General Assembly recognizes Virginia Tech’s 150th anniversary

Virginia lawmakers recently took time away from crafting budgets and passing new laws to commend Virginia Tech for its 150th anniversary.
 
On Feb. 9, Sen. John Edwards, D-Roanoke, introduced a written resolution as “an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for the institution’s extraordinary history.” Senate Joint Resolution 101 was agreed upon by the Senate of Virginia on Feb. 14. Similarly, on Feb. 17, Del. Jason Ballard, R-Giles, introduced House Joint Resolution 235. The resolution was agreed upon by the House of Delegates on Feb. 17.
 
Virginia Tech President Tim Sands and Laura Sands went to Richmond and were recognized on the floor of the House and Senate chambers on Feb. 23. Others in attendance included Edward Baine, vice rector of the Board of Visitors; Elizabeth Hooper, associate vice president of government and community relations; and Brent Pry, head football coach.
 
Additionally, numerous Virginia Tech alumni and a contingency of undergraduate and graduate students participating in the university’s annual Hokie Day were present in the House gallery for the special recognition.
 
“Since its founding in 1872, Virginia Tech has nurtured the dreams of generations and helped drive the economic growth of our region, the commonwealth, and the nation,” Hooper said. “As we navigate a new era in higher education, we are grateful for this recognition and the partnerships we have with communities throughout Virginia. We’re celebrating our 150-year anniversary by continuing to build on our legacy of solving problems, expanding knowledge, and creating and engaging with communities across Virginia and beyond.”
 
Founded as Virginia Agriculture and Mechanical College, the university currently is celebrating its sesquicentennial with events that honor the past, call attention to the present, and propel the university community into the future.
 
Some upcoming sesquicentennial events will take place throughout March, including those hosted by the Women’s Center and the Graduate School and also a three-day celebration titled 1872 Forward: Celebrating Virginia Tech on March 24-26. Over the weekend, the Council on Virginia Tech History, in conjunction with the More Than a Fraction Foundation (affiliated with the African American descendants of Solitude and Smithfield), will be providing several days of programming to recognize 150 years of Virginia Tech’s history.
 
In addition, April serves as Ut Prosim Month and features events that uplift the university’s motto.
 
“We’re thankful to the General Assembly for recognizing our achievements and the impacts made upon this state by our faculty and staff and the many alumni who work in the commonwealth,” said Rosemary Blieszner, interim dean of the College of Architecture and Urban Studies and the chair of the Virginia Tech Sesquicentennial Steering Committee. “This April, the university’s Ut Prosim Scholars will be featured at an event that looks at the role of the university’s motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), on their work and in the ethos of our university.”