March Aspire! Awards champion leadership on and off campus
March honorees demonstrate the impact of leadership in learning, relating, and heroic decision-making.
Student Affairs hosted its March Aspire! Awards ceremony on March 20, focusing on courageous leadership while highlighting community members who embody the Aspirations for Student Learning and positively impact life at Virginia Tech. Recipients were nominated by their peers and mentors for showcasing the Aspirations and contributing to an uplifting and supportive campus community.
Wynter Sims, Commitment to Unwavering Curiosity
Sim’s passion for understanding the “why” behind their work has inspired their peers and co-workers to think deeply about their own responsibilities and roles.
Sims serves as occupancy lead for Facilities and Operations and is a senior majoring in physics and minoring in astronomy and math in the College of Science.
“Wynter's intellectual engagement and commitment to discovery reflect a lifelong learner who sees every task as an opportunity for growth and innovation,” said Sims’ nominator.
Caring deeply for the world around them, Sims continually interrogates processes to find better ways for people and systems to work together.
Sims was recognized for inquiring deeply into the ways we can each improve the world we encounter every day.
Anthony Phan, Pursue Self-Understanding and Integrity
To Phan, self-understanding and integrity are the doors to a meaningful life.
Phan has used them to create mentoring relationships that are mutually beneficial. For those he mentors, he shares experiences and advice gained from past mentorships.
“I believe that this is one of my many purposes in life: to share my experiences with other people, and hopefully they will pay it forward,” Phan said.
Phan earned his bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech last spring and is now pursuing a master’s degree in mechanical engineering in the College of Engineering. Phan serves as a graduate student mentor and a peer leader.
Phan was recognized for reflecting on his experiences to help others learn and grow.
Jaela Tucker, Practice Civility
As the student lead for the Housing Services’ Residential Experience desk, Tucker embodies kindness, patience, and respect.
She is a senior majoring in construction engineering and management in the College of Engineering and minoring in entrepreneurship: new venture growth in Pamplin College of Business.
Tucker brings empathy to every interaction. By practicing civility with empathy and intention, she has proven that kindness can be contagious, in her office and beyond.
“Jaela’s civility has a meaningful and calming impact on both individuals and the broader community she interacts with,” said a nominator.
Tucker was recognized for her commitment to creating a more compassionate campus culture.
Cadet Justin Laptos and Cadet Noah Magsig are each, and together, inspiring and humbling examples of Courageous Leadership and Ut Prosim (That I May Serve).
Last fall, Magsig was driving Laptos home when the two cadets saw a fireball on the road ahead of them. Coming closer, they realized it was a catastrophic car accident. Magsig quickly pulled over, and both students got out and ran toward the car to assist those inside.
The cadets risked their lives for the sake of others, and their heroic actions saved a life.
Justin Laptos, Embrace Ut Prosim as a Way of Life
Laptos takes pride in being a Virginia Tech student and a member of the Corps of Cadets.
A sophomore majoring in mechanical engineering in the College of Engineering, he plans to commission into the U.S. Air Force as a Civil Engineer.
Laptos lives by the core value of leaving a place better than he found it and embraces service by seizing initiative. Laptos said, “To me, Ut Prosim means service as action, not just intention.”
Laptos is also an advocate for the Montgomery County Animal Care and Adoption Center and is a strong believer in adopting pets from shelters.
Laptos was recognized for his selfless actions in service to others.
Noah Magsig, Prepare for a Life of Courageous Leadership
Empathetic and community-minded, Magsig enjoys being part of the Corps of Cadets.
He is a sophomore majoring in general engineering in the College of Engineering and minoring in music production, technology, and composition in the College of Architecture, Arts, and Design.
Magsig loves making people laugh, and he regularly channels his courage by performing with the student Comedy Conglomerate. He uplifts others with his humor and instinct for connection.
To Magsig, courageous leadership is service in action.
“Courageous leadership is the act of taking initiative and being willing to put yourself at risk for the sake of others,” Magsig said.
Magsig was recognized for taking initiative to protect others despite danger to his own life.
Ashley Roberts, Prepare for a Life of Courageous Leadership
Roberts' passion is helping people become their best selves, and she is committed to creating the conditions for that to happen. Roberts serves as chief of operations for Student Affairs.
Her nominators said, “Ashley’s open, thoughtful, and positive nature set the tone for a culture of mutual support, empathetic leadership, and joyful community.”
The work culture Roberts creates has grown from years of experience in higher education settings and research on employee success and leadership. She empowers her staff to advise and create strategic communications in the division, confidently approach leadership opportunities, and pursue professional development goals.
Roberts was recognized for envisioning and creating spaces where success and thriving go hand in hand.
Help recognize the spirit of Ut Prosim on campus
Student Affairs’ Aspirations for Student Learning reflect students’ commitment to learning and engaging to improve their world and serve their communities. Nominations are open for upcoming Aspire! Awards to honor Virginia Tech students, faculty, and staff.
Written by Caitlin Whitfield, a senior majoring in multimedia journalism
