Alum gifts saber and ring to the Black Cultural Center

Lindsay Cherry ’58 gifted his saber and class ring to the Black Cultural Center at a ceremony in the Corps Leadership and Military Science Building atrium on Oct. 27.

Cherry is one of Virginia Tech’s first Black students as well as one of the corps’ first Black cadets. His impact on and contributions to Virginia Tech were celebrated at a reception following the acceptance of his gifts.

“Mr. Cherry and his legacy are essential to Black history at Virginia Tech as well as Virginia Tech’s history as a whole,” said Menah Pratt, vice president for strategic affairs and diversity. “With his generous gifts, we hope to preserve all that he has done for our students, faculty and staff, and institution and to ensure that future generations continue to build on his great work.”

The saber and ring will be kept on permanent display in the Black Cultural Center (BCC) as part of its collection of Virginia Tech’s Black history. The collection is an example of InclusiveVT, the institutional and individual commitment to Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) in the spirit of community, diversity, and excellence.

“We are thankful that Mr. Cherry trusts the BCC to not only keep these items safe, but nurture the history that they represent,” said Kimberly Clark, the center's director. “We treat our retention of histories  personal and institutional — with great responsibility and appreciate the opportunity to display Mr. Cherry’s belongings in our space.”