Academic Awards
The Lieutenant General Edward Mallory Almond ‘15 Award for Academic-Athletic-Military Excellence. Established by the General John H. Forney Historical Society of Alabama in 1981 as a memorial to General Almond. Given annually to a graduating cadet who has made outstanding contributions to VMI’s intercollegiate athletic program while distinguishing himself through academic achievement and soldierly bearing and aptitude.
The Stewart W. Anderson Award. Established in 1977 by gifts of relatives and former students to provide a certificate and cash prize to be presented to the graduate having a superior academic performance in the electrical engineering curriculum. The award is in honor of Brigadier General Stewart Wise Anderson, Class of 1908, to recall his 46 years of devoted service to VMI as a member of the faculty. He was head of the Department of Electrical Engineering for 21 years and Dean of the Faculty for 14 years.
John Randolph Tucker Carmichael Award. Established in 1951 by the Class of 1931 as a memorial to their classmate, Dr. John Randolph Tucker Carmichael, who died in 1941. The award, based upon unusual academic achievement and excellence of character, is made to a third class biology major.
The Society of the Cincinnati Medal. In 1913 the Society of the Cincinnati in the State of Virginia established a fund to provide annually a medal to be awarded by the faculty to the member of the graduating class most distinguished by efficiency of services and excellence of character throughout his/her cadetship.
The Company Cup. Established in 1970, an award to the company with the highest combined average GPA for the fall and spring semesters upon which their company and year is engraved.
Civil Engineering Award. A cash award to the graduating civil engineering major who is declared by the department head to hold the highest academic standing at graduation.
The Class of 1941 Award. An award to the first-standing second classman majoring in civil engineering, established by Colonel Alvin F. Meyer, ‘41.
The Major General Richard C. Coupland ‘15 Electrical Engineering Awards. Established in 1991, and awarded to a second and third classman, majoring in electrical engineering, who have demonstrated academic excellence, outstanding leadership abilities, and high moral standards.
The Dearing Medal. Established as a memorial to her son, Asa S. Dearing, Class of 1891, by Mrs. P. M. Dearing, the Dearing Medal is awarded annually to the member of the graduating class who has demonstrated the highest proficiency in the study of English and English literature.
Colonel Herbert Nash Dillard ‘34, Memorial Award. Established in 1977 in memory of Colonel Herbert Nash Dillard ‘34, senior professor of English, department head for eight years, director of the VMI Glee Club for twenty years, and a member of the VMI faculty for thirty-eight years. The cash award and certificate are to be presented to a member of the graduating class judged by the faculty and staff as the cadet best emulating the scholarship and dedication to a broad liberal arts education which characterized Col. Dillard. Consideration will be given to proficiency in a chosen field of study, leadership in the Corps of Cadets, and outstanding accomplishments in the extracurricular program of the Institute.
United Daughters of the Confederacy Sir Moses Ezekiel Award. This award is given to a cadet who has contributed to the cultural life of the Institute.
Faculty Scholorships for Merit. Recognize academic excellence in engineering, arts and humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences and mathematics. The awards are funded solely through contributions by retired and current members of the VMI faculty.
The John H. French Medal. Dr. John H. French, of New York, Class of 1879, gave to the Institute a sum of money which provides a medal for the member of the graduating class for highest proficiency in mathematics.
The Leslie German Second Class Award. A cash prize to a second class chemistry major for excellence in the study of analytical chemistry. This award was established in 1973 by an anonymous donor in honor of Colonel Leslie German who served on the faculty for thirty-five years until his retirement in 1968. Colonel German was head of the Chemistry Department for twenty-eight years.
Bruce C. Gottwald, Jr. ‘81 Award. Presented to the graduating Psychology major who has demonstrated the highest achievement in scholarship, service, and scientific inquiry.
Floyd D. Gottwald, Jr ‘43 Award in Chemistry. Given to the top standing Chemistry major.
John Bowie Gray 1867 Award. Established by the late Miss Aylmer Gray as a memorial to her father, a New Market Cadet. It is awarded to a third classman standing first in civil engineering.
Colonel Sterling Murray Heflin ‘16 Academic Proficiency Award. Established in 1988 as a cash prize awarded to the recipient of the Second Jackson-Hope Medal.
The Institute Honors Thesis Awards. Awards selected by the Institute Honors Committee and presented on behalf of the Institute Writing Program to the graduating cadets who present the most outstanding theses in satisfaction of the requirements for Institute Honors.
International Studies Award. Given to a graduating International Studies major who best exemplifies integrity, scholarship, and an abiding curiosity in international affairs.
The Larry L. Jackson ‘62 Undergraduate Research in Chemistry Award. Established in 1999 by Dr. Larry L. Jackson ‘62 and his wife, Lindy Lou White Jackson. A cash award presented to an upperclass cadet majoring in chemistry in order to reward past excellent performance in research and to encourage future research endeavors.
Jackson-Hope Medals. In 1867 the Honorable A. J. B. Beresford Hope, member of the British Parliament and representative of an association that had presented to the Commonwealth of Virginia a statue of Thomas J. Jackson, sent to Governor James L. Kemper the remainder of the statue fund, requesting that it be used for a further memorial to the great Confederate soldier. The Governor proposed and the Board of Visitors approved the establishment of two “Jackson-Hope Medals” to be presented annually to the two most distinguished graduates of the Institute, and since the first awards in 1877, the Jackson-Hope Medals have been VMI’s highest awards for scholastic achievement.
The Stonewall Jackson Memorial Award. Established in 1957 by the United Daughters of the Confederacy to honor the great Confederate hero. The prize is presented annually to the first standing graduate in the physics curriculum. Philip H. Killey 1941 Award. Established in 1943 by the parents of Philip H. Killey, who lost his life in North Africa during World War II. The award, based upon unusual academic achievement and excellence of character, is made to a second class biology major.
Philip H. Killey 1941 Award. Established in 1943 by the parents of Philip H. Killey, who lost his life in North Africa during World War II. The award, based upon unusual academic achievement and excellence of character, is made to a second class biology major.
Alfred H. Knowles 1933 Award. Established by H. C. Knowles of Rochester, New York, in memory of his son, a member of the Class of 1933, who died as the result of an accident at home on Christmas furlough during his senior year. This award, based upon class standing, is made to a graduating biology major.
The Colonel Robert H. Knox Prize. Memorial prize established in 1985 by the family of Colonel Robert H. Knox, VMI class of 1924, who taught mathematics at VMI for 42 years until his retirement in 1969. Awarded annually to a member of the third class selected by the faculty of the mathematics department as the most promising mathematics major of that class.
The Richard Driggs LeMay, Jr. Award. Established in 1978 as a memorial to Major R. D. LeMay, Jr., ‘62, helicopter pilot and officer in the Fourth Air Cavalry, First Infantry Division. He was killed in action during his second tour of duty in Vietnam in September 1968. A cash prize is awarded to that cadet deemed most proficient in military history.
The Ralph Bowen Linville Award. Established in 1964 by Mrs. Linville as a memorial to her husband who served on the chemistry faculty from 1947 to 1957. Awarded for excellence to a new cadet majoring in chemistry.
The Sumter L. Lowry Award. The first winner of the Cincinnati Medal, Major General Sumter deLeon Lowry, Class of 1914, has donated a sum of money to the VMI Foundation, Inc., for the purpose of providing a further cash prize to the winner of the Cincinnati Medal.
George C. Marshall Citizen-Soldier Award. The award is given bi-annually to a first classman or rising first classman best modeling the attributes displayed by George C. Marshall as a cadet.
Marshall Award in History. The George C. Marshall Research Foundation offers outstanding history majors at VMI the opportunity to study and work at the Marshall Library. Marshall scholars, chosen by the Foundation on recommendation of the VMI History and Politics Department, do an honors research paper on a topic related to the holdings of the Marshall Library. They attend seminars, participate in Marshall Foundation conferences, and receive a stipend at the conclusion of their research activities.
The Richard J. Marshall Award. An admiring comrade of Major General Richard J. Marshall during World War II, R. C. Kramer of New York, has established a fund for a cash award to the winner of the Cincinnati Medal.
The Commander Harry Millard Mason Awards. Two cash awards established in 1981 in memory of Commander Harry Millard Mason by Mrs. Mason. The Academic Proficiency Award made annually to a graduating member of the first class who stands first academically in his/her class will accompany the First Jackson Hope Medal. The second award is made to the graduating first classman recommended by a review committee as the most militarily proficient cadet.
The Commodore Matthew Fontaine Maury Award. Established in 1985 by the Virginia Division of the United Daughters of the Confederacy in memory of the famed oceanographer and meteorologist, and former member of the VMI faculty, from 1868 until 1872. The award will be made annually to the first-ranking graduate in the mathematics curriculum.
Alvin F. Meyer Awards. For the first classman showing highest proficiency in the sanitary engineering courses, and to the second classman standing first in the civil engineering curriculum.
Paul R. Meyer Award. This award, based upon academic achievement, is given by Dr. Paul R. Meyer, Class of 1924, and is awarded each year to a fourth class biology major.
The Superintendent William H. Milton, Jr., Class of 1920 Award. Established by members of General Milton’s family and members of the Class of 1920. The award, a cash prize, is presented annually to the firststanding cadet in each class in the mechanical engineering curriculum.
Nathaniel W. Pendleton ‘22 Award. Established by Nathaniel W. Pendleton, Jr. ‘57, of Wytheville, Virginia, in memory of his father. The award is a cash prize and certificate to the first classman standing first in the civil engineering curriculum during his/her first class year.
John Robert Philpott Medal. Established in honor of Mr. Philpott, Class of 1935, to acknowledge his efforts as National Chairman of the Economics Fund Drive which resulted in establishment of the Mary Moody Northen Distinguished Scholars Chair in the Arts and Social Sciences. The medal recognizes outstanding performance in research by an Economics and Business major in the graduating class.
Adolfo Ponzanelli Medal. Established in honor of Adolfo Ponzanelli, a native of Mexico, member of the Class of 1932, for outstanding service to and lifelong interest in the Institute. The medal is awarded in recognition of excellence in the study of modern languages by a modern language major in the graduating class. The initial award was made at Finals 1972.
The Herbert E. Ritchey First Class Award. Established in 1972 by alumni and friends of Colonel Herbert E. Ritchey who served on the VMI chemistry faculty for thirty-eight years until his death in 1970. Awarded for excellence in the study of organic chemistry to a graduate who is receiving a degree in chemistry or biology. The award consists of a medal and a cash prize.
The Herbert E. Ritchey Third Class Award. A cash prize to a third class chemistry major for excellence in the study of organic chemistry. This award was established in 1973 by an anonymous donor in memory of Colonel Herbert E. Ritchey who served on the faculty for thirty-eight years until his death in 1970.
The Roberts Medal. Established in honor of John W. and Jane M. Roberts to recognize their lifelong interest in the American free enterprise system and their unswerving support for the Department of Economics and Business. The medal recognizes outstanding performance by an Economics and Business major in the graduating class.
The Sauder Physics Award. Established in 1999 by the Physics and Astronomy Department as a memorial to William Conrad Sauder, Class of 1955, for his lifelong excellence in teaching and research at the Institute.
The Jeff Shaara Scholar-in-Residence Award. Established in 1999. Annual award to provide the opportunity to pursue a research topic relating to mid-nineteenth century American history and to serve as a historical interpreter at New Market Battlefield State Historical Park. The Shaara scholar will receive a $2,500 cash stipend, a ten-week appointment to the New Market Park staff, and summer lodging on the historic Bushong Farm.
The Francis H. Smith Award. A cash award established in 1981 by an anonymous donor as a memorial to Francis H. Smith, VMI’s first Superintendent, is made to a rising first classman who has exhibited outstanding academic achievement, extracurricular participation, leadership ability, and demonstrated potential for a professional career.
James Preston Taylor 1945 Award. Established in 1959 by Robert L. Wallace, Class of 1924, as a memorial to his nephew who was killed in action on Iwo Jima in World War II while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. The award is made to a fourth classman majoring in civil engineering.
The Randolph T. Townsend Award. In 1951 Mrs. Randolph T. Townsend established the award as a memorial to her son, a member of the Class of 1950, who was killed in action in Korea in 1951. A bronze medal and a cash prize are presented annually to the first standing graduate in the history curriculum.
James Clifton Wheat, Jr. Medal. Established in honor of Mr. Wheat, Class of 1941, to acknowledge his lifelong interest in the economics and business studies at VMI, and his leadership in the VMI Foundation’s Economic Fund Drive, 1969-70. The medal recognizes outstanding performance on the Major Field Test-Business by an Economics and Business major in the graduating class.
Commandant’s Awards
Alan d’Andelot Belin Memorial Award. Given to a fourth Classman who has earned the respect of their Brother Rats and of the Corps of Cadet by performance within the Rat system. The award is an engraved mug.
The William Brent Bell ‘67 Award. Established in 1970 as a memorial to First Lieutenant Bell who was killed when his helicopter was shot down by enemy fire in Viet Nam in March 1969. It was established by his parents, relatives, classmates and friends to recognize a third class cadet who has shown excellence in military studies as did Lieutenant Bell while at VMI. The recipient receives a cash prize of $100 and an engraved saber.
The Gen. Burress Marksmanship Awards. The awards are $500 checks and engraved pen sets for the highest shooter (male and female) of the Corps. The 100th Infantry Division is funding these awards.
The John Ryd Bush Award. This award recognizes the fourth classman whose military character and proficiency are most noteworthy. It was established in 1944 by William E. Bush as a memorial to his son, a member of the Class of 1946, who died in 1944 as a result of an accident while on Army duty during World War II.
The Commandant’s Cup. Established in 1959, the Commandant’s Cup is awarded “to the cadet company making the best score in certain aspects of physical training” to be given to the cadet company excelling in physical fitness activities for the academic year.
The Community Service Award. Established in 2012 by the Commandant of Cadets, Colonel Thomas H. Trumps, VMI Class of 1979, to recognize a cadet who served as an emergency medical technician, firefighter or rescue squad member. The recipient will receive a personally embroidered medical travel kit and $100.
The VMI Distinguished Third Class Leadership Award. Established by Nathaniel W. Pendleton, Junior, VMI Class of 1957, to encourage and recognize praiseworthy leadership in the proper practical education, training and development of fourth class cadets by members of the third class. It is given to a third class cadet who has participated as a member of the new cadet training cadre or rat challenge training cadre, and who has exhibited the most praiseworthy leadership. The award recipient will receive a cash prize of $250 and a collection of books on leadership.
The Lemuel MacKennie Long Jarman Award. Established in 1940 by Dr. F. G. Jarman in memory of his son, a member of the Class of 1943, who died as a result of an accident during equitation instruction, the award provides a cash prize for the member of the fourth class who has been most outstanding in scholarship, conduct, and character.
The 3rd Class Marksmanship Award. Established in 2012 by Commandant of Cadets, Colonel Thomas H. Trumps, VMI Class of 1979, to recognize the company highest scoring average with the M-16/AR-15 service rifle. The certificate of achievement is given to the company with the highest average score on the 25 meter alternate course “c” qualification target. Company scores will also count towards the overall Commandant’s Cup Award. Third class cadets scoring 38-40 hits during the record qualification will receive the U.S. army expert rifle qualification badge.
The Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the United States Medal. Given to a graduating cadet who has demonstrated significant improvement in leadership skills.
Class of 1964 New Market Legacy Award. Presented to a Brother Rat of the graduating First Class whose cadetship in the opinion of his or her Brother Rats is most reflective of the character, honor, and spirit of the 1864 New Market Corps of Cadets.
The North Post Challenge Award. Established in 2012 by the Commandant of Cadets, Colonel Thomas H. Trumps, VMI Class of 1979, to recognize the company team with the highest combined fitness and marksmanship score. The award is given to the company team with the highest score in the following events: swimming, foot march, trap shoot, rifle marksmanship, rock climbing, obstacle course, and confidence climb. Company score will also count towards the overall Commandant’s Cup Award. The first, second and third place company teams will also receive individual hand crafted sheath knives.
The VMI Physical Fitness Award. Established in 2012 by the Commandant of Cadets, Colonel Thomas H. Trumps, VMI Class of 1979, to recognize the male and female cadets achieving the highest VFT score during the academic year. Recipients will receive an engraved sports bottle and $100.
The Colonel Thomas H. Trumps ‘79 Award Given to a graduating first class private who has accepted an active duty commission in one of the Armed Forces and has demonstrated active participation in a leadership role in one of the VMI Club Sports. The recipient will receive a $500 check.
The Veteran’s Recognition Award. Established in 2012 by the Commandant of Cadets, Colonel Thomas H. Trumps, VMI Class of 1979, to recognize a cadet who is a veteran of active duty military service and has continued to serve through exemplary leadership and mentorship in the Corps of Cadets. The recipient will receive an engraved mug and $100.
Military Awards
The Garnett Andrews Cup. Presented in 1915 by Garnett Andrews, Class of 1890, the Garnett Andrews Cup is awarded to the cadet company scoring highest throughout the session in drills, ceremonies, and general efficiency as a military unit.
The Garnett Andrews Prizes. Begun in 1915 by Garnett Andrews, Class of 1890, and continued since his death by his son and namesake who graduated from VMI in 1927, a first prize of $350 and a second prize of $150 are awarded to members of the graduating class who submit the best papers on a military subject, approved by the Commandant, and whose military records through their cadetships have been commendable.
Colonel Thomas St. John Arnold ‘35 Award. Established in 1987 by Colonel Thomas St. John Arnold ‘35, USA Retired, the award will be presented to a graduating first class private who is accepting a regular Army commission.
Colonel Earl L. Brown Award. Established in 1983 as a memorial to the former Commandant of Cadets at John Marshall High School in Richmond. Awarded to VMI’s George C. Marshall ROTC Award recipient.
100th Infantry Division Lieutenant General Withers A. Burress Scholarship Fund Awards. These cash scholarships are presented to rising 1st Classmen and rising 2nd Classmen on the basis of scholarship, leadership, and military proficiency, in honor of the men of the 100th Infantry Division and their commander, Lieutenant General Withers A. Burress, VMI Class of 1914.
The Charles H. Dayhuff, Jr. ‘31 First Captain Award. An award given by the family of Colonel Charles H. Dayhuff, Jr. ‘31, to the First Captain in the Cadet Regiment.
Chief of Naval Operations Distinguished Midshipman Graduate Award. This award is presented to a cadet commissioning with the Navy who has demonstrated the highest academic excellence.
The Captain John W. Kennedy ‘69 Award. An award that goes to the outstanding VMI Air Force ROTC graduate. Captain Kennedy was a classic VMI man. He triumphed scholastically, athletically, and militarily. He was the last VMI graduate lost in the Vietnam War and his remains were repatriated in 1996.
Lieutenant John H. Lattin, Jr. ‘66 Award. Established in 1983 by the parents of Lt. John H. Lattin, Jr. ‘66, who was killed in action in Vietnam in December 1967. Awarded to the outstanding infantry graduate receiving an Army commission, and who had a distinguished military record during four years at VMI.
The Charles R. Martin ‘55 Award. As a memorial to Charles R. Martin who died in an automobile accident on the day of his graduation in June 1955, his parents have established a prize consisting of a silver tray which is awarded annually to the graduate accepting a commission in the armed forces who has demonstrated special excellence in military studies and outstanding leadership in the Corps of Cadets.
General Douglas MacArthur Cadet Award. This award is given to a cadet demonstrating the most soldierly performance by a 1st class cadet, considering academics, athletics, and leadership.
Chesty Puller Award, First Marine Division. Given to the commissioning first class Marine Option who exhibits the highest qualities of leadership.
Major General Stephen Sewell, Jr. ‘60 Award. A scholarship given to a 3rd or 4th year ROTC Scholarship recipient, in high standing with both VMI and the Army ROTC Department.
General Lemuel C. Shepherd, Jr. 6th Marine Division Awards. These awards are given to the top two Marine graduates in the Naval ROTC program at VMI.
The Superintendent’s Cup. Established in 2010, the Superintendent’s Cup is awarded to the company with the highest cumulative point total in the three scored areas of academics, military efficiency, and physical fitness.
The Earl L. Valentine, Jr., Award. Established in 1972 under the terms of the will of Judge E. L. Valentine of Lexington, Va. The award is a memorial to Judge Valentine’s son, a member of the Class of 1949A who graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1951. Lieutenant Valentine was mortally wounded in August 1952, while leading a platoon in the Korean War. The award is given annually to a graduating cadet who excels in leadership.
Brigadier General Alonzo J. Walter ‘49B Award. Presented to the most outstanding Air Force ROTC graduate.
Lieutenant Mark R. Wilson Midshipman Award. An award named in his son’s honor, to recognize an outstanding 1ST Class Navy ROTC Midshipman.
Athletic Awards
The Lieutenant General Edward Mallory Almond ‘15 Award for Academic-Athletic-Military Excellence. Established by the General John H. Forney Historical Society of Alabama in 1981 as a memorial to General Almond. Given annually to a graduating cadet who has made outstanding contributions to VMI’s intercollegiate athletic program while distinguishing himself through academic achievement and soldierly bearing and aptitude.
The Intercollegiate Sports Award. Three recipients: The outstanding athlete among football, basketball, baseball, and men’s track. The outstanding athlete among lacrosse, rifle, men’s soccer, men’s swimming, and wrestling. The outstanding athlete among women’s sports.
The Frank Summers Team Leadership Award. Established in 1975 in memory of Francis L. (Frank) Summers, Class of 1922, who earned more VMI monograms than anyone in the Institute’s history. Awarded to an athlete in the first class chosen by the Athletic Council as the outstanding team leader.
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