Pylon Society Spotlight: Minoka Yonts
Editor’s Note: Virginia Tech’s Pylon Society recognizes dedicated Hokies who consistently give back to the university through monthly or annual recurring giving. We're sharing the stories of Pylon Society members in this spotlight series.
Minoka Yonts has deep ties to Virginia Tech. In 1984, her parents came from Sri Lanka to Blacksburg, where Yonts was born and raised, for her mother to pursue a doctorate at the university. Yonts received her undergraduate degree in public and urban affairs at the university and currently serves as a member of the Virginia Tech Alumni Board.
Now, she works as the director of alumni engagement at the Duke Divinity School, where she obtained a masters of divinity. She currently lives in Rougemont, North Carolina with her husband and fellow Hokie, Christopher Yonts, and their baby girl, Eleanor.
Yonts is passionate about higher education, mentoring young women, and giving back.
“My parents inspire me,” she said. “They helped start the Cranwell International Center as some of the first international students at the university and mentored other international students there. I worked at the center during my time at Virginia Tech and created an endowment in honor of my parents to help current and future international students through the center.”
Minoka explained she supports the university because of how her own experiences keep her connected to the Hokie community.
“I love all things Virginia Tech. I am where I am today because of the university,” she said. “I learned how to overcome challenges, hardships, and barriers because of the mentors I had there. I now mentor students and young women to help them pursue their interests and dreams, such as a future in higher education.”
Yonts supports Virginia Tech’s mission and where the university is going.
“I believe in the university’s land-grant spirit and what it does for our communities, not just in Blacksburg but throughout the world. I look forward to seeing where the future takes us.”
What does Yonts see for the future of Virginia Tech?
“I want the university to remember who we are while looking ahead at what we could be. To stay in that innovation mindset and remain open to the creativity of student dreams and vocations while welcoming a diverse student body.”
She gives back to support that future.
“I want to pay it forward and show gratitude to those that offer their help,” she said. “By giving back financially to the endowment and The Market of Virginia Tech, I can make a difference and show my gratitude for those that helped me while being part of the future of the university.”
If Yonts had one wish that she knew would come true, she said it would be that her little human lives a happy, healthy life.
“When I think back on my childhood, I have so many fond and positive experiences,” she said. “I want the same for my daughter.”