Letters

Music History

I am excited to share the news of a newly approved historical marker that will be erected in my small hometown. The marker will recognize Blackstone, Virginia, as the location where “Tech Triumph,” the Virginia Tech fight song, was composed.

I am a former softball scholarship athlete who attended Tech from 2001-05. I thought this could potentially be an interesting addition to the story you printed about the history of the song and town.

Thank you for your time, and GO HOKIES!

Sarah Jeffries ’05
Moseley, Virginia

Editor’s Note: A story about the history of “Tech Triumph” appeared on p. 68 of the spring 2020 edition of Virginia Tech Magazine. Visit Retro to read more.

Congrats

Congrats for your excellent communication improvements! It is a pleasure to stay informed with ALL the methods in use.

There are many highlights from my time at VPI that I could share. My time in the Corps of Cadets, A Squadron, Class of 64, had a profound effect on my life and career. After a lifetime of experience, I think I finally understand the complete impact of attending VPI as a cadet. Another standout moment was meeting my future wife at Homecoming in 1963. We have been married now for 53 years.

Keep up the good work!

Ray Allen ’64
Springfield, Virginia

Defining moments

Virginia Tech is truly a special place; it was there that I met the love of my life. Our home is filled with VT décor and our closets dominated by VT clothing. When traveling, we’ll sport the maroon and orange, and we never come up empty. We always hear a friendly “Go Hokies.” There is a sense of family that bonds us all, and we are blessed to be a part of it. Our strong ties to VT are reflected in many different aspects of our lives. We are Hokie Club members, and we are happy to give back to our university.

On Dec. 19, 2018, I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. From the moment I was diagnosed, I never wavered in my belief that “we” would beat this disease. Cancer is a team sport, and I knew I had the best team to help me through some dark times. My daughter, Whitney, reached out to Whit Babcock and others to convey my passion for VT. After a complex and risky surgery, I came home to a letter in our mailbox. It was a handwritten note from Justin Fuente, who encouraged me to “Fight like a Hokie.” My daughter set up a Facebook group, “Hokie Strong for Doug,” to update people on my battle. Members wore maroon and orange on my surgery day. My niece, Megan Rodriguez, was a senior in the Marching Virginians at the time. The group posted a video of the band members chanting, “Hokie Strong,” which had been recorded at the Military Bowl. I recently passed the one-year mark, and I am cancer-free. This would never have been possible without my wife Tracy. VT spirit helped me conquer a formidable disease.

Doug Weigold ’86
Leland, North Carolina

From the editor

A LITTLE DIFFERENT

Most of our summer stories reflect the unusal, yet universal, experiences that people around the world shared during this unprecedented time. Many of the photographs and screen captures were contributed by Hokies through our social media channels. If you recognize yourself in one of these photos, please let us know so that we can update our online magazine. Years from now, when you come across this magazine on a shelf, it will serve as a reminder of this unique period in time and the resilience, service, and spirit that are synonymous with being Hokies.

Virginia Tech Magazine welcomes stories about the many ways that our readers make an impact in communities across the globe through their research, careers, and service. Send your ideas to vtmag@vt.edu.

Erica Stacy
Editor