From modest beginnings comes inspirational giving

As the oldest of seven children growing up in a working-class suburban Philadelphia neighborhood, Patricia Joyce ’79 learned the value of resilience early on. Yet, despite her humble beginnings, Joyce never felt limited by her upbringing. In fact, from a young age, Joyce seized upon every opportunity she had to learn, grow, and share.

Today, even in retirement, Joyce is still learning, growing, and, of course, sharing.

Joyce recently made a generous estate gift via a beneficiary designation to create a scholarship that will continue to impact the lives of aspiring students, opening doors and creating opportunities for years to come. She also pledged an outright gift in order to see the impact of her scholarship during her lifetime.

“I don't know what made them take a chance on me, but I feel like I owe a lot to Virginia Tech,” Joyce said. “I want to pay it forward and ensure that future generations of students have the same opportunities I was offered.” 

As a married mother of a 5-year-old, Joyce was not a typical Virginia Tech student – especially not in the late 1970s. After graduating from Kutztown University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, Joyce was disappointed that she was not receiving offers from any of the larger accounting firms.

When one of her professors from Kutztown University – a Virginia Tech graduate – recommended that she apply to the Pamplin College of Business’s graduate program, Joyce decided that she had nothing to lose.

“When she recommended that I apply to Virginia Tech, I reminded her that I was married with a child and living in the Philadelphia area,” Joyce said. “She said, ‘Well, just apply and see what happens.’” 

Joyce was not only accepted into the Master of Accounting and Information Systems program, but she received a full scholarship as well as an assistantship that allowed her to earn money while she was studying for her degree. 

“The teaching assistantship was so important because otherwise, I wouldn’t have been able to afford to move to and live in Blacksburg,” Joyce said. “I loved teaching, and that experience influenced my whole corporate career.”

Upon finishing the two-year program in 15 months, Joyce found herself in the enviable position of being recruited by each major accounting firm, a testament to her talent as well as the quality of education she received. She embarked on a successful accounting career, navigating through roles at firms like PwC and carving a path of achievement in the finance and banking sectors.

After a 20-year career in banking and finance, Joyce’s journey didn't stop with her retirement from the corporate world. Driven by a desire to give back and inspired by the opportunities afforded to her by Virginia Tech, she embarked on a new chapter of philanthropy and service.

Joyce owned and operated a bed-and-breakfast for nearly a decade in Cape May, New Jersey – a period that was also spent volunteer-teaching a course on how to develop business plans for bed-and-breakfasts – after which she moved to Arizona where she would ultimately begin her third career.

Following the loss of her parents to cancer, Joyce found solace in the compassionate care provided by hospice for her parents. Inspired by this experience, she decided to volunteer at Hospice of the Valley in Arizona. Drawing on her expertise in teaching and public speaking, Joyce transitioned into a formal role at the organization, where she established and managed a speakers bureau, enhancing the organization’s outreach efforts and support services. 

“When I learn something, I love to share it and help wherever I can,” she said. “I just felt that with my background in finance, teaching, and public speaking, I could help. A lot of that goes back to my time at Virginia Tech.”

Today, Joyce is retired for good – or so she says. Her story is one of resilience, gratitude, and the enduring legacy of giving, exemplifying the Virginia Tech motto of Ut Prosim (That I May Serve).

“When I look back on my career, it was Virginia Tech that opened doors for me,” she added. “One of the best decisions I ever made was coming to Blacksburg for my master’s degree.”

For more information about how you can make an impact with a future gift, please visit give.vt.edu/ways-to-give/more-ways.html. The Office of Gift Planning can be reached at giftplanning@vt.edu or at 540-231-2813.