Student Affairs honors recipients at February Aspire! Award Celebration

Five students and one faculty member were honored at the recent Aspire! Award celebration held Feb. 23 at The Inn at Virginia Tech. Student Affairs developed the initiative to acknowledge the continuous, intentional service of Hokies within their communities. 

Established in 2011, the Aspirations for Student Learning further Student Affairs' culture of life-long learning by encouraging community members to embody the five aspirations through interpersonal awareness, intentional actions, and self-reflection.

The recipients

Walter Dickey, Commit to Unwavering Curiosity

An administrative assistant and student leader with New Student and Family Programs, Dickey organized teams and created inclusive training to encourage discourse among his peers. Through hard work, a commitment to growth, and learning new things, his curiosity has inspired his fellow students to question the status quo and challenge existing beliefs — all with a positive attitude.

He has

• Consistently showcased his passion for exploring and acquiring new knowledge
• Engaged in community outreach via e-NABLE, the non-profit student organization he helped found that creates prosthetic and assistive devices for those in need
• Driven interdisciplinary discussions by asking questions
• Contributed to ongoing research initiatives and fostered collaborative academic environments
• Inspired local fifth graders to explore their curiosity and participate in science, technology, engineering, and math labs through the Hokie for a Day program

A senior in the College of Science, School of Neuroscience, Dickey plans to pursue medical school and become a neurosurgeon.  

“Curiosity means to continuously investigate the things that interest you and never stop learning. There is no limit to what you can accomplish if you sit down and put in the work,” he said.

Harbalbeen Rai, Pursue Self-Understanding and Integrity

An orientation leader with New Student and Family Programs and an honor council delegate, Rai sets a powerful example of honesty, accountability, and responsibility for her peers. Her focus on self-understanding has inspired her to facilitate events and initiatives centered around inclusivity, social justice, and a sense of belonging, leading with a desire to assist others. 

She has

• Shown commitment to social responsibility as a member of the local rescue squad
• Worked as a teaching assistant in organic chemistry, helping fellow students overcome challenges and find joy in the subject
• Supported student development and learning in her leadership roles, both as an orientation leader and through the Honor Court

A sophomore biological sciences major in the College of Science, Rai plans to become an emergency medicine physician so that she can improve medical conditions in underdeveloped regions.

“Achievements are great, but the strength you gain from trying to earn those achievements is what makes you a strong person,” Rai said. 

Calvin Pugh, Prepare for a Life of Courageous Leadership

Embodying humility and grace, Pugh leads by observing and listening intentionally. Pugh's work has been instrumental to the success of the Black Male Excellence Network (BMEN) by facilitating conversations, leading focus groups, and encouraging community building among his peers. 

He has

• Started a book club for black male students to reflect on ways to apply what they have gained from the reading and discussions, providing insight from his experiences
• Served on the BMEN student advisory board as a liaison between the organization and student body
• Helped high school students understand the importance and opportunities of higher education while serving on the student panel during the 2023 BMEN conference
• Found a sense of belonging through his service to others via Campus Kitchen, distributing food to hunger relief agencies in the New River Valley
• Participated in the tree-planting event during Earth Week, enjoying his experience so much that he returned the following week to assist farmers in planting the remaining trees from the event

Pugh, a senior studying geography in the College of Natural Resources and Environment, plans to use geographic information systems to improve our world.

In his own words, courageous leadership means “taking action when an opportunity is presented and encouraging others to do their best.”

Analis Smith, Embrace Ut Prosim as a Way of Life

Smith is driven by her service to others as a leader in PERIOD at Virginia Tech, a student chapter of the national Period Project dedicated to raising awareness and alleviating effects of period poverty. Embodying Virginia Tech’s motto Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), the group assists those who lack access to hygienic products for menstruation. 

She has

• Created PERIOD at Virginia Tech with her friends; collecting, packaging, and distributing pads, tampons, and liners to anyone who may need them
• Championed support to bring her club’s mission to residence halls, highlighting the number of students in need, the effects of period poverty on their lives, and barriers to period product access
• Provided an educational session for Student Affairs employees, sharing her knowledge and desire to serve others in her community

A senior and honor student majoring in biological sciences in the College of Science, Smith plans to attend medical school to become a research physician. 

“Ut Prosim means to always serve your community, in whatever way suits you. We all have our passions,” Smith said. 

Preeti Pandey, Practice Civility

President of the Hokie Vote Caucus, Pandey helps create programming that fosters a positive civic culture at Virginia Tech, including events with moderated community conversations led by topic experts. Pandey assisted in planning dialogues with the Sierra Club, Delta Lambda Phi, the League of Women Voters, and Chi Omega. 

She has

• Bridged the gap for student organizations who want to become advocates, guiding them to become civically engaged about important topics and local democracy
• Conducted research on voting policies in Virginia and in the United States with the League of Women Voters
• Drafted policy recommendations for the restoration of voting rights of formerly incarcerated individuals
• Encourages civic engagement on campus by actively listening to different perspectives

A senior studying political science and philosophy, politics and economics in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, Pandey will be attending law school this fall, studying civil rights and constitutional law. 

Pandey said that to her, civility means “showing respect and kindness toward all people,” and that she demonstrates that respect “by being kind, polite, and an active listener.”

Dirk Buengel, Practice Civility

Associate professor of practice in the management department in Pamplin College of Business,  Buengel centers his work around civility, diversity, belonging, and inclusion. He is known for going above and beyond for students, faculty, and staff alike, and leads others to make a positive difference.

He has

• Served as chair of the management department’s Student Recruitment, Retention, Engagement, and Success Committee since fall of 2019, ensuring the committee not only met expectations, but exceeded them
• Helped increase the department’s enrollment of underrepresented and underserved students by 60 percent
• Fostered an inclusive community, ensuring students feel seen and appreciated

“Because of Dirk, my sense of belonging and ‘just being me’ is getting stronger and stronger each day,” his nominator wrote. 

Buengel said he is proud of students for providing positive feedback, and proud to be in a position as a mentor and coach to assist new colleagues. 

“The starting point for being a good instructor is a positive mindset and desire to work together with individual students. I like to challenge students, to lead them outside of their comfort zone. Civility is the prerequisite for doing this in an appropriate and appreciative way,” Buengel said.