200 Trees Will Be Planted on Campus
Through a federal grant known as the Hurricane Katrina Tree Program, Marion Military Institute was recently awarded 200 trees to plant on campus. In early December, 40 each of Live Oak, Black Tupelo, Florida Sugar Maple, Bald Cypress and Magnolia trees were delivered to campus by a Bay Minette, Ala., nursery.
Planting will begin immediately after the placement plan is approved by MMI President Col. Jim Benson. Meanwhile, the Buildings & Grounds staff is caring for the trees. |
In Memoriam
It is with sadness that we report on the recent loss of four MMI alumni: On December 10, Roger D. Peele '46 of Orlando passed away. He was retired from AT&T.
BG Peter D. Hidalgo, USA (Ret) '54, passed away on Dec. 15 in Tallahasee, Fla. He was a devoted member of the MMI Alumni Brigade and served as Vice Chairman of the MMI Presidential Advisory Council (PAC).
Jim Clancy '65, of Philadelphia, Miss., died on Dec. 10. He was active in his church, St. Francis of Assisi-Philadephia.
De'Andre' D. Scott '05, passed away on Dec. 4 in Pleasant Grove, Ala. He was a military policeman in the Army Reserves and was employed as a security officer.
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Phonathon a Success From Dec. 8-15, MMI conducted the 2008 Annual Fund Campaign Phonathon with the help of several cadet callers.
Organizer Charlotte Webb reported that at the conclusion of the weeklong Phonathon, specified pledges totaled $2,690. In addition, numerous reponders indicated that they would give but did not specify an amount.
Raising the most money was cadet Parker Holt of Hoover, Ala., who secured $1,115 in pledges.
If you haven't already done so, consider contributing to the Annual Fund, which is an unrestricted and highly flexible source of funding available to support MMI's highest priorities. |
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Know any prospective cadets?
MMI will host its 3rd annual Knight-Fox Challenge (an on-campus recruiting camp for high school juniors and seniors) from March 26-29, 2009. If you know a young person who might be interested in attending MMI, click here for event details and contact info. You can also forward the student a registration link.
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Graduation & Commissioning:
6 Graduates, 6 Army Officers 
On Dec. 18, MMI conducted its Fall Commencement & Commissioning Ceremonies in the historic MMI Chapel. Five of the six graduates also became second lieutenants that day, and Marina Johnson, a former cadet, returned to campus to commission with the group.
MMI's Early Commissioning Program continues to grow. This semester, the Army ROTC Department contracted 51 cadets, which represents a 13 percent increase from Fall 2007.
Pictured: 1SG Rebel Stewart (MMI Class of 1978) renders the first salute to his son, 2LT Arthur Stewart, during Commissioning. |
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Cadets, Faculty & Staff Donate Toys
From Dec. 1-15, contributions trickled in from all over the MMI campus during a Toys for Tots drive organized by cadets in the Scabbard and Blade service society. Students and staff alike showed their generosity for Perry County children who might otherwise not receive anything. At the conclusion of the drive, toys from the MMI community totaled 213 items--more than twice the 90-toy goal for Perry County.
Collecting the toys during a Dec. 15 visit to MMI were State Rep. Ralph A. Howard of Greensboro, a former Marine, and SGT Aaron Jenkins, USMC, of the Bessemer Navy-Marine Corps Reserve Center. His Bessemer unit also assists with Toys for Tots drives in Hale and Jefferson Counties.
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TIGER SPORTS
Wrestling Team Ranked #3 in NCWA Coaches Poll
Recent NCWA polls have MMI's wrestling team ranked #3 in the Coaches Poll behind defending National Champion Grand Valley State University and U.S. Naval Academy Prep, and #4 in Team Point Leaders. The program also boasts three Top 15 players in the league: #7 Derrick Lucas (157 lbs) of Wetumpka, Ala.; #8 Robert Caviness (149 lbs) of Alexander City, Ala.; and #14 Michael Mullen (285 lbs) of Columbia, S.C.
In their last competition, a home tri-match, MMI defeated Cumberland University 30-17 and Darton College 27-17. The team's next tournament is January 17 at Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tenn.
First Pitch Dinner Set for February 7
Head Coach Brett Davis is preparing to host the 3rd Annual First Pitch Dinner, which raises money for the MMI Baseball program. Tickets to the Feb. 7 event at the Ireland Center are $100 per pair, which includes two steak dinners as well as the chance to win cash prizes. A total of $8,000 will be given away during the raffle. Email [email protected] or call 334-683-2358 for details.
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Congrats to the Corps!
Our Corps of Cadets has, once again, captured multiple trophies for its performance in the National Veterans Day Parade in Birmingham. This year, MMI won the Raymond Weeks Trophy (parade entry earning the highest score) and the Visiting Band Trophy (best band from outside Jefferson County). |
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Save
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Date:
Alumni
Weekend April 3-5 |
Alumni Weekend 2008 will be here soon. We hope you'll join us in Marion for all the fun. This year we will honor all classes ending in "9" for their special reunions. The weekend also coincides with Judson's "J Day" in Marion, so be sure to make your reservations early. Recommended accomodations and an events schedule are posted online. Contact Carrie Williams at 334-683-2350 if you are interested in becoming a class agent. |
Upcoming Events:
Jan. 14 - Distinguished Chapel Speaker
S/SGT Noah Galloway, USA (Ret), Iraq veteran
Jan. 31 - Cresting Ceremony & Parade
Feb. 7 - First Pitch Dinner (Baseball fundraiser)
Feb. 11 - Distinguished Chapel Speaker
RADM W.C. Marsh, USN (Ret), Director, Alabama VA
Feb. 18 - Distinguished Chapel Speaker
COL Angelo Riddick, USA, MMI Class of 1981 March 4 - Distinguished Chapel Speaker
COL (CHAP) Nathaniel Crawford, USAF (Ret)
MMI class of 1972
March 11 - Distinguished Chapel Speaker
MG Mike Sumrall ARNG, Assistant Chairman JCS
March 26-29 - Knight-Fox Challenge (Recruiting) | |
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