Winter 2016-17
On the cover: Envision Virginia Tech a generation from now—pushing limits, unleashing opportunities, and creating the future.
Cover illustration
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President's Message
President's Message
Class Notes
Class Notes
Alumni Commentary
Alumni Commentary
2017 Day of Remembrance
2017 Day of Remembrance
2017 Day of Remembrance
On April 16, the day will begin and end at the April 16 Memorial with the traditional lighting and extinguishing of the ceremonial candle. At 2:30 p.m., a university-wide commemoration event will be held at the April 16 Memorial to recognize the 32 students and faculty who lost their lives in 2007. At 7:30 p.m., a candlelight vigil will take place in the same location. Candles will be provided. Additional events are scheduled throughout the weekend, including the ninth 3.2-mile Run in Remembrance, a community picnic, and more.
For a complete schedule and detailed events guide for the 10-year commemoration, including links to events beyond Blacksburg, please visit WeRemember.vt.edu.
Around the Drillfield
Ruling the roost
Last year's White House-pardoned Thanksgiving turkeys, Tater and Tot, made history as the first to live out their days at a university — Virginia Tech, which has long guided the modern turkey industry.
Moment
Native inspiration
Virginia Tech's first Monacan alumnus, Rufus Elliott (history '07) paid tribute to his grandmother and mother during the university's annual celebration of American Indian and Indigenous Heritage Month.
How Tech Ticks
Rock out
Virginia Tech has operated a quarry of some sort since the 1800s, blasting and cutting the Chepultepec and Kingsport dolomite that gives campus buildings their distinctive style.
Moment
Lifelong leadership
Virginia Tech alumnae Mary Beth Keenan '15 and Holly Means '89 serve on the Inspiring Women in Lifelong Leadership (I WILL) council, launched in December 2016.
Alumni profile
Of genes and beans
Twins Kevin and Mike Fedkenheuer, who earned doctoral degrees in plant pathology, physiology, and weed science in 2016, study the genes responsible for the soybean plant's resistance to a damaging pathogen.
Infographic
Healthy Hokies
The Division of Student Affairs' Schiffert Health Center — a one-stop shop for health care services, medications, tests, and more — is focused on keeping tens of thousands of students healthy and vibrant.
Still Life
Taking wing
Following nearly 10 weeks of medical care and rehabilitation at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, a rescued red-tailed hawk was released back into the wild in early October 2016.
Corps of Cadets
At the helm
Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets senior Katie Mazzola is at the helm of the national U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary University Programs for this academic year, overseeing 22 university programs across the country.
Retro
by Kim Bassler '12, University Libraries communications coordinator. Images courtesy of libraries' Special Collections; more can be found at imagebase.lib.vt.edu.
30 years ago,
30 years ago,
30 years ago,
the Hokies defeated North Carolina State University at the Peach Bowl in Atlanta, Ga., earning Virginia Tech its first-ever bowl victory.
36 years ago,
36 years ago,
36 years ago,
Virginia Tech had already recognized the value of experiential learning. The Department of Forestry allowed students to learn about wildlife through hands-on study and field experiences.
70 years ago,
70 years ago,
70 years ago,
Virginia Tech students enjoyed their ring dance debut at the German Club, a tradition that is still celebrated today.
