Aspire! Awards recipients embrace leadership to empower communities
Virginia Tech students, faculty, and staff are recognized for their commitment to Student Affairs’ Aspirations for Student Learning.
Student Affairs’ March Aspire! Awards celebrated members of the Virginia Tech community who take initiative through their roles to strengthen and build educational and social spaces at Virginia Tech.
Student Affairs established the five Aspirations for Student Learning to honor and cultivate the unique ways Hokies strive to contribute to the Virginia Tech community through curiosity, self-understanding and integrity, civility, leadership, and the spirit of Ut Prosim (That I May Serve).
Nominations are open for the 2025-26 Aspire! Awards to recognize the character of students, faculty, and staff at Virginia Tech.
Baibhav Nepal, Commit to Unwavering Curiosity
Baibhav Nepal “embodies the Virginia Tech value that learning is a lifelong process, thriving in diverse environments and making every experience a vibrant learning opportunity,” said his nominator.
As a data analyst at the Center for Educational Networks and Impacts, Nepal’s interdisciplinary, collaborative, and ambitious approach to learning has worked to support his team’s research and outreach initiatives.
In 2024, with only six months of experience, Nepal co-authored and presented a paper at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, showcasing his dedication to elevating the center’s work on understanding the relationship between the arts and innovation.
Nepal was recognized for his determination in seizing learning opportunities as they come and his dedication to uplifting others through education.
Nepal is a senior majoring in computer science in the College of Engineering.
Zahra Modarres Vahid, Pursue Self-Understanding and Integrity
“Self-understanding gives me the clarity to make decisions that reflect my integrity, while integrity holds me accountable for my choices,” said Zahra Modarres Vahid.
Through research, engagement, and connection, Modarres Vahid works to understand and advocate for the needs of the international community at Virginia Tech.
Personal and professional resources for international students and their children can significantly impact their well-being during their time in the United States. Through her work, Modarres Vahid works to extend these resources to the partners and spouses of international students, cultivating supportive networks and furthering belonging for international families.
Modarres Vahid was recognized for her dedication to cultivating supportive spaces and promoting belonging among the Virginia Tech community.
Modarres Vahid is a Ph.D. candidate in the Alliance for Social, Political, Ethical, and Cultural Thought program in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences.
Jordyn Lewis, Practice Civility
“By staying open to learning and listening, even to those with differing opinions, I believe we can come together, grow, and create a more inclusive environment, leading to more productive change,” said Jordyn Lewis.
In her roles with the Office of Sustainability, VT Engage, Civic Leadership Academy, and the Environmental Coalition student organization, Lewis advocates for environmental justice. Through her collaborative advocacy, Lewis has spearheaded multiple projects to advance environmental and social issues at Virginia Tech.
Lewis was recognized for her commitment to fostering collaborative dialogue in the spirit of service.
Lewis is a junior majoring in environmental conservation and society in the College of Natural Resources and Environment with a minor in leadership and social change in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Emily Tirrell, Embrace Ut Prosim as a Way of Life
“I love finding ways to connect people, share knowledge, and make a meaningful difference,” said Emily Tirrell. "Ultimately, my passion is about improving lives, whether through scientific discovery or by fostering environments where people can thrive.”
As the graduate student representative on the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors and as a graduate residential fellow in the Honors Residential Commons, Tirrell works to consider the perspectives of all students at Virginia Tech and serve as a resource in nurturing their success. Tirrell has worked to cultivate a supportive community among students, creating spaces that allow them to learn and grow with support and without judgment.
Tirrell was recognized for her compassionate service to her community and commitment to seeing others succeed.
Tirrell is a Ph.D. candidate in the Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health Graduate Program in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics.
Ronnie Mondal, Prepare for a Life of Courageous Leadership
Ronnie Mondal describes “being able to forge a collaborative path forward for students to better their experience on campus” as one of his proudest accomplishments during his time at Virginia Tech.
Mondal serves the Virginia Tech community as director of advocacy and president of the Graduate and Professional Student Senate. Through his roles, he works to support domestic and international students through educational events and by building connections between the senate and the Graduate School. By fostering collaboration between students and administrators, Mondal works to address the interdimensional issues impacting graduate students from diverse backgrounds.
Mondal was recognized for his commitment to supporting and advocating for others through the pursuit of common ground.
Mondal is a Ph.D. candidate in chemistry in the College of Science.
Austin Council, Prepare for a life of Courageous Leadership Faculty/Staff Award
For Austin Council, courageous leadership is “the willingness to use your voice to advocate for yourself or on behalf of others against some perceived opposition within yourself or externally.”
As a collegiate assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural, Leadership, and Community Education and director of the department’s leadership and social change minor, Council embodies his outlook that everyone can practice courageous leadership. Through his courses and projects, Council shares the value of working towards positive change, inviting students to embrace civility, collaboration, and curiosity in the spirit of bettering the world around them.
Council was recognized for his empowering and educational approach in encouraging students to embrace leadership.
Join the celebration
Student Affairs' Aspire! Awards are held five times each academic year. This year's final Aspire! Awards will be on May 2. All members of the Virginia Tech community are invited to register to attend and join the celebration.
Nominations are open for the upcoming academic year’s Aspire! Awards to commend the Virginia Tech community’s embodiment of the Aspirations for Student Learning.