A year in review
From the Vice President for Student Affairs
We’re honored to have shared another year with your students, and we’re so proud of all they’ve accomplished! I wanted to share a look back at some of our favorite moments from the 2024-25 academic year.
August
Move-in is a time of fresh possibility as eager Hokies flood onto campus. Getting our 2024-25 undergraduate class of about 7,300 settled in was truly a feat and could not have been done without the dedication of our diligent staff and student employees.
There’s no fest like Gobblerfest! Every year, more than 700 clubs, organizations, and small businesses gather on the Drillfield to introduce Hokies to everything our wonderful campus has to offer. Whether a student wants to practice a cappella, climb mountains, or anything in between, Gobblerfest is a great way to connect and find community.
September
September saw our highly anticipated grand reopening of War Memorial gym. Active Hokies came together to get the first glimpse of the newly renovated fitness facility. The upgraded gym tripled the weight and cardio space on campus, improved air conditioning, and features new table tennis rooms, new equipment, and more dedicated spaces for student health and wellness!
Our campus is full of Hokies from all around the world. To promote conversation and belonging on our campus, the Interfaith Initiative kicked off the year with a dinner to bond, meet, converse, and connect across different backgrounds.
October
Homecoming is my favorite game of the year, which is only heightened by the liveliness of our annual homecoming parade. Every year, Hokies and community members march through campus and downtown in anticipation of the game.
For our homecoming concert this year, we were joined by Flo Rida in an unforgettable performance!
November
Civic engagement is a pillar of student development here at Virginia Tech. In our Vote, Emote, and Find your Flow event, students came together to explore how to engage with communities in impactful ways while they relaxed with crafts and our beloved therapy dogs.
Virginia Tech is extremely proud of our first-generation student programs. Here, students find support to help them navigate a new collegiate world. This November, they came together in the Break Zone to blow off some end-of-semester steam with bowling, billiards, and games.
December
Five times per year, Student Affairs gathers to recognize students, faculty, and staff who exemplify our Aspirations for Student Learning. December’s awardees were recognized for inspiring through research, fostering respectful spaces, giving supportive mentorship, leading impactful service, and connecting communities.
Our Hokies got festive this December at our Gingerbread Houses with Dining Services event. D2 provided participants with everything they could need to get into the holiday spirit.
January
We kicked off the spring semester with our Winter Weeks of Welcome. Students skated around the Squires Ballroom, posed in an inflatable snow globe, and geared up for the work ahead.
February
Since 2018, Giving day has been an opportunity for students, families, staff, and alumni to support the university. The generosity and collaboration of participants has a lasting impact, elevating essential student programs, emergency funds, academic resources, and more. Thank you!
March
We know how important moving is to support a healthy mind and body. Recreational Sports hosts Hokie Movement Week to encourage activity among our students, provide accessible resources, and promote the benefits of a healthier lifestyle.
The Order of the Gavel honor society convenes student leaders from across student organizations to advise the Vice President of Student Affairs. Members build relationships to advance leadership skills and promote intellectual and personal growth among fellow members and the broader student body. Their achievements were celebrated in March as inductees were pinned by their mentors.
April
The Big Event, a student-run day of community engagement, is the second largest event of its kind in the nation. This year we kicked off with a live-music event before dispersing out to make our community a brighter place, completing over 700 service projects!
I love peeking out my office window as students take pictures in their caps and gowns outside of Burruss Hall. Pictured here is Bethany Lenhardt, who will be graduating this spring with a Bachelor of Arts in communication with a specialization in multimedia journalism. She also works in Student Affairs as a senior house supervisor.
Congratulations to all our graduates! We hope that you will carry with you the spirit of Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) in all that you do. We look forward to seeing the positive impact that you will make in your journey following Virginia Tech!
Frances Keene, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs
