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Commentary...

Here's to our heroes!

An observation... from my vantage point in the Alumni Association, I see examples every day of so many unsung heroes of Virginia Tech. These are alumni who serve the university in countless ways to make it one of the best in the country. They volunteer to serve as "friend raisers," fund raisers, college and departmental advisory board members, alumni chapter leaders, reunion committee members, legislative advocates, speakers on campus, speakers off campus, contacts with corporations and foundations, student admissions "recruiters," outreach representatives, and on and on. These truly are heroes that help maintain a level of energy and vitality at the university that those of us who work here simply cannot do alone.

There are countless events all around the country and some abroad that are arranged by volunteers for our alumni chapters, Hokie Clubs, academic departments, and constituency groups that connect to Virginia Tech in a variety of ways. This assembly of "human capital" translates into extensions of the university that make an impact far beyond the campus in Blacksburg. And frankly, it is this grass roots programming in these regions that attracts alumni and other university friends to come together and demonstrate their support for Tech. To our heroes, we say Thank You for their generous investment of talent and energy.

Helping out in lean times...

The university is experiencing the most severe budget reductions in its 130 year history. These have resulted in reductions of faculty and staff at a time when more Virginia students are entering the college-age population. Our Alumni Association has likewise trimmed its operating budget and committed just over $200,000 since last June to assist the university's academic programs. President Steger directed these funds to assist Humanities and Honors programs. Our Alumni Board and staff are pleased to be able to assist in these challenging times of limited resources.

Virginia Tech alumni assemble at the State Capitol in Richmond during the
2003 Hokie Day at the General Assembly, meeting with
Governor Mark Warner and other legislators to support increased
appropriations for higher education.

In this issue...

The Mysteries of Mountain Lake... Long before the establishment of Blacksburg and its small college, a natural lake was formed in the mountains of Virginia thousands of years earlier. It is the state's only naturally formed lake at the top of a mountain about 19 miles from Blacksburg, appropriately named Mountain Lake. Many a student and alum have made this a routine stop on a fall day to view brilliant fall colors. The traditional Ring Dance weekend once was accented with parties at Mt. Lake. And the filming of the hit movie "Dirty Dancing" put the lake and hotel on the world map. We have reprinted a piece from an earlier Context (magazine) describing some of the history of the lake and hotel that have endeared it to Tech alumni.

Two interesting Tech personalities are profiled... Our Alumni Distinguished Professor James Robertson consulted on the recently released film Gods and Generals, starring Robert Duvall. Major General Edward "Buster" Ellis '68 has made his mark in the Air Force among the distinguished and lengthy list of Tech alumni who have achieved flag officer rank in the US Armed Forces.

Also, note the popular package tours that still have space for our alumni who wish to travel abroad with other Hokies. Since the early 1970s, tours have been among our most successful programs. Our Hokiestone terrace opportunity associated with the new Alumni Center is illustrated-a great opportunity for alumni to join in supporting the new center and have their name permanently etched in Hokiestone.

Finally, the schedule of fall events includes quite a variety of opportunities for alumni to return. College Homecomings occur throughout the home game schedule and traditional class reunions celebrating 25 through 50 year anniversaries will host six classes. Another special weekend is dedicated to "young alumni" returning for group reunions of 80s and 90s classes. Go to www.alumni.vt.edu and check out the details of all these events.