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This issue is dedicated to our beloved friend and co-worker, Phil Gettel (1942 - 2005) who was the Alumni Association's Print Manager for 21 years. A truly dedicated and loyal member of our staff whose print communications have reached nearly 200,000 alumni.

Commentary, A Dream Come True...

Dreams do come true... over perhaps the last fifty of the Association's 130-year history there has been a dream that an alumni "house" or "center" would be built for Tech's alumni. Various locations on or near the campus have been considered along the way. Nine years ago, more definitive steps were taken by the Alumni Board of Directors to begin the process of planning a new home for alumni. Bill Skelton, class of '40 and a former Dean of the university, was asked to assume the leadership of a volunteer committee to plan the new facility and a campaign to raise funds to build it.

Nine years later, we see a Hokie Stone landmark for the campus emerge along Prices Fork Road and West Campus Drive - a center of a magnitude far beyond the wildest dreams of earlier planners. The new Holtzman Alumni Center, Skelton Conference Center and The Inn at Virginia Tech were all dedicated on October 28. Hundreds of alumni and guests were present to celebrate the new facility and tour it. Many enjoyed seeing the interior spaces and terrace pavers inscribed with the names of loyal donors.

There truly is no more magnificent facility on any campus in the nation that has an alumni center, hotel and conference center under one roof. The photos in this issue help one appreciate the beauty of this facility with its oak paneling, flooring and trim (donated by Mitch Carr '55), and its collected manor house style furnishings that provide a sense of comfort, warmth and richness. Hokie colors tastefully accent all spaces, including the hotel guest rooms. It is a "must see" for every alum. So, please plan a visit whenever convenient.

There is a handsome Alumni Library in the Holtzman Center that was included specifically to build a collection of books authored by our alumni. All alumni are invited to contribute any book or books they have authored to add to the collection. Personally autographed copies are appreciated. Send them to the Alumni Library, Holtzman Alumni Center (0102), Blacksburg, VA 24061.

Virginia Tech is a university with many assets. Among them are the natural mountain setting and campus of incomparable beauty. There are talented and dedicated professors and staff. There is a commitment by every student and alum to the core values etched on the eight pylons of the War Memorial. And, of course, there is that Hokie Pride that becomes contagious among all who share the Virginia Tech experience. At the recent dedication ceremony, we celebrated yet another asset to enhance the Tech experience... our new home for alumni. Visit us when you can.