A Hokie Homecoming: Exploring the Virginia Tech Alumni Weekend
Virginia Tech, a place where strangers become friends and friends become family, holds a special place in the hearts of its alumni. Returning to campus is like stepping into a time capsule, filled with memories of challenges, rewards, and the excitement of college life. The annual Alumni Weekend offers a chance to relive those memories, reconnect with fellow Hokies, and celebrate the enduring spirit of Ut Prosim (That I May Serve).
A Tradition of Connection
Alumni Weekend is more than just a reunion; it's a celebration of what it means to be a Hokie. It's an opportunity to reconnect with old friends, forge new and lasting relationships, and experience the unique atmosphere of Virginia Tech once again. Whether you're a recent graduate or a seasoned trailblazer, you'll find a welcoming community and a chance to create new memories.
Milestones and Memories: Black Alumni Reunions
The Black Alumni Reunion holds a particularly significant place within the broader Alumni Weekend festivities. These reunions commemorate important milestones in Black history at the university, honoring the contributions and achievements of Black students, faculty, and alumni.
Celebrating 50 Years of Black Women at Virginia Tech
One significant milestone celebrated is the 50th anniversary of black women attending Virginia Tech. In 1966, the university opened its doors to black women, paving the way for generations of future leaders and trailblazers. The Black Alumni Reunion serves as a tribute to these pioneers, recognizing their courage, resilience, and lasting impact on the Virginia Tech community.
25 Years of the Black Cultural Center
Another important anniversary celebrated is the 25th anniversary of the Black Cultural Center (BCC) opening in Squires. The creation of the BCC in 1991 was a pivotal moment, providing a dedicated space for Black students to connect, celebrate their heritage, and find support. The BCC has become a vital hub for cultural activities, leadership development, and community building. Brian Roberts (’85) was instrumental in founding the BCC and has a library dedicated in his memory. He wrote the first student proposal for the center among numerous achievements, including drafting the first constitution for the Black Organizations Council.
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Honoring a Legacy of Firsts
The Black Alumni Reunion also provides an opportunity to honor the many "firsts" achieved by Black individuals at Virginia Tech. These include:
- Irving L. Peddrew III, the first black student to enroll at Virginia Tech in 1952. In 2003 Virginia Tech renamed New Residence Hall West to Peddrew-Yates in honor of Irving L.
- Charlie Yates, the first Black Virginia Tech graduate, who received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering in 1958.
- Floyd Meade, who helped create the original Virginia Tech mascot in 1913 by taking a turkey on an orange and maroon leash to football games.
- Jerry Gaines, who became the first black scholarship athlete at Virginia Tech in 1967.
- Overton R. Johnson, who became the first black faculty member at Virginia Tech in 1969.
- Camilla Anita Brooks (M.S. Statistics, 1970) and Franklin Mckie (M.S.), the first black students to receive advanced degrees.
- Cheryl Butler McDonald, who became one of the first women admitted to the Virginia Tech Corp of Cadets in 1973.
- Marva Felder, the first black homecoming queen in 1982.
- Dr. Charlie Yates, Tech’s first black graduate was the guest speaker for the reunion banquet and dance for the first Black Alumni Reunion was held on October 24-26, 1986.
- Cynthia Gowens, who founded the Enlightened Gospel Choir in 1996.
These individuals, and many others, paved the way for future generations of Black Hokies, leaving an indelible mark on the university's history.
Giving Back and Inspiring the Future
Beyond the celebrations and reunions, Alumni Weekend also emphasizes the importance of giving back to the Virginia Tech community. Alumni are encouraged to share their stories, mentor current students, and support the university's mission of Ut Prosim.
Ebony, a graduate of the College of Engineering, exemplifies this spirit of service. After graduating in 2007, she became a Residential Remodeling Design Consultant, specializing in Kitchens and Baths. She has won several national design awards and started her own company, Designs by Ebony. Ebony uses the Black Alumni Reunion as an opportunity to mentor students interested in her career field, answering their questions about the design and construction industry.
Dr. Sharnnia Artis, a triple Hokie, and diversity advocate currently serves as the Assistant Dean of Access and Inclusion in the School of Engineering and School of Information and Computer Sciences at the University of California, Irvine. She creates opportunities to introduce students from diverse backgrounds to technology, computing, and engineering and provides students tools and resources to be successful. Artis feels like life has come full circle for her because all of the programs that she took advantage of as a college student are very similar to the programs that she offers for computing and engineering students at her university.
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A Weekend of Activities
Alumni Weekend offers a diverse range of activities and events to suit every interest. These may include:
- Networking events: Opportunities for students and alumni to connect and build professional relationships.
- Tours and sessions: Guided tours of campus and informative sessions on various topics.
- Social gatherings: Happy hours, meals, and other social events to reconnect with friends and classmates.
- The Spring Game: An exciting chance to cheer on the Hokies football team.
- Taste of Virginia Food, Wine, and Beer Festival: Featuring food and drink from across the commonwealth, and including experiments with the College of Science and the Bug Zoo with the Department of Entomology.
- Downtown Takeover: Enjoying some of Blacksburg's hit watering holes.
Planning Your Visit
Alumni Weekend is traditionally held annually, with dates varying each year. Registration typically includes access to all scheduled events, meals, and social activities. The attire for the weekend is generally "Hokie Casual," with comfortable shoes recommended for walking across campus.
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