Volunteer spotlight: Students McKenna Olson, Jackson Whiteman lead by example

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.

As co-presidents of Virginia Tech’s Student Alumni Associates (SAA), Jackson Whiteman and McKenna Olson dive headfirst into service, leadership, and community.

Through volunteer work, they deepen their connection to people and find purpose behind campus life. Both have spent their term leading by example and balancing rigorous academics with their shared commitment to SAA.

Through teamwork, organization, and mutual support, they’ve strengthened one of Virginia Tech’s most dynamic student organizations while gaining skills and friendships that will last well beyond Blacksburg.

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

Olson: We enjoy clubs and activities most when we are actively involved in them. Volunteering gave us a chance to contribute more directly and feel connected to the people and purpose behind each event.

How do you balance your academic responsibilities with your volunteer work?

Whiteman: Prioritizing organization and mutual understanding of our workloads. We have both made habits of writing everything down, keeping track of assignments in our own ways, and taking time to collaborate on presidential tasks. When one of us had a hard week academically, the other was willing to step up and take on more SAA tasks. This mutual support allowed us to put our best foot forward.

What has been a highlight of your time at Virginia Tech?

Whiteman: My senior capstone project, SolarCar. I’ve had fun getting to make new friends on the team while working on our vehicle. I’ve gained so many technical skills and knowledge, and I’m excited to see our final product. My experience in SAA leadership inspired me to take a leadership position in SolarCar, which has only made me enjoy both organizations more.

Olson: Intramural sports. I love being active and intramural sports have let me compete, laugh, and meet some great friends along the way. I have tried so many of the sports Virginia Tech has to offer, including volleyball, kickball, and even battleship which was quite a hilarious experience.

How do you hope your volunteer experience shapes your future after graduation?

Olson: This experience has taught me a lot about management, communication, and event coordination. I hope to transfer these skills into future leadership positions within my career. There is so much work that goes on behind the scenes in managerial roles, and this gave me a new perspective and appreciation for leadership roles.

Whiteman: After graduation, I hope to further explore my leadership potential and skills in my career. This experience in SAA has taught me so much about what I am capable of. I feel like this will make a huge impact on my self-confidence as I navigate new projects, difficult hurdles, and busy times.

What has been the most rewarding part of serving as co-president of SAA?

Whiteman: We have both learned many personal lessons about leadership and service. Looking back, we both see how we’ve changed ourselves and our skill sets, as well as the organization. As we’re wrapping up our term as co-presidents, we feel we’ve done everything we can to make a positive impact on both SAA and Virginia Tech.

What makes SAA a unique part of the student experience at Virginia Tech?

Olson: The best part of SAA is how much variety the organization has. It is often times easier to answer what we don’t do rather than everything we do. We have gotten to volunteer in the president’s box (in Lane Stadium), drive students to class in a golf cart, help at community events, plan homecoming programming, promote Virginia Tech philanthropic goals, support University Advancement, and meet tons of alumni.

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

Olson: When we move to new areas, we plan to attend alumni events to meet fellow Hokies. We have had so much fun volunteering at events like Alumni Weekend, so we have every intention of returning and experiencing this event as alumni. And of course, returning to Blacksburg often for football games.