Hokies, spotted!

In our spring edition, we asked readers to share their most unexpected Hokie encounters — and you delivered. Here are some of our favorites.

(From left) David Ames, Wendy Ames, and Neil Robles. Photo courtesy of Theresa Robles.

What are the odds?

I saw a Facebook post from my dear friend Wendy Taylor Ames ’85, who was enjoying the Grand Canyon. When I got a call from my son, Neil Robles ’17, who was visiting there, also, I said, “If you bump into Wendy while you’re there, tell her I said ‘Hi!’” We laughed at the odds of that happening. Imagine my surprise when I received this picture the next day!

Theresa E. Fritz Robles ’85
Andover, Kansas

Double take in Rome

I was on a tour bus in Rome, when I looked out the window and saw David Bunch, a fellow alum! When the bus arrived at the Coliseum, there he was again. What an amazing chance encounter.

Catherine Karp Breske ’75
Blacksburg, Virginia

Paula Dow (left) with fellow Hokie, Rich. Photo courtesy of Paula Dow.

Tuscan surprise

In September 2024 during a trip to Italy, we toured the Siena Cathedral in Tuscany, climbing many steps to the Gate of Heaven. When we moved on to the Opera Museum, I traded “climbing more stairs” for a stop at a small cafe. While there, I noticed a Virginia Tech shirt walking in! Of course, I said, “Go Hokies,” and an unexpected connection was made!

Paula Miller Dow ’83
Tampa, Florida

Global sightings

In 2015, I met a Virginia Tech grad as we both took sunrise photos in Yulara, Australia. In 2017, my wife, Gale, and I were at a hotel in Tahiti, and we struck up a conversation with a couple sitting nearby. They were Hokies who lived on Claytor Lake and season ticket holders for football like us. We are not surprised anymore when we run into fellow Hokies.

Joe Ferguson ’77
Blountstown, Florida

(From left) Rachel Jackson, Clara Clark, and Gary Jackson. Photo courtesy of Gary Jackson.

1,350 miles to 'Hey Hokie!'

In August 2012, I moved my oldest daughter to Houston, Texas, for graduate school. Her sister and a friend wanted to go shopping, so I parked myself on a bench while they explored. Of course, I was wearing one of my signature Virginia Tech hats. A beautiful expensive car with tinted windows stopped in front of me. Then, the window rolled down, and the man driving yelled, “Hey Hokie.” Behind the wheel was none other than Shayne Graham, former Hokie placekicker. It was a special moment for me, and I hope it was for Shayne.

Gary N. Jackson ’78
Blacksburg, Virginia

Canyon echo, Hokie style

We took our family to the Ranger Walk at the Grand Canyon. Three other families were there, and each had at least one member wearing a Hokie shirt or cap. Turns out we were all Virginia Tech grads. Before we left the canyon rim, we all joined in making sure “Old Hokie” echoed through the canyon.

Victor E. Sower ’78
Huntsville, Texas

David Pohlig (right) with fellow Hokie, Nancy. Photo courtesy of David Pohlig.

The Hokie hat strikes again

In 2018 during a trip to China, we visited the Marco Polo bridge. We took the subway back, and as we exited via the escalator, I heard someone saying, “I like your hat.” I turned around, and there stood a fellow Hokie. Her name was Nancy, and she was from Bluefield, West Virginia. She had recently graduated from Virginia Tech and was studying in China. You never know when and where you will run into a Hokie.

David F. Pohlig ’74
Draper, Virginia

Have a fun Hokie encounter to share? Email vtmag@vt.edu for a chance to be featured in the next Virginia Tech Magazine!