A year in review

A message from the Vice President for Student Affairs

It is hard to believe that we’re already approaching the end of another academic year! In just a couple of short weeks, we will cheer on our newest Virginia Tech alumni, the class of 2026, as they walk across the stage. As with each year, there were many moments of learning, joy, and reflection. We hope that your student has made meaningful connections, gained confidence in their abilities, and deepened their understanding of themselves and the world around them. I hope that you will encourage your Hokie to carry these values with them as they progress through their careers and beyond. We can’t wait to welcome back all our returning Hokies to campus in August for another great year!

August

Thank you to all our parents, volunteers, and staff who make Move-in possible! Together, we successfully moved in over 10,500 Hokies on campus this fall.

The Hokie Hi Spirit Rally is one of my favorite August events. New students get a chance to run through the tunnel of Lane Stadium, learn about Virginia Tech traditions, and take their traditional class picture.

Members of the Bhangra at VT dance team welcome new students at Gobblerfest, an event where all our campus clubs and organizations gather to welcome new members. From educational and cultural clubs to sports and music, there’s something for everyone!

September

National Recovery Month takes place during September to increase awareness and support. The Virginia Tech Recovery Community hosted a free yoga class for all Virginia Tech students, helping them find connections through movement.

Thank you to everyone who celebrated the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets during the donor breakfast, where we had the opportunity to recognize those who support our programs.

New Student and Family Programs hosted a tailgate during Fall Family weekend. I love seeing Hokie parents have the opportunity to become part of our campus!

October

Our homecoming parade makes its way from Cassell Coliseum through campus and downtown, ending with fireworks on the Drillfield.

Students make stress balls during World Mental Health Awareness Day sponsored by Cook Counseling Center.

Cadets chat with family members during a tailgate food drive to support The Market of Virginia Tech.

November

Cranwell International Center partnered with Venture Out, the outdoor adventure program of Recreational Sports, to host a hike to Grayson Highlands for our students.

Kevin Pitts, dean of the College of Science, and his wife Toni host a Thanksgiving meal for students who can’t make it home. Photo courtesy of Melissa McKeown for Virginia Tech.

The Dance of Nations, hosted by the Council of International Student Organizations (CISO) and Cranwell International Center, showcases dance, music, and culture from around the world.

December

Students gathered to celebrate community and creativity while building gingerbread houses with Virginia Tech Dining.

We celebrated our fall semester graduates in December. It’s always a joy to see our students around campus capturing their graduation photos!

Virginia Tech Library hosts multiple grilled Cheesy Nights throughout the year, supporting our students as they study for exams.

January

As part of our Winter Weeks of Welcome, hosted by New Student and Family Programs, students created vision boards for the spring semester.

Students visit the Taste of Turkish Culture International Cafe Hour with Cranwell International Center, where each monthly gathering highlights a different country or region represented by students here at Virginia Tech.

The final day of sorority recruitment when Potential New Members receive and accept formal invitations (bids) to join a specific sorority chapter during “Bid Day.”

February

It was an honor to recognize our Aspire! Award recipients for embodying our Student Affairs Aspirations for Student Learning at our first ever combined December and February celebration, thanks to winter weather.

Our Hokies took the time to enjoy the snowfall on campus, making every moment count despite the cold!

Students cheer on our women’s basketball team during the Pitt vs. Virginia Tech basketball game. GO HOKIES!

March

Cadets test critical leadership and decision-making skills during high stress and physically demanding scenarios during the Platoon Tactical Challenge in March.

During a transformative conversation with Angela Davis, students had the opportunity to consider topics such as community, leadership, and how we can care for one another through action.

Our co-rec recreational sports basketball team proudly poses as the Intramural Champs!

April

Rhizome students in the Creativity and Innovation District (CID) living-learning community are working together through their creativity and problem solving to address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Every year, students volunteer for The Big Event, the second largest event of its kind in the nation, to complete community service projects for neighbors around the New River Valley.

Community members, students, staff, alumni and the wider community came together for the 3.2 for 32 Run in Remembrance, honoring those tragically taken from us on April 16, 2007. Participants were invited to reflect through movement, with similar community-organized events happening across the globe.