Efficient Process Matriculates Largest Class Ever 

The new rat class marches to the Barracks.

LEXINGTON, Va., Aug. 24, 2009 - The 490 new cadets matriculating Saturday at VMI and their families faced adversity almost from the start as a downpour soaked many attempting to move their belongings into barracks and the 30 or so volunteers from the VMI Parents Council offering assistance.

By the time the new cadets - "rats" - had signed the matriculation book, met with academic advisers, and bade their parents farewell, however, the sun was shining brightly and the temperature outdoors in the New Barracks Courtyard, where the new cadets met their Cadre, was rising.

The Class of 2013 was the largest ever to matriculate at VMI, but the process, which took place in Cameron Hall, was an efficient one, said Lt. Col. Gary Bissell, associate registrar.

"It went very well," said Bissell.  "We got done ahead of time even though we had 50 more than is usual."  The process, which he said typically runs till 12:15 p.m., was concluded Saturday by 11:45 a.m.

All morning, Parents Council members answered questions, most commonly about when parents would next see their cadets after matriculation and how "in shape" they needed to be, said member Tammy Peck.

"It was fun, and a little wet," commented James Peck, Parents Council member, who was among those directing traffic in front of barracks Saturday morning.  In spite of the rain, he said, the process of getting cadets situated in barracks had gone "really smooth."

The Parent Council's annual reception for incoming cadets and their parents Friday evening took place for the first time in Marshall Hall, lowering the price per person "considerably," said Mary Ann Taylor, Parents Council co-president.  She said Council members had been fielding questions by phone and e-mail ahead of matriculation and had made plans to escort new cadets unaccompanied by parents through the matriculation process.

New cadet parents were admonished to be supportive and have confidence in their cadets and in VMI in talks given by Gen. J.H. Binford Peay III '62, superintendent, and Cadet Karsten Bloomstrom '10, regimental commander, before the new cadets formed units for the first time for "march off."

Parents would observe, said Peay, that new cadets' phone calls - "their words and their thoughts" - would reflect the "transformation they are going through."  Peay called the parents' attention to VMI's focus on community, seriousness of purpose, and sense of individual responsibility.

"By the time you return for Parents Weekend a mere eight weeks from now," said Peay, "your sons and daughters will be filled with a spirit, the spirit of VMI."

A solemn drumbeat emphasized the solemnity of the occasion as the training of new cadets by Cadre began just a little later.

"It was a great day," said Cadet Barker Squire '10, who as regimental executive officer is in charge of the Cadre. Having spoken with "a few trembling rats," Squire observed, "I have been on Cadre for the last two years, and I must say these are the best rats yet.  They are ... in shape and remaining positive."

Squire attributed the successful beginning of training to the "absolute professionalism" of the cadet staff and company commanders.

"As Cadre, we look at the Rat Line not only as a chance to train rats, but as a chance to change people for the better," said Squire.  "I am not sure if there is anything more rewarding than that."

Parents will next have the opportunity to see their new cadet sons and daughters at the New Cadet Oath Ceremony Sept. 6 at 11 a.m. at the New Market Battlefield State Historical Park, when cadets will recite the cadet oath, charge across the battlefield in homage to the cadets who made the charge May 15, 1864, during the Civil War. Following the charge, the new cadets will have the opportunity to picnic with their parents.

Parents Weekend is Oct. 16-17.

-VMI-