
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: FRIDAY, March 9, 1990                   TAG: 9003122947
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

INFORMED WOMEN WOULD KEEP VMI AS IS

AS A WORKING professional woman, wife of a VMI graduate, and mother of a VMI rat, I do not consider the VMI issue a part of the feminist movement. Interestingly enough, the so-called feminists haven't been concerned about VMI for years; it must be a slow issue time!

Additionally, I am the mother of two daughters and am delighted that they had the choice of attending so many fine colleges and universities in Virginia. These include the many women's colleges, as well as private and public co-educational institutions.

I would have been sorely disappointed had my daughters, given the choice, attended VMI. If either had wanted a military career, VMI no longer assures a commission, and I can see no viable reason that any young woman, with the many attractive educational alternatives, would want to endure such.

I dare say that if a poll were taken of only women truly informed and familiar with the VMI tradition, the outcome would be about 90 percent to maintain the status quo! Throughout 150 years of history, VMI men have given more than their share to our heritage. I sincerely hope that this unique institution is allowed to continue its mission of producing educated and honorable men.\ CATHERINE B. SMELTZER ROANOKE

by CNB