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Special on page 4 VOLUME XL l l l i y t Cab ct Russia's Zone Defense THE V.M.I. C ADET, LEXINGTON, VIRGINIA, MAY 15, 1950 NUMBER 29 Clajss of 1953 Becomes Official Tonight ROTC Units To Hold Open House Saturday Armed Forces Day To Be Celebrated In Little Pentagon Marking the first celebration ol Armed Forces Day in the history of our country, Saturday, May 20, 1950 has been set aside by the President of the United States as the one day of the year for all loyal citizens to pay tribute to the vital services rendered to our country in war and peace, by mem-bers of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps. In carrying out the local observance of Armed Forces Day in Lexington, Lt. Col. Skidmore N. Garrett, USAF, Pro-fessor of Air Science and Tactics and Senior Project Officer for the celebration of Armed Forces Day in the Lexington area cordially in-vites the citizens of Lexington, Virginia and neighboring commun-ities to visit the VMI Military Science Department buildings (Formerly the old VMI Cavalry Stables) located adjacent to U. S. Highway No. 1 on the North side of the VMI football stadium. These buildings have been made available by the Superintendent of VMI to facilitate the observance of Armed Forces Day in Lexington. "Open House" to be Held In order to acquaint the public with the present mission of the United States Armed Forces, sta-tioned in Lexington "Open House" will be held at the VMI Military Science buildings between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. in-clusive on Saturday, May 20, 1950. At this time and place the various types of Infantry, Armored Caval-ry, Field Artillery and United States Air Force weapons and equipment currently being used to instruct VMI ROTC Cadets will be displayed for inspection by the public. Also at the same time, all classrooms, offices, supply rooms, motor sheds, and other facilities of the VMI Military Science De-partment will be open for visits and inspection by the public. In addition to "Open House" at the VMI Military Science Buildings, a weapons display in the town of Lexington is planned for Armed Forces Day. Civils Inspect Foundry, Shop! In Lynchburg BT BOB MOSS Second class civil engineers took their annual field trip to Lynch-burg last Tuesday, May 9, for the purpose of visiting foundries and machine shops in and around the Lynchburg area. The civils were guests for the day of Mr. McWane, assistant to the presdent of the Lynchburg Foundry Company. After an early breakfast in the mess hall at 6:15, the civils boarded special busses for the trip to Lynch-burg and arrived about 8:30 at the Lynchburg Foundry. Before changing into coveralls for the in-spection trip through the foundry, pictures of the five civil sections were taken outside of the foundry by a company photographer for the foundries' magazine titled "The Iron Worker." Throughout the day more pictures of the cadets were taken by this same photog-rapher as the cadets observed the different phases of producing iron castings. At the conclusion of the morning inspection trip through the Lynch-burg Foundry and the Glamorgan Pipe Company, the CES had lunch as guests of the Lynchburg Foun- (Continued on Page 1) 'Ken9 Runquist To Leave VMI To Earn Ed.E. BY H. L. RAWLINS ""This"next fall the Pre-Med De-partment and the Physical Educa-tion Department will be without the services of Kenneth C. Run-quist. who has been at VMI for the last three years. Coach or "Ken" as he is often called by the members of the swimming team, is leaving in June to attend the Teachers' College Division of Columbia Uni-versity. There he will obtain an Ed. D. in Education. Then, if his plans materialize, he might be able to return to VMI. "Ken" obtained his B.S. degree in 1943 at Springfield College in Springfield, Mass., the town where he was reared. He then went into the Navy for three years of which 18 months were spent overseas in the Mediterranean area. He was in the 8th Amphibious Force and took part in three landings. When dis-charged, Ken held the rank of lieutenant junior grade, but now is a lieutenant senior grade in lhe Reserves. After being discharged he went back to Springfield College and ob-tained his M. Ed. in 1947. In the same year Herb Patchin wrote to Dr. Esslinger who is head of the Department of Education at Springfield College, asking him to recommend someone to replace Ralph Casey in the Physical Ed-ucation Department. Ken was lhe one recommended and in the fall of 1947 he joined the faculty of VMI. Ken has coached the swimming team and taught swimming all three of his years at VMI, but in adition to that, he taught gym-nastics at W&L his second year and has taught biology this last year here. The swimming team thinks high-ly of Ken and has improved stead-ily under him. During Ken's first year the team won 3, lost 3 meets; during his second year it won 4, lost 3. This year the team won 6, lost 1 and took second place in the conference meet. They hsve had to improve a great deal to Blackwell And Hawthorne Co-leaders Of Commanders Ash Harrison and Tommy Kirk, the present co-leaders of the Com-manders, announced Wednesday night that next year the dance band will again have co-leaders. Mack Blackwell, trumpeter from Saltville, Virginia, and Gene Hawthorne, alto sax star from Keysville, Virginia, will share the lime light fifty-fifty. Next year will mark the fourth with the Commanders for Black-well, a Brother Rat of 1951, and ihe fifth for Hawthorne, a Brother Rat of 1950B. Hawthorne has played first sax with the dance band for four years; this fact itself speaks for the musical ability of Mr. Hawthorne. Gene has also been ac-tive in sports, being a member of this year's varsity golf team. He is a major in liberal arts and is now completing his Second Class 2-B term. Mack Blackwell has been with the dance band since his Rat year, and has been featured as the jazz trumpet soloist since his first sen-sational appearance with the Com-manders in 1947. In addition to the dance band, Mack is the first solo trumpet for the Regimental Band and Music Editor for the Cadet. Next year will mark his keep up with the improving con-ference. Ken who met his wife, a Navy nurse, while he was in the Navy, was married in January, 1946. Now he has two little boys, one that can swim and one that can't. The one that can't is only 15 months old, but Ken says that it was a great disappointment to him that they both were not able to swim when they were born. He blames it on their mother. Ken regrets that he has to leave VMI, but he has no choice if he wants to be able to use the G. I. Bill to get his Ed. D. Al Conyne also from Springfield College, will take his place. Al Conyne re-ceived his M. Ed. in 1948. He was captain of the Springfield swim-ming team in 1946. Ken has kno vn him for about 10 years and is cer-tain that he will be an asset to the Physical Education Department. Summer Camp Furlough Summer camp is the main thought of all second classmen as summer furlough Is just a month off. Within a few days after leaving VMI, all men who are going to camp will report to their respective camps to spend six weeks getting practical experience w h i c h will prepare them to be officers in either the Army or Air Force. The men In Air ROTC are going to camps in Virginia and Ohio. Cadets in Air Administration and supply will go to Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, on June 18 and will remain there until July 30. Those cadets in Air Installation will be sent to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, from June 25 until August 5. Cadets at these camps will follow nearly the same sched-ule, only, of course, the courses will be different. At each camp there will be a four day bivouac. Each man will serve as mess attendant at least one day during his six weeks stay at the camp and every cadet will be encouraged to par-ticipate in aerial Sights. Fort Knox, Kentucky, is the camp chosen for the Armored Cavalry this summer. The camp will start June 17 and last for six weeks. This camp will include range Oring with small arms, tank gunnery, field tactics, and physical education. (This schedule, however, will not be followed by the tank gunnery group). The six weeks will include ample time for recreation that will be enjoyable as well as profitable. The summer camp will be com-posed of many ROTC groups which will come from the eastern states. The Infantry camp will be Fort Meade. At this camp, and at the other camps there will be several VMI officers and noncommissioned officers. The camps will be a major step in the attainment of commis-sions in both the reserve and reg-ular Army. As usual, the Artillery camp will be conducted at Fort Bragg, in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Here, the greater part of the cadets' time will be occupied with practical and field work on the 105 and 155 mm howitzers. Accompanying the VMI group will be Major Schaaf. It is estimated that there will be approximately 130 cadets from VMI at the summer camps this year. Some of the cadets, however, will go to other camps such as those which specialize ln engineer-ing and ecience. fourth successful year with the Commanders. Plans for Next Year When asked about their plans for next season, the co-leaders did not have too much to say since they haven't decided definitely on the personnel. They both agreed with the fact that if they can get ihe sidemen they want, they will pro-duce a dance band which can re-tain the high position the Com-manders have in college dance band circles. Vocalist? Mack Blackwell answered the question as to a vocalist with, "As yet, we don't know, but I'd like to have one with the band." Gene Hawthorne answered the same ques-tion with, "I can't say right now; we'll have to decide on that one later." Conclusion and prediction: the Commanders will have next year, a yet un-named male vocalist. Two-Sized Band Mutual agreement will probably produce a two-sized band much as the present outfit. That is, there will be the big band for ballroom dances and the smaller combo for country clubs, fraternity houses, and private parties. This plan has proven successful in past years; it is a formula which helps the darice band fill all types of dance dates. Personnel for the band will be an-nounced early next year. Good Future for Commanders The Commanders, under its two new, experienced leaders, will hs ve a bright future to look forward to next season. The neighboring schools, fraternities, and clubs should keep the band booked prac-tically every weekend. This year, the big drawback seemed to be lack of transportation, but Blackwell and Hawthorne seem fairly confi-dent that they can overcome this obstacle and lead the Commandnrs to another successful dance season. The Commanders are well known throughout the state and have made frequent appearances at VMI hops in past years. They have filled en-gagements at various girls' schools including Hollins, Sullins, and Rad-ford Teachers College. Cadets Hear Brown, Dodge In VMI Hall Today and tonight the Institute is playing host to Mr. Willard Brown, a graduate of the class of 1914 and the manager of the Engi-neering department of the Lamp Division of General Electric Com-pany. Mr. Brown will give a demonstra-ted lecture on the sources of light, entitled "Developments in Light Sources." The Corps will form for the lecture at 1930 Monday night. Mr. Brown has revisited VMI sev-eral times before this, and last year lectured to the Electrical Engineers. A second lecture is scheduled to be delivered at noon on Tuesday, May 16, by Dr. Baynard Dodge, President Emeritus of the American University of Beirut in Beirut, Lebanon. The talk, entitled "The Future of Western Asia—Oil and Water or Blood and Tears," is of general economic and political in-terest. Dr. Dodge has spent most of his life teaching in the Near and Far East. His appearance has been made possible as a result of a con-tribution to the Athens College in Athens, Greece by the VMI faculty. Last Company Rooms Scheduled For 2215 Rats First Under Rules Now In Effect Science Hall Is Planned For Future Last week a r c h i t e c t s from Delano & Aldrich were at VMI discussing the future Science Hall which will be built somewhere on our campus. The building was ori-ginally planned in 1942. It will house the Physics Department, and later with the addition of a large wing will accomodate the Biology Department. The architects con-ferred with Colonel William Couper VMI Business Executive Officer; and the heads of the Physics and Biology Departments. The tenta-tive location of the building is just west of the library. As soon as actual appropriations are re-leased, the firm of Carneal & John-son will begin the plans for con-struction. Tech - VMI Differ Vastly Many More Privileges At VPI Virginia Beach Will See Party So far not many of the "lo'ial boys'" clubs around barracks have gotten on the stick about the parties that they will throw this summer. The few that have made up their minds—or nearly so—are the Tide-water Club, the Lynchburg Club, and the Southwest Virginia Club Down at the Beach, the boys from Tidewater are going to have a brawl right after we shed our last tears of parting from this venerable institution. No definite place has been decided upon, but among others the "Sand Box" has been suggested. No definite place can be picked until the number of people who will be there has been fix.fd, so everyone who is going down to the Beach to drown his sorrows in something other than the Atlantic go on down to 211 and tell Dashiell. The second or third week of August (as soon as summer camp is over) Norton, Virginia will be the scene of another "typical" party for the Southwestern Virginia boys. The place is the country club, prob-ably because the large, rolling greens will permit much early morning sleeping. Two nights after the last party here the mountains will again ring with loud cries and songs, lhe Lynchburg Club is throwing a hay-ride. Naturally this is only the be-ginning of a perpetual paity throughout the summer, and any-one is invited. All the other clubs say that ihe summer is going to be one big party from beginning to end, but none have said where it is going to start, or when. A recent note on the bulletin board: "Anyone planning to be in Mexico City during the summer notify Dalrymple for a keg of beer and a good time." This is the fourth in a series of articles by the VMI Cadet to keep thc corps informed of thc nature of other military schools. The earlier articles were on West Point, The Citadel, and Annap-olis. BY J. W. CLAWSON Those actually expecting an in-stitution 'far above the hills of Blacksburg, in a field of rye' will be amazed and impressed by the I bustle on the expansive yet crowd- : ed grounds of the Virginia Poly-technic Institute at Blacksburg, Vir-ginia, whose academic plant is val-ued at some twenty million dollars. The arch rival of the Institute on the field of sports is a combi-nation civilian co-educational and military college offering bachelors degrees in 32 courses, master's degrees in twenty-six, and Ph. D. degrees in four. Emphasis, however, is placed on the three courses of only at BRC and at Retreat. Th."re are however, two hours of drill every week and one parade, weath-er permitting. They are not re-quired to march to class and Gurrd Duty extends only from six in the morning until eleven at night. • — —— irmn There is no formation at Ti ch d r i U o n Tuesday and Thursdays, comparable to the Institute's Men- ( Another revision took shape dir-day Evening Inspection, nevertNe- , ' n g the present semester, with She less, rifles are inspected in 1he changes in honor list requiremerts. BY FRANK C. GORHAM Amid ringing old yells for every class now in barracks, the Class of 1953 was released from the rat line at 6:20 p.m. today. The great event, which has been anxiously awaited on the fourth stoop, took place this afternoon at the con-clusion of VMI's traditional New Market Day Ceremonial Parade. The Class of 1953 thus became the first class in VMI history to be re-leased from the rat line under the new system which was inaugu-rated this spring. Prior to this time, with the exception of last year, the rat line has ended on the day be-fore the start of final exercises Th fourth class .however, will not receive third class privileges until next year. Many changes in regulations pre-ceded the new system. The first of these took form two years ago this spring when members of the corps were permitted to return individ-ually from the mess hall instead of marching back by battalions. This change was followed a year later by abandonment of the custom of marching back from Sunday morn-ing church formations. Further privileges came during the current year with the granting of non-emergency furlough time to all classes, and with the excusing of academic first class privates from rooms during one of the three rer.u-larly scheduled inspections e.ich day. Juniors are Corporals Rank in the Corps of Cadets are held mainly by third and fou'th year men, who are given the up- „ - portunity of attending Tech as I ®y__e™' n o changes have been Under the new honor list require-ments, rats who met the requi'e-ments for the old 8.0 furlough wwe placed on the honor list. Slightly different changes were made ''or the second and third classes. S i ne the present first class is still on ihe civilian students. This policy sures promotions being given only to those interested in the military system. Sophomores hold the rank of privates first class, juniors are corporals and sergeants, and seniors Engineering, Business Administra-1 h o , d a11 commissioned ranks tion, and Agriculture. In addition to the main courses, it is possible to specialize in any one of ninety-six branches. Academic grades are based on the system of A, B, C, D, E, and F. A grade of E is con-ditional and F is failing; allowing four marks between passing and the maximum grade, similar to the system now employed by the In-stitute. Military courses are taught in Engineering, Artillery, Infantry, Signal, Ordnance, and Air Force. However, a smaller percentage of students are actually enrolled in the ROTC than at VMI. The fourteen h u n d r e d and twenty-five members of the Corps of Cadets are housed in barracks in an upper and lower quadrangle and in several of the four new dormi-tories recently completed in order to absorb those students formerly housed at the nearby Radford Ord-nance Plant. More Privileges While visitors to Blacksburg will find the general rules and customs prevalent at all military colleges, the greater number of privileges afforded cadets as well as the dif-ferences in policies and traditions as compared to those of the In-stitute will immediately be notired by even the most casual observer. Furloughs are available at the rate of six per year for freshmen, 12 per year for Sophomores, and 18 per year for Juniors. Half of the allotted leaves are classified as Special, from Friday DRC to Mon-day morning BRC, while the regu-lar furloughs are from Saturday DRC to Monday BRC. Seniors are granted 12 Special furloughs each year and an unlimited number of where they choose. regular leaves Less Formations The Corps now forms regularly Different Customs The 'Rat Line' at VPI extends not only inside but outside barracks, within a specified area. All ruts carry matches in their hatbands for the convenience of upper-classmen and are required to groet everyone that they see at all times The fourth classmen are easily recognizable by their white web belts, which are worn with every uniform. Grey cotton shirts and straight pants are worn all yi'ar except while on guard, when at-tending dances, and on Sundays, when ducks are worn. Luxury in Barracks In barracks, classes are evenly distributed on all floors. The rooms hold two and three and are lux-uriously furnished, according to Institute standards. Rugs, overstuffed chairs, indi-vidual medicine chests, draperies, pictures hung on walls, and civilian clothing are permitted in the rooms. Tech cadets sleep on non-collapsible metal cots, but they are required to fold back their mattresses ench morning. Cafeteria Style Food is served to both the civil and military students in opposite sides of a huge cafeteria. Since the hall will not accommodate the en-tire student body, meals are ser\ed In shifts. It is a senior privilege, however, to break into the cafeteria line. There are no definite table assigned, but all rats are required to keep upperclassmen supplied with water during the course of the meal. Though they must sit on the edges of their chairs at atten-tion as did the Institute Rats, at Tech, they are allowed to sit any- Blackaburg 'On Peel' The campus of VPI Includes the (Continued on Page S) announced as yet for the first class honor list. These changes had be-come highly desirable when 'he new grading system was inaugu-rated in September, 1947, with the matriculation of the class of 1951. Under original plans, all classes were placed on the 6.0 system, but this was later changed so that all classes including and following f.he Class of 1951 would be placed on the 6.0 system, while all previous calsses would remain on the 7.5 grading system until graduation The indications of better things to come were climaxed on March 6, 1950 when the new system was announced to the corps. The prin-cipal feature of the system was the granting of more weekends to all classes, including the new non-restrictive weekends which are not based on academic work. Other im-portant features were a change in class drinking pledge rules; ox-tension of Saturday night privileges to the fourth class; and a general tightening of General Committee rules pertaining to the administra-tion of the rat line. Another change in VMI regula-tions which was announced at the same time as the new system, tmt which has not yet had a chance to become effective, is the change in the time of matriculation for new cadets. Prior to this time, new cadets have matriculated on the Monday following the return of the old cadets. However, starting ln September, 1950, new cadets will report five days prior to the return of the corps. This system breaks an Institute policy of over 20 yeari standing. Under this change, all classes will begin academic work for the year on the same day. Sports This Week SATURDAY State Golf Tournament at Hot Springs Southern Conference Track Meet at Chapel Hill
Object Description
Repository | Virginia Military Institute Archives |
Collection | VMI Cadet Newspaper |
Title | VMI Cadet. May 15, 1950 |
Issue Date | 1950-05-15 |
Volume/Number | Volume 40, number 29 |
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 | 1950-05-15 |
Full Text Search | Special on page 4 VOLUME XL l l l i y t Cab ct Russia's Zone Defense THE V.M.I. C ADET, LEXINGTON, VIRGINIA, MAY 15, 1950 NUMBER 29 Clajss of 1953 Becomes Official Tonight ROTC Units To Hold Open House Saturday Armed Forces Day To Be Celebrated In Little Pentagon Marking the first celebration ol Armed Forces Day in the history of our country, Saturday, May 20, 1950 has been set aside by the President of the United States as the one day of the year for all loyal citizens to pay tribute to the vital services rendered to our country in war and peace, by mem-bers of the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and Marine Corps. In carrying out the local observance of Armed Forces Day in Lexington, Lt. Col. Skidmore N. Garrett, USAF, Pro-fessor of Air Science and Tactics and Senior Project Officer for the celebration of Armed Forces Day in the Lexington area cordially in-vites the citizens of Lexington, Virginia and neighboring commun-ities to visit the VMI Military Science Department buildings (Formerly the old VMI Cavalry Stables) located adjacent to U. S. Highway No. 1 on the North side of the VMI football stadium. These buildings have been made available by the Superintendent of VMI to facilitate the observance of Armed Forces Day in Lexington. "Open House" to be Held In order to acquaint the public with the present mission of the United States Armed Forces, sta-tioned in Lexington "Open House" will be held at the VMI Military Science buildings between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. in-clusive on Saturday, May 20, 1950. At this time and place the various types of Infantry, Armored Caval-ry, Field Artillery and United States Air Force weapons and equipment currently being used to instruct VMI ROTC Cadets will be displayed for inspection by the public. Also at the same time, all classrooms, offices, supply rooms, motor sheds, and other facilities of the VMI Military Science De-partment will be open for visits and inspection by the public. In addition to "Open House" at the VMI Military Science Buildings, a weapons display in the town of Lexington is planned for Armed Forces Day. Civils Inspect Foundry, Shop! In Lynchburg BT BOB MOSS Second class civil engineers took their annual field trip to Lynch-burg last Tuesday, May 9, for the purpose of visiting foundries and machine shops in and around the Lynchburg area. The civils were guests for the day of Mr. McWane, assistant to the presdent of the Lynchburg Foundry Company. After an early breakfast in the mess hall at 6:15, the civils boarded special busses for the trip to Lynch-burg and arrived about 8:30 at the Lynchburg Foundry. Before changing into coveralls for the in-spection trip through the foundry, pictures of the five civil sections were taken outside of the foundry by a company photographer for the foundries' magazine titled "The Iron Worker." Throughout the day more pictures of the cadets were taken by this same photog-rapher as the cadets observed the different phases of producing iron castings. At the conclusion of the morning inspection trip through the Lynch-burg Foundry and the Glamorgan Pipe Company, the CES had lunch as guests of the Lynchburg Foun- (Continued on Page 1) 'Ken9 Runquist To Leave VMI To Earn Ed.E. BY H. L. RAWLINS ""This"next fall the Pre-Med De-partment and the Physical Educa-tion Department will be without the services of Kenneth C. Run-quist. who has been at VMI for the last three years. Coach or "Ken" as he is often called by the members of the swimming team, is leaving in June to attend the Teachers' College Division of Columbia Uni-versity. There he will obtain an Ed. D. in Education. Then, if his plans materialize, he might be able to return to VMI. "Ken" obtained his B.S. degree in 1943 at Springfield College in Springfield, Mass., the town where he was reared. He then went into the Navy for three years of which 18 months were spent overseas in the Mediterranean area. He was in the 8th Amphibious Force and took part in three landings. When dis-charged, Ken held the rank of lieutenant junior grade, but now is a lieutenant senior grade in lhe Reserves. After being discharged he went back to Springfield College and ob-tained his M. Ed. in 1947. In the same year Herb Patchin wrote to Dr. Esslinger who is head of the Department of Education at Springfield College, asking him to recommend someone to replace Ralph Casey in the Physical Ed-ucation Department. Ken was lhe one recommended and in the fall of 1947 he joined the faculty of VMI. Ken has coached the swimming team and taught swimming all three of his years at VMI, but in adition to that, he taught gym-nastics at W&L his second year and has taught biology this last year here. The swimming team thinks high-ly of Ken and has improved stead-ily under him. During Ken's first year the team won 3, lost 3 meets; during his second year it won 4, lost 3. This year the team won 6, lost 1 and took second place in the conference meet. They hsve had to improve a great deal to Blackwell And Hawthorne Co-leaders Of Commanders Ash Harrison and Tommy Kirk, the present co-leaders of the Com-manders, announced Wednesday night that next year the dance band will again have co-leaders. Mack Blackwell, trumpeter from Saltville, Virginia, and Gene Hawthorne, alto sax star from Keysville, Virginia, will share the lime light fifty-fifty. Next year will mark the fourth with the Commanders for Black-well, a Brother Rat of 1951, and ihe fifth for Hawthorne, a Brother Rat of 1950B. Hawthorne has played first sax with the dance band for four years; this fact itself speaks for the musical ability of Mr. Hawthorne. Gene has also been ac-tive in sports, being a member of this year's varsity golf team. He is a major in liberal arts and is now completing his Second Class 2-B term. Mack Blackwell has been with the dance band since his Rat year, and has been featured as the jazz trumpet soloist since his first sen-sational appearance with the Com-manders in 1947. In addition to the dance band, Mack is the first solo trumpet for the Regimental Band and Music Editor for the Cadet. Next year will mark his keep up with the improving con-ference. Ken who met his wife, a Navy nurse, while he was in the Navy, was married in January, 1946. Now he has two little boys, one that can swim and one that can't. The one that can't is only 15 months old, but Ken says that it was a great disappointment to him that they both were not able to swim when they were born. He blames it on their mother. Ken regrets that he has to leave VMI, but he has no choice if he wants to be able to use the G. I. Bill to get his Ed. D. Al Conyne also from Springfield College, will take his place. Al Conyne re-ceived his M. Ed. in 1948. He was captain of the Springfield swim-ming team in 1946. Ken has kno vn him for about 10 years and is cer-tain that he will be an asset to the Physical Education Department. Summer Camp Furlough Summer camp is the main thought of all second classmen as summer furlough Is just a month off. Within a few days after leaving VMI, all men who are going to camp will report to their respective camps to spend six weeks getting practical experience w h i c h will prepare them to be officers in either the Army or Air Force. The men In Air ROTC are going to camps in Virginia and Ohio. Cadets in Air Administration and supply will go to Langley Air Force Base, Virginia, on June 18 and will remain there until July 30. Those cadets in Air Installation will be sent to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, from June 25 until August 5. Cadets at these camps will follow nearly the same sched-ule, only, of course, the courses will be different. At each camp there will be a four day bivouac. Each man will serve as mess attendant at least one day during his six weeks stay at the camp and every cadet will be encouraged to par-ticipate in aerial Sights. Fort Knox, Kentucky, is the camp chosen for the Armored Cavalry this summer. The camp will start June 17 and last for six weeks. This camp will include range Oring with small arms, tank gunnery, field tactics, and physical education. (This schedule, however, will not be followed by the tank gunnery group). The six weeks will include ample time for recreation that will be enjoyable as well as profitable. The summer camp will be com-posed of many ROTC groups which will come from the eastern states. The Infantry camp will be Fort Meade. At this camp, and at the other camps there will be several VMI officers and noncommissioned officers. The camps will be a major step in the attainment of commis-sions in both the reserve and reg-ular Army. As usual, the Artillery camp will be conducted at Fort Bragg, in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Here, the greater part of the cadets' time will be occupied with practical and field work on the 105 and 155 mm howitzers. Accompanying the VMI group will be Major Schaaf. It is estimated that there will be approximately 130 cadets from VMI at the summer camps this year. Some of the cadets, however, will go to other camps such as those which specialize ln engineer-ing and ecience. fourth successful year with the Commanders. Plans for Next Year When asked about their plans for next season, the co-leaders did not have too much to say since they haven't decided definitely on the personnel. They both agreed with the fact that if they can get ihe sidemen they want, they will pro-duce a dance band which can re-tain the high position the Com-manders have in college dance band circles. Vocalist? Mack Blackwell answered the question as to a vocalist with, "As yet, we don't know, but I'd like to have one with the band." Gene Hawthorne answered the same ques-tion with, "I can't say right now; we'll have to decide on that one later." Conclusion and prediction: the Commanders will have next year, a yet un-named male vocalist. Two-Sized Band Mutual agreement will probably produce a two-sized band much as the present outfit. That is, there will be the big band for ballroom dances and the smaller combo for country clubs, fraternity houses, and private parties. This plan has proven successful in past years; it is a formula which helps the darice band fill all types of dance dates. Personnel for the band will be an-nounced early next year. Good Future for Commanders The Commanders, under its two new, experienced leaders, will hs ve a bright future to look forward to next season. The neighboring schools, fraternities, and clubs should keep the band booked prac-tically every weekend. This year, the big drawback seemed to be lack of transportation, but Blackwell and Hawthorne seem fairly confi-dent that they can overcome this obstacle and lead the Commandnrs to another successful dance season. The Commanders are well known throughout the state and have made frequent appearances at VMI hops in past years. They have filled en-gagements at various girls' schools including Hollins, Sullins, and Rad-ford Teachers College. Cadets Hear Brown, Dodge In VMI Hall Today and tonight the Institute is playing host to Mr. Willard Brown, a graduate of the class of 1914 and the manager of the Engi-neering department of the Lamp Division of General Electric Com-pany. Mr. Brown will give a demonstra-ted lecture on the sources of light, entitled "Developments in Light Sources." The Corps will form for the lecture at 1930 Monday night. Mr. Brown has revisited VMI sev-eral times before this, and last year lectured to the Electrical Engineers. A second lecture is scheduled to be delivered at noon on Tuesday, May 16, by Dr. Baynard Dodge, President Emeritus of the American University of Beirut in Beirut, Lebanon. The talk, entitled "The Future of Western Asia—Oil and Water or Blood and Tears," is of general economic and political in-terest. Dr. Dodge has spent most of his life teaching in the Near and Far East. His appearance has been made possible as a result of a con-tribution to the Athens College in Athens, Greece by the VMI faculty. Last Company Rooms Scheduled For 2215 Rats First Under Rules Now In Effect Science Hall Is Planned For Future Last week a r c h i t e c t s from Delano & Aldrich were at VMI discussing the future Science Hall which will be built somewhere on our campus. The building was ori-ginally planned in 1942. It will house the Physics Department, and later with the addition of a large wing will accomodate the Biology Department. The architects con-ferred with Colonel William Couper VMI Business Executive Officer; and the heads of the Physics and Biology Departments. The tenta-tive location of the building is just west of the library. As soon as actual appropriations are re-leased, the firm of Carneal & John-son will begin the plans for con-struction. Tech - VMI Differ Vastly Many More Privileges At VPI Virginia Beach Will See Party So far not many of the "lo'ial boys'" clubs around barracks have gotten on the stick about the parties that they will throw this summer. The few that have made up their minds—or nearly so—are the Tide-water Club, the Lynchburg Club, and the Southwest Virginia Club Down at the Beach, the boys from Tidewater are going to have a brawl right after we shed our last tears of parting from this venerable institution. No definite place has been decided upon, but among others the "Sand Box" has been suggested. No definite place can be picked until the number of people who will be there has been fix.fd, so everyone who is going down to the Beach to drown his sorrows in something other than the Atlantic go on down to 211 and tell Dashiell. The second or third week of August (as soon as summer camp is over) Norton, Virginia will be the scene of another "typical" party for the Southwestern Virginia boys. The place is the country club, prob-ably because the large, rolling greens will permit much early morning sleeping. Two nights after the last party here the mountains will again ring with loud cries and songs, lhe Lynchburg Club is throwing a hay-ride. Naturally this is only the be-ginning of a perpetual paity throughout the summer, and any-one is invited. All the other clubs say that ihe summer is going to be one big party from beginning to end, but none have said where it is going to start, or when. A recent note on the bulletin board: "Anyone planning to be in Mexico City during the summer notify Dalrymple for a keg of beer and a good time." This is the fourth in a series of articles by the VMI Cadet to keep thc corps informed of thc nature of other military schools. The earlier articles were on West Point, The Citadel, and Annap-olis. BY J. W. CLAWSON Those actually expecting an in-stitution 'far above the hills of Blacksburg, in a field of rye' will be amazed and impressed by the I bustle on the expansive yet crowd- : ed grounds of the Virginia Poly-technic Institute at Blacksburg, Vir-ginia, whose academic plant is val-ued at some twenty million dollars. The arch rival of the Institute on the field of sports is a combi-nation civilian co-educational and military college offering bachelors degrees in 32 courses, master's degrees in twenty-six, and Ph. D. degrees in four. Emphasis, however, is placed on the three courses of only at BRC and at Retreat. Th."re are however, two hours of drill every week and one parade, weath-er permitting. They are not re-quired to march to class and Gurrd Duty extends only from six in the morning until eleven at night. • — —— irmn There is no formation at Ti ch d r i U o n Tuesday and Thursdays, comparable to the Institute's Men- ( Another revision took shape dir-day Evening Inspection, nevertNe- , ' n g the present semester, with She less, rifles are inspected in 1he changes in honor list requiremerts. BY FRANK C. GORHAM Amid ringing old yells for every class now in barracks, the Class of 1953 was released from the rat line at 6:20 p.m. today. The great event, which has been anxiously awaited on the fourth stoop, took place this afternoon at the con-clusion of VMI's traditional New Market Day Ceremonial Parade. The Class of 1953 thus became the first class in VMI history to be re-leased from the rat line under the new system which was inaugu-rated this spring. Prior to this time, with the exception of last year, the rat line has ended on the day be-fore the start of final exercises Th fourth class .however, will not receive third class privileges until next year. Many changes in regulations pre-ceded the new system. The first of these took form two years ago this spring when members of the corps were permitted to return individ-ually from the mess hall instead of marching back by battalions. This change was followed a year later by abandonment of the custom of marching back from Sunday morn-ing church formations. Further privileges came during the current year with the granting of non-emergency furlough time to all classes, and with the excusing of academic first class privates from rooms during one of the three rer.u-larly scheduled inspections e.ich day. Juniors are Corporals Rank in the Corps of Cadets are held mainly by third and fou'th year men, who are given the up- „ - portunity of attending Tech as I ®y__e™' n o changes have been Under the new honor list require-ments, rats who met the requi'e-ments for the old 8.0 furlough wwe placed on the honor list. Slightly different changes were made ''or the second and third classes. S i ne the present first class is still on ihe civilian students. This policy sures promotions being given only to those interested in the military system. Sophomores hold the rank of privates first class, juniors are corporals and sergeants, and seniors Engineering, Business Administra-1 h o , d a11 commissioned ranks tion, and Agriculture. In addition to the main courses, it is possible to specialize in any one of ninety-six branches. Academic grades are based on the system of A, B, C, D, E, and F. A grade of E is con-ditional and F is failing; allowing four marks between passing and the maximum grade, similar to the system now employed by the In-stitute. Military courses are taught in Engineering, Artillery, Infantry, Signal, Ordnance, and Air Force. However, a smaller percentage of students are actually enrolled in the ROTC than at VMI. The fourteen h u n d r e d and twenty-five members of the Corps of Cadets are housed in barracks in an upper and lower quadrangle and in several of the four new dormi-tories recently completed in order to absorb those students formerly housed at the nearby Radford Ord-nance Plant. More Privileges While visitors to Blacksburg will find the general rules and customs prevalent at all military colleges, the greater number of privileges afforded cadets as well as the dif-ferences in policies and traditions as compared to those of the In-stitute will immediately be notired by even the most casual observer. Furloughs are available at the rate of six per year for freshmen, 12 per year for Sophomores, and 18 per year for Juniors. Half of the allotted leaves are classified as Special, from Friday DRC to Mon-day morning BRC, while the regu-lar furloughs are from Saturday DRC to Monday BRC. Seniors are granted 12 Special furloughs each year and an unlimited number of where they choose. regular leaves Less Formations The Corps now forms regularly Different Customs The 'Rat Line' at VPI extends not only inside but outside barracks, within a specified area. All ruts carry matches in their hatbands for the convenience of upper-classmen and are required to groet everyone that they see at all times The fourth classmen are easily recognizable by their white web belts, which are worn with every uniform. Grey cotton shirts and straight pants are worn all yi'ar except while on guard, when at-tending dances, and on Sundays, when ducks are worn. Luxury in Barracks In barracks, classes are evenly distributed on all floors. The rooms hold two and three and are lux-uriously furnished, according to Institute standards. Rugs, overstuffed chairs, indi-vidual medicine chests, draperies, pictures hung on walls, and civilian clothing are permitted in the rooms. Tech cadets sleep on non-collapsible metal cots, but they are required to fold back their mattresses ench morning. Cafeteria Style Food is served to both the civil and military students in opposite sides of a huge cafeteria. Since the hall will not accommodate the en-tire student body, meals are ser\ed In shifts. It is a senior privilege, however, to break into the cafeteria line. There are no definite table assigned, but all rats are required to keep upperclassmen supplied with water during the course of the meal. Though they must sit on the edges of their chairs at atten-tion as did the Institute Rats, at Tech, they are allowed to sit any- Blackaburg 'On Peel' The campus of VPI Includes the (Continued on Page S) announced as yet for the first class honor list. These changes had be-come highly desirable when 'he new grading system was inaugu-rated in September, 1947, with the matriculation of the class of 1951. Under original plans, all classes were placed on the 6.0 system, but this was later changed so that all classes including and following f.he Class of 1951 would be placed on the 6.0 system, while all previous calsses would remain on the 7.5 grading system until graduation The indications of better things to come were climaxed on March 6, 1950 when the new system was announced to the corps. The prin-cipal feature of the system was the granting of more weekends to all classes, including the new non-restrictive weekends which are not based on academic work. Other im-portant features were a change in class drinking pledge rules; ox-tension of Saturday night privileges to the fourth class; and a general tightening of General Committee rules pertaining to the administra-tion of the rat line. Another change in VMI regula-tions which was announced at the same time as the new system, tmt which has not yet had a chance to become effective, is the change in the time of matriculation for new cadets. Prior to this time, new cadets have matriculated on the Monday following the return of the old cadets. However, starting ln September, 1950, new cadets will report five days prior to the return of the corps. This system breaks an Institute policy of over 20 yeari standing. Under this change, all classes will begin academic work for the year on the same day. Sports This Week SATURDAY State Golf Tournament at Hot Springs Southern Conference Track Meet at Chapel Hill |