Scholarship fund exclusively serves employee spouses and dependents

Editor’s note: With Virginia Tech Giving Day 2022 beginning at noon Feb. 23, a series of stories highlighting the impact of donations are featured on VTx this month.

For Giving Day 2022, Virginia Tech has a unique way for faculty and staff to contribute to this year’s 24-hour fundraising tradition while supporting the educational goals of our very own employees’ spouses and dependents.

Created in 2000, the Employees’ Spouse and Dependent Scholarship is awarded one time to first-year students or new transfers. The difference between this scholarship and others is that it is exclusively granted to students who are the dependents or spouses of employees.

While donations to the scholarship come mainly from Virginia Tech employees, anyone is welcome to give. Scholarship amounts and number of recipients differ year to year based on the amount of funds available and the number of applicants.

“This scholarship contributes to our One Campus One Community vision and reflects the Hokie Nation spirit," said Pascha Gerni '92, the recently elected chair of the Employees’ Spouse and Dependent Scholarship Committee and senior director of business and administrative operations for the Office of the President. "The committee will continue to promote and encourage application and support to the scholarship program.” 

Six first-year students received awards from the fund in fall 2021, and more than 250 students have received assistance since the program began.

“Hokies help other Hokies," Vice President for Human Resources Bryan Garey said. “It’s one of the traits that makes Virginia Tech a special place. I believe our community will join together once again this Giving Day and support our scholarship program for employees and their family members among other valuable Virginia Tech programs.”

To ensure they count toward Giving Day, donations to the Employees’ Spouse and Dependent Scholarship should be made online or by calling 800-533-1144 between noon on Wednesday, Feb. 23, and noon on Thursday, Feb. 24.