Collegiate Times

The Virginia Tech Alumni Association aims to keep the Hokie spirit alive by giving alumni a chance to network, build friendships and attend sporting events together well after they've graduated.

The Alumni Association is composed of approximately 125 chapters in different cities where there are an abundance of Tech grads. While most of the chapters are located in Virginia, there are several scattered around the nation and even a few international locations.

Each chapter strives to bring alumni together to promote Virginia Tech through various programs, such as reunions, group trips, sporting ticket exchanges, homecomings and scholarships for prospective students.

Most chapters meet monthly to organize events that raise awareness about Tech or raise money for scholarship funds.

"There are basically two groups within the Alumni Association. There are chapters, which have an active board, give out scholarships, and have a bigger membership. Then there are clubs, which is basically a place where alumni gather to tailgate and watch games," said Greg Sansler, assistant director of the Alumni Association.

To join a chapter or club, an alumnus can check the list of chapters on the Alumni Association Web site, and contact the chapter representative in the nearest location to join in the chapter's activities.

Along with strengthening the alumni community, the association also aims to provide valuable services and opportunities. Through the Alumni Association Web site, Tech grads can sign up for special deals on credit cards, auto and home insurance, life insurance, Tech memorabilia, and travel programs.

"When you're first starting with a job, they might not let you in on their benefits program right away," Sansler said. "That's why we made this affinity program available for recent Tech graduates, to make sure they're taken care of."

Richard Underwood, a senior civil engineering major, said he is planning on joining a chapter after he graduates.

"I would love to join a chapter once I know the whos, whats, and wheres about the chapter I'll be settled near after I graduate," Underwood said. "I think a majority of graduating seniors would enjoy being a part of it and hopefully make it more widely known."

The Student Alumni Association (SAA) also provides a way for current students to work closely with alumni, providing good networking opportunities.

According to the organization's Web site, the SAA is made up of about 100 students representing different colleges within the university, fraternities and sororities, the Corps of Cadets, class offices, and various other student organizations.

These students, elected each spring, organize and volunteer at special events on campus, such as pep rallies, career fairs, campus tours, and class activities. They help a broad range of people become excited about being part of the Hokie experience, facilitating the connection between current students, alumni, and people of the Blacksburg community.