The Class of 2014: Cadet leaves positive impact on local community
When Meghan Gilliam graduates from Virginia Tech later this month, she will end one career dedicated to leadership service with the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets and Alpha Chi Omega sorority to begin her new career as a commissioned military intelligence officer in the U.S. Army.
Gilliam of Williamsburg, Va., a senior majoring in human development in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, was a recent recipient the Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) Aspire! Award, an honor given to students whose principle purpose is educating themselves to make a better world for others.
“What makes Meghan Gilliam a unique and outstanding student is not the long list of awards and accolades on her resume; it is her passion for helping others and her drive to give back to her community," wrote Jennifer Underwood, outreach coordinator at the Women’s Center, in the nomination letter for the Aspire! Award. "She uses her personal strengths and talents to make a deep and meaningful positive impact. Meghan is a dedicated student and inspirational leader who truly lives the university’s motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve). Everything she does is with the goal to make the world a better place for others.”
Gilliam served as a RAFT Crisis Hotline volunteer and was an intern at the Women’s Center at Virginia Tech. She was also active in her sorority’s philanthropy, which raises money to help victims of domestic violence.
She spearheaded the creation of a film to educate students on relationship violence. Gilliam helped coordinate the White Ribbon Campaign, a joint project between the Women’s Center and the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets that encourages men to use their voice to end gender-based violence. She has also been active in coordinating the Red Flag Campaign at Virginia Tech, which is a widespread effort to prevent dating violence on college campuses.
“I am thankful to the Women’s Center," said Gilliam. "My work with them has humbled me, made me appreciative of what I have, and helped me grow as a person.”
Her advice to future students is, “It’s okay not to know what you want now. Virginia Tech is the perfect opportunity for you to learn and grow. Virginia Tech brought me out of my shell. I couldn’t be who I am today without the Hokie Nation – leading a life I can be proud of.”
Written by Drew Knapp.
