Closing a chapter: Olenick family celebrates 20 years of Hokie tradition
For nearly two decades, one family has marked time in semesters at Virginia Tech — a tradition that now comes full circle with Katie Olenick’s graduation this spring.
Katie, who majored in hospitality and tourism management, is the youngest of six siblings to attend the university. As she prepares to graduate, her family’s nearly 19-year run in Blacksburg is coming to a close.
“I feel like there was never really consideration,” Katie said. “All my siblings had gone, so I just had to choose a major.”
While she applied to several schools, including in-state options, Virginia Tech had long felt like home. Years of visits for her siblings’ move-ins, graduations, and weekends on the Blacksburg campus made the transition to college feel familiar.
“I didn’t even do an official tour,” Katie said. “I was like, ‘I know this campus.’”
Like her siblings, Katie found her own path once she arrived. She began with an interest in event planning before shifting toward sports, now working as a lead social media intern for Virginia Tech Athletics.
Her experience differs from those of her siblings, who studied fields ranging from engineering to English, but they share a common connection through campus traditions and especially game days.
“They always said ‘Enter Sandman’ is the best college entrance,” she said. “I’ve been to other schools, and nothing compares.”
That shared connection has extended beyond individual experiences. With multiple siblings attending over the years and even overlapping at times. Virginia Tech became a consistent gathering place for the family.
“It was always somewhere we could come together,” her father, Walter Olenick, said. “We’ve had someone there continuously for 19 years.”
The family made the 5 1/2-hour drive from Chesapeake to Blacksburg more times than they can count, attending many graduations and move-in days.
“You get smarter about the process,” Walter said. “There’s wisdom that comes with doing it so many times.”
As Katie approaches graduation, both she and her family recognize the moment as the end of a long chapter.
“I think it’s really cool. It’s a full-circle moment,” she said.
Her father describes the milestone as bittersweet. While the years of moving and traveling are winding down, the memories tied to Virginia Tech remain.
“It just became part of our lives,” he said.
The family plans to return to campus for visits and future events, continuing the long-standing connection, even after the final graduate crosses the stage.
Written by Emily Southern '26
