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At this time, Marshall Hahn began his tenure as President. President Hahn made the pivotal decision to make the Corps of Cadets voluntary. John watched as the size of the Corps shank drastically throughout the next few years, but he understood that it was the right decision for Virginia Tech. Leadership, one of the Virginia Tech Pylons, became a driving aspect in John’s life. He attributes his leadership abilities to his college experience. His lifelong leadership and dedication to his school later won John the Ruffner Medal in 2011, Virginia Tech’s highest award for distinguished service. Following in his father’s footsteps, John and his father, John W. Bates Jr., are the first father/son Ruffner Medal winners.

John has impacted Virginia Tech in outstanding ways. Virginia Tech is a better university for John’s leadership and dedicated service. Leaders walk among us in the Hokie Nation–like John, crossing the Drillfield on a quiet Sunday morning.

]]> 2015-05-22]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> John Bates, VT Stories]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> University History]]>
Throughout his time in the Corps, Jess experienced the seriousness of these values. In his four years, Jess bore witness to two drumming outs–expulsion from the Corps for ethical reasons. The gravity of these ethical standards did not only allow Jess to live in a community of trust and respect, but they also allowed for him to excel in his professional career. Serving in the military after graduation, Jess found his time in the Corps had prepared him to be a better soldier and, more importantly, a better person. Serving in the Military Assistance Command in Vietnam from 1965-1967, Jess was able to apply the ethical principles he developed at Virginia Tech to the world in a time of need. Jess understood the power of strong, steadfast beliefs–the Virginia Tech Pylons never faded from his life.

As a student, as a soldier, as a Hokie, Jess Fowler is a figurehead for ethical excellence. The Virginia Tech Nation prides itself in Hokies like Jess. In the face of adversity, Jess holds fast to this concrete belief that honorable behavior will always prevail.]]> 2015-05-22]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Jess Fowler, VT Stories]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]>