University launches Virginia Tech Advantage

I know we to fact, today marks the official launch of Virginia Tech advantage. A university wide multi year commitment to offer a broad educational experience to undergraduate students from Virginia who have financial need. Brigit Tech has an obligation as a land grant university to meet the educational needs of the Commonwealth's residents. To do this, we must provide more financial and programmatic support to the students we serve. Virginia Tech advantage will make a rich and full educational experience a reality for all Virginia students. Coming here and finding my sense of place was made easier with the help of the present Thain White diversity scholarship. Because of this financial support, I've had the time, an opportunity to focus on my studies, participate fully in extra kicker activities, and invest in the resources, books, and technology I need to be successful. Students like Colin are the foundation of our vision for the university's future. This university wide multi year effort will ensure that Virginia Tech is a welcoming and affordable destination for students from all of Virginia's communities. Earlier this week, we announced the Preston and Katherine wide endowed diversity scholarship. Together Preston and Katherine have made gifts and commitments of more than 20 million to Virginia Tech. Preston and Katherine are a shining example of a Hokey family stepping forward to support the university's commitment to meet the needs of our students. Last year, when President Sands launched the Virginia Tech advantage, I thought, how can we help Katherine? I talked about what we could do to give back. To honor those that had never had the same opportunities we had, the Virginia Tech advantage would be the perfect vehicle for this give back. We are encouraging other Hokies and Hokey supporters to take up this opportunity to make this not just a better world, but a wonderful world.