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Commentary

Hokie Spirit is like Hokie Stone…

The native limestone, Hokie Stone, that so many campus buildings are constructed of is a powerful symbol of our university. Equally powerful is the spirit among our alumni, students, faculty and broader community. This “Hokie Spirit” is hard to describe, but you know it when you feel it or see it. As we approach the anniversary of last April 16, we see broad evidence of a sense of unity and bonds that cut across all ages of those who have had or are having the Virginia Tech experience. And we will always honor the memory of those who perished. We also remember the incredible strength and resilience of our students, who revealed to a watchful world what really comprises our Hokie Spirit.

The theme of the university’s annual report for 2006-07 is centered on “Hokie Spirit: The Power of Community”. President Steger’s message is one that addresses how this unique spirit reaches into our educational mission and engagement of others to make individuals and communities stronger. Much has been accomplished in that very difficult recent year to prove that Virginia Tech is multifaceted and full of pride-points illustrating how we are making a difference. His announcement of a Billion dollar private gifts campaign last October also illustrates that we are reaching for higher goals to enrich and enhance the Virginia Tech experience and all who are touched by the university. More than $600 million has been given and pledged to the campaign already by generous alumni and friends, with broader resources needed in this decade. Some in endowed funds, of course, will reach into the future to strengthen our programs and assist our students and faculty. It truly will be the power of a community of alumni, friends and organizations that translates Hokie Spirit into programs and support that ensures Virginia Tech’s place among the global leaders of higher education.

Come back to campus and be closer to the Hokie Spirit experience…

Our Alumni Association hosted a number of programs this past summer and fall in the still new Holtzman Alumni Center, and we were thrilled with the strong response by alumni who returned “home.” It was and still remains important for our alumni to come together on campus and share the special spirit. Those same kinds of opportunities continue this coming year and others have been added to attract alumni back for homecomings by college, for reunions by class or other groups, for summer “vacation college” experiences, and to see former friends and visit with faculty.
We have information in this issue about summer and fall events. Two of our academic colleges – Pamplin Business, and Science – will feature their faculty and facilities for separate Summer Around the Drillfield programs. The Old Guard reunion is in May. We also partner with Admissions to host a program in July that is helpful for those high school students (and their parents) who are approaching the college application phase. With home football games come a variety of class reunions and homecomings that bring hundreds of alumni together each weekend. All of these have program schedules and registration information on our website at www.alumni.vt.edu.

Those who have not yet had an opportunity to visit the Holtzman Alumni Center will enjoy a special treat, especially if you attend an event there or stay in the new Inn at Virginia Tech, which is part of the center’s complex. Already, the alumni and conference center has had program participants, overnight guests, and visitors exceeding 80,000 a year. Our alumni center features a university museum, art gallery, and library for visitors to enjoy.

In addition to on-campus events, there are over 100 alumni chapters around the nation that welcome participation. None of our chapters charge dues or require any resources to participate… simply your Hokie Spirit. A directory of chapter contacts and many individual websites is also in this issue. We select a few tour programs, both abroad and domestic, that provide interesting destinations for those who enjoy traveling with alumni groups. It is always fun to join other alumni and share new adventures. We still have openings in tours from May through December. Also more details on these may be found on our website. You always find the Hokie Spirit wherever you join other alums.

Traditions enrich the Hokie Spirit…

Also featured in this issue are a few fun pages illustrating some of the university’s heritage that has inspired lasting traditions. Certainly there are many experiences that our alumni have had that they remember, but that did not survive as traditions to the present day. Indeed, I have enjoyed hearing some of those (perhaps too many tall tales) through the years. Yet, it takes those and popular lasting traditions to imbue the Hokie Spirit in us. Hokie Stone is a tradition, as is the distinctive class ring program and annual ring dance. Sophomore Night, a tradition that disappeared many decades ago, leaves much to the imagination about college pranks typical of a still young and developing college. Almost everyone used a “coofer” along the way when studying for tests. And a football game just wouldn’t be a game without the HokieBird on the sidelines and the Skipper firing after a Hokie score. Enjoy reading about these and other memorable traditions.

Last fall, there was evidence of the tie that binds Hokies and their spirit in a number of venues. The dedication of a permanent memorial to April 16, a concert contributed by the Dave Matthews Band, very moving ceremonies at home and away games, the “thank you” receptions for the hundreds of volunteers and organizations that assisted during and following the April tragedy, and an ACC football championship are a few examples.
We are grateful to be part of a special alumni family whose Hokie Spirit is stronger than ever. And “… every little thing’s gonna be alright” (September 6, 2007, Dave Matthews’ closing lyrics near the end of his concert).