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THE PUP TENT Alumni Issue NEW MEXICO MILITARY INSTITUTE, Roswell, New Mexico June 30, 1944 Military Institute Holds Fifty-First Graduation Commencement Baccalaureate Service Impressive The 51st commencement at the New Mexico Military Institute closed today with the graduation exercises at the new Auditorium at nine o’clock this morning, ending a very success­ful, although war, year at the insti­tution. Governor John J. Dempsey, who was scheduled to deliver the diplomas to the graduating class, was unable to be present because of his attending a governors’ conference at Hershey, Pa. His place was taken by the Hon. H. M. Dow, of the board of regents of the Institute. There has been a large attendance of visitors at the commencement exercises, although the number of college graduates was greatly reduced because of the absence of most of them in the armed forces of the coun­try. The wartime conditions were re­flected heavily in this condition. At the final graduation this morn­ing a very fine address was deliv­ered to the graduates by Judge J. C. Compton of Portales. The valedictory address was delivered by Cadet Major F. H. H. King. At a commencement review of the cadet regiment yesterday, Maj. Gen. jamp rCarson, Colo., presented the Harry Morrison trophy to the crack troop of the Institute, G Troop, com­manded by Cadet Capt. O. E. Egbert of El Paso. The graduating class participated in its last review in the afternoon, and with alumni—many of whom were in uniforms of various branches of the fighting services—reviewed the cadets who will return to Roswell next year.

hy to the crack troop of the Institute, G Troop, com­manded by Cadet Capt. O. E. Egbert of El Paso. The graduating class participated in its last review in the afternoon, and with alumni—many of whom were in uniforms of various branches of the fighting services—reviewed the cadets who will return to Roswell next year. In a feature of the commencement ceremonies yesterday, veteran polo players headed by General Allen de­feated their sons, 6 to 3. Members of the oldsters’ team were Allen; Col. Tom Hastey, com­mander of Boling Field, Washington, D. C.; Tom Mather, Lubbock, Tex.; and Cecil Kyte of Roswell. The N. M. M. I. team was composed of young Terry Allen, young John Mather, young Tom Hastey and W. W. Con­nelly. The final ball of the year was held last night, closing the social activi­ties for the commencement. (Roswell Daily Record, Tuesday, May 31, 1944.) Visitors Show Slight Increase Over 1943 Despite the inconveniences of travel, a goodly number of patrons were present for the 1944 Commence­ment. The number of visitors, both during the session and at Finals has decreased, as was to be expected. Here are some comparative figures. For the 1942 Commencement, 737 visitors signed the guest book at Headquar­ters; in 1943, there were 430 and in 1944, a total of 464 signed. The drop in the number of alumni is of course more marked than in the total. For 1942, there were 48 alumni signers; in 1943, but seventeen, and this year, 18 from out-of-town.

s. For the 1942 Commencement, 737 visitors signed the guest book at Headquar­ters; in 1943, there were 430 and in 1944, a total of 464 signed. The drop in the number of alumni is of course more marked than in the total. For 1942, there were 48 alumni signers; in 1943, but seventeen, and this year, 18 from out-of-town. The names of these men, most of whom were in the service and stopped en route to change of station, will be found else­where in this issue of The Pup Tent. The Institute made reservations in private homes for 276 of the visitors, who could not be accommodated in the hotels and tourist courts of Ros­well. The 462 visitors who signed the guest book came from 22 states, Alaska and Mexico. Texas and New Mexico led with 136 and 134 visitors, respectively. More than five and less than fifty visitors were present from these states, in order of the number: Oklahoma, California, Arizona, Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming and Ken­tucky. There were fewer than five visitors from the following states: Utah, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, Mississippi, Nevada, New York, Washington, Arkansas, Illinois, Ore­gon, Tennessee and Virginia. There were six American visitors from Mex­ico, and two from Alaska. Alumni Service Record The 1944 Commencement visitors were interested in the Service flag carried between the flag of the United States and the regimental standard, the flag of the State of New Mexico. The service flag has a field of white, and a border of red. There are two stars, one gold and one blue.

o from Alaska. Alumni Service Record The 1944 Commencement visitors were interested in the Service flag carried between the flag of the United States and the regimental standard, the flag of the State of New Mexico. The service flag has a field of white, and a border of red. There are two stars, one gold and one blue. Beneath the gold star are the numbers 105, representing the casualties; below the blue star are the numbers 2067, for the total number of alumni now like design haiigs in the reception' room at Headquarters throughout the year. It was moved to the stage of the auditorium for Baccalaureate and Graduation. In the reception room, there are now three large bulletin boards: one contains the list of alumni on duty, listed by classes; one the lists of the Honor Roll, the casualties and those receiving decorations; the third board contains newspaper clippings and pic­tures of the men who have received awards, or been wounded. These bul­letin boards are of special interest to visiting alumni, who are anxious to know where their classmates and friends are, and what they are doing. Following is a brief resume of the Institute record. For details, see the lists of Prisoners of War, “Under the Stars and Stripes’’; the list of men who have received decorations, and the Service Roster enclosed with this issue. As of May 25, 1944, there were two thousand one hundred nine men in including the Canadian,''British and Chinese armies under corresponding ranks. The total number in the Navy was 392; this includes the Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and the Merchant Marine.

ed decorations, and the Service Roster enclosed with this issue. As of May 25, 1944, there were two thousand one hundred nine men in including the Canadian,''British and Chinese armies under corresponding ranks. The total number in the Navy was 392; this includes the Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and the Merchant Marine. The total number of casual­ties to this date was 120: killed, miss­ing in action, prisoners of war, and honorably discharged. Forty-four have been killed in action or died in service. Seventeen were missing in action, and are included under the heading: “Under the Stars and Stripes.” There were 34 prisoners of war. Twenty-five (Continued on page 16) To Alumni and Patrons We present with pride this report of our 51st academic year and sincerely trust you will enjoy reading of the Commencement activities, and the personal items about your classmates. In spite of the many restrictions due to our total war effort, the year seemed unusually pleas­ant and fine—particularly gratifying because of the splendid cooperation of the younger group of boys in maintaining school traditions and in establishing new records of accomplishments. We are gratified to include our service roster—proof of the most excellent job our former cadets are doing all over the world in service to our country. They are in the first line of every fighting front, delivering a body blow to our enemies which we know will bring a complete and definite victory to the Allied nations at a very early date. We are plan­ning now a reunion to celebrate this glorious victory.

adets are doing all over the world in service to our country. They are in the first line of every fighting front, delivering a body blow to our enemies which we know will bring a complete and definite victory to the Allied nations at a very early date. We are plan­ning now a reunion to celebrate this glorious victory. Probably the most interesting projected plan for the future is the building of a memorial chapel by the alumni and friends of New Mexico Military Institute in honor of their fallen comrades. We visualize a five hundred thousand dollar project participated in by each and every one of the six thousand and more former cadets—a lasting monument expressing appreciation of a job well done. Some time in the near future when you are thrilling with memories of your cadet days, drop me a line giving me your reaction to such a project. A goodly number of you will want to make substantial contributions. May the spirit of the Institute strengthen your determination to maintain the rights and the liberties of all people who desire harmonious cooperation with their neighbor. Most sincerely yours, D. C. PEARSON, Superintendent. The 1944 Baccalaureate Service was another highlight of the Com­mencement ceremonies. Dr. Austin D. Crile, Institute chaplain was in charge. The cadet organist. Cadet W. P. Brown, played the favorite hymns of the cadets, who sang as if they realized it was the last time they would be singing together. Mrs. H. P. Saunders, Jr., wife of the Command­ant of Cadets, and favorite of the cadets, was the soloist, as is the cus­tom.

nstitute chaplain was in charge. The cadet organist. Cadet W. P. Brown, played the favorite hymns of the cadets, who sang as if they realized it was the last time they would be singing together. Mrs. H. P. Saunders, Jr., wife of the Command­ant of Cadets, and favorite of the cadets, was the soloist, as is the cus­tom. Thus, the whole service was in the Institute tradition, and one that cadets will long remember. Dr. Crile has been Institute chap­lain for many years. In his sermon. One World, he summed up the ser­mons of the cadet year, and brought out forcefully the privilege we have in our heritage of Christianity, and its influence on the development of western civilization: “one world, one book, and one faith.” Following is the program for the Baccalaureate service, held in the New Auditorium, at ten o’clock, Sun­day morning. May 30, 1944: Processional: Largo — Handel. Cadet W. P. Brown, organist. Hymn No. 4; Holy, Holy, Holy'. Responsive Reading No. 19: The The Holy City—Adams. Mrs. H. P. Saunders, Jr., Mrs. John Herring, violin obbligato. Sergeant Lee Hen-richs, accompanist. Baccalaureate sermon: Dr. Austin D. Crile, Chaplain. Prayer. Hymn No. 158: My Country ’Tis of Thee. Benediction. Recessional: Sortie—Mallard. Ca­det W. P. Brown. Sunday Reception for Patrons and Alumni One of the newer features of Com­mencement is the reception held on Sunday evening for patrons, alumni and friends. In years past, there were two functions: one for the alumni given by Colonel and Mrs.

y ’Tis of Thee. Benediction. Recessional: Sortie—Mallard. Ca­det W. P. Brown. Sunday Reception for Patrons and Alumni One of the newer features of Com­mencement is the reception held on Sunday evening for patrons, alumni and friends. In years past, there were two functions: one for the alumni given by Colonel and Mrs. Pearson on Sunday evening, and one for the patrons given by the faculty and held in the Library on Monday morning. During the last year or two. Colonel and Mrs. Pearson have given a re­ception for the combined groups on Sunday evening of Commencement. This arrangement gives opportunity for the two groups to meet one an­other, and also for patrons to meet their sons’ instructors. For 1944, the band played in the Headquarters patio and the whole area of Headquarters, the Bronco fountain, and the Rock Garden was lighted. Following the band concert, the cadet organist, W. P. Brown, broadcast some organ numbers from the auditorium. This was a new and delightful feature of the musical pro­gram. Hot and cold drinks with as­sorted cakes were served to the large group of patrons, alumni and staff members present. It was a beautiful evening, and a very enjoyable occa­sion.