What does being part of the Hokie Nation really mean to you? Each one of us has our own memories during our time at Virginia Tech. For many, we live and understand the value of service to others every day. We are one of the few colleges in the country with a service motto, such as Ut Prosim, “That I May Serve.” All of us are linked by the bond of service. Think about what service means to you and know that the motto of Ut Prosim always will be part of your life.
Community service is not just something that students do on campus. Tech has one of the most service-oriented campuses in the nation, and I am proud to know that the Hokies’ service extends well beyond Blacksburg.
Service plays a large part in the lives of our alumni beyond graduation and also extends to their family members. It is simply actively caring for others beyond ourselves.
Most of our 125 alumni chapters across the country participate in a variety of service projects with fellow Hokies. These projects range from blood collection drives, food drives, Habitat for Humanity projects, to clothing drives.
Time and time again, our chapters host service projects that attract many Hokies of different interests and backgrounds, simply because they share a bond through the values lifted up by Ut Prosim.
Service builds character in individuals and is a key ingredient in shaping our successful alumni. I hear time and time again from alums how important it is to reach beyond career, family and other priorities in life to be charitable with their time and money. It fulfills goals in a way that nothing else can.
I encourage all of you to continue your involvement in service on our campus. Seek out ways to perform service hours. You will join thousands upon thousands of our alumni who made the same discovery while in college. And it will carry into your everyday lives beyond Tech.
Our Alumni Association has partnered with the Center for Student Engagement and Community Partnerships to increase awareness of service across the Hokie Nation. The Collegiate Times gives valuable coverage regarding both alumni and student service projects and opportunities for you to get more involved.
Our earliest students chose service as the legacy they wished to carry forward for centuries. Now it is our responsibility to follow in their footsteps.
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