Alumni look back: Bob Garst - Class of ’66

Since I graduated from Virginia Tech...

I received my commission in the Army upon graduating and spent 22 years serving. After retiring, I transitioned to the hardwood lumber industry, a job I secured thanks to Virginia Tech’s reputation. I worked there for about 10 years, initially with a trade association in Memphis, and later for a member company in Ohio that operated several sawmills across Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Kentucky.

After a decade, I moved back to Roanoke and worked for a defense contractor, applying my Army skills. Now, I enjoy retirement and volunteer work, including with the Boy Scouts and at the National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, Virginia.

My fondest memory from my college days was…

Being in the Corps of Cadets was a 24/7 experience where I made lifelong friends and developed valuable skills. The forestry program was expanding, and it was exciting to be part of its growth. John Hosner, who started as the head of the department in my first year, taught an introductory forestry course that I attended. I like to say we started at Virginia Tech together!

The most amazing thing I learned was…

After the Army, I pursued an MBA. Despite the different field, I found that my forestry courses at Virginia Tech — like forest economics, inventory, evaluation, and management — were highly relevant to my MBA studies. This realization underscored the broad applicability of my forestry education.

The professor who inspired me the most was…

John Hosner was a significant influence, as his impact on Virginia Tech was evident. Another inspiring professor was Geza Ifju. He had an incredible story: a refugee from Hungary after the 1956 revolution, he completed his education in Canada and the U.S. before becoming a professor at Virginia Tech. His journey from refugee to respected professor was truly inspiring.

If I could go back in time, the one thing I’d tell my undergraduate self is…

Study harder! While it’s tempting to just get through freshman chemistry or physics, applying yourself more and taking advantage of opportunities can set you up for long- term success.