Virginia Military Institute - Bomb Yearbook (Lexington, VA)

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Matriculation 1986 On a rainy August 20th, 452 hiigti schiool graduates from all across thie world decided to make Virginia Military Institue their choice for higher educa- tion. It was a long evening the night before, and an even longer day. The morning began as the matriculants dropped their luggage inside old bar- racks and made their way to Camer- ron Hall, Once there each matriculant vistit- ed with his academic advisors and dis- cussed plans for the next year. Finishing this he then preceded to sign the ma- triculation book and become a New Cadet . The New Cadet signed many papers and recocds and preceded down the hall, he found waiting for him a new commandant and an eager Class of 87, New changes in the ad- ministration were evident as the First Class ran The entire matriculation pro- cess. At this piont the New Cadet was given his rot bible and a few other words of encourgement from the Rat Disiplinary Committee, Worried parents, confused rats, and an efficient cadre could be seen ev- erywhere on this day. Each New Ca- det recieved the same Culture shock given to thousands before him. Later that evening, after a full day of mov- ing, running around, and screaming, the New Cadets were given a special invitation by the First Class to take on VMI, The New Cadet moss was brought to the new courtyard and char ged by the First Class President to accept the VMI challenge. Each in at- tendance warily accepted. The mass then met their dykes in a short sweat party. Following this they were led to J,M. Hall where they met the R.D.C, Here they were fought how to stand attention VMI style. When they re- turned to barracks they were met by the Cadre, and walked the Rat Line for the first time. They were now Rats. They were now our rats, they be- longed to us, The Class of 87. 16 Cadet Life

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Graduation 1986 On May 17. 1986, VMI. once again said goodbye to a fine class that exemplified what the I stands for. The Class of 1986 left its mark on VMI and on the classes that it left behind. In the future, ' 86 will, no doubt, carry on the tradition of giving to the Insti- tute that gave them so much. Commencement exercises began with the customary Graduation Review Parade. The Review is taken by General Sam S. Walker and the Class Agents of 1986. A-lO ' s gave an extra thrill to the ceremonies as they gave their own pass in review. Needless to say, the crowd was impressed with both the Corps and the Air Force ' s A-lO ' s. After the parade, the Corps forms in old barracks to watch the release of all the sta- tus slips that had been distributed during the year. The is the final sign of the closing of another school year. All that is left is the partying and the cleaning of barracks. Con- gratulations Class of 1986. Cadet Life 15

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Cadet Life 17