Endowed Scholarship Fund - Track

Joseph E. Martin and
Joseph E. Martin, Jr. '72
Track Scholarship
Represented by Mr. and Mrs. Joseph E. Martin, Jr. '72

          
          Maj. Joseph E. Martin       Mr. Joseph E. Martin, Jr. '72

The Joseph E. Martin and Joseph E. Martin, Jr. '72 Track Scholarship was established in 2006 by Mr. and Mrs. Joseph E. Martin, Jr. '72, of Raleigh, North Carolina, Brother Rats of the VMI Class of 1972, and friends of the Martins.

This scholarship will provide grant-in-aid to a cadet who is a member of the VMI Track Team, who is in good academic standing with the Institute, and who would not be able to attend VMI without grant-in-aid financial assistance. The same cadet, if otherwise eligible, may be granted aid from the Scholarship as long as he remains in good academic standing.

Joseph E. Martin’s service to VMI spanned more than 30 years as a professor, track coach, advisor, and statistician for athletic events. A native of Tennessee, Martin graduated from Castle Heights Military Academy in 1939. He attended Davidson College until his education was interrupted by World War II. His wartime record was long and distinguished. As an officer in the famed Third Infantry Division, he saw extensive combat action from Sicily until war’s end in Germany. Among his numerous wartime decorations were the Purple Heart with oak leaf cluster, the Silver Star, and the Bronze Star with V for valor and one oak leaf cluster. After the war, he resumed his college education, graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Davidson. He completed his Master’s degree from Vanderbilt University, and did additional graduate work at the University of North Carolina. 

Martin was appointed to the department of math at VMI in 1956, where he served until his retirement as professor with the academic rank of colonel (brevet) in 1986. In addition to his teaching duties, he served on numerous committees, including the publications board, public functions committee, and Board of Visitors committee to study athletics. Colonel Martin is perhaps best remembered for his service as assistant coach of the track and cross country teams for fifteen years. He helped guide the Keydets to several team championships and individual records. After he closed his coaching career, he took up competitive running himself and became a regular fixture at master’s track meets. At one point in his masters running career, he held several U.S. and world records. After retirement from VMI, Martin remained active in community affairs in Lexington, and retired as a colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves. He died in 2003 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Joseph E. Martin, Jr., ’72 followed in his father’s footsteps as a runner and athlete. Although born in North Carolina, Joe grew up on the VMI post watching athletic events. Like his father, he graduated from Castle Heights Military Academy, where he excelled in basketball and as a runner on the track and cross country teams. Entering VMI in the fall of 1968 as a member of the class of 1972, Joe became an outstanding runner for the Keydets. He earned 11 varsity letters and at one point he ranked ninth in the top twenty of VMI track scorers. Until recent years, he held the record for the 440 yard run. In addition, Joe was elected as captain of both the track and cross country teams.  

After graduating from VMI with a degree in civil engineering, Joe began a productive engineering career, specializing in construction and project administration. Working initially in Virginia, Joe moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, in 1977, where he now resides with his family. He has worked in a number of key jobs for the state of North Carolina since 1980, including the Division of Environmental Management and the State Construction Office. There he was responsible for over $600 million of projects on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill. During the summer and winter months, Joe gets great pleasure coaching his youngest son, Donald’s baseball and basketball teams. 

In the fall of 2002, Joe was diagnosed with cancer of the appendix, a rare and deadly form of the disease. Given only six months to live by his doctors, he has defied the odds with the perseverance of a long distance runner who keeps going despite pain and discomfort. Over the last three years he has truly personified the VMI spirit of “never say die” and he has served as an inspiration to everyone around him.

Cadet Dennis J. James II '11 (Men's Track) is recognized in the name of the
Joseph E. Martin and Joseph E. Martin, Jr. '72 Track Scholarship for the
2007-08 school year.