report to their primary MOS school for further train-ing before joining the operating forces.

Jonathan Elliott, Joseph Montagna and Deanna Nieves will receivecommissions later this summer and will then follow their classmates toTBS. Ross Garnett, Dennis Crennan and Jonathan Pax will receive com-

mission later this summer aftercompleting academic require-ments for graduation.Most of the Navy ensigns, desig-

nated as Surface Warfare Officers,will report directly to their ships:Bree Adams to USS Cowpens, CG63, in Yokosuka, Japan; PeterBennett to USS Elrod, FFG 55, inNorfolk, Va.; Jason Boone to USSGunston Hall, LSD 44, at LittleCreek, Va.; John Cobb to USS FortMcHenry, LSD 43, in Sasebo, Ja-pan; Andrew Frazier to USS

Halyburton, FFG 40, in Mayport, Fla.; Benjamin Nehrke to USSRushmore, LSD 47, in San Diego, Calif.; Elizabeth Olson to USS Ashland,LSD 48, at Little Creek, Va.; and Jonathan Saburn to USS Guardian,MCM 5, in Sasebo, Japan.

Those officers heading to Student Naval Aviator or Naval Flight Of-ficer training in Pensacola, Fla., are: Brent Banks, Ryan Koziol, MichaelMcLaughlin, Daniel Ropp, Robert Serig, Keith Tate and Keith Yull. Thesubmarine community will welcome to the Nuclear Power School inCharleston, S.C., Edward Cooper and Joshua Wright. Finally, Ryan Beatleywill pursue his goal of becoming a Navy SEAL when he reports to theBasic Underwater Demolitions course, commonly called BUD/s.

Ranger Company Covers Much TerritoryLast November, 50 cadets joined the VMI

Ranger Company, embarking on a programof individual and collective tactical training.

The Ranger Company is a recognized ca-det club that meets two or three times aweek and on occasional weekends. Its train-ing program, conducted and supported byVMI’s Army ROTC department, runs throughApril. For the last three years, the RangerCompany advisers have been Maj. ChrisLarlee and Maj. Bill Bither, both SpecialForces officers.

This year the Ranger Company was ledby Cadets Joseph Rubin ’05 and Cody Grey’05, and included a mix of cadets from thethree upper classes. Most of these cadetsare enrolled in the Army ROTC program, and many of them seek addi-tional training beyond what they receive in their standard Military Scienceinstruction.

For the Army Second Classmen, the Ranger Company provides addi-tional opportunities to hone their skills before attending their LeadershipDevelopment and Assessment Course, known as “Warrior Forge,” atFort Lewis, Wash., this summer. However, the organization also includeda number of cadets from the Marine, Navy, and Air Force programswho also sought the additional training. As a VMI cadet club activity, theRanger Company is open to all cadets after their Fourth Class year.

Ranger Company training includes a number of advanced individualskills. Cadets learned survival techniques and put some of them intopractice one snowy evening last December. Cadets also fired the M-16

assault rifle on an open range, learning afew advanced shooting methods and prac-ticing them under varied conditions. Theyworked with with the M-9 pistol, the stan-dard sidearm of the U.S. military, as well asdifferent types of shotguns.

On the more exotic side, the VMI Rangersparticipated in a “historical shoot,” duringwhich they had the opportunity to fire a va-riety of rifles and pistols from our nation’smilitary past. Along with all the shooting, ca-dets also had the opportunity to learn“combatives,” a series of techniques for un-armed combat.

More basic skills, such as individual move-ment and land navigation, are practiced

throughout the collective training. This portion of the Ranger Companyprogram focuses on tactical operations in both remote and urban envi-ronments. Cadets learned how to conduct patrolling missions, such asreconnaissance, ambush, and raid, and practiced each of them in force-on-force, blank-fire exercises. They learned how to move and operatein an urban environment, how to enter and clear a building, and prac-ticed these skills during a weekend exercise at an urban training facilityat Fort Pickett, Va.

For a cadet club, the VMI Ranger Company is demanding of its par-ticipants. Cadets must sacrifice much of their free time, and they areexpected to learn a great deal very quickly. Yet, for those cadets whovolunteered to make the extra effort, the Ranger Company providedexperiences above the ordinary.

THE INSTITUTE REPORT, MAY 31, 2004, PAGE 15

AFROTC WomenSelected for Flying

VMI’s Air Force ROTC unit has recorded its first women selected forcockpit training.

Cadet Jessica Stewart ’05, a history major from Franklin, N.C., is thefirst woman to be selected for pilot training. Cadet Margaret Serig ’05,a physics major from Vienna, Va., and Cadet Emily Naslund ’05, andeconomics and business major from Bloomington, Minn., are the firstwomen selected for navigator training.

The cadets will begin training after their graduations next year.

Air Force Commissioning Caps Stellar YearAFROTC sent 15 new second

lieutenants out into the Air Forceon May 14, the pinnacle of an out-standing year for increasingnumbers of high quality Air Forcecommissionees. By the time calen-dar year 2004 is completed, VMIAFROTC will have commissionedapproximately 26 graduates fromVMI and the Virginia Women’s In-stitute for Leadership.

Out of this group come six pi-lots (one will be attendingEuro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Train-ing), one OSI agent out of 15selected in all of AFROTC, two civilengineers, three personnel offic-ers, one space/missiles, one aircraft maintenance, two financialmanagers, one security forces, one acquisitions, one logistics readi-ness, and three communicators.

The two distinguished Air Force graduates were Roderick V. Jamesand William A. Simmons. Gen. Jumper ’66, the Air Force chief of staff,was there as a strong show of support and encouragement to the nextgeneration of Air Force officers. He gave the oath of office to thecommissionees as a group in J.M. Hall and then individually commis-sioned six cadets during the individual service ceremony in MemorialGardens.

Before the festivities for the day began, Gen. Jumper met with all ofthe future 2004 lieutenants for breakfast and a quick talk. Earlier inthe week, during the ROTC awards ceremony, Brig. Gen. (retired) AlonzoJ. Walter Jr. ’49B and his daughter, Maj. Gen. Terry L. Gabreski, head ofthe Oklahoma Air Logistics Center at Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., paida much welcomed visit to VMI and the awards ceremony.

Walter was the first AFROTCgraduate from VMI to attain therank of general, and was on-handto present an award named in hishonor. A veteran of the Korean andVietnam Wars, Walter spoke to thegraduating seniors about how hisexperiences at VMI helped himlater on. Gabreski spoke to the un-derclassmen about her Air Forcejourney and the importance of set-ting priorities.

This year’s commissioning andaward activities were only a few ofmany accomplishments and ‘upand coming’ indicators forAFROTC.

VMI AFROTC has moved up to third in the nation in number of cadetssent to Air Force Field Training. Fifty-four cadets will attend trainingthis summer, a 30 percent increase from last year. There were also 17cadets chosen to attend the various Professional Development Trainingprograms this summer, accomplishing activities such as freefall, sur-vival training and base internships.

The detachment staff has constantly adapted to the professional andtraining needs of the growing population of Air Force cadets. As a mea-sure of this change, the number of Air Force academic class sectionsoffered has increased from 15 to 39 in the past year. Moreover, thereach has been extended to a multitude of guest speakers in order togive cadets the first hand experience from those in the field.

In addition to Jumper, we were visited by four Vietnam vets, one formerprisoner of war, one Kosovo veteran, two Gulf War veterans, four HH-60 pilots, one combat rescue officer, and a myriad of other officersfrom various career fields across the Air Force.

Cadets are sworn in as Navy ensigns in J.M. Hall as part of thecommissioning activities May 14. Following the swearing in cer-emonies, the new officers received their rank insignia inceremonies in the adjoining Memorial Garden. Ninety-three ca-dets were commissioned in four branches of the U.S. armed forces.In addition, seven international cadets were commissioned in thearmed forces of their home countries.

PAGE 16, THE INSTITUTE REPORT, MAY 31, 2004

VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTECOMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING OFFICELEXINGTON, VA 24450-0304

FIRST CLASSU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDLEXINGTON, VAPERMIT NO. 12

VMI’s Sharpe Chosen As NationalScholar-Athlete of the Year By NACDA

VMI senior placekicker MattSharpe (Chesterfield, Va., L.C.Bird) was chosen as one of tworecipients of the annual Division I-AA Athletics Directors AssociationScholar-Athlete of the Year Award.The National Association of Colle-giate Directors of America(NACDA) made the announcementin April.

Sharpe was one of two recipi-ents of the national award chosenfrom 93 nominees, of whom 31were selected to the I-AA AcademicAll-Star team last December.Sharpe and Colgate tight end JohnFreiser, chosen from a group ofeight finalists, will each receive a$5,000 post-graduate scholarship.

Sharpe holds a 3.91 grade point average in computer science, withminors in French, Math, and writing. He was named to the CollegeSports Information Directors Association Academic All-America sec-ond team and was a finalist for both the Rhodes and Marshallscholarships. After graduation from the Institute in May, Sharpe willpursue his master’s degree in human computer interaction and hasbeen accepted to the University of Bath in England. He also plans towork for a second master’s degree in software engineering and a doc-torate in systems engineering.

“Earning the Division I-AA Ath-letic Directors Associationpostgraduate scholarship wouldattest to the difficulty in not onlybeing an athlete, but being a stu-dent-athlete,” said Sharpe. “ I havenever been satisfied simply beingin just one of those classifications.”He said being awarded this schol-arship would be the ultimate awardrecognizing his undergraduateachievements. “

On the field last fall, Sharpe pro-duced one of the most productiveseasons of any VMI kicker and was17 of 24 in field goals – a newschool mark for field goals madein a season. He was seven of 11 infield goals of 40 yards or more, and

he blasted a 53-yarder against Coastal Carolina Nov. 1 which stands asthe second longest in school history. Sharpe kicked four field goals inboth the Coastal Carolina and Gardner-Webb games. He successfullyconverted on nine straight attempts during a four-game stretch.

Sharpe’s 179 kicking points ranks second on the all-time list and his27 career field goals tie him for third on the VMI career list.

Sharpe was named to the 2003 All-Big South first team and was alsonamed the league’s Co-Scholar Athlete of the Year, sharing the honorswith Gardner-Webb’s Jim Maxwell.

Matt Sharpe (1) gets congratulations from Donnie Johnstonafter kicking a 46-yard field against Navy last year .