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For most of our Alumni Association's nearly 140-year history, we have focused on creating networking opportunities for alumni, and that focus remains true today. Enabling alumni to connect in person and online is critical in today's society—and highly valued by our alumni. Networking, particularly among those who share an alma mater, offers opportunities that otherwise might remain undiscovered. Apps, Google, and Twitter don't seem to allow the benefits of more personal exchanges, but in-person networking often leads to business relationships, collaboration, intellectual discovery, and richer social interaction.
The Alumni Association's approach to networking is multifaceted. Through specific networking events, alumni come together in their communities and learn more about each others' interests and careers. Most often, the events are for all alumni who are able to gather and get acquainted. Other events may be centered on a particular profession or academic discipline. Our alumni chapters are committed to staging more of these opportunities around the country. To make sure you learn about upcoming events, please confirm that your address and email are current via the link at www.alumni.vt.edu. A list of chapters, which follows on page 50, can also be accessed online in an interactive map that links directly to chapter contact information.
On the Web, the Hokie Nation Network enables alumni to connect via a free online directory. On LinkedIn, where more than 120,000 Hokies are registered, there is a Virginia Tech-specific networking community. The association's career resources program encourages networking through LinkedIn, including listing internship and job notices for Hokies. Throughout the year, career webinars showcase speakers who offer tips on job-searching, interviewing, marketing yourself, and more. Refer to the webinar schedule link on our website, where past programs are archived for your viewing. All of these resources are provided for free by the Alumni Association.
Networking with other dedicated and helpful alumni is among the most significant benefits of membership in the Hokie Nation. Virginia Tech graduates are frequently described as displaying uncommon school spirit and loyalty. "It may be hard to describe, but you know it when you see it" is a sentiment we often hear. Maybe it's a shared work ethic. Maybe it's the bond of Ut Prosim (That I May Serve). Maybe it's recalling a special professor who mentored you and encouraged a particular career path. Or maybe it's simply trusting a fellow Hokie whom you met while networking.
Dave Hunt, Communications Director
Accommodations at The Inn at Virginia Tech are available for all events.
Fall 2014
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William H. Ruffner Medal
University Distinguished Achievement Award
Alumni Distinguished Service Awards
Graduate Alumni Achievement Award
Graduate academic advising
Undergraduate academic advising
Extension
International education
International outreach
International research
Outreach
Outreach (team)
Research
Teaching
William E. Wine Awards in teaching
Graduate student teaching
Graduate student service
Kimberly Lane Tabor Kreitlow (Ph.D. entomology '04)
Steven A. Sanderson (industrial design '02)
Thomas J. Fast (management and finance '06)
David O. Childress (civil engineering '06)
Pardha Saradhi Pyla (M.S. computer engineering '02, Ph.D. computer science and application '07)
Atia Abawi Powell (communication '03)
Jeremy P. Stovall (Ph.D. forestry '10)
Abhishek Roy (Ph.D. macromolecular science and engineering '08)
Melinda G. McCall (D.V.M. '04)
Silver
Bronze
Outstanding Community Service Project
Outstanding Golf Tournament
Outstanding Fundraising Event
Outstanding Chapter Website
Innovation Award
Broadening Alumni Engagement Award
Most Improved Chapter
Outstanding New Chapter
Outstanding Chapter Volunteer
Outstanding Chapter Officer
Hall of Fame Award
The more things change, well, the more they change. This year, our alma mater has witnessed and embraced a great deal of change as we continue to grow. Of course, the most significant change is the transition of leadership as we welcome new president Timothy Sands to the helm. President Sands hit the ground running, bringing new ideas and energy to the institution while building upon the many accomplishments of his predecessor, Charles W. Steger, as well as all of the presidents who have served since our founding in 1872. I know that you join me in your support of our new leader. I have assured him that there is no stronger alumni network in the land than that of the Hokie Nation, and we stand with him as Virginia Tech prepares to soar to new heights.
We also welcome two new leaders in the athletic program, Athletic Director Whit Babcock and men's basketball head coach Buzz Williams. The success of the athletic enterprise and the student-athletes who represent us on and off the field is of high interest to our alumni. The work of these leaders, along with the entire athletic staff, continues to shine. The change that matters the most is in our growing Hokie Nation. At the spring Commencement, Virginia Tech released another 5,500 bright young minds to go "conquer the world." President Steger served us admirably for more than 14 years, and his signature is on almost 107,000 Virginia Tech diplomas—nearly half of our living alumni. And with each graduating class, we become larger and more diverse. As we change, our Alumni Association is prepared to meet the challenges and needs of our newest alumni.
What will not change is our Alumni Association's desire and ability to deliver strong programming and services that cater to Hokies of all backgrounds, professions, and lifestyles—both on campus and in the communities, where they form strong, vibrant alumni chapters. Our highest priority is engaging and serving all alumni so that together we can contribute to the overall success of the university. Another magical year lies ahead for Virginia Tech, and the world will continue to take note of all that our Hokie Nation can accomplish. Remain connected to our beloved alma mater, and let it remain connected to you. Go, Hokies!
More information »Safaris, Sands, and Saris
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Jan. 5-Feb. 5 • $9,999* (air included)
Mystical Andes and Majestic Fjords
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Feb. 2-23 • $5,999* (air included)
Caribbean Paradise
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Feb. 23-March 5 • $2,799* (air included)
Paris Immersion
AHI
April 6-17 • $3,295*
Cuban Discovery
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A Toast to Provence and Burgundy
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May 1-9 • $3,669*
Waterways and Canals of Holland and Belgium AHI May 2-10 • $2,495*
Isles and Empires of the Adriatic
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May 2-11 • $2,999* (air included)
Southern Culture and Civil War
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May 14-23 • $4,699*
Sicily – Alumni Campus Abroad
AHI
May 15-24 • $2,795*
River Routes and Channel Crossings
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May 18-June 3 • $5,299* (air included)
Exotic Mediterranean
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May 19-31 • $3,999* (air included)
Essential Europe Grad Trip
Alumni World Travel
May 22-June 9 • $3,725*
Swiss Alps and the Italian Lakes
AHI
June 5-14 • $3,295*
Pearls of the Mediterranean
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June 15-23 • $2,699* (air included)
Normandy – Alumni Campus Abroad
AHI
July 1-9 • $2,895*
Coastal Alaska
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July 7-14 • $2,299* (air included)
Passage of Lewis and Clark Expedition
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July 18-26 • $3,795*
Nordic Pathways
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Baltic Marvels
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Coastal Maine and New Brunswick
AHI
Aug. 26-Sept. 2 • $3,895*
Tuscany – Alumni Campus Abroad
AHI
Sept. 16-24 • $2,795*
Jewels of the Aegean and Holy Lands
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Sept. 16-27 • $4,299* (air included)
Iberian Princes and Palaces
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Oct. 23-Nov. 3 • $3,799* (air included)
Country Music
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Mediterranean Artistic Discoveries
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Nov. 6-18 • $3,999* (air included)
* Dates and prices are subject to change. Pricing is based per person on double occupancy without air, except as noted. Free air is based from select North American gateway cities. The Alumni Association encourages all alumni to consider purchasing travel insurance.
Produced by University Relations