October Aspire! Awards recipients promote engaged and impactful learning
The ceremony celebrated individuals embodying Aspirations for Student Learning with a special focus on a commitment to unwavering curiosity.
October Aspire! Award recipients stand with Frances Keene, vice president for Student Affairs. Photo by Brian Muncy for Virginia Tech.
Student Affairs hosted its first Aspire! Awards ceremony of the year with a focus on curiosity, highlighting community members who embody the Aspirations for Student Learning and positively impact life at Virginia Tech.
Lauren Witzky, Pursue Self-Understanding and Integrity
Lauren Witzky stands with Vice President for Student Affairs Frances Keene. Photo by Brian Muncy for Virginia Tech.
As executive officer of the Cadet Ethics Organization and first sergeant of Oscar Company, Cadet Lauren Witzky shapes campus culture through "principled leadership grounded in reflection and purpose," according to her nomination. She is a senior in the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets studying cognitive and behavioral neuroscience in the College of Science with a minor in naval leadership.
“Self-understanding and integrity to me means knowing who you are and acting in accordance with your values, even when no one is there to hold you accountable,” Witzky said. “It also means standing up for the right thing when others are doing the opposite.”
Witzky's award also recognized her integrity in supporting the corps as acting company chaplain and in serving communities throughout the New River Valley as a member of Cadets for a Cause.
Minhyuk Ko, Practice Civility
Minhyuk Ko (at left) with Vice President for Student Affairs Frances Keene. Photo by Brian Muncy for Virginia Tech.
“Patience is the most important thing to have in tough conversations, as interacting with people from a different background often brings misunderstanding,” said Minhyuk Ko, a Ph.D. candidate in computer science in the College of Engineering.
A member of the Asian Pacific Islander Desi Alumni Society, Ko uses his experiences to engage with people from different backgrounds and foster connection and belonging through his empathetic and trusted guidance.
The award recognized Ko's deep understanding of cultural relations that help him build community wherever he goes.
Hudeeja Ijaz, Prepare for a Life of Courageous Leadership
Hudeeja Ijaz uses her voice and platforms to speak for those who cannot. A senior studying architecture in the College of Architecture, Arts, and Design and president of the Association of Muslim Volunteers, her work includes supporting local refugee families with food and essential items, supporting homeless shelters in Roanoke, and providing meals and a sense of community for students celebrating Ramadan.
She has organized service events, including community tree-planting, gravesite cleaning, and a calligraphy workshop to raise funds for storm repair efforts.
“I want to create a lasting impact by creating meaningful designs that advocate for excellence for all and work to foster equitability,” Ijaz said.
She was recognized for her continued leadership in serving and inspiring others to step up, speak out, and make change.
Eddah Mauti, Embrace Ut Prosim as a Way of Life
Vice President for Student Affairs Frances Keene with Eddah Mauti. Photo by Brian Muncy for Virginia Tech.
As graduate assistant for the Black Cultural Center at Virginia Tech, Eddah Mauti enhances programming from direct support and volunteer management to innovating new data systems for strategic improvement.
A graduate student in industrial and systems engineering in the College of Engineering, Mauti brings a deep spirit of service to mentoring undergraduate students and creating essential spaces for graduate students to build connections.
Her support for graduate students has increased their visibility and participation, empowering them to take active roles in programming and self-advocacy.
“Ut Prosim embodies the idea that we are part of a larger community, and when we serve one another, the community as a whole thrives,” Mauti said.
She was recognized for her service and dedication to community building.
Zoe Wachsman, Commit to Unwavering Curiosity
Zoe Wachsman with Vice President for Student Affairs Frances Keene. Photo by Brian Muncy for Virginia Tech.
“Everyone around me inspires my curiosity, especially my mentors across campus and beyond,” said Zoe Wachsman, a senior in animal and poultry sciences with a minor in agribusiness and entrepreneurship in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “Each person has a unique story of their ‘why.’ I want to support, appreciate, and know that uniqueness which pushes me to remain curious.”
As an intern in Sustainable Dining, Wachsman's deep interest in people has strengthened collaborations and driven a shared sense of responsibility in promoting environmental management and encourage others to think critically about their impact on campus.
As president and membership coordinator for Sigma Alpha Sorority, Wachsman has created an environment for collaboration and innovation. Her curiosity and contributions to conversations that complement learning were recognized with the award.
Jenn Porche, Commit to Unwavering Curiosity (faculty/staff)
Vice President for Student Affairs Frances Keene with Jenn Porche. Photo by Brian Muncy for Virginia Tech.
“Nothing excites me more than solving problems, listening to stories, learning about others, and experiencing new things — all in the interest of being a better source of care and support for others,” said Jenn Porche, a coordinator for ExperienceVT.
Porche holds her students to high standards while giving them the guidance and tools they need to thrive.
Porche serves as co-chair of the Student Leader Training Committee, where she’s created engaging training experiences based on her experience in instructional design.
She also launched a Wednesday talk circle for professional staff to discuss difficult topics together to navigate challenges.
Her continued curiosity in efforts to improve Virginia Tech for both students and her colleagues were honored with her award.
Help recognize character on campus
Student Affairs’ Aspirations for Student Learning reflect students’ commitment to learning and engagement in improving the world around them through service. Nominations for upcoming Aspire! Awards are open to honor Virginia Tech students, faculty, and staff.
Written by Caitlin Whitfield, a senior majoring in multimedia journalism
