CAMPUS NEWS
Summer Renovations Underway
Construction crews have already begun work on several major campus renovations this summer. Bathrooms in Wilkerson and Murfee barracks are being completely renovated. With additional square footage (after taking in two cadet rooms on each floor), the new bathrooms will be able to accommodate more residents at one time. They will also feature privacy stalls, individual showers, brand new plumbing and fixtures, water-saving flush valves and new ventilation.
Under the same construction contract, handicap ramps for Lovelace and Wilkerson will be installed, and porticos will be added to Wilkerson and Murfee.
The weight room will have a completely new look in August after it is expanded into the old racquetball courts. The result will be a comprehensive fitness center, complete with the latest equipment, which will serve not only athletes but the entire Corps of Cadets. Funding the fitness center project is John Hunter '71 of Hilton Head, S.C., a longtime MMI supporter, Alumni Brigade Board member and former trustee.
The first floor of James W. Rane Hall, formerly known as New South, is undergoing a facelift this summer to include new paint, flooring, fixtures, lighting, doors, and hardware. The finished product will serve as a showcase for future barracks renovations funded by the ROOM to GROW campaign.
66 Incoming Freshmen Headed to Ft. Knox
At the conclusion of two cycles of Tiger Camp held in late June on the MMI campus, the Army ROTC department had prepared 66 incoming Early Commissioning Program cadets for their summer Leader's Training Course (LTC) at Fort Knox, Ky. Of all the ROTC departments in the nation, MMI sent the second largest class to LTC this summer.
Haywood Represents MMI at Governor's Awards Ceremony
2LT Darrius Haywood (MMI class of 2010) represented the MMI ROTC Department at Governor Bob Riley's Enlisted Awards Luncheon held May 18 at Maxwell Air Force Base Officers' Club in Montgomery. As the top senior ROTC cadet at MMI, Haywood was presented the 2010 Governor's Outstanding Service Member Award. He was accompanied by his mother, Jacklon Haywood, and LTC James Lake, Executive Officer, MMI ROTC.
Father Salutes Newly-Commissioned Son from Iraq
MMI held its 94th annual Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony following graduation on May 8. Those in attendance enjoyed a virtual appearance by SGM John Stanley of the 5th Special Forces Group, out of Baghdad, Iraq, as he rendered the first salute for his son, 2LT Jarrod Stanley, via skype. “It’s really great what technology allows us to do these days, and I am glad that Jarrod was able to share this tremendous day with his father in Iraq," said Susan Stevenson, Dean for Academics. Stanley became an Army Officer through MMI's Early Commissioning Program.
Cadets Complete Mountain Man Memorial March in Honor of Fallen Soldier
In April, seven MMI cadets traveled to Gatlinburg, Tenn. to participate in the Mountain Man Memorial March, hosted by the University of Tennessee ROTC. Our five-man team took 2nd place in the Heavy Full Marathon (26 miles), and two cadets competed in the Individual Heavy Full. The MMI group competed in honor of SSG Zachary R. Wobler, KIA 02/06/05, Mosul Iraq.
Pictured: Jonathan Moss (AROTC), Mark Phelan (AROTC), Ben Blacklock (AROTC), Mike Jinowski (SAP West Point), Stephan Bristow (SAP NROTC), William Leach (SAP MS1) and Peter Foschi (SAP AFROTC).
MMI Flying Tigers Co-Host 2nd Annual Vaiden Field Fly-in
On April 17, members of the MMI Flying Tigers club helped co-host the 2nd Annual Vaiden Fly-In, which brought 30 airplanes to our local airfield. Approximately 250 people enjoyed the event. Click here for coverage by the Alabama Aviator.
BC Cadet Stacy Jackson Receives Inaugural Arthur Wilkerson Award
On Saturday, April 10, during Alumni Weekend 2010, Battalion Commander Stacy Jackson of Anniston, Ala. was the first recipient of the Arthur Wilkerson Award and was presented a sword in the MMI Chapel.
Other cadets receiving major awards over the weekend were Nathan Brinkman of Eagle, Wis., Future American Warrior Award; William Ellis of Rainbow City, Ala., John Hunt Morgan Leadership Award; Mark Phelan of Newton, N.C., Pete Findlay Scholarship; and Maxwell Watson, Palm Bay, Fla., Alabama Marine Corps League Scholarship.
MMI Community Sends Care Packages to Iraq
The MMI Corps of Cadets and the Marion community have been actively collecting items to assist U.S. soldiers in Iraq in ensuring the Iraqi people get basic health and hygiene supplies through care packages. With the help of MMI staff, faculty, the Marion Clinic and physician COL Shane Lee, MMI Cadets collected and mailed 12 large boxes of items filled with first aid supplies, over the counter medications, office supplies and clothing during a time when the Iraqi people need it the most.“I am real proud of the cadets and staff at MMI who collected more than $600 for the American Troops and Iraqi Citizens,” said CDR Sam Stevenson, PhD, MMI Chemistry Instructor.The Iraqi Care Package Program began when LTC Patrick Martin, who is currently serving in Iraq, saw resources drying up as Operation Iraqi Freedom started winding down, and the Iraqi People still needed help with medicines, first aid supplies and clothing. Dr. Stevenson saw this as an opportunity for the students and staff at MMI to lend a hand to LTC Martin and the Iraqi People.“The military doesn't always give us the tools that we need to do our job effectively,” LTC Martin said in an email, “that's where I'm trying to fill the gap with people who are willing to help like MMI, COL Shane Lee and other people from around the country."
MMI Wrestling Coach Named Coach of the Year
With an almost perfect wrestling season and numerous awards to his credit, MMI wrestling coach Jim Hazewinkel has been named the “Coach of the Year” by the NCWA. The MMI wrestling team won the NCWA Duals Tournament in January and came in seventh at the NCWA National Championship in March.
Jim Hazewinkel was a member of the 1968 and 1972 U.S. Wrestling Olympic Teams and was also a member of the U.S. World Team in 1966, 1967, 1969, 1970, and 1971. Coach Hazewinkel was inducted into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame for “Lifetime Service to Wrestling” in 2005 and into the NAIA Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1975. Jim coaches at MMI with his twin brother Dave, who also has numerous awards and medals for wrestling to his credit.
Alabama Community College System Launches RAISE the ROOF for HAITI
Alabama’s two-year college system is embarking on an effort to help rebuild Haiti by raising funds for Habitat for Humanity, which has been building homes in Haiti for 25 years. Donations will go directly to Habitat for Humanity Haiti and will be tracked to each participating institution. Donors will receive receipts for tax purposes.
Coast Guard Academy Scholars Take Flight in HC-144
On Saturday, Jan. 30, an HC-144 aircraft from Mobile’s Coast Guard Aviation Training Center landed at Craig Field in Selma to take 12 MMI cadets on a special flight. Equipped for search and rescue missions, this newest Coast Guard aircraft was piloted by LT Eric Wilson, a 2003 graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.
The group from Marion consisted of 2009-10 Coast Guard Academy Scholars who are spending the academic year as part of the MMI Service Academy Prep program. All are active members of the Coast Guard, but this experience was their first taste of Coast Guard service beyond summer training at the Academy. After a safety briefing, the MMI cadets spent nearly 3 hours in the air, where each of them had time at the flight controls.
MMI Alum Parachutes into BCS Championship Game
Spencer Walker, a Service Academy Prep Cadet at MMI in 2005-06 was able to show his support for the No. 1 Crimson Tide at the BCS National Championship Game in a spectacular opportunity. The lifelong Alabama fan from Birmingham parachuted into the Rose Bowl with his Wings of Blue jump team, representing the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA). Walker was selected to carry the University of Alabama logo, which trailed behind him as he landed on the 50 yard line during the Pre-Game Show. His entrance created a roar from fellow 'Bama fans. Local media covered the event; click for the NBC 13 interview or Birmingham News story. (Photo courtesy The Birmingham News)
Walker will commission in May 2010 and attend pilot training upon graduating from USAFA. Read more about this MMI alumnus in our most recent newsletter.
MMI Ranked in Top 50 Fastest-Growing Public Community Colleges
Community College Week ranked Marion Military Institute as the #43 Fastest-Growing Public Community College with enrollment less than 2,500 students. Rankings are based on percent change in head count. For the full report, click here.
Corps Marches in 62nd Annual Birmingham Veterans Day Parade
Click here to view news feed from NBC13 in Birmingham featuring the MMI Corps of Cadets.
