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t l L 1 bi-.rit'; I UF 5 N ews Writing Center Head Publislies Two Books VOLUIMEXC O pin io n / Editorial Fye Giddy for Guiness A rts &. Leisur^ Meade's March Review t-i. Wht Ca&et* Friday^ 20 JVI arch 1998 ^ F U K 1 5 Wrestlers Head to Cleaveland for Nationals $1.00 Number National > • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • « Court backs student’s Web site CLEVELAND - A 16-year-old high school junior is back in school Tliurs-day after a judge overturned the 10-day suspension he received for using his personal Web site to post critical comments about one of his teachers. Sean O’Brien had already served eight days of his suspension when a federal judge issued a tem-poraiy order Wednesday. The Web site, which said a band teacher had a bad haircut and favored some students over others, was shut down after O’Brien’s March 6 suspension. A full hearing is scheduled next month on a complaint that the district violated the student’s First Amend-mcTit rights. Ray could get iiirlough if he admits guilt MEMPHIS, Tenn. - James Earl Ray could be a free man soon if he would just admit he killed Martin Luther King "and quit spinning these crazy stories,” a prosccutor said Thursday. However, Ray’s attorney says John Campbell’s olTer is completely out of the question. The 70- year-old Ray, seriously ill with liver disease, was denied a furlough last year. But Campbell said authorities may look at Itay dilTerently if he would “admit the obvious.” Ray was sentenced to 99 years in prison in 1969 after pleading guilty to killing the civil rights leader, but he has been trying to retract the guilty plea ever since. Teen hacker charged in airport incident BOSTON - A teen-age boy w;is charged Wednesday witli shutting down an airport communications system, tlie first case in which in a juvenile was chai^cd in federal court with computer lacking. Justice DepartmentofTicials said the Massachusetts boy, whose name was not released, hiis agreed to plead guilty and faces two years probation, a fine and community service. According to autliori-ties, the boy brake into a Bell Athmtic computer system in March 1997, stalling communication between the control tower and aircraft at Worcester Airport for six hours. No accidents occurred. World Kosovo Serbs stage counterprotest PRISTINA, Yugoslavia - Cliant-ing "Kosovo is Serbia,” thousands of tlie province’s minority Serbs gathered in their biggest protest in years Thurstkiy, countering rising separatist sentiment among Kosovo’s ethnic Albanians. Hours before tlie 30,000-strong Serb rally in tlie provincial capital, Pristina, 25,000ethnic Albanians staged theirown protest. Meanwhile, French and German envoys trying to bring peace to the region have announccxi a potential bieiik-through, saying Balkan power-broker Slobodan Milosevic lias agreed to witli-draw tlie special police forces blamed for some of the 80 killings. Taiwan grounds airline after fatal crash TAIPEI, Taiwan - Taiwiin’s premier grounded one domestic carrier Thursday and ordered comprehensive safety checks on the rest following tlie latest crasli of a passenger plane. Tlie Fonnosa Airlines Saab 340 slammed into the sea shortly after takeolT late Wednesday, killing all 13 people aboard. The crash was the airline’s tliial in tlie last tlirec yeare. In grounding all Fonnosa Airlines fliglits, I’remier Vincent Siew told tlie Cabinet Tliureday tliat gove;n-ment supervision of flight safety appeared to have been lax. Rats Take the 2001 is Formed News briefs are compiled from the USA Today web site. Justin Lewis Guest Writer All she could do was sob after reaching tiie top of the muddied breakout hill at the Virginia Military Institute. Fourth Classman Angela Winter became the first female in VMI history to scale the muddy breakout hill, becoming a member of the Corps of Cadets. Following in her path were 383 other rats, including 22 women. , Everyone seemed to breathe a sigh of relief after getting through the first coed ratline with barely a scratch to show. “I’m pnoud that the Corps of Cadets got througli the first year without any major problems,” said Third Classman Paul Belmont. Concem was running high it seems, as school officials swiirmed around this year’s breakout with scrutinizing eyes to make sure nothing went on that would hang a dark cloud over this year’s end to the ratline. Virtually all contact was prohibited in order to ensure safety for tlie rats, much to the dismay of many upperclassmen who felt breakout was diluted for this reason. One obvious change this year was the small amount of water used on breakout hill. Firet Class President Kevin Tmjillo explained tliat the administration It took the Rat mass over an hour and a half to have everyone clear the hill. They could only do it by helping each other up against the hundreds o f upperclassmen that waited at the top poised to push them back down. wanted to use as little water as possible due to cold weather. Temperatures hovered be^veen 36 to 43 degrees for much of the day, with snow flurries at times. According to firefighter Chad Conner, around four thousand gallons o f water was eventually sprayed on the hill. Last year’s brvakout had fourteen thousand, producing much muddier and difficult conditions. “We got cheated,” exclaimed Fourth Classman Lee Harrison when told of the dismal amount of water used this year. Despite a less muddy hill, Truj illo was happy with the success o f this year’s breakout. Aftereveryratmadeitupthehill, the whole mass marched into barracks where after a few "old yells” Trujillo announced they were “released” from the ratline and officially the class o f2001. No more yelling, no more straining. On tlie fourth stoop where new Cadets congratulated each other, emotions ran high. hi one room three females from Delta Company held each other and re^ fleeted on their accomplishments throughout tlie year. "We were trying to take it all in,” explained one of the females, Kelly Sullivan, in tears. Fourtli Classman Maria Vasille expressed her relief after bnsakout when she said, "I’m just glad I made it up the hill.” ' In a year where VMI found itself under the intruding eye of the medid and tlie Justice Department, things turned out on the positive. Despite all the success; new questions have surfaced as VMI finds itself having to deal with future issues such as dating policies. Also, the Cadet Assimilation Committee has been asked to relay the news of possible locks on all barracks doors to the rest of the Corps, for tlieir rcaci-tions and opinions. Third Class Historian Justin Wood said it best when asked to reflect oti this year’s breakout, "We’ve proven all our critics wrong this year. Time and time agaiii VMI has risen above adversity. There’s nothing the Coqjs can’t handle.” Binge Drinking Focus of Alcohol Task Force Tabitha Stump News Writer On March 9, the Attorney General’s Task Force on Drinking by College Students met for the first time in Richmond. This task force consist of Attorney General Mark Early, the highest ranking state olVicial, and representatives from all of the public colleges in the state of Virginia. Attorney General Early says he believes "the first and most important step to combating binge drinking and alcohol abuse on Virginia campuses is to understand the extent of the problem and its negative efTects on our students academic perfonnance, safety, and health.” A nationwide study conducted by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University reported that last year 40 percent of academic problems and 28 percent of dropouts at colleges and universities. According to the Core Institute, a 1998 report revealed that binge drinkers are 3.5 more times likely to be victims of physical violence. A Columbia University report shows that 95 percent o f violent crimes that happen on campus is alcohol related, 90 percent o f all reported campus rapes-including date rape-occur when alcohol is being used by the assailant or victim, and 80 percent of all vandalism on campuses is also, alcohol related. Several investigations reveal that binge drinking is directly linked to suicide, sexually transmitted diseases, and drunk driving fatalities. Some primary effects o f binge drinking arc unprotected or unplanned sexual activity and injuries. Several attendees and guest speakers gave emotional accounts o f the loll alcohol has taken on their lives. Michelle Perry, a student at Radford University, told the story of how she was involved in a drunk driving accident and how she had lost a friend in a fatal but similar situation. Colonel Jeffery Levy, President of LeaseLinc Inc., spoke on the parent perspective of alcohol abuse. His dent. There are eight scheduled meetings throughout the state during tlie next five months. During this time, tlie sub-committees at each of tlie schools will be meeting to make suggestions on policy, ways to educate !ind inform, and activities that would increase the awareness of the binge drinking problem on Virginia campuses. Tlie focus will be on “positive, tangible goals” that will encourage personal responsibility and self discipline, educate Virginia students about health and safety dangers related to alcohol, and create an atmosphere that fosters academic achievement. The Attorney General would also like to see them establish a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol-re-and enhance the efforts of parents, students and l(x:al communities, ensure the laws of the Commonwealth are strongly and swiftly enforced. Finally, find a way to dismantle the culture of binge drinking and replace it with common sense. Colonel Robert Green, direo-torofCadetAffairs, was the VMI representative at the conference. The conference was very informative and set up the framework for and gave direction to the VMI task force. He believes it was a "good, positive start.” Colonel Green estimates the next VMI task force meeting to be in the next two weeks. It’s final recommendations and findings are due to the Attorney General no later than July Dean Promoted to General Dale Durlach News Writer In ceremonial tradition, Allen Farrell was promoted to the rank o f Br ig ad ie r Gene ra l and named Dean o f the faculty. This ev en t o c c u r re d on Wednesday November 11 in JM Hall. Those that were present in c lu d ed the Faculty, members o f the ROTC d e p a r tm e n t s , f r ie n d s an d the C o rp s . T h is c e r em o n y c om menced with Gen e ra l Bu n t in g giving a b r ie f introduction about the life and character o f the man receiving this award. In paraphrasing, General Bunting commented that Farrell was a patriot, a most distinguished veteran, and more ■relevant to VMI, the epitome o f a citizen soldier. In his biographical history Farrell’s experiences combine duty and honor as a model soldier with academic excellence. He was described as being "beautifully educated” in schools such as Trinity and Tufts University receiving his degree in French literature before jo in in g the war elTort in Southeast Asia. At'ter serving two tours in Vietnam he became a prof e s so r o f F re n ch at Hamp to n Sydney College up until he was hired as the acting Dean at VMI. General Bunting concluded his remarks by commenting on the commitment and selflessness shown by the Dean in serving the needs o f the corps not only academically but as a counselor and mentor as well. After General Bunting’s complimentary address, Colonel Hammond read the orders to promote Farrell to the rank o f Brigadier General and to appoint him as DeanofFacultya t VMI. With this General Farrell took the microphone to address the audience and to emphasize his appreciation to the corps for their support in endorsing him as the continued Dean o f the fa cu lty . R e fe r r in g to Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, General Farrell joked, "1 know the Ides o f March is just around the corner." With the conclusion to his witty remarks, the corps stood up to give this “ teacher / leader” a standing ovation. son was killed in a drunk driving acci- lated violence and vandalism, strengthen 31,1998. Superintendent and Cadtets Tour Europe Jeremy Obenctiain News Editor Superintendent Josiah Bunting, Major Dale Davis and two VMI cadets. Second classman Mike Purdy and Fourth classman Hassan GibH, visited three countries in two weeks to explore and establish foreign exchange programs for cadets and professors. The contingent leftVMIon 24 February and spent five days in Engjand, a week in Morocco and a day in the Netherlands and returned to VMI on 9 March. According to Arabic professor Major Dale Davis, the trip was a complete success in helping expand VMl’s overseas programs and, “it far exceeded our expectations.” The VMI contingent’s frrst stop was London, England where they visited Sandliurst Royal Military Academy. The Royal Military Academy already has an exchange program with the US Military Academy and VMI is attempting to begin a similar exchange program in the future. The next stop was the Royal Military College at Shrivingham, where two VMI cadets (Second classmen Grant Eddy and Twin Dam) are now studying. The College has a long running exchange with VMI and allows two cadets a semester to study en^- neering with tuition payed. Next, the delegation headed to Morocco to further expand exchanges between various universities and visit the facilities for this summer’s VMI summer abroad program in Fez. First in Casablanca, tlie contingent visited the American School where Major General Bunting talked to students about attending college in tlie United States. Next, they visited the Moroccan Maratime Institute, a military style institute, in hopes of starting an exchange fbr interested cadets at both institutions. After a brief stop in the Moroccan capital o f Rabat, the contingent headed to the cultural, intellectual and historical center of Morocco, Fez, Cadets Purdy and Grari with General Bunting at Windsor Castle Fez is the cite for VMl’s summer abroad program in Morocco, After visiting VMI’s summer abroad facilities, the delegation had the privilege to visit a new Moroccan, English- language university, A1 Akliawayn which is situated in the mountains outside General Bunting poses at Chella, a 12th Century Moroccan Necropolis of Fez, There, General Bunting formally signed an agreement establishing a professor and student exchange to begin next fall. Major Dale Davis, who plarined and organized the trip, is hopeful about expanding VMl’s study abroad programs, especially in Morocco, As an Arabic profc^ sor, head ofVMI’s foreign study prograrnj, and having lived in Morocco for two years Major Davis explained that the trip,” was to explore exchange opportunities between Morocco’s institutions of higher learning and VMI,” When asked to describe Morocco, Major Davis said, “A wonderfyl country. You can’t explain its beauty tb pt'ople,,, you have to take them there. The average American’s concept of Morocco is far fiiom reality..,you have mini skirts and jellabas, discos and mosques.” Second classman Mike Purdy expressed hope in expanding VMl’s foreign study abroad opportunities saying, “ 1 wish that all cadets could go overseas at least once to France, Russia, Spain Morocco.,,wherever. With support from alumni. Generals Bimting and Farrell and Major Davis I think we can turn that into a reality.”
Object Description
Repository | Virginia Military Institute Archives |
Collection | VMI Cadet Newspaper |
Title | VMI Cadet. March 20, 1998 |
Issue Date | 1998-03-20 |
Volume/Number | Volume 90, number 19 |
Publisher | Virginia Military Institute |
Publication History | The Cadet (originally the Keydet), VMI's student newspaper, began weekly publication in the fall of 1907. Not published 1943-44, 1944-45, 1945-46 |
Frequency | Weekly during academic year, except during examinations and vacations |
Subject |
Virginia Military Institute -- Publications. Virginia Military Institute -- Cadet life. College student newspapers and periodicals -- Virginia -- Lexington. |
Digital Publisher | Virginia Military Institute Archives |
VMI Archives Records Group | Publications |
Rights | Materials in the VMI Archives Digital Collections are intended for educational and research use and may be used for non-commercial purposes with appropriate attribution. The user assumes all responsibility for identifying and satisfying any claimants of copyright. Acknowledgement of the Virginia Military Institute Archives Digital Collections is required. Contact the VMI Archives for additional information. |
Type | text |
Format | application/pdf |
Description
Title | Page 1 |
Issue Date | 1998-03-20 |
Full Text Search | t l L 1 bi-.rit'; I UF 5 N ews Writing Center Head Publislies Two Books VOLUIMEXC O pin io n / Editorial Fye Giddy for Guiness A rts &. Leisur^ Meade's March Review t-i. Wht Ca&et* Friday^ 20 JVI arch 1998 ^ F U K 1 5 Wrestlers Head to Cleaveland for Nationals $1.00 Number National > • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • « Court backs student’s Web site CLEVELAND - A 16-year-old high school junior is back in school Tliurs-day after a judge overturned the 10-day suspension he received for using his personal Web site to post critical comments about one of his teachers. Sean O’Brien had already served eight days of his suspension when a federal judge issued a tem-poraiy order Wednesday. The Web site, which said a band teacher had a bad haircut and favored some students over others, was shut down after O’Brien’s March 6 suspension. A full hearing is scheduled next month on a complaint that the district violated the student’s First Amend-mcTit rights. Ray could get iiirlough if he admits guilt MEMPHIS, Tenn. - James Earl Ray could be a free man soon if he would just admit he killed Martin Luther King "and quit spinning these crazy stories,” a prosccutor said Thursday. However, Ray’s attorney says John Campbell’s olTer is completely out of the question. The 70- year-old Ray, seriously ill with liver disease, was denied a furlough last year. But Campbell said authorities may look at Itay dilTerently if he would “admit the obvious.” Ray was sentenced to 99 years in prison in 1969 after pleading guilty to killing the civil rights leader, but he has been trying to retract the guilty plea ever since. Teen hacker charged in airport incident BOSTON - A teen-age boy w;is charged Wednesday witli shutting down an airport communications system, tlie first case in which in a juvenile was chai^cd in federal court with computer lacking. Justice DepartmentofTicials said the Massachusetts boy, whose name was not released, hiis agreed to plead guilty and faces two years probation, a fine and community service. According to autliori-ties, the boy brake into a Bell Athmtic computer system in March 1997, stalling communication between the control tower and aircraft at Worcester Airport for six hours. No accidents occurred. World Kosovo Serbs stage counterprotest PRISTINA, Yugoslavia - Cliant-ing "Kosovo is Serbia,” thousands of tlie province’s minority Serbs gathered in their biggest protest in years Thurstkiy, countering rising separatist sentiment among Kosovo’s ethnic Albanians. Hours before tlie 30,000-strong Serb rally in tlie provincial capital, Pristina, 25,000ethnic Albanians staged theirown protest. Meanwhile, French and German envoys trying to bring peace to the region have announccxi a potential bieiik-through, saying Balkan power-broker Slobodan Milosevic lias agreed to witli-draw tlie special police forces blamed for some of the 80 killings. Taiwan grounds airline after fatal crash TAIPEI, Taiwan - Taiwiin’s premier grounded one domestic carrier Thursday and ordered comprehensive safety checks on the rest following tlie latest crasli of a passenger plane. Tlie Fonnosa Airlines Saab 340 slammed into the sea shortly after takeolT late Wednesday, killing all 13 people aboard. The crash was the airline’s tliial in tlie last tlirec yeare. In grounding all Fonnosa Airlines fliglits, I’remier Vincent Siew told tlie Cabinet Tliureday tliat gove;n-ment supervision of flight safety appeared to have been lax. Rats Take the 2001 is Formed News briefs are compiled from the USA Today web site. Justin Lewis Guest Writer All she could do was sob after reaching tiie top of the muddied breakout hill at the Virginia Military Institute. Fourth Classman Angela Winter became the first female in VMI history to scale the muddy breakout hill, becoming a member of the Corps of Cadets. Following in her path were 383 other rats, including 22 women. , Everyone seemed to breathe a sigh of relief after getting through the first coed ratline with barely a scratch to show. “I’m pnoud that the Corps of Cadets got througli the first year without any major problems,” said Third Classman Paul Belmont. Concem was running high it seems, as school officials swiirmed around this year’s breakout with scrutinizing eyes to make sure nothing went on that would hang a dark cloud over this year’s end to the ratline. Virtually all contact was prohibited in order to ensure safety for tlie rats, much to the dismay of many upperclassmen who felt breakout was diluted for this reason. One obvious change this year was the small amount of water used on breakout hill. Firet Class President Kevin Tmjillo explained tliat the administration It took the Rat mass over an hour and a half to have everyone clear the hill. They could only do it by helping each other up against the hundreds o f upperclassmen that waited at the top poised to push them back down. wanted to use as little water as possible due to cold weather. Temperatures hovered be^veen 36 to 43 degrees for much of the day, with snow flurries at times. According to firefighter Chad Conner, around four thousand gallons o f water was eventually sprayed on the hill. Last year’s brvakout had fourteen thousand, producing much muddier and difficult conditions. “We got cheated,” exclaimed Fourth Classman Lee Harrison when told of the dismal amount of water used this year. Despite a less muddy hill, Truj illo was happy with the success o f this year’s breakout. Aftereveryratmadeitupthehill, the whole mass marched into barracks where after a few "old yells” Trujillo announced they were “released” from the ratline and officially the class o f2001. No more yelling, no more straining. On tlie fourth stoop where new Cadets congratulated each other, emotions ran high. hi one room three females from Delta Company held each other and re^ fleeted on their accomplishments throughout tlie year. "We were trying to take it all in,” explained one of the females, Kelly Sullivan, in tears. Fourtli Classman Maria Vasille expressed her relief after bnsakout when she said, "I’m just glad I made it up the hill.” ' In a year where VMI found itself under the intruding eye of the medid and tlie Justice Department, things turned out on the positive. Despite all the success; new questions have surfaced as VMI finds itself having to deal with future issues such as dating policies. Also, the Cadet Assimilation Committee has been asked to relay the news of possible locks on all barracks doors to the rest of the Corps, for tlieir rcaci-tions and opinions. Third Class Historian Justin Wood said it best when asked to reflect oti this year’s breakout, "We’ve proven all our critics wrong this year. Time and time agaiii VMI has risen above adversity. There’s nothing the Coqjs can’t handle.” Binge Drinking Focus of Alcohol Task Force Tabitha Stump News Writer On March 9, the Attorney General’s Task Force on Drinking by College Students met for the first time in Richmond. This task force consist of Attorney General Mark Early, the highest ranking state olVicial, and representatives from all of the public colleges in the state of Virginia. Attorney General Early says he believes "the first and most important step to combating binge drinking and alcohol abuse on Virginia campuses is to understand the extent of the problem and its negative efTects on our students academic perfonnance, safety, and health.” A nationwide study conducted by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University reported that last year 40 percent of academic problems and 28 percent of dropouts at colleges and universities. According to the Core Institute, a 1998 report revealed that binge drinkers are 3.5 more times likely to be victims of physical violence. A Columbia University report shows that 95 percent o f violent crimes that happen on campus is alcohol related, 90 percent o f all reported campus rapes-including date rape-occur when alcohol is being used by the assailant or victim, and 80 percent of all vandalism on campuses is also, alcohol related. Several investigations reveal that binge drinking is directly linked to suicide, sexually transmitted diseases, and drunk driving fatalities. Some primary effects o f binge drinking arc unprotected or unplanned sexual activity and injuries. Several attendees and guest speakers gave emotional accounts o f the loll alcohol has taken on their lives. Michelle Perry, a student at Radford University, told the story of how she was involved in a drunk driving accident and how she had lost a friend in a fatal but similar situation. Colonel Jeffery Levy, President of LeaseLinc Inc., spoke on the parent perspective of alcohol abuse. His dent. There are eight scheduled meetings throughout the state during tlie next five months. During this time, tlie sub-committees at each of tlie schools will be meeting to make suggestions on policy, ways to educate !ind inform, and activities that would increase the awareness of the binge drinking problem on Virginia campuses. Tlie focus will be on “positive, tangible goals” that will encourage personal responsibility and self discipline, educate Virginia students about health and safety dangers related to alcohol, and create an atmosphere that fosters academic achievement. The Attorney General would also like to see them establish a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol-re-and enhance the efforts of parents, students and l(x:al communities, ensure the laws of the Commonwealth are strongly and swiftly enforced. Finally, find a way to dismantle the culture of binge drinking and replace it with common sense. Colonel Robert Green, direo-torofCadetAffairs, was the VMI representative at the conference. The conference was very informative and set up the framework for and gave direction to the VMI task force. He believes it was a "good, positive start.” Colonel Green estimates the next VMI task force meeting to be in the next two weeks. It’s final recommendations and findings are due to the Attorney General no later than July Dean Promoted to General Dale Durlach News Writer In ceremonial tradition, Allen Farrell was promoted to the rank o f Br ig ad ie r Gene ra l and named Dean o f the faculty. This ev en t o c c u r re d on Wednesday November 11 in JM Hall. Those that were present in c lu d ed the Faculty, members o f the ROTC d e p a r tm e n t s , f r ie n d s an d the C o rp s . T h is c e r em o n y c om menced with Gen e ra l Bu n t in g giving a b r ie f introduction about the life and character o f the man receiving this award. In paraphrasing, General Bunting commented that Farrell was a patriot, a most distinguished veteran, and more ■relevant to VMI, the epitome o f a citizen soldier. In his biographical history Farrell’s experiences combine duty and honor as a model soldier with academic excellence. He was described as being "beautifully educated” in schools such as Trinity and Tufts University receiving his degree in French literature before jo in in g the war elTort in Southeast Asia. At'ter serving two tours in Vietnam he became a prof e s so r o f F re n ch at Hamp to n Sydney College up until he was hired as the acting Dean at VMI. General Bunting concluded his remarks by commenting on the commitment and selflessness shown by the Dean in serving the needs o f the corps not only academically but as a counselor and mentor as well. After General Bunting’s complimentary address, Colonel Hammond read the orders to promote Farrell to the rank o f Brigadier General and to appoint him as DeanofFacultya t VMI. With this General Farrell took the microphone to address the audience and to emphasize his appreciation to the corps for their support in endorsing him as the continued Dean o f the fa cu lty . R e fe r r in g to Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, General Farrell joked, "1 know the Ides o f March is just around the corner." With the conclusion to his witty remarks, the corps stood up to give this “ teacher / leader” a standing ovation. son was killed in a drunk driving acci- lated violence and vandalism, strengthen 31,1998. Superintendent and Cadtets Tour Europe Jeremy Obenctiain News Editor Superintendent Josiah Bunting, Major Dale Davis and two VMI cadets. Second classman Mike Purdy and Fourth classman Hassan GibH, visited three countries in two weeks to explore and establish foreign exchange programs for cadets and professors. The contingent leftVMIon 24 February and spent five days in Engjand, a week in Morocco and a day in the Netherlands and returned to VMI on 9 March. According to Arabic professor Major Dale Davis, the trip was a complete success in helping expand VMl’s overseas programs and, “it far exceeded our expectations.” The VMI contingent’s frrst stop was London, England where they visited Sandliurst Royal Military Academy. The Royal Military Academy already has an exchange program with the US Military Academy and VMI is attempting to begin a similar exchange program in the future. The next stop was the Royal Military College at Shrivingham, where two VMI cadets (Second classmen Grant Eddy and Twin Dam) are now studying. The College has a long running exchange with VMI and allows two cadets a semester to study en^- neering with tuition payed. Next, the delegation headed to Morocco to further expand exchanges between various universities and visit the facilities for this summer’s VMI summer abroad program in Fez. First in Casablanca, tlie contingent visited the American School where Major General Bunting talked to students about attending college in tlie United States. Next, they visited the Moroccan Maratime Institute, a military style institute, in hopes of starting an exchange fbr interested cadets at both institutions. After a brief stop in the Moroccan capital o f Rabat, the contingent headed to the cultural, intellectual and historical center of Morocco, Fez, Cadets Purdy and Grari with General Bunting at Windsor Castle Fez is the cite for VMl’s summer abroad program in Morocco, After visiting VMI’s summer abroad facilities, the delegation had the privilege to visit a new Moroccan, English- language university, A1 Akliawayn which is situated in the mountains outside General Bunting poses at Chella, a 12th Century Moroccan Necropolis of Fez, There, General Bunting formally signed an agreement establishing a professor and student exchange to begin next fall. Major Dale Davis, who plarined and organized the trip, is hopeful about expanding VMl’s study abroad programs, especially in Morocco, As an Arabic profc^ sor, head ofVMI’s foreign study prograrnj, and having lived in Morocco for two years Major Davis explained that the trip,” was to explore exchange opportunities between Morocco’s institutions of higher learning and VMI,” When asked to describe Morocco, Major Davis said, “A wonderfyl country. You can’t explain its beauty tb pt'ople,,, you have to take them there. The average American’s concept of Morocco is far fiiom reality..,you have mini skirts and jellabas, discos and mosques.” Second classman Mike Purdy expressed hope in expanding VMl’s foreign study abroad opportunities saying, “ 1 wish that all cadets could go overseas at least once to France, Russia, Spain Morocco.,,wherever. With support from alumni. Generals Bimting and Farrell and Major Davis I think we can turn that into a reality.” |