A few weeks ago, the corps of cadets completed the first part of its annual Caldwell March. The Caldwell March, for those unfamiliar with Virginia Tech history, is named for the trek William Addison Caldwell and his brother took to the new Virginia Agriculture and Mechanical College (today Virginia Tech) in 1872.
As the earliest records show, they walked 28 miles to get to Blacksburg, where Caldwell was the first student to enroll. The corps splits the march between semesters, so the first half is completed in the fall and the remaining part in the spring.
At around the same time in early October, I once again crossed paths with the statue of Caldwell at the bottom of the stairs between the Performing Arts Building and Torgersen Hall, in the Upper Quad. I remember being at its dedication a few years ago and would often walk by it. On this particular evening, as I came across the statue, I wondered about his experience and the challenges he faced on his journey.
I can only imagine the conversations he had with his brother as they crossed open fields, forests, mountains and creeks in order to forge their way to Blacksburg from Sinking Creek in Craig County. If anything, such a journey showed a true commitment and determination.
Just as Caldwell experienced hardships to make his way to Blacksburg and to the new institution, many within our university community struggle each day as they make their way, both figuratively and symbolically.
Caldwell’s journey is mirrored by those students who have overcome the odds to make it to Tech. As we approach the midpoint of the semester, students are showing signs of strain from this semester, realizing the projects that still need to be completed and what other work is left to do.
Some of the struggles also include trying to make ends meet as they balance school with work commitments, and thinking of ways to stretch out thinning meal plans.
Caldwell’s journey is mirrored within the staff. Many staff members have to make the daily journey to Tech, especially those who live outside Blacksburg, with many that live in Floyd, Giles and other localities. While staff members may not hold the most glamorous jobs, these roles play a critical function in the operations of the university.
While most students are in bed at 4 a.m., there is a large contingent of staff arriving on campus to get things ready, be it housekeeping, police, maintenance, dining workers and others. We often forget there is a chorus of actors such as the staff members who help to make this institution function.
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