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Yesterday in the Squires Student Center "The Spirit of Tech" Hokie Bird received an official dedication, sponsored by University Unions and Student Activities.
Following the dedication was a showing of Hokie Nation, a documentary film put together by Chris Valluzzo and Sean Kotz about Blacksburg, the Virginia Tech Hokies and everything that encompasses the hokie nation. The event was part of the 2007 homecoming festivities and was attended by students and alumni of Tech.
"To all the Hokie cheerleaders and mascots-to all those students, faculty, staff, alumni, and fans who carry the Hokie spirit in their heads-and to all those around the world who joined with us in sharing the Hokie spirit and honoring the Hokie nation during a very difficult time last spring-we formally dedicate the Hokie Bird," said Guy Sims, assistant vice president for Student Affairs.
"The Spirit of Tech" Hokie Bird is a statue that was originally pla-ced in front of McComas Hall during the 2006 football season. Later, in Spring 2007 the Hokie Bird was moved to Squires Student Center.
Different pictures of past mascots and cheerleaders cover the Hokie Bird as well as a picture Tech's first co-ed cheerleader, Anna Peterson. The artist, Kenneth A. Stockton designed the Hokie Bird as part of 75 Hokie Birds that were commissioned by Gobble de Art for sponsorship or ownership.
"The Hokie Bird has become a centerpiece of the Hokie spirit in Squires and all who pass can share in its legacy of pride, passion, and determination," Sims said.
The inspiration and owner of the Hokie Bird is Sherwood Quillen, class of 1971. Quillen was a former Hokie cheerleader from 1969 to 1971 and is still involved in the Tech community. Qillen is currently serving on the Board of Directors for Tech's Monogram Club and on Tech's School of Education Advisory Committee.
"What I found is that Tech spirit is more than just the sum of its parts and bigger than the individuals who form a squad or a club or a class," Quillen said.
Greg Beecher associate director of Administrative Services wants people who look at the Hokie bird to take away a feeling of refreshing excitement and energy toward Tech and it's whole community.
"To sum it up, the Hokie Bird represents the synergy of Virginia Tech," Beecher said.
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