Alma Mater Magazine - Fall 2006
Spotlight ...on volunteers
Our volunteers are individuals who truly strive to live by the university motto Ut Prosim, That I May Serve. The Alumni Association appreciates their dedication.
Chris Jennings, Tidewater Chapter
Chris Jennings has been involved with the Tidewater Chapter since May 2001. Chris served as Secretary and President Elect for the 01/02 year and has been President since July, 2002.
Why did you get so involved in the Tidewater Chapter?
"The short answer... I love Virginia Tech and that our university motto is focused on service! The long answer... My parents raised me to give back to people and organizations that helped mold me into the person I am today. I also volunteer with the Cub Scouts, Relay for Life, and my fraternity. Besides my experiences while earning my Eagle Scout, my experiences at Virginia Tech, both academically and socially, are some of my most cherished from that very special time in my life. I have an eternal debt of gratitude to my parents, the Boy Scouts of America, the Chi Phi fraternity, and Virginia Tech for giving me the tools to survive in this world."
What are you most proud of accomplishing in the chapter?
"Let me first say that this is a team effort. I am most proud of the fact that our level of participation has increased dramatically during my time as president of the chapter. Our chapter leaders are excited about the events they organize and the Hokies in Tidewater are happy to attend. The result from this increased participation has allowed us to give back more to the community in both time and money. We awarded a chapter record of $16,500 towards scholarships in 2005 and another $16,500 this year."
What would you like others to know about the chapter?
"The snowball has just started rolling for the Tidewater Chapter. The spirit of Ut Prosim is at the heart of our chapter and to please contact us if we can be of service to others through our website at www.TidewaterHokies.com."
Why should other alumni become involved?
"There are so many good things we can be doing for others. Our chapter has something for everyone. Our new graduates and even our empty nesters love our Hokie happy hours. Our annual Pig Picking is very popular with Hokie families and all alumni. Corporate Hokies enjoy our annual golf tournament and auction events. All of these events require volunteers to be successful, and that’s why they should become involved... it's fun!"
Debbie Barackman, Denver Chapter
Debbie Barackman has been one of the most dedicated volunteers to the Denver Chapter for over 10 years. Debbie moved to Colorado in 1993 and learned about the chapter from the Alma Mater alumni magazine... the rest is history.
Why did you get so involved in the Denver Chapter?
"Being a displaced Hokie, I sought out other Hokies to watch football games with. It was fabulous during the Michael Vick era. Over the years, I have made some really great friends within the chapter. We have several alumni who graduated in the 1950s and many newly graduated Hokies; it is amazing to hear them recount stories of old and current Virginia Tech and Blacksburg. It is also great to have a group of people who are still connected to Tech, so we can get timely updates on what is going on."
What are you most proud of accomplishing in your chapter?
"I think since being involved, I have helped take our scholarship program to the next level. In years past, we were able to give out a scholarship or two annually in the $500 to $1,000 level. However, over the past two to three years, our chapter fundraising has become more aggressive with the sale of chapter T-shirts – versions that come in short and long sleeve, Beamer Ball wrist bands, and our signature Wine Tasting & Silent Auction event. For the 05-06 academic school year, we gave out five scholarships totaling $6,000!"
What would you like others to know about the chapter?
"That this chapter and its members are fun! My experiences at Virginia Tech were memorable and I still have some great college friends all across the country. Being in Denver and part of the chapter allows me to relive the college good times….without the all-nighters!"
Why should other alumni become involved?
"Why not? I love spreading the word on how great Virginia Tech is to me and others. When I look at the current admission requirements, I am proud of how high the academic standards have become. I love the fact that we have a group of Hokies in Denver that are as passionate about Virginia Tech as I am. We get to share our good times monthly with each other at our chapter meetings! So again, why not?"