April 16, 2007 shootings]]> University History]]> University Archives]]> Oral histories (document genres)]]> Moga, Nick]]> VT Stories Oral History with Nick Moga, November 20, 2015 (Ms2016-015)]]> 2015-11-20]]> http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC-EDU/1.0/]]> University History]]> 2015-11-20]]> Oral histories]]> University History]]>
Growing up, Nick witnessed the nation’s triumphant endeavors to explore space and he saw himself as a member of a generation being challenged to progress the fields of exploration and technologies. Encouraged to push new boundaries, Nick appreciated the opportunities for research that Virginia Tech provided, so he enrolled as an Aerospace Engineering major. He then came to rely on faculty mentors to guide him through his coursework and undergraduate research. With their help, he excelled in his studies and became introduced to undergraduate work with data from the wind tunnel. During this work, he underwent the transition from manually marking data to computerizing data once the technology became available.

During his graduate studies and his work with the Naval Surface Weapons Center, Nick realized his interest in computers and he eventually began his own computer business around the time when personal computers were being introduced. At the start of his business, Nick supplied software to papermill companies and to close friends. His company quickly grew as he began supplying software to more and more people, and this growth eventually allowed him to meet contemporary up-and-comers in the field, such as Bill Gates, at conferences and presentations.

Nick was also involved in the social aspect of Virginia Tech. He joined Sigma Phi Epsilon, which led to his involvement in many other activities on campus. Through his fraternity he experienced intramural sports, service opportunities, and leadership opportunities within the Aerospace Engineering field. While Nick speaks to the adventurous social side of fraternities, mentioning experience with living in the fraternity house and participating in the start of streaking on campus, he also asserts the importance of the service and knowledge aspects of fraternities, listing opportunities he was given to give back to the community.

Participating in research and fraternity life allowed Nick to get a full experience at Virginia Tech. During his undergraduate years, he witnessed political protests and changes in leadership that ultimately led to big changes in the university.

As an employee at Tech years later, Nick notes the incredible changes that have taken place since the time of his attendance, such as the population size and the continued construction around campus. He also comments on the fact that even though technological advancements and overall development have changed the university, Virginia Tech still holds on to a spirit of community that encourages alumni involvement.]]>
2015-11-20]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Nick Moga, VT Stories]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]>
University History]]>
In this interview, Gene talks about his early life growing up in Blacksburg during World War II, his years of undergrad (including cadet pranks), and his life and career after. ]]>
2015-11-20]]> Oral histories]]>
University History]]>
While he remembers the typical stress of juggling projects on heavy work weeks, Steve mostly remembers the positive aspects of his college career. Not even the brutal winters, that all Hokies are familiar with, spoiled his time here. In fact, a particularly strong memory comes from an experience during one of those winters.


During his undergraduate career, Steve attended classes on a much smaller Virginia Tech campus than today’s Hokies are familiar with. He actually lived in Major Williams when it was a dorm, and looks back at dorm life as a positive experience as well.


Frank Beamer came to Tech during his graduate school years, so Steve doesn’t recall too much excitement over the football program at that time. However, Steve and his friends were well-entertained. He especially enjoyed going to listen to bands play downtown on Wednesday nights. The atmosphere at Tech and in Blacksburg contributed to a seamless transition between his undergraduate and graduate years allowing him to spend more time enjoying the area.


Noting that this area might not be ideal for everyone, Steve seems confident that Virginia Tech is an exceptional place to experience some of the most profound years of your life. He knows that a lot has changed, but he feels that the area still retains the same charm he came to know and love.]]>
2015-11-20]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Stephen Nehrt, VT Stories]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]>