October marked the midway point of a fall semester filled with new challenges met. In a message to the university community this month, Virginia Tech President Tim Sands commended Hokie Nation’s commitment to one another and encouraged continued vigilance as we push forward while fighting the spread of COVID-19.

“Together, Virginia Tech is rising to the challenge, and I’m confident that we will be able to finish the semester as planned,” Sands said.

Read the full message >>

Fighting pandemic fatigue will be key to the community’s collective success. During a virtual conversation, a group of Virginia Tech mental health professionals encouraged self-care—rest, good nutrition, and exercise—to aid this effort. Additional support is also available for students needing to isolate or quarantine during this time.

Meanwhile, campus life has continued to thrive. A modified Homecoming celebration took place this month, as well as a plethora of other fall fun. Student Affairs has launched a new engagement campaign to highlight the various options for public-health-friendly fun. And instructors are finding creative ways to use spaces to achieve academic goals.

The combination of vigilance concerning public health guides and engagement with fellow Hokies will propel us toward Thanksgiving break and the newly planned spring semester recoveries.

GOBBLEBACK: What’s your favorite fall spot at one of our campuses across Virginia? Tell us about it or share a picture: Email us: VTMag@VT.edu

A group of first-year cadets, along with their upper-class training cadre, travel the Huckleberry Trail during the fall Caldwell March.. Photo by Shay Barnhart for Virginia Tech.

First-year cadets complete Caldwell March >>

Wildlife courses, in-person and virtual, spark new energy during pandemic >>

Faculty finding ways to connect, build community, teach hands-on skills despite challenges >>

Music community flourishes during virtual connection >>

Tech4Humanity Lab to explore human side of advanced tech >>

Alexandria City Council vote clears way for Innovation Campus construction >>

Fernanda Gutierrez and other members of the COVID Crushers group hand out masks, hand sanitizer, and resources in downtown Blacksburg. Photo by Ryan Young for Virginia Tech.

Students lead effort to Crush COVID in the New River Valley >>

VIDEO: Theater students perform through windows for area senior citizens >>

Alumnus leads design for COVID Shield >>

Hokies share tips on communicating during COVID >>

Researchers share lessons from the 1918 influenza pandemic >>

Office of Sustainability interns offer 10 tips on green homegating >>

Sean Garner sets a cycling world record

More from Richmond’s WWBT >>

Angela Hairston named superintendent of Danville Public Schools

More from Roanoke’s WDBJ7 >>

Alex Benbassat and Justin LeGore open dog-friendly bar

More from the Alexandria Times >>

Hokie Halloween

Check out our Virginia Tech pumpkin stencils. Download yours today, carve your pumpkin, and then share your Hokie Halloween masterpiece on social media and tag us!

Learn more

Ex Lapide Alumni Society "Out at Work" Student and Alumni Networking Workshop is Nov. 19

The Out at Work Student and Alumni Networking Workshop will bring together LGBTQ+ alumni, students, faculty, staff, and professionals for an evening of candid, interactive conversation, as well as professional development.

Make plans to join us

It’s not too late to join our Hokie Hike

Sign up to participate and then hike anywhere, anytime between Nov. 7-17, which is National Hiking Day. Registration is $30 and includes a box of Hokie gear!

Sign up now

Virginia Tech Science Festival going virtual Nov. 7

This year the Science Festival will debut more than 50 videos online, featuring a wide variety of learning activities that showcase dozens of science education and research programs from across the university. Among the videos will be two-way conversations between scientists and learners by teleconferenced Meetups before the official festival date.

Get the details

Explore new ways to give

For federal and state employees, there are two new ways to support Virginia Tech. This year, gifts can be made to support the university through the Combined Federal Campaign and the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign.

Volunteer for mentoring

Hokie Mentorship Connect is our online platform where alumni can volunteer their time and expertise by mentoring undergraduate students.

Get involved

Reunion Weekend is June 10-13

We’re celebrating what makes Hokies special this summer during our annual Reunion Weekend.

Let us know you’re planning to attend.

Calling all entrepreneurs to join our small biz event Nov. 5

Join us for this live web event, where we’re bringing together Hokies who are living every aspect of small business reality and are eager to share their experiences.

Sign up for Small Business Survival: Stories + Strategies

Upcoming Virtual Events

Latinx and Hispanic Alumni Society Meet and Greet (Oct. 28)

Q*nnection Lunch & Learn: International Gay Rights with Dean Laura Belmonte (Oct. 29)

VTCSOM Historical Wall Dedication Event (Oct. 29)

Behind the Scenes with Choreographer Ephrat Asherie (Oct. 29)

Virtual Game Night with University Libraries (Oct. 30

Check out more upcoming virtual events