Volunteer spotlight: Senior Class Gift Campaign co-chairs Jabrea Flowers, Jonah Middleton lead with purpose

Editor's note: We are regularly profiling university volunteers. This series explores who these dedicated Hokies are and what motivates them to give back. To submit someone for consideration, please contact Brenda Walker, strategic volunteer initiatives executive director, at brendaw24@vt.edu.

Class of 2026 Senior Class Gift co-chairs Jabrea Flowers and Jonah Middleton are leading with purpose, pride, and a deep commitment through their work leading the class gift program. 

Their leadership reflects a shared passion for creating meaningful opportunities, building community, and inspiring future Hokies to give back.

What student organizations, programs, or events are you involved in as a volunteer?

Middleton: The German Club of Virginia Tech, Senior Class Gift co-chair, ring design chair for the Class of 2026 Leadership Team, 2025 Homecoming Court, Pamplin Engage Teaching Assistant, and IfYoureReadingThisVT.

Flowers: At Virginia Tech, I am heavily involved throughout campus, which allows me to get to know diverse groups of people, learn from them, and thrive in different environments. I currently serve as the Class of 2026 Senior Class Gift co-chair, Class of 2026 Ring Dance chair, IfYou’reReadingThis Virginia Tech co-event coordinator, and a Virginia Tech Men’s Basketball operations intern.

What first inspired you to get involved as a volunteer at Virginia Tech?

Middleton: One of the reasons I came to Virginia Tech was because of the incredible culture we have surrounding student involvement. I want to carry that forward and create even better opportunities for the Hokies that will come after me.

Flowers: I was first inspired to volunteer at Virginia Tech because I wanted to make a meaningful  impact on others while also pushing myself outside of my comfort zone. Since I was very involved in high school, I knew that I wanted to continue that same level of engagement in college and find ways to give back to my new community. Little by little, as I joined different organizations and clubs, Virginia Tech began to feel more like home. Each experience not only allowed me to contribute in different ways but also helped me build friendships and connections across campus, which inspired me to keep getting more involved.

How has your volunteer experience influenced your future goals?

Middleton: I’ve been able to learn so much about how to effectively lead so many different people, offer contributions in a team, and having a commitment to my community.

Flowers:  My volunteer experience has shaped my future goals by helping me grow as a leader and discover what works best for me. I’ve learned that I’m truly a relationship-driven person who thrives on connecting with others, and I want to carry that strength into my career. Volunteering has also shown me that, no matter how busy life gets, there’s a unique reward in creating an impact on others and my community. Because of that, I know I’ll always find ways to give back alongside my professional journey.

What does being a Hokie mean to you?

Middleton: To me, being a Hokie means having an intense dedication to all you do. Whether it’s academically, professionally, in service, etc. I believe Hokies give their all to be the best version of themselves and uplift those around them.

Flowers: My answer to this question has changed so much from being a first-year student to now. Back then, being a Hokie simply meant being a student at Virginia Tech. Now, as a senior, it means so much more. To me, being a Hokie represents the lasting friendships I’ve built, the pride of the class ring tradition, the excitement of Hokie athletics, the beauty of Blacksburg sunsets, and the countless experiences that have shaped my time here. It’s about being part of a community and carrying that sense of belonging with me long after graduation.

Who has inspired you most during your college journey?

Middleton: My parents, both Hokie alums (Class of 2000) engrained my love for Virginia Tech early on in my life and have always been my biggest cheerleaders throughout my experience here. I love them endlessly and try to make them proud in all I do.

Flowers: The people who have inspired me the most during my college journey are my three best friends — Ally, Julia, and Olivia. We instantly connected during freshman year and have supported each other through so many phases of our college experience. They inspire me daily to be a better person, to step outside of my comfort zone, and to work hard even when it feels difficult. Their encouragement and example have shaped not only my time at Virginia Tech but also the person I’ve become.

What are your career interests or post-graduation plans?

Middleton: After graduation, I hope to return to a smaller consulting firm after a successful internship experience this past summer.

Flowers: I am still exploring my exact post-graduation path, but my ultimate career goal is to become a sports agent. To work toward that, I hope to pursue a master’s degree in sport management or sport administration and then attend law school with a focus on sports law. No matter which path I take, my goal is to build a career in athletics and make a lasting impact in the sports industry.

How do you hope to stay connected with Virginia Tech after you graduate?

Middleton: I hope to stay engaged through coming back to Blacksburg whenever I can to support the programs that made my experience and continue to embrace Virginia Tech’s strong spirit of giving.

Flowers: I hope to stay connected with Virginia Tech after graduation by giving back! As a senior class gift co-chair, it’s important to me to continue the tradition of Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) by supporting the university in any way I can. I plan to contribute each year and help sustain the programs that have supported me throughout my four years at Virginia Tech.