Minutes of the VMI Board of Visitors. October 28, 1995

              VIRGINIA MILITARY INSTITUTE
Lexington, Virginia
Minutes
BOARD OF VISITORS MEETING
28 October 1995
A meeting of the VMI Board of Visitors was held at the Virginia Military Institute at 8:30 A.M. on Saturday, 28 October 1995, pursuant to notice.
Present: William W. Berry '54, President
Douglas K. Baumgardner, Esq.'73
Anita K. Blair, Esq.
Robert C. Bobb
Michael C. Brooks '59
Rhett Clarkson '61
Robert B. Crotty, Esq.'73
Bruce C. Gottwald '54
W. Thomas Hudson, Esq. '69
Dr. Edward A. Miller, Jr. '50A
James C. Roberts, Esq.
Samuel B. Witt, III, Esq. '58
Anne C. Woodfin
Absent: Daniel D. Cameron '42
Glen N. Jones '78
Thomas A. Saunders, III '58
MG Carroll Thackston '55
Others Present:
MG Josiah Bunting, III '63, Superintendent
BG Lee D. Badgett, '61 Provost & Dean of the Faculty
Col. Michael L. Bozeman, Commandant of Cadets
Col. John L. Rowe, Jr. '66, Business Executive
George H. Roberts, Jr., Esq.'68, Exec. VP, VMI Found. Col. Mark S. Sandy, Assoc. Dean, Enroll. Management
Col. Edwin L. Dooley, Jr., Secretary to the Board
Edwin Cox, III '53, Pres., VMI Alumni Association
Col. Thomas W. Davis '64, Faculty Representative,
VMI Athletic Council and President, Southern Conf.
Stephen C. Fogleman, Esq. '71, First VP, VMI
Alumni Association
LTC Keith E. Gibson '77, Exec.Dir., VMI Museum Pgms. LTC Robert W. Gilbert, VMI Comptroller
Col. Leroy D. Hammond '57, Exec. Assistant to
the Provost and Dean
Dr. Larry L. Jackson '62, Chairman, VMIRL Board
LTC Gary R. Knick, Treasurer and Assoc.
Business Executive LTC Paul B. Maini '66, Exec. VP, VMI Alumni Assoc.
C. Douglas Marechal '62, BOV Representative
to the VMI Athletic Council
Jeffrey J. Morgan '80, Exec. VP, VMI Keydet Club
Theodore B. Olson, Esq., attorney
David L. Prasnicki, Chief Financial Officer
VMI Foundation
Thomas G. Slater, Jr.'66, Esq., Pres., VMI Foundation
Alan G. Soltis '79
LTC Michael M. Strickler '71, Dir., Public Relations
Cadet Joseph J. Dubose '96, Regimental Commander
Cadet Michael S. McFadden '96, Pres., VMI Honor Court
Cadet John L. Buchanan, II'96, President, First Class
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1. Mr. Berry presided and Colonel Dooley recorded the minutes of the meeting.
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2. Mr. Berry began by introducing and welcoming Messrs. Cox and Slater. He then called upon Mr. Morgan, who made a brief report on "The New Vision for Athletics Campaign." He reported on progress in the solicitation of major gifts toward the endowment and national annual giving goals of the campaign. Mr. Witt commended the alumni agencies on their new annual giving brochure entitled "Changing Lives."
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3. At 8:36 A.M., a motion was made by Mr. Clarkson, seconded by Mr. Brooks, that the Board enter into executive session pursuant to Section 2.1-344, Paragraph 7, of the Code of Virginia, for the purpose of consultation pertaining to actual litigation. The motion passed.
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4. At 9:09 A.M., the President of the Board instructed the Secretary to let the record show that the Board reconvened in open session, pursuant to Section 2.1-344, Paragraph 7, of the Code of Virginia, having consulted pertaining to actual litigation.
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5. On motion of Mr. Roberts, seconded by Mr. Brooks, the Board unanimously passed the following resolution:
CERTIFICATION OF EXECUTIVE MEETING
WHEREAS, the Board of Visitors of the Virginia Military Institute has convened an executive meeting on 28 October 1995, pursuant to an affirmative recorded vote and in accordance with the provisions of The Virginia Freedom of Information Act; and WHEREAS, Chapter 2.1-344.1 of the Code of Virginia requires a certification by the Board of Visitors of the Virginia Military Institute that such executive meeting was conducted in conformity with Virginia law;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Visitors of the Virginia Military Institute hereby certifies that, to the best of each member's knowledge, (i) only public business matters lawfully exempted from the open meeting requirements by Virginia law were discussed in the executive meeting to which this certification resolution applies, and (ii) only such public business matters as were identified in the motion convening the executive meeting were heard, discussed, or considered by the Board of Visitors of the Virginia Military Institute.
VOTE:
AYES: 13
NAYS: 0
Absent during the meeting and during the vote:
Mr. Cameron
Mr. Jones
Mr. Saunders
MG Thackston
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6. The Board recessed at 9:10 A.M.
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7. The Board reconvened at 9:25 A.M.
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8. Cadets John L. Buchanan, II, President of the First Class, Joseph J. Dubose, Regimental Commander, and Michael S. McFadden, President of the VMI Honor Court, addressed the Board on goals and accomplishments in their areas of responsibility.
(a) Cadet Buchanan spoke about accomplishments made thus far in meeting three goals: to improve the reputation of the class of 1996, to improve and strengthen the Class System, and to administer a more challenging and rigorous Rat Line.
Col. Bozeman emphasized the important effect that Cadet Buchanan's work in writing new Standard Operating Procedures for the General and Executive Committees has had in improving the effectiveness of the Class System. He added that Cadet Buchanan had won the support of other class presidents in this important effort.
(b) Cadet Dubose spoke of a number of activities administered through the Regimental System, including a highly successful Cadre Week, the effective use of the newly instituted "Commandant's Training Time"; the Fall FTX, which included company-level, inter-squad competition for non-contracted cadets; Second Class responsibilities during the Ring Figure weekend; cadet attendance at the upcoming VMI-Citadel football game, at which the Regimental Staff will march onto field with Citadel cadets; and planning for the Spring FTX.
(c) Cadet McFadden reported at length on this year's efforts to reexamine and reinforce the VMI Honor System in the wake of last year's incidents. He stated that respect for the VMI Honor System has returned and that the Corps is very positive about important changes that have been made in the system, especially the new randomly selected jury system which has the effect of bridging the gap that had developed between cadets in general and the Honor Court. At Mr. Berry's invitation, Cadet McFadden outlined the new jury selection procedures now in effect, and he commented on the new accountability system, which has made clearer the difference between honor violations and Blue Book violations. Mr. McFadden also commented very favorably on the influence that "Operation Spirit," directed by alumnus Alan Soltis, has had on the Corps in general and on cadet athletes in particular.
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9. General Bunting then addressed the Board. He made a number of announcements, followed by a statement (reproduced in full below).
(a) Dr. James I. Robertson, Jr., Alumni Distinguished Professor at Virginia Tech, has been invited to speak to the Corps on 20 February on the theme of "Stonewall Jackson: Lessons in Leadership for Our Time."
(b) Colonel Mike Bozeman will be promoted to Brigadier General in the U.S. Army Reserve on Monday, 30 October.
(c) Dr. Ed Miller's new book, a biography of Union General David Hunter, will be published in January or February. There will be a book signing party for Dr. Miller at VMI.
(d) Col. Dooley will travel to the Estonian National Defense and Public Service Academy in mid-November to consult with Academy officials on curriculum development and language classes. His trip will further strengthen the ties that exist between VMI and the that young school. (e) All trustees are invited to attend the events of Ring Figure Weekend, which include the Ring Presentation, the Ring Figure dance, the Institute Society dinner, the VMI-Appalachian State football game, and the Sports Hall of Fame dinner.
(f) Superintendent's statement: "The last time we were together, I had been Superintendent only for a week and a half, and I am now more familiar with our school and able to help the Board of Visitors and the community identify and respond to some of our major opportunities. I am absolutely confident in our ability to solve our problems and to exploit these opportunities.
"Let us pause momentarily to remind ourselves how very much richer we are in human and material resources, in the fervor of trustee and alumni determination to help us, and in their support, than virtually every other college in the Commonwealth or any Commonwealth or state in the United States.
"You will forgive the echo of Ronald Reagan's favorite precedent, the only thing we have to fear is our own predisposition -- which we share with the Marine Corps and the Jesuit Order -- to be far too hard on ourselves, and sometimes too hard on our own friends and allies. I'm not repeating the counsel of a Pollyanna; we have much to repair, we have much to improve, we have many new efforts to begin; but I see already that we can and will do these things with vision, energy, and efficiency.
"Let me say, finally -- as a diagnostic doctor rather than a prescribing physician -- I do not think our problems as severe as I thought they would be in August. The Honor System is tarnished, it was broken in letter and spirit by some substantial number of cadets, but my sense is -- and we heard some of this this morning -- that the work of repair is proceeding successfully, thanks particularly to the current Court, to Don Jamison, Tom Baur, and Al Soltis, and to the cadets themselves and -- as I said -- members of the current Court. I do believe that this urgent, crucial aspect of the Institute is on the road to recovery. Monitoring the effort remains my highest priority. New member of the Board of Visitors Anita Blair very succinctly stated the urgency of this mission in a letter to me last month, when she basically said, 'This is not one of our problems, this is our only problem.'
"The evolving document, which we sent to you last week and which many of you have talked about in committee meetings yesterday, outlines our analysis and determination of our other priorities. It is the work of several senior members of the administration, many long meetings, studies, and deliberations, within the limits of resources that may be made available. I urge approval of these priorities, according to the priorities. Not all of them, as you can see, have price tags; some have very big price tags. Items one through five on your list are items which we particularly believe must be done now. As for the personnel, especially in the admission office, we have state hiring approval and are ready to advertise the positions immediately. We need nothing less, in this area, than a radical overhaul of our operations, admissions publications, personnel, and the associated plans for admissions travel, visits, advertising, and so on. In a way, of course, this aspect of our work, is as urgent as the full repair of the Honor System.
"I will return briefly to admissions. I would like first -- just for a moment -- to stress the importance of the trustee ambassadorial function. I realize I am preaching to the choir: this is a very strong board, strongly led, generous and devoted. Boards hire and fire presidents, they raise money, they set policy, they supervise administrative efforts. I ask you also, as I remind myself, to serve always as enthusiastic, positive ambassadors for VMI, spreading the word knowledgeably and confidently about the very real renaissance that is taking place at the school; that if there was ever a time in American history when a VMI -- our VMI -- is needed for the ills of the present and the needs of the future in this country, as Mr. Olson reminded us, it is right now. Our relevance, our academic excellence, quality of our teaching faculty, our forms of military discipline, our guardianship of permanent things -- as Frank Atkinson calls them -- we must champion all of these things publicly. And do not be afraid to use the country when you talk about them: the country needs VMI. I have been spreading this Gospel since I came, and among alumni chapters, class reunions, in Richmond and Northern Virginia. There is no audience in the world more anxious to hear the message.
"One aspect of our admissions challenge is the identification and recruitment of able minority cadets who are not necessarily athletes. Disproportionate numbers of varsity football and basketball plays at VMI are non-white. I know and admire many of them. Their coaches are almost maniacally industrious in their efforts to assure they, and all varsity athletes, fully fledged members of the Corps. But the percentages of minorities, especially African-Americans, who are not recruited athletes, is too small. For every reason we must fix this problem. One of the three new admissions officers for whom we are requesting funds will have as his principal portfolio non-athletic minorities, to include not only African-Americans but also Asian, American Indian, and Hispanic cadets. I want especially for VMI to live up to its racially blind egalitarian goals and assertions for minorities to be randomly distributed throughout the Cadet Corps -- perhaps especially at meal times. Here is another area, incidentally, in which family dining can be very useful to us.
"The evolving document, again -- as I said to you -- outlines our priorities, and I propose to conclude simply by inviting your attention to them and asking for any questions that you may have."
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10. The Board then addressed the "priority challenges facing VMI," a copy of which is filed with these minutes as Appendix I. In the course of the discussion of the list of "priority challenges," members of the Board made a number of suggested amendments and additions.
(a) Mr. Bobb spoke of the need to increase diversity in the faculty and administration. General Bunting stated that recruitment of faculty and administrators from minorities and of different gender will be a high priority of his administration. Mr. Berry asked that the appropriate wording be added to the evolving document.
(b) Mr. Roberts asked that the elements of the document that emphasize honor in the Corps of Cadets be expanded to include everyone associated with the Institute, and he asked that attention be given to insuring that the faculty understands, appreciates, and supports a strong honor system.
(c) Mr. Witt suggested, and General Bunting agreed, that a goal of increasing the number of VMI graduates serving on the faculty should be included in the document.
(d) Mr. Berry asked that the document be expanded to include benchmarks and specific measures of success by which progress for each priority challenge can be assessed. General Bunting agreed, adding, however, that in all areas there may not be one thing to be done, but a multitude of small things done very well and repeatedly. As an example of one measure for inducing a sense of awe and a life-long respect for the tenets of the Honor System, he cited plans to administer a Cadet Oath to New Cadets next year on the New Market battlefield.
(e) Mr. Crotty emphasized the need to instill in the faculty and staff a fuller appreciation of the culture of VMI, not just during the new faculty orientation sessions that occur at the start of each academic year, but continually throughout the year. He stressed the need for faculty to participate in the life of the Corps not only through their teaching, but also through the co-curriculum.
(f) Mr. Berry then led a discussion of projected first-year and long-term funding requirements to meet the priority challenges. He listed three sources available to the Board: state funds, cadet fees, and private funds. Within these sources, he explained, some funds are already available and some are underway (fund-raising efforts, for example); however, a large portion remains unfunded. He said that some projects may have to be phased-in as funds become available.
Mr. Bobb requested that the administration develop a funding matrix that will show first year requirements as well as long-term funding requirements, thereby extending the planning process.
After a full discussion of the funding needs and various sources, Mr. Roberts made a motion, seconded by Mr. Witt, that the Board of Visitors approves the priority challenges for the next year, as proposed by the Superintendent. Furthermore, the Board authorizes the President and Superintendent to develop funding strategies and to seek appropriate funding for these challenges. The motion passed.
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11. Mr. Berry welcomed Mr. Larry Jackson, Chairman of the Board of the VMI Research Laboratories, Inc., and invited him to speak about the mission and work of the organization.
Mr. Jackson gave a brief historical sketch of the VMIRL, which was begun in 1963 at the direction of then Superintendent Brigadier General George R. E. Shell. The initial purpose of the organization was to promote research by the faculty and to enhance faculty development. He explain that over the years the focus has shifted in the direction of enhancing the educational process at VMI and to involving cadets with faculty in joint research projects. Now, he said, there is a balance between this broader mission and the early narrow mission of promoting faculty research.
Mr. Jackson said that over the past thirty years, the VMIRL has facilitated $4.4 million in research grants to the faculty, which, he said, has been used effectively and efficiently. A developing trend is to fund research opportunities for young faculty, and especially those who undertake research with cadets. He said that progress is also being made in funding research in the humanities.
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12. Mr. Baumgardner, chairman of the Academic Affairs Committee, reported on a meeting of his committee held the previous day.
(a) He reported that his committee was shown the "VMI Home Page" currently available on Internet. The "VMI Home Page," he explained, contains timely and complete information for students who may be interested in applying to VMI. It is, he said, the way VMI is advertising itself to the world through the Internet.
(b) He reported that his committee received an overview of the computer technology that will be available to cadets in Barracks and in Preston Library in the near future.
(c) He reported that his committee reviewed the question of Saturday classes and a statement from the Superintendent on this issue. The committee decided to carry the question over to its October 1996 meeting. In the meanwhile, at its February 1996 meeting, the committee will look at reasons for Saturday absences and actions that can be taken to reduce the number of absences.
(d) He reported that Col. Fraley, Associate Dean for Information Services, presented information on the preparation of new study space for cadets in the renovated library. He stated that VMI has a sufficient amount of study space but that the quality needs improving.
(e) He said that his committee received a report from BG Badgett on VMI's "Restructuring Plan." The plan is being updated, at the request of the State Council, with special attention directed to restructuring the admissions office, an ever-increasing scrutiny of VMI's majors, reduction of the number of hours required for graduation, evaluation of faculty -- in teaching, research, and public service -- and the formulation of a merit pay process by December 1996.
(f) He reported that Colonel Sandy presented an enrollment management update and a report on a meeting he attended of representatives of military colleges and schools. The main emphasis at the meeting was on increasing enrollments in the these colleges and schools.
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13. Mr. Witt, Chairman of the Committee on Appeals, reported on a meeting of his committee held the previous day.
(a) Mr. Witt reported that there were no appeals to bring before the Board.
(b) He reported on continuing efforts by Col. Donald K. Jamison, Superintendent's Representative to the Honor Court, and LTC Thomas S. Baur, his assistant, to strengthen due process and the procedures of the Honor System. He underscored the opinion of Col. Jamison that the new randomly selected jury process helps invest the Corps in the Honor System as never before.
He reported that Col. Jamison and LTC Baur have spoken to the faculty of every department to inform them of new Honor Court procedures and to strengthen their support and understanding of their responsibilities under the system. He added that Col. Jamison sees a need to extend the Honor System educational process -- currently directed primarily at the Rat Class -- to upper classes as well.
Mr. Witt reported that his committee, with Col. Jamison's help, is monitoring the entire system: from the investigation phase through appeals. He said his committee is also considering changes in the appeals procedures and will present them to the Board at the appropriate time.
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14. In the absence of Mr. Cameron, chairman of the Audit, Finance, and Planning Committee, Mr. James Roberts reported on a meeting of the committee held the previous day.
(a) Mr. Roberts stated that his committee reviewed VMI's financial statements for Fiscal Year 1994-1995. He said that the statements were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and the Industry Audit Guide for Colleges and Universities of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He said they also follow the requirements of the Comptroller of the Commonwealth of Virginia. He said that the preparation of the report included an overall review of Institute internal controls and that no significant material weaknesses were noted in the report. Whereupon, Mr. Roberts made a motion, seconded by Mr. Baumgardner, that the Board of Visitors approve VMI's financial statements for the fiscal year ended 30 June 1995. The motion passed.
(b) Mr. Roberts stated that the 1995 Appropriations Act requires the Board of Visitors to establish tuition, fees, and other expenses for the 1996 VMI Summer Session. The Appropriations act requires that tuition and fee charges for non-resident students must be at least 100 percent of the average cost of education as calculated by the State. Mr. Roberts said that the amount includes a three percent increase over last year. Whereupon, Mr. Roberts made a motion, seconded by Dr. Miller, that the 1996 Summer Session tuition and fees be set as presented in the schedule contained in Appendix II to these minutes. The motion passed.
(c) Mr. Roberts informed the Board that Governor Allen and the Department of Planning and Budget (DPB) are currently developing the State budget proposal for the 1996-98 biennium. The Governor will deliver his proposed budget to the General Assembly on 18 December 1995. DPB is requiring each college and university to develop a budget proposal that provides costs, describes and justifies the major programs provided by each institution. New initiatives will address the critical issues identified by institutions as part of their restructuring assessment. Institutions must develop three to five performance measures that DPB will use in the future to evaluate an institution's success in achieving its mission and restructuring objectives, and DPB will develop a funding policy for those issues common to all colleges, including faculty and classified salary increases. Mr. Roberts laid a list of budget initiatives before each member of the Board and explained that the Institute plans to submit nine budget initiatives totaling $2,039,500 in 1996-97 and $1,974,500 in 1997-98. It was the consensus of the Board to endorse in principle the budget initiatives. (d) Mr. Roberts reported that he had attended, for the Institute, on 20 October, a meeting of the Higher Education Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee where colleges reported on their budget initiative priorities.
(e) Mr. Roberts reported on the status of two capital projects: Maury-Brooke Hall and Preston Library renovations. He said that the Maury-Brooke/Richardson project was a little behind schedule; the Preston Library project is proceeding well.
Mr. Roberts commended Col. Bissell for his achievement in securing authorization to combine two phases of the Preston Library renovation project into one, through the use of a change order. He said that this accomplishment will have enormous benefits for VMI and for the Commonwealth. General Bunting seconded the commendation and praised Col. Bissell for a remarkable job as Director of Buildings and Grounds and a host of other duties. General Bunting informed the Board that Colonel Bissell will give up his current assignment on 1 November to assume full-time responsibility as liaison with the VWIL program at Mary Baldwin College. Mr. Berry said that the Board will take steps to honor Colonel Bissell for these accomplishments.
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15. Mr. James Roberts, Chairman of the Legislative Affairs Committee, reported on a meeting of his committee held the previous day.
(a) He reported that his committee had no action items for the Board.
(b) He said that his committee will monitor the state budget process.
(c) He reported that his committee held a general discussion of the legislative reception that will be held in the new year, although no date has yet been selected for it.
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16. Mr. Clarkson, Chairman of the Cadets Affairs Committee, reported on a meeting of his committee held the previous day.
(a) The committee received a report from Col. Jamison on the status of the VMI Honor System. (b) Mr. Clarkson commended Mr. Al Soltis for his work on "Operation Spirit." He asked that the Board thank everyone who has participated in the program.
(c) Mr. Clarkson spoke of a new program begun by Chaplain Park and Mr. Robert Buerlein whereby alumni act as "big brothers" to out-of-state New Cadets. He will send a report to the Board.
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17. Dr. Miller, Chairman of the Military Affairs Committee, reported on a meeting of his committee held the previous day.
(a) Dr. Miller reminded the Board that the President, in August, had asked his committee to look into the mission of the committee and to decide if it should be retained. He explained that his committee subsequently reviewed its charter and, as a result of this review, and with the aim of making the functions of the committee more specific, was proposing the following enumeration of responsibilities:
(1) Be responsible for VMI activities relating to the
Virginia Women's Institute for Leadership;
(2) Be responsible for policies related to membership
of cadets in reserve components of the armed
forces;
(3) Provide the Commandant with advice on coordinating
ROTC and other leadership instruction, such as that
organized for cadets not enrolled in commissioning
programs, with other VMI activities;
(4) Monitor ROTC scholarship and other programs and how
well they meet the requirements of the Corps of
Cadets;
(5) Review policies relating to cadet, faculty, and
staff participation in exchange programs with other
academic and military institutions.
Dr. Miller then made a motion that the new charter for the Military Affairs Committee be adopted. The motion was passed.
Mr. Berry then appointed Ms. Blair, one of two Board members serving on the Joint Advisory Board on Leadership Education, to the Military Affairs Committee, and she withdrew from the Legislative Affairs Committee.
(b) Dr. Miller said that his committee, in reviewing joint activities between the VWIL program and VMI, had identified one problem: facilities at VMI are inadequate to accommodate joint VMI-VWIL activities when increased numbers of VWIL students enroll next year.
(c) He said that his committee had looked into complications that have arisen from the increasing number of cadets belonging to Reserve components of the Armed Forces, especially the question of transportation to Reserve weekend training. He said that his committee wants to encourage and support simultaneous membership in the Reserve components and in the Corps of Cadets, but that a clear Institute policy is needed. He said that his committee received a proposal from the Commandant and from the ROTC department heads to establish a policy for cadet participation in Reserve activities, but that the proposal remained in draft form as it had not yet been coordinated with the Superintendent. He said that his committee will continue to study this issue and will report in February on this question, with the intention of having a policy in place by the beginning of the 1996-1997 academic year. In the meanwhile, he urged the admissions office to determine how many applicants for next year's entering class are members of Reserve components. Mr. Berry said that the Board would look forward to receiving a recommendation from the Superintendent in February on what the policy should be.
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18. Mr. Brooks, Chairman of the Special Programs and Public Relations Committee, reported on a meeting of his committee held the previous day.
(a) Mr. Brooks said LTC Strickler briefed the committee on a number of recent public relations activities, the work of public relations and publications consultants, and other significant public relations accomplishments, including a lengthy article on the Superintendent that appeared in the 22 October "Flair" section of the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
(b) He said his committee spent most of its meeting discussing priority challenge number two: "Improve the quality and number of applicants," and those activities of the committee that support this particular priority challenge: the Wessex Group's marketing study, now complete, and implementation of initial elements of a marketing plan.
(c) Mr. Brooks reported that in conjunction with the Alumni Association's new cadet recruiting network, a publication firm was employed to design and print a brochure. It will be completed by the middle of next semester, he said.
(d) He reported on progress in geodemographic research to help determine enrollment goals and target specific areas for admissions activities.
(e) He informed the Board of the continuing good public relations value of the long-time practice of asking alumni to represent VMI at the inauguration of college and university presidents.
(f) He emphasized that the public relations effort at VMI, in so far as it relates to the court case, is following guidelines provided by the Institute's defense team.
(g) He reported that his committee, on the recommendation of the New Market Medal Committee, has no nomination for the Market Medal this academic year.
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19. Mr. George H. Roberts, Jr., Board of Visitors representative to the Investment Committee, reported on continuing increases in the total aggregate base of the Institute's endowment. He also spoke about the Foundation's current fund-raising efforts, one goal of which is to raise annual giving by 20 percent by the end of a three-year pledge. He also announced the production of a 15-minute video tape that introduces the Superintendent to all alumni.
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20. Mr. Marechal, Board representative to the VMI Athletic Council, presented a report.
(a) He reported on meetings of the Athletic Council held in September and October.
(b) He spoke of rising morale in the Corps and among the teams and coaches.
(c) He said that his committee is very active in discussing and promoting conference realignment.
(d) He emphasized the importance of the priority challenges having to do with the athletic program.
(e) He commended the fiscal management of the Athletic Department.
(f) He reported on a recent visit of Mr. Wright Waters, Southern Conference Commissioner, who had very positive things to say about VMI, especially the high graduation rates of VMI athletes. Mr. Marechal reminded the Board that Col. Thomas W. Davis, Professor of History, is President of the Southern Conference.
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21. In response to a request made at the August meeting, a motion was made by Mr. Witt, seconded by Mr. Brooks, that the board adopt a resolution to Major General John W. Knapp, Superintendent Emeritus, and Mrs. Knapp in honor of their devoted service to the Institute. The motion passed. The resolution is filed with these minutes as Appendix III.
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22. Mr. Berry announced that the Virginia Chamber of Commerce will hold a dinner in Richmond on 6 December to pay tribute to Virginia's higher education community. He asked all members who plan to attend to notify the Secretary.
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23. At Noon, a motion was made by Mr. Brooks, seconded by Mr. Baumgardner, that the Board enter into executive session pursuant to Section 2.1-344, Paragraph 1, of the Code of Virginia, for the purpose of discussing employment, appointment, promotion, and salaries of specific employees of the Virginia Military Institute.
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24. At 12:12 P.M., the President of the Board instructed the Secretary to let the record show that the Board reconvened in open session, pursuant to Section 2.1-344, Paragraph 1, of the Code of Virginia, having discussed employment, appointment, promotion, and salaries of specific employees of the Virginia Military Institute.
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25. On motion of Dr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Baumgardner, the Board unanimously passed the following resolution:
CERTIFICATION OF EXECUTIVE MEETING
WHEREAS, the Board of Visitors of the Virginia Military Institute has convened an executive meeting on 28 October 1995, pursuant to an affirmative recorded vote and in accordance with the provisions of The Virginia Freedom of Information Act; and
WHEREAS, Chapter 2.1-344.1 of the Code of Virginia requires a certification by the Board of Visitors of the Virginia Military Institute that such executive meeting was conducted in conformity with Virginia law;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Visitors of the Virginia Military Institute hereby certifies that, to the best of each member's knowledge, (i) only public business matters lawfully exempted from the open meeting requirements by Virginia law were discussed in the executive meeting to which this certification resolution applies, and (ii) only such public business matters as were identified in the motion convening the executive meeting were heard, discussed, or considered by the Board of Visitors of the Virginia Military Institute.
VOTE:
AYES: 13
NAYS: 0
Absent during the meeting and during the vote:
Mr. Cameron
Mr. Jones
Mr. Saunders
MG Thackston
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26. A motion was made by Mr. Baumgardner, seconded by Mr. Clarkson, that the Board approve faculty and staff changes as presented. The motion passed.
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27. There being no other business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 12:15 P.M.
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Edwin L. Dooley, Jr., Secretary