University welcomes students to campus with annual Hokie Spirit Picnic
Virginia Tech Student Programs has teamed up with the Hokie Hi committee and the Virginia Tech Athletic Department to welcome students to campus with the annual Hokie Spirit Picnic at Lane Stadium on Sunday, Aug. 23 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
As one of the events scheduled each year to welcome students to campus, the Hokie Spirit Picnic at Lane Stadium has become an important annual experience both for students and for the numerous faculty and staff who volunteer at the picnic.
Students are invited to come to Lane Stadium to enjoy great food, meet fellow Hokies, and show their school spirit. Students arriving before 5:30 p.m. will enter Lane Stadium through the same tunnel the football team uses to rush the field on game days. Inside the tunnel, everyone will have the opportunity to touch the official Hokie Stone that the team touches for good luck.
The picnic will begin at 4:30 p.m. with student performances from BamBoom Dance Crew, the Virginia Tech Bhangra Team, the Dance Company of Virginia Tech, Mixed Emotions, Sensations, Naturally Sharp, and more. These performances are intended to provide entertainment for students and to encourage them to get involved in campus clubs and organizations right away.
“Sensations is always excited to sing at the Welcome Back Picnic!” said Jessica Myers, of Ashburn, Va., a senior majoring in hospitality and tourism management in the Pamplin College of Business and president of Sensations a cappella singing group. “It is a great way to let all of the incoming freshman know about us and our upcoming auditions for the group.”
A pep rally will begin at 5:30 p.m. featuring the Virginia Tech athletic teams, the Marching Virginians, the Student Alumni Associates, the Virginia Tech cheerleaders and video highlights from previous athletic seasons. The event serves as an introduction to Hokie sports, the athletic coaches and their teams, and as a catalyst for Hokie spirit.
The picnic will feature Blue Ridge Barbecue pork, grilled hamburgers, garden burgers, hotdogs, baked beans, and a variety of salads, desserts, and Coca-Cola beverages.
The annual Hokie Spirit Picnic is open to all new and returning students. Students living on campus will be admitted by showing their room keys. Off-campus students with dining plans can check in at the South End Zone entrance with a Hokie Passport for admittance. Students without dining plans, family members, and the general public can purchase tickets at the gate for $9.25. Additional Hokie Hi activities are scheduled during the week of move-in and the first week of the semester.
Student Programs is an area within the Division of Student Affairs.
Written by Melanie Harris. Harris, of Hampton, Va., is a senior majoring in communication in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences.
