Virginia Military Institute - Bomb Yearbook (Lexington, VA)

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The Greater V. M. I. In 1839 the Corps of Cadets of the Virginia Military Institute numbered thirty-two, and iti plant consisted of two buildings. In 1927, there were 650 cadets and twelve buildings, not in- cluding the score of officers ' houses. Progress, though slow, was steady until the last ten years, which have seen more rapid additions. In this last period Jackson Memorial Hall, Scott-Shipp Hall, the Alumni Field and Stadium, the Francis H. Smith (north) wing of barracks and Alumni Hall, and the new gymnasium, Ninety-Four Hall, all have been built. The Institute has continued to maintain and advance its well-founded military reputation. It is nationally recognized as being the finest military school in the United States, West Point alone excepted. The thoroughness of its military training has always been the prids of V. M. I., and the introduction of the R. O. T. C. with its attendant armj ' officers and valuable equipment has contributed greatly to the broadening of this phase of work. V. M. I. ' s greatest strides of late years have probably been in the academic field. The prac- tice of admitting applicants with less than fifteen entrance units has been stopped. Complete recognition of the Institute ' s collegiate rating has followed the abolition of this handicap. The section system of instruction with daily recitation has continued to prove its efficacy, and the four courses are constantly being extended and improved. Graduates are now accepted in all post- graduate schools. In few places, if any, do intercollegiate athletics receive heartier support. Although sports are not allowed to interfere materially with prescribed duties, every assistance is rendered to overcome the drawbacks of short time for practice and the comparatively small number of men available. To the stranger the material progress of V. M. I. must seem slow when compared with that of many of the endowed colleges. This is true because, being under state supervision, the financial problem has always been a difficult one. But the true worth of an institution is determined by the men it turns out, not by its money, buildings, or enrollment. Unfulfilled hopes and plans are many. What has been done is mostly due to the unfailing support of a most loyal body of alumni, and they will deser ' e credit for accomplishments of the future.

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CJack en A lazue at J unsei

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General Cocke William H. Coclie Avas born at City point, Virginia, September 12, 1874. He received his primary education there, but, at the age of 14 years, went away to high school in Staunton whence he entered the Institute in August, 1890. General Cocke graduated as first stand man and first Jackson-Hope medalist in the Class of 1894, continuing his military life for three years as Com- mandant, Kemper Military Academy, Booneville, Missouri. Upon resigning that office he studied law for a year at Washington University, St. Louis, but his course was brought to a close by the outbreak of the Spanish-American ' ar, during which he held a commission as first lieutenant, 4th Missouri Volunteers. With the termination of the war General Cocke received his discharge and took up the practice of law in St. Louis, later becoming President and General Manager of the St. Louis (Michigan) Chemical Company. Continually developing a closer connection with the chemical industry, he organized the Commercial Acid Company, known as the Southern Acid and Sulphur Company after 191 8, and took up the duties of president and general manager, at which he attained noteworthy success. At the entrance of the United States into the World War, General Cocke was a major in the Missouri National Guard, 35th Division; he was sent overseas in 191 8, resuming his business in St. Louis, Missouri, upon discharge. The Board of Visitors elected General — then Major — Cocke superintendent of the Virginia Military Institute in 1924; he as- sumed the duties of that office and has continued as superintendent for the past four years. l JJll .illHIIMIIfcilllfrJil JII LL ■ W?M ..