Two honored as 2007 Undergraduate Man and Woman of the Year

Gregory J. Sagstetter of Reston, Va., and Alison A. Smith of Monroeville, Penn., have been selected as Virginia Tech's 2007 Undergraduate Man of the Year and Undergraduate Woman of the Year, respectively.

The Undergraduate Man of the Year and Undergraduate Woman of the Year awards are among the most prestigious student awards given by Virginia Tech—setting a high standard for all Virginia Tech undergraduates. Students who receive this award best exemplify the university motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), through their balanced achievement in scholarship, service and commitment to the university.

Sagstetter is a graduating senior majoring in philosophy and political science in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences. He was chosen based on his excellence in academics, outstanding leadership, and commitment to service to others.

During his time at Virginia Tech, Sagstetter has served as the undergraduate representative to the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors and chief justice of the Undergraduate Honor System. Academically, Sagstetter has earned a 3.98 grade point average, and has received numerous awards and honors. Most notably, he was chosen for USA Today’s 2006 All-USA College Academic Second Team and was selected as Virginia Tech’s 2005 nominee for the Rhodes Scholarship.

“I have never known a student to commit to the welfare of the university with the time and energy shown by this young man,” said Charles Dudley, assistant provost and director of university honors. “He has a huge sense of the idea of public service.”

Sagstetter is the son of Janet Poole, Sterling, Va., and Frank Sagstetter, of Reston, Va.

Alison A. Smith is a graduating senior majoring in biological sciences and chemistry in the College of Science. She was selected as Virginia Tech’s Undergraduate Woman of the Year based on her academic excellence, leadership accomplishments, campus involvement, and her service to the university community.

Smith, who maintains a 3.95 grade point average, has conducted various undergraduate research projects and has an extensive resume. Among her many honors and awards are the 2006 College of Science Dean’s Award for a Rising Senor, the 2006 Virginia Tech Woman’s Club Scholarship, and the Barry M. Goldwater National Scholarship Honorable Mention.

“Alison embodies the university’s motto: Ut Prosim,” said Smith’s advisor, George Simmons. “She will accomplish much with her life.”

In addition to her research, Smith dedicates herself to a wide range of service opportunities. She volunteers her time in communities in the New River Valley, rural Kentucky, and the Dominican Republic.

Smith is the daughter of James and Paula Smith, of Monroeville, Pa.

Founded in 1872 as a land-grant college, Virginia Tech is the most comprehensive university in the Commonwealth of Virginia and is among the top research universities in the nation. Today, Virginia Tech’s eight colleges are dedicated to quality, innovation, and results through teaching, research, and outreach activities. At its 2,600-acre main campus located in Blacksburg and other campus centers in Northern Virginia, Southwest Virginia, Hampton Roads, Richmond, and Roanoke, Virginia Tech enrolls more than 28,000 undergraduate and graduate students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries in 180 academic degree programs.