The new Alumni and Conference Center

Construction on the new Alumni and Conference Center began last April, with completion expected by the summer of 2005. Shown here is the gateway entrance to the Holtzman Alumni Center, a gift from the Class of 1952 that symbolizes an earlier alumni gateway that stood for many years at the Main Street entrance to campus. The other portions of the Alumni and Conference Center will include the Skelton Conference Center and adjacent hotel, The Inn at Virginia Tech. Visit http://www.vatechalumni.com for more images and to watch the center's construction. Complete schedules and registration information; call the Alumni Association at 540/231-6285.

The Alumni Association is seeking nominations for its board of directors for the next three-year term, beginning in 2005. Nominations are also sought for the Outstanding Young Alumni Awards, which recognize one alumnus from each college who has graduated in the past 10 years. Please include each nominee's full name, class year, address, and specific qualifications. All nominations are due June 1, 2004, and should be mailed to: Alumni Nominations, Virginia Tech Alumni Association, Alumni Hall, Blacksburg, VA 24061.

"Virginia Tech for life"

The Alumni Association recently adopted the slogan "Virginia Tech for life" to express that a graduate's relationship with the university extends for a lifetime. Alumni programs are strategically designed to accomplish this simple goal because alumni who remain involved are more likely to serve the university through volunteerism, advocacy, and financial support.

In 2003, alumni were involved with the university in numerous ways. Alumni chapter scholarships for freshmen totaled $128,300. The Young Alumni Advisory Council was formed to discuss ways to engage younger alumni in various university and alumni activities. The Student Alumni Associates created a Traditions program to celebrate the university's rich heritage. More than 350 black alumni and guests returned for a Golden Anniversary Reunion celebrating the 1953 admission of Virginia Tech's first black student. And two new Alumni Distinguished Professors were named, expanding the total appointments to an all-time high of 10.

The Alumni Association's program highlights over the past year included the April 26, 2003, groundbreaking for the new Alumni and Conference Center; construction on the $43.5 million facility began two days later. In addition, there were approximately 580 events for alumni, such as chapter events and on-campus homecomings and reunions. The association also strengthened its online news communications through graphics and photography and now offers more online program registration opportunities at http://www.vatechalumni.com.

For complete schedules or to register for an event, go to http://www.vatechalumni.com or call the Alumni Association at 540/231-6285.

May 20-21: Old Guard Reunion

June 24-27: Summer Escape (15th Anniversary)

Sept. 11: Western Michigan / Class of '79 25th Reunion / College of Agriculture Homecoming

Sept. 18: Duke / Class of '64 40th Reunion / College of Architecture Homecoming / Pamplin College of Business Homecoming

Sept. 25: N.C. State / Class of '69 35th Reunion / Classes of '88, '89, '90 Joint Reunion / College of Liberal Arts & Human Sciences Homecoming

Oct. 2: West Virginia University / Class of '74 30th Reunion / College of Science Homecoming / College of Natural Resources Homecoming

Oct. 16: Florida A&M / traditional parade / Class of '54 50th Reunion / College of Engineering Homecoming / Marching Virginians Homecoming / Highty-Tighties Alumni Homecoming

Nov. 18: Maryland / Class of '59 45th Reunion / VMRCVM Homecoming

Nov. 27: University of Virginia / Classes of '98, '99, & '00 Joint Reunion / Corps of Cadets Alumni Homecoming