Cadets, it’s the home stretch. Exams start Wednesday, December 14. This means two things: 
1. The library will be open late (hours below) so you can get in some quality studying.
and…
2. The return of Preston Library’s Coffee Service!
Coffee, tea and hot chocolate will be available at 2000 every evening beginning Tuesday, 13 December through Tuesday, 20 December. Grab your books, mugs, and go to Preston Library for the best study break on Post.
Coffee has been generously donated by Aramark.
Fall 2011 Exam Hours:
Tuesday, Dec. 13 – Friday, Dec. 16 0800-0200
Saturday, Dec. 17 0800-2300
Sunday, Dec. 18 1300-0200
Monday, Dec. 19 - Tuesday Dec. 20 0800-0200
Wednesday, Dec. 21 0800-1630
The Politically Incorrect Guide to the British Empire by Harry Crocker
The Friends of Preston will host its Fall Meeting on Thursday, November 17 at 3 p.m. in the Turman Room of Preston Library. Our featured guest speaker will be Mr. H. W. Crocker, III. Mr. Crocker will give a program based upon his new book, The Politically Incorrect Guide to the British Empire.
Harry Crocker is a bestselling author who has also written The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Civil War, Robert E. Lee on Leadership, Triumph, Don’t Tread on Me, and the prize-winning comic novel, The Old Limey. His journalism has appeared in National Review, The American Spectator, The Washington Times, and many other outlets. Educated in England and California, Crocker lives on the site of a former Confederate encampment in Virginia.
Titles of the author’s books will be available for signing and purchase. Please join us for a stimulating and engaging program. Refreshments will be served.
Cadet Charles A. Ransom, '01
We were deeply saddened to learn of the death of CPT Charles A. Ransom on April 27, 2011. Charles was one of eight American NATO International Security Assistance Force service members who died following a shooting incident at the Afghan Air Force compound in Kabul.
We got to know Charles as a library assistant during his 3rd, 2nd, and 1st Class years. He was as an outstanding young man as one could wish–polite, honorable, cheerful, and bright. Charles had such a pleasant manner that one always enjoyed his presence. He exemplified the finest of what we expect in a VMI cadet.
During his four years at VMI, Captain Ransom, a computer science major, served on the General Committee as vice president of the Class of 2001. He was also a cadet corporal, platoon sergeant, and Rat Challenge corporal.
Mr. Statzell with Friends Chairman, Maj. Eric Osborne and Col. Samdahl, Head Librarian.
The Friends of Preston Library awarded Cadet George W. Statzell, V with this year’s Camper Award. Board members of the Friends and library staff recognized Mr. Statzell for his leadership and service to Preston Library. George serves as Preston Library’s Head Cadet Assistant.
Mr. Statzell flanked by Col. Samdahl (L) and Maj. Osborne (R).
A brief ceremony was held in the library’s periodicals room. Professor Emeritus, Col. Tom Davis gave a brief history of the award’s namesake, Mrs. Frances Camper, who was a great teacher and role model for library cadet assistants. Mr. Statzell received a letter of recognition from Friend’s Chairman, Maj. Eric Osborne, along with a certificate, and a cash award. Mr. Statzell is a biology major. This summer he plans to study organic chemistry and then return to VMI for his first class year.
We wish George congratulations on his award and good luck on his finals.
Cadets, it’s the home stretch. Exams start Wednesday. This means two things:
1. The library will be open late (hours below) so you can get in some quality studying.
and…
2. The return of Preston Library’s Coffee Break!
Coffee, tea and hot chocolate will be available at 2000 every evening beginning Tuesday, 3 May through Tuesday, 10 May. Grab your books, mugs, and go to Preston Library for the best study break on Post.
Coffee has been generously donated by Aramark.
Spring 2011 Exam Hours:
Tuesday, May 3 – Friday, May 6 0800-0200
Saturday, May 7 0800-2300
Sunday, May 8 1300-0200
Monday, May 9 - Tuesday May 10 0800-0200
The Friends of Preston Library in concert with the VMI Academic Speakers Program featured a program with Allan Gurganus, Monday, April 18 at 1100 in the Turman Room of Preston Library. Mr. Gurganus read from his novel-in-progress, The Erotic History of a Country Baptist Church. A sizable audience of Friends members, cadets, and faculty attended the reading. Following the reading, Mr. Gurganus answered cadets and other audience questions about the selection he read and his writing in general. Mr. Gurganus’ book is about half-finished and he enjoyed the opportunity to read it before an audience. Mr. Gurganus became nationally known with the publication of his best-selling novel, Oldest Confederate Widow Tells All.
Among the most esteemed contemporary Southern writers, he has been called “the rightful heir to [William] Faulkner and [Eudora] Welty” and “a Mark Twain for our age.” Among his major awards are a John Simon Guggenheim Fellowship and induction into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Refreshments will be served.
Thank you to all faculty who participated in our spring 2011 faculty survey. We greatly appreciate your input and will use it to make Preston Library better. The survey results are found here.
Col. Samdahl presents Cadet Grant, '14 with his winnings.
Our winner of the $150 Amazon Gift Card is Cadet Donald Grant, ’14. Congratulations! Many thanks to all cadets who participated in our library survey. Your input helps us make the library a better place. Survey results can be viewed here.
Col. Muir makes a point.
The Friends of Preston Library hosted its spring program, Friday, April 8, at 3:00 p.m., in the Turman Room of Preston Library. Our featured speaker was
- Col. Muir and FPL Chairman Eric Osborne
Col. Malcolm Muir. Col. Muir spoke on “‘Why Should We Have a Navy at All’?: Drawdown, Service Rivalries, and the Atomic Bomb in the Post-World War II Era.”
Col. Muir gave an engaging talk and highlighted the situation of the U S military after WW2–its enormous size, massive drawdown, and the resultant inter-service fights for priority and resources. Following the presentation, members of the audience asked a number of interesting questions.
Col. Muir holds the George J. Collins, Sr., Chair of Military History at VMI and heads the John A. Adams ’71 Center for Military History and Strategic Analysis. A recognized authority of military history, Col. Muir is an engaging speaker who has written on numerous areas of military history, especially the Cold War and naval warfare.
Cadets! Win a $150 Amazon Gift Card! How?
Take the survey here. The survey ends this Friday, March 25 @ 1630 so don’t delay.
To be eligible to win simply follow the instructions at the end of the survey. Good luck!
This survey gives you the opportunity to help us make Preston Library a better place for you. Give us your insight!
