Virginia Military Institute - Bomb Yearbook (Lexington, VA)

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Major-General Edward West Nichols DWARD WEST NICHOLS, the son of James Nathaniel and Anne Nichols, was born in Petersburg, Va., June 27, 1858. Receiving his early education at McCabe ' s University School, he then entered the Virginia Military Institute and was the fourth distinguished graduate of the Class of 1878. From 1878 until 1881 he was assistant professor of Mathematics at the institute, and during this period studied law under special instruction at Washington and Lee University, completing his studies by summer courses at the University of Virginia. He was admitted to the bar, but soon abandoned a legal career to accept the chair of engineering at the institute, a position which he filled with distinction from 1882 until 1 890, when he was appointed professor of Mathematics. Upon the retirement, in June, 1907, of General Scott Shipp, who had served the institute for fifty-one years, General Nichols became acting superintendent, and one year later was elected superintendent by I he Board cf Visitors, a position which he has held ever since. General Nichols was for several years engaged in solving intricate railroad engineenng problems in collaboration with the inspecting engineer of the New York Central and Hudson River railroads, and was later engaged in similar work in connection with the International Railway Congress. Although busily occupied with his duties as an instructor, he found time for the exhaustive preparation of two valuable additions to mathematical literature — the Nichols ' Analytical Geometry, published in 1893, and A Differential and Integral Calculus, which appeared in 1 900. These works, carefully prepared and admirably constructed, show well the attributes of the scholar, and are a vast improvement over the complicated productions of past years. From 1907 until the present time General Nichols has faithfully and well performed his duties as superintendent, and has been elected to membership in several prominent societies. In addition he was appointed chairman of the Virginia Council of Defense and president of the National Association of Military Colleges. During the period of the S. A. T. C. the Government, realizing the value of his knowledge and experience, commissioned him a major in the United States Engineers in order that he might remain in charge of affairs at the institute during this critical time. Since the war he has best; honored by the Government with a certificate in recognition of his capable and splendid services rendered the country in time of need. His wise guidance and efficient leadership through the varied responsibilities of his office are indicative of his excellent executive ability and one has but to visualize the Greater V. M. I. of his own efforts to see in him a noble life of work consecrated to his Alma Mater.

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Memories Summer fades in all ils glory, Golden banners deck the sky, Clouds bereft of silver lining, Gainer ' round old V. M. I. Shadows lengthen, laughter ceases. Autumn comes to claim her own. Moonbeams steal from heaven ' s windcw, Shed their light for us alone. Strange how well Cadets remember Summer days of blighter hue; Vivid nature ever calls them From the course which they pursue. And our thoughts in sorrow wander Back again to eyes of blue. When each heart beats for another With a fondness ever true. Now our furlough days are over. And each moment we recall Memories fond in silence moulded With the sadness of it all. A. B. D., ' 03.