Madison Gunnell’s Hokie socks remind us of the threads that connect us

In designing this year’s Hokie socks, Madison Gunnell, a senior in Virginia Tech’s fashion merchandising and design program, took inspiration from the mountains that surround campus and the question we’re all familiar with: What does it mean to be a Hokie?

Both designs are a special representation of the threads that unite us in the spirit of Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) and evoke a sense of home to bring back memories of our time at Virginia Tech and the communities we serve. 

This year marks the fourth release of limited-edition Hokie socks designs. They’ve quickly become a beloved Virginia Tech tradition for Hokies everywhere to support what they love most about the university. Hokies told us their favorite designs this year, and now they’re available as a thank you when you make a gift in support of your favorite Virginia Tech college, fund, or program.

Madison’s first design, “View from Home,” is a dress sock style that shows an outline of a Virginia Tech icon with orange and maroon mountains in the background.

“I wanted to do something new for the dress sock,” said Madison. “Burruss is a staple and so are the mountains, so I combined them. It uses our colors, but it’s more than that. It’s what you see when you look at the Drillfield. It’s home.”

Her second design, “Everybody Shout Hokies!,” displays the word “Hokies” in rotating colors on an athletic style sock. 

“I thought about how the top of the sock would still be visible when you wear it,” said Madison. “This design displays the word ‘Hokies’ whenever you wear it, so it’s a fun way to show your Hokie pride.”

“This was such a great opportunity,” said Madison. “I’m so excited to see my designs being worn around campus, at football games, or in town.”

To get your pair of this year’s Hokie socks, visit give.vt.edu/socksnews now through Nov. 17!