A year in review
A message from the Vice President for Student Affairs
I am immensely grateful to work at Virginia Tech and live in Blacksburg. I do have to say, after 22 years here, the month of May is in competition with August as my favorite time to be on campus. May holds so many opportunities to witness quintessential moments of the student experience happening at once. All in the same day, I see students studying in the library surrounded by computers and notes, soaking in the sun on the Drillfield, and posing for photos in their caps and gowns on the front steps of Burruss Hall.
I recently heard that scrolling through your camera roll can increase feelings of gratitude and reduce anxiety. I have started this practice, and I can attest firsthand that reconnecting with moments of my life with friends, family, co-workers and students reminds me of all the good in my life. The moments of positive reflection and appreciation, for me, translate into joy and gratitude in the present moment. So, in the spirit of reflection, gratitude and joy, I scrolled our Student Affairs “camera roll” to highlight some of my favorite moments from this year. Ranging from exhilarating campus events to quiet moments of camaraderie, these snapshots are a testament to the vibrancy and spirit of our students and our community.
As commencement season approaches, I feel a surge of excitement and joy for students and their families. For our graduating seniors, this moment marks the culmination of years of hard work and dedication as well as the threshold of new beginnings. If I can provide any advice, it is to pause, reflect on your journey, celebrate every triumph – big and small – that brought you to this monumental milestone, and take a few photos that you will cherish in the future.
As I sign off on this last letter for the 2023-24 academic year, I hope this reminds you and your students what a year it has been, and that there are many more great memories to be made in the years to come. Congratulations, Hokies!
August
Each fall, the New Cadet Parade concludes Virginia Tech’s Weeks of Welcome. New cadets demonstrated what they learned during New Cadet Week and training with a wonderful military parade overseen by Major General Randal D. Fullhart, commandant of cadets, and President Tim Sands.
September
At Gobblerfest, student organization information booths are designed to educate students and the community about the many ways to get involved and meet people at Virginia Tech. More than 800 booths, live performances, and rides made this a must-attend event!
October
The Homecoming parade is a beloved annual tradition for the entire community. Students, families, and community members marched through the streets of downtown Blacksburg before joining together on the Drillfield to watch a spectacular fireworks show.
November
Dining Services takes pride in its Hokie traditions that run deep within our community, like the annual Thanksgiving dinner offered in D2 at Dietrick Hall before our Hokies take a well-deserved break.
December
Winter graduation was an overwhelmingly joyous occasion this year. With 1,670 Hokies graduating, President Tim Sands declared it the largest crowd to ever attend fall ceremonies.
January
Cranwell International Center’s monthly International Cafe Hour program brings students, faculty, staff, and community members together to celebrate our students from around the world and to offer an opportunity to learn about the cultures that create our community.
February
Students received a box of chocolate covered strawberries after a multi-course formal dining extravaganza at West End Dining Hall on Valentine’s Day!
March
Our students poured into Cassell Coliseum to support our Hokies during March Madness!
April
Thousands of students, faculty, and staff came together to complete nearly 1,200 community service projects throughout Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and the New River Valley as part of the Big Event!
May
For this last month of academic year 2023-24, I wanted to share two pictures that bring me so much joy. The left is our therapy dogs, Derek and Epcot, who cheer on our students at every stage in their college careers. The right is a graduation photo of one of our student leaders, Isaac Lerner, regimental commander of the Corps of Cadets and spring 2024 graduate.
Frances Keene, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs
