Classes of '96 and '95 get the giving habit

Virginia Tech's newest graduates have been giving back to the university even before they graduate. Two new programs have been formed to involve the university's youngest donors: the Senior Challenge, which makes it possible for senior students to make a class gift to the university, and the newly formed Pylon Society, which recognizes alumni who give every year after their graduation.

Students in the Class of '95 were the first to give under a university-wide Senior Challenge. The program asks each graduating senior to make a gift of any amount to the university, although $19.95 was suggested for the class of 1995 and $19.96 for the Class of 1996.

The goal of the challenge was to achieve participation by as many seniors as possible. The Class of '95 had 33 percent participation; the Class of '96 topped this with 44 percent making gifts. The campaign's theme, "Common Threads," emphasized the interconnectedness of alumni and their alma mater.

Graduates of the class of 1995 were eligible to become members of the Pylon Society. The society, established in 1995, recognizes alumni who never miss a year of giving after their graduation. Unlike other donor societies, the Pylon Society does not require a minimum gift for membership. More than 800 young alumni have become members so far.

Special events will bring Pylon Society members together during future homecoming weekends. The first gala celebration is planned for Homecoming 2000. Gifts through both new programs may be designated to a specific college or colleges, earmarked for specific programs, or given unconditionally for university priorities.

The colleges used funds raised through this year's Senior Challenge for a variety of projects. The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Arts and Sciences each funded book scholarships for rising seniors. The College of Engineering and the College of Architecture and Urban Studies each established a senior resources library. The Pamplin College of Business purchased a classroom projector and computer equipment. Forestry and Wildlife Resources and also Human Resources purchased stone benches to place outside their main buildings.

Twelve $150 book scholarships were awarded by the College of Arts and Sciences to seniors nominated by fellow students for service to other students, the college, or the university.

Record number inducted into Ut Prosim

The Ut Prosim Society, the university\0xD5s most prestigious recognition organization, celebrated its 10th anniversary by inducting a record number of alumni, parents, and friends into its ranks at a black-tie dinner on April 20. The 57 new inductees bring society membership to more than 350.

President Paul Torgersen and Clifton Garvin '43, out-going rector of the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors, presented crystal statues to each inductee. Ut Prosim Society members are recognized at one of three levels of contributions: benefactor ($50,000 to $199,999), senior benefactor ($200,000 to $499,999), and distinguished benefactor ($500,000 and above). New members are:

Joseph H. Collie '50 and Barbara Collie

William H. Daughtrey Jr. '62

Hugh T. Adams (friend)

Troy A. Peery '68 and Lynn Peery

John D. Ambler '56 and Annette Ambler

Howard S. Avery '27

Donald J. Balzer Jr. '77

Paul B. Barringer (friend)

Ron Beck '58 and Gwen Beck

Laura Morris Burrows (friend)

J. Lawrence Calhoun '35 and Lucille G. Calhoun

William J. Callis '64

Ruth Groves Chaney (widow of Jerry Smith Chaney '42)

George B. Clarke IV '82

Roland H. Coles '56 and Margaret Coles

Donald M. Cox '43

Patrick L. Daly '76 and Cathy J. Daly

Gary Derby and Heidi Derby

Grant A. Dove '51

Charles Eaton '53 and Jo Eaton

Robert B. Fetter '45

Mr. and Mrs. W. Heywood Fralin (friend)

Edward V. Garthright '65

Francis N. Hamilton '64

James H. Hatch '72

C.J. Mickey Hayes Jr. '64

Robert A. and Beverly W. Hudson Jr. (parents)

George R. Irvin Jr. '58

Jeff H. Jaffe '42

Ellen P. Jamerson (friend)

Phillip C. Jamerson '82

Joseph R. Jenkins '68

Joseph A. Johnson Jr. (friend)

Steve Johnson '88

H.A. "Bud" Keever '59

Huston W. Kitts Sr. and Sarah Strauss (friends)

Joe Love '63 and Patty Love

William McSpadden '40

William T. Miller '51

Sandy J. Moore Jr. '61

William W. Moseley '51

Robert F. Moss Jr. '54

Samuel H. Nixon Jr. '55

Emory S. Parker '34

Col. Harry J. Parrish '44 and Mattie Parrish

James M. Pollard '50 and Marilyn K. Pollard

F. Richard Quible '53 and Betty G. Quible

Jack Roberts '64 and Charlotte Roberts

Dr. Craig A. Rogers '83

Marvin H. "Skip" Schuelke Jr. '69

Michael E. Snyder '91

Thomas L. Souders '68 and Barbara Souders

Robert J. Styne '50 and Julia N. Styne

Carl Sundberg '39

Ed Talley '72 and Melinda Talley

William D. Wampler '50 and Bonnie Lou Wampler

Jack W. Webb '44

A. "Jack" Young Jr. '55