April opportunities for students to give back and connect with our community

Dear Virginia Tech Parents and Families,

In April, I want to take a moment to highlight two key events that embody the Hokie Spirit of service, remembrance, and community. These events are excellent opportunities for your students to give back, connect with peers, and engage in meaningful activities that have a lasting impact on our campus and beyond.

The Big Event – A day of service

The Big Event, Virginia Tech’s largest day of student-run service, will be held on Saturday, April 6. This annual tradition brings together thousands of students who volunteer their time to assist local organizations and residents in the Blacksburg community. From landscaping to organizing donation drives, your students will have the chance to make a direct, positive impact on the lives of others.

Encouraging your student to participate in The Big Event is a wonderful way to help them build a sense of responsibility and deepen their connection to the local community. The Big Event is not only about providing service but also about fostering a spirit of unity among students, and reminding us all of the importance of giving back. For more information and to register, please visit The Big Event website.

Run in Remembrance – Honoring lives lost

On Sunday, April 12, Virginia Tech will once again host the Run in Remembrance, a moving event where students, staff, and families come together to honor the lives lost on April 16, 2007. This event provides an opportunity for reflection, healing, and unity. Participants will run or walk a 3.2-mile course through campus, honoring the memories and the strength of our Hokie community.

Encourage your student to participate in the Run in Remembrance as a way of showing support for our community and remembering those whose memories still touch our lives. It’s a powerful opportunity for students to reflect, find comfort in community, and make new memories through acts of solidarity and remembrance. To learn more about this special event, visit Run in Remembrance.

Coming together as a community: The importance of volunteering and giving back

Both The Big Event and Run in Remembrance are excellent examples of how students can engage with and give back to the community. Volunteering and participating in events like these help students develop a deeper understanding of the world around them while building meaningful connections with others. These opportunities allow students to grow as individuals, take pride in their community, and feel empowered to make a difference.

As parents and families, your support and encouragement in helping students understand the value of giving back and engaging in such activities is crucial. These experiences provide essential lessons in empathy, leadership, and the importance of working together for a common cause.

I hope you will encourage your students to participate in these events, and that they will find meaningful ways to continue giving back throughout their time at Virginia Tech and beyond.

Wishing you and your students all the best as we look forward to the spring!

Sincerely,