"The Knights of VM" - Class of 1997

One of the best aspects of working with the VM operating system is becoming part of its community of systems programmers and administrators. For 25 years, this community has been a wonderful place to learn and find mutual support. It has also been known for its lively, often wacky, sense of humor. Who else but VM'ers would dress like "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" for a birthday party for an operating system?

The very best thing about VM'ers, however, is their willingness to help each other through the rough spots and to share their knowledge and skills with everyone. Some years ago, a group decided to thank those VM'ers who had especially contributed to the VM community by creating the "The Order of the Knights of VM". Inductees were given official titles such as "Sir Arty, the Toolmaker". Every 5 years a new group of VM'ers are recognized for their contributions. In 1997, I was very honored to be included among them (Dame Martha, the Magisterial).

I managed to take some photographs of the VM 25th Birthday party at SHARE and the induction of the "Knights of VM", class of 1997. Unfortunately, some of these guys move pretty fast, so I only caught their backs. However, I'm sure you will find some of them familiar too...%-)

This page last updated on 7/14/98.

"The Order of the Knights of VM" - Class of 1997

Alan Ackerman,	Sir Alan the Persevering
Irelann Kerry Anderson,	Sir Kerry the Explorer
Charles Robert Berghorn,	Sir Chuck the Wide Awake
William J. Bitner,	Sir Bit the Performer
David R. Boloker,	Sir David the Dynamic
David J. Chase,	Sir Dave the Enthusiastic
Pamela L. Christina,	Dame Pam the Publicist
Richard F. Corak,	Sir Rich the Resourceful
Xavier de Lamberterie,	Sir Xavier, l'Editeur en Chef
Gary S. Eheman,	Sir Gary the Meticulous
David Cecil Elbon,	Sir Dave the Hospitable
John S. Fisher,	Sir John the Archivist
John A. Franciscovich,	Sir John the Rectifier
Michael B. Harding,	Sir Mike the Contemplative
Dominique Paul Laflamme,	Sir Nick the Ardent
Richard Frederick Lewis,	Sir Richard the Elucidator
Charles W. Lickel,	Sir Charles l'Ordinateur
Martha Madeline McConaghy,	Dame Martha the Magisterial
Reed A. Mullen,	Sir Reed the Optimistic
Rodney Colin Nash,	Sir Rod the Resilient
Ross Alexander Patterson,	Sir Ross the Fearless
Stephen E. Record,	Sir Steve the Master Tasker
Perry Ruiter,	Sir Perry the Tenacious
Robert Shullich,	Sir Robert the Unflagging
Maryrita F. Steinhour,	Dame Maryrita the Explicator
Christopher J. Stephenson,	Sir Chris the EXECutor
Mindy Joi Swails,	Dame Mindy the Shepherdess
Michael Tanzer,	Sir Mike the Master Craftsman
Gretchen Louise Thiele,	Dame Gretchen the Force of Nature
Richard M. Troth,	Sir Santa
Rob van der Heij,	Sir Rob the Plumber
Jeffrey Wilk,	Baron von Kielbasa
Martin A. Zimelis,	Sir Marty the Preceptor

Other Scenes from the Party:

Happy Birthday to VM! Here's hoping for 25 more!

What is it with VM'ers and buttons? OK, how many do YOU have?

No party would be complete without the official mascot.

Some of the many faces of faces of VM.

Faces, continued.

VM, the Next Generation. Romney White and son, Nicholas.

Chuck Morse, dispenser of the honors, having a "Crocodile Dundee" fantasy."

And now, a vistor from the East.....

Scott Nettleship introduces that mysterious and mystical vistor from the East.

Its none other than Karnac, the Magnificant! (Joel Farrell) Love that hat!

"Sealed in a mayonaise jar on Funk and Wagnel's porch since noon yesterday..."

Far too many pictures with me in them!

"OK, what the heck does 'magisterial' mean?"

Two proud "dames", Maryrita Steinhour (right) and me.

The brain-trust of Marist College, Harry Williams (left) and me (with Mike Harding in the back).

Showing off the certificate one more time, with Sir Nick the Ardent (right) and web mistress, Lori Szilaski (center).

"This is the last time I let you have the camera!"