Anthony Purcell

The Zenobia Lawrence Hikes Campus Community Award is presented to the Student Affairs employee or group of employees that promote the development of community. This award relates to the division’s strategic goal of Fostering Globalization and Inclusive Excellence. Some criteria include building inclusive, supportive, caring, just, and diverse communities, either locally or at a global level, values and celebrates diversity, and demonstrates respect and compassion for others.

This year, the Zenobia Lawrence Hikes Campus Community Award honors Anthony Purcell, who served Dining Services for nearly 40 years before his passing earlier this year. Accepting on Anthony's behalf is his widow, Pam.

Anthony was the Assistant Director for Dining Services at Southgate Center. His leadership guided operations and strengthened the culture of community service that surrounded him. He was a steady presence, professional, consistent, and deeply committed to the people he led.

Anthony believed that community is built through action and connection, “to know and be known.” He encouraged his employees to look beyond their day-to-day responsibilities and find ways to contribute to the broader Virginia Tech community. This was an expectation that carried through to the identity of his team. He sought out service opportunities for himself and others, whether through campus events like Hokie Hi Picnic and Student Appreciation Day or community-centered efforts such as volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and supporting organizations including the Christmas Store and Mountain View Humane Society.

Anthony’s commitment to service helped others feel included and supported; it gave many a sense of belonging. He encouraged people to take risks and try new things, helping them expand their comfort zones. For many, his encouragement gave courage, helping them see that they were capable of more than they thought they were.

Anthony also served as a board member for Mountain View Humane Society. He lived out his values of kindness and care. He actively encouraged ethical service aligned with Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), urging those who reported to him to lead with purpose and integrity. He modeled what it looks like to serve authentically: with respect for others, accountability to community needs, and genuine care for people’s potential.

Anthony’s legacy continues in those who had the privilege of knowing him. He taught many of us in this room to value meaningful contribution and to embrace growth beyond our comfort zone in the name of service.

In honoring him with the Zenobia Lawrence Hikes Campus Community Award, we recognize not only his years of dedicated service, but also the lasting way he strengthened community through inclusive encouragement, unwavering care for others, and leadership that brought people together by giving them reasons and opportunities to belong.