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Commentary...

Construction Begins...

On Saturday, April 26, eleven shovels ceremonially turned dirt on the site of the planned Alumni and Conference Center... probably the most significant event in the 128-year history of the Alumni Association. As it rises out of the ground over the next two years of construction, its prominence, enhanced by one of the highest elevations of the campus, will be impressive. It's exterior and distinctive tower (standing taller than that Rotunda in Charlottesville), will blend perfectly with the campus Hokie Stone tradition. The Holtzman Alumni Center will welcome alumni with warmth and style. The beautiful Skelton Conference Center will be home to reunion banquets, receptions, conferences, and more. The modern Inn at Virginia Tech completes the complex with 147 rooms and suites.

Several thousand alumni have generously supported the campaign for the new center. The Hokie stone paver terrace adjoining the Alumni Center Grand Hall will be an attractive site for many events. Each stone will be inscribed with the names of alumni or other individuals they wish to honor. A few hundred pavers are still available. More information on pavers is on page 6. Don't miss an opportunity to be part of this historic project.

Fifty-year old Athletic Conference Welcomes the Hokies

Through a series of twists and turns during the late spring, an expanding Atlantic Coast Conference turned to Virginia Tech (and Miami) to strengthen its football prominence nationally. The opportunity came as a surprise after weeks of considering various expansion scenarios. Tech alumni watched along with the nation as the nine-member conference deliberated. Tech President Steger and others remained embroiled in the roller-coaster negotiations for weeks. Many friends beyond the alumni ranks weighed in with support, including Virginia's Governor Mark Warner and Attorney General Jerry Kilgore. Most notable in Tech's corner through the process was UVA President John Casteen. His vote and voice resounded the theme that Virginia Tech was ideal for the ACC, as well as adding another Virginia university to a conference footprint of states extending from Florida to Maryland.

Response from alumni around the nation has been overwhelmingly in favor of joining the ACC. They also acknowledge praise for our years in the Big East Conference, which Tech's football program initially joined in 1993. In that conference, the Hokies have played in ten consecutive post-season bowl games, including one national championship game featuring star quarterback Michael Vick. As the nation's eyes turn to follow our success in football, so does their interest in Tech's other "winning programs" academically. The excellence at Virginia Tech that is so obvious to our alumni receives much deserved recognition across the nation. We are confident that the new ACC affiliation (which begins conference schedules in fall, 2004) will continue the enormous pride in achievements across all dimensions of the university.

"Virginia Tech forlife"

Our new Alumni Association slogan... one that communicates that every alum's relationship with the university actually begins, not ends, with graduation. As our alumni move through careers, move from state to state, or perhaps expand families and circles of friends, their alma mater remains part of their lives. We hope they will connect with the university, whenever possible. Opportunities abound for our 175,000 alumni... chapters and clubs; reunions; homecomings; web sites; volunteering to help Admissions, legislative advocacy, colleges and departments; following print and online communications; career services; alumni tours; Hokie Clubs; annual giving; on-line courses; and staying in touch with fellow alumni.

Virginia Tech is your university for life. Your continued involvement enriches the university. Because you care, Virginia Tech marches forward to serve more students in ways that are better than ever before. We each put a stone in the foundation that continues to support a stronger university with an eye toward greater excellence. It is your university for life, and the lives of so many who both preceded and will follow you.