Blacksburg (Va.)]]>
In this interview, Chris recounts his father's story of immigrating to the United States at thirteen years old, and creating a life for himself in Roanoke, Va. During Nick Kappas' career working in restaurants, he became a beloved figure in the Blacksburg community, particularly by the Corps of Cadets, and relocated to North Main Street. Here, he opened his own restaurant in 1922, the Busy Bee Restaurant, more commonly known as the Greek's. Chris Kappas covers the early history of the restaurant, through name changes and working in Blacksburg as one of the few Greek immigrants, up to his birth in 1938 just before World War II.
]]> 2018-07-30]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech.]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> Blacksburg (Va.)]]>
In this interview, Chris Kappas recounts his early life growing up in the Greek countryside during World War II while separated from his father. He moved to the United States after the war at eight years old, and talks about adjusting to life in Blacksburg, working in the restaurant, and stories of his father. From the success of the business, his father, Nick Kappas, helped their family immigrate from Greece and eventually developed offshoots of the Greek's restaurant, now (officially) called the Blue Ribbon Restaurant. These enterprises turned into Souvlakis, which started as a push cart on College Ave, the Mediterranean, turned Greek's Two, and the Cellar.]]> 2018-08-07]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech. ]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> Blacksburg (Va.)]]>
This oral history interview begins with Chris talking about his childhood growing up in war-torn Greece. He discusses the Greek Civil War following World War II, which led to his eventual passage to the United States. He talks about restaurant history, including his father's relationship with the Black community in Blacksburg, and expanding restaurant operations. After briefly moving to Richmond following graduation from Virginia Tech, he returned to Blacksburg to work in the restaurant and eventually take it over from his father.]]> 2018-08-20]]> Permission to publish materials from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech. ]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> Blacksburg (Va.)]]>
In this interview, Chris Kappas talks about becoming principal partner in the Greek's restaurant with his father's former business partner, Jim Havelos. He covers restaurant operations, including running the Cellar and transitioning ownership, opening Souvlakis, and the proper pronunciation and consumption of "gyro". He ends on talking about downtown, including local businesses, Steppin' Out, the International Festival, and city planning. ]]> 2018-08-31]]> Permission to publish materials from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech. ]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> Blacksburg (Va.)]]>
In this interview, Kappas talks about establishing Souvlakis in the Blacksburg community as a Greek food restaurant. He covers the later years of running the restaurant, with raising his kids and seeing them transition to adulthood and move away. Then into his retirement of transitioning ownership to Mike Buchanan, and into property management and serving on the town council.]]> 2018-12-06]]> Permission to publish materials from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech. ]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> University History]]> Aerospace engineers]]>
Despite growing up in the Depression era, Kraft enjoyed his childhood. Nevertheless, he is not a stranger to hardship. One event that drastically affected his future was a fall into a fire at age three that badly burnt his right hand. This burn would later keep Kraft from entering the service during WWII, making him one of the few students at Virginia Tech able to continue their education despite wartime demands.

Kraft shares that his mother, “the greatest woman he’s ever known”, was the person who made his education possible and sent him to Virginia Tech.

Kraft undertook his college education as a student in the Corps of Cadets at Virginia Tech. Once Kraft entered Virginia Tech, the university was operating on a 12-month schedule because of WWII, and he graduated in just 2 years with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. Though Kraft wanted to join the military and fight, he was told my a doctor conducting physicals that “we need engineers probably worse than we need soldiers,” and so Chris went back to Virginia Tech. Kraft recalls it being difficult for students at Virginia Tech who were unable to serve. Kraft remembers thinking “I am in the shelter of Virginia Tech and not…able to serve the country.”

Though he attended Virginia Tech during a tumultuous time, Chris has very fond memories of his time as a student. His camaraderie with fellow students, his relationships with his professors, and going to events such as the Ring Dance are all important and special memories for Chris. His drive eventually led to his election as President of the Corps of Cadets and his becoming what he calls the “BMOC:” the Big Man on Campus. Though he was at Virginia Tech for only a couple of years, Kraft believes it was his time on campus that prepared him for his future career and gave him leadership training.

By age 20, Kraft was a Tech graduate and a man with a job at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA). Kraft went on from an early position as a flight test engineer to becoming flight director, and eventually developing the US version of a mission control center.

In the late 1950’s, Chuck Matthews, a friend of Chris who also worked for NACA, came to him and asked if he would like to join a team that was at the time called the space task group, which operated in Houston, Texas.

While working for the space program, Kraft helped develop the spacecraft, train flight controllers, and focused on the details of the plan, especially regarding safety and the astronauts. Chris remembers there being countless questions to answer in order to ensure safety and success, and feeling the responsibility of carefully answering those questions.

Due to his involvement in the space program, Kraft now has more awards than he can count. Medals, magazine covers, and never-ending praise are just by-products of his revolutionary roles at NACA where he changed the trajectory of man’s future in space. Looking back on his life and the chain of events that led him to where he is today, Kraft recalls humble beginnings and a fervency for leadership that was developed during his time as an undergraduate at Virginia Tech. He states that Virginia Tech “is where I became a human being and a man,” giving him the foundation for his future success.

Due to his prominence and intelligence, Chris was invited to join the Board of Visitors at Virginia Tech, which he accepted. During his time on the Board of Visitors and following, Chris watched Virginia Tech grow from a small military school to the large, renowned university that it is today. Though Virginia Tech has grown a lot since Chris attended, he is proud of the way the campus and students still have the same Hokie pride and retain a sense of the original purpose of the university. He says that “I have a great respect for the…spirit and the attitude that exists on the Virginia Tech campus. I think it has a certain amount of discipline associated with it still, and I like that.”

Today, Chris believes that Virginia Tech made him into the person he is, and that Virginia Tech gave him the opportunities that he had in his life. Chris says that without his education and experience at Virginia Tech, “I probably would have ended up being an apprentice in Newport News building ships….Virginia Tech gave me the broad capability to be willing to accept the responsibilities that I had as I went along.”

Throughout his life and career working for NASA, Chris demonstrated Hokie excellence and spirit, and remains a proud Virginia Tech alum today.

]]> 2017-04-29]]> Permission to publish materials from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections and University Archives.]]> Chris Kraft, VT Stories]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> University History]]> 2017-11-03]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Christina Daves, VT Stories]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University]]> University History]]> University Archives]]> Education, Secondary]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> University History]]>
Even though his Tech experience was basically covered by the generous scholarship he received, Curry worked throughout his entire college experience. This was a testament to the strong work ethic instilled in him by his family. Otherwise, Tech was a pretty big adjustment for Curry who went from a village of around 500 to a single freshman class of about 400. He majored in Political Science, but he took full advantage of the opportunity to get a very well-rounded education that was even enhanced by the political culture of the time.

Along with his strong interest in Political Science courses and encouragement from his advisor Jim Herndon, Curry enjoyed taking classes outside of his major. Courses in literature with Professor Anne Chaney, history with Dr. Shumsky, and environmental law with Jake Looney were all influential and helped shape Curry’s Hokie experience.

Since then, Curry has had a chance to share with Dr. Shumsky how important his words have been. Curry doesn’t regret his choice of major or electives one bit, and he sees them all having lasting positive impacts on his life and career choices. Curry graduated in 1980 and by 1988 he was appointed Deputy Secretary of Economic Development. In fact, he was Deputy Secretary to another Virginia Tech alum, and those types of connections continue to come up in Curry’s life. His early career took him from roles in politics to business with a man name John Kluge who was also influential in his life. Curry has gone on to hold positions in many sectors, but he has never wavered in his support of Virginia Tech. In fact, Curry was named an Alumni Distinguished Service Award winner in 2014 for his dedicated service to Virginia Tech.]]> 2015-11-21]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Curry Roberts, VT Stories]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> University History]]>
Upon arriving on campus, Lowe became involved, and took on leadership roles, in a number of organizations, including in the German Club. He was selected as the aforementioned class President. At the conclusion of his Junior year, Lowe was named the Regimental Commander of the Corps of Cadets, holding the highest possible rank a cadet can hold. Lowe claims that during his tenure as Regimental Commander he was given remarkable opportunities to teach and to learn leadership and to build lifelong friendships with his fellow cadets.

The school motto of Ut Prosim, meaning That I May Serve, followed Lowe throughout his life and into his career where he worked in executive positions in the telecommunications industry before retiring to Blacksburg with his wife in 2000. Lowe is also a past President and lifetime honorary board member of the Alumni Association. Virginia Tech holds a special place in the heart of its alumni, and David Lowe is no exception.]]> 2015-09-27]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> David Lowe, VT Stories]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> University History]]>
In this interview, Doug covers his early childhood before Virginia Tech, his years at the school, and life after as a professor of industrial engineering.]]> 2018-03-26]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech. ]]> Dr. Doug Montgomery, VT Stories]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech ]]> University History]]>
Well-traveled and with a clear objective in mind, Captain Beaver came to Virginia Tech in 1987 and graduated in 1991 with a B.A. in Political Science and a minor in History. At Virginia Tech, he continued to live a life familiar to him as a member of the Corps of Cadets and especially enjoyed his history and law courses here.

Although, he was familiar with a military lifestyle, Captain Beaver’s involvement in the Corps was very important to his experience as a Hokie. While discipline is part of the lifestyle for any Cadet at Virginia Tech, Captain Beaver shares that it wasn’t all work and no fun. He and his friends and family went hiking, tubing on the New River, and tailgated for football games. Captain Beaver’s career in the Navy has taken him far away from Virginia Tech, but he and his college friends try to make it back to check on our progress and to attend Corps of Cadets events.

]]> 2016-09-16]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Douglas Beaver, VT Stories]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> April 16, 2007 shootings]]> Diversity in higher education]]> Local/Regional History and Appalachian South]]> Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University]]> Virginia Polytechnic Institute. Alumni Association]]> Department of Human Resources at Virginia Tech. This
nearly hour-long interview contains his first-hand account
of several impactful people and events that shaped Tech in
the last half century. Most of the individuals mentioned
have since been dedicated a building on campus.]]> 2019-05-10]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Douglas Martin, VT Stories]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> University History]]> 2016-04-22]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech. ]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> University History]]>
When Banks came to the University in 1946, it was mandatory that all able-bodied male students with no prior military experience spend two years in the Corps of Cadets. The Richmond native says the adjustment to such a controlled environment was a difficult one, with penalties being handed out for even the slightest infractions.
Despite the difficulties of the first year, also called the “Rat Year,” the alumnus says that he is grateful for his time in the Corps of Cadets.

Not having made a social visit in years, Banks is unfamiliar with many of the school’s changes since his time as an undergraduate, other than the addition of social fraternities and the Corps of Cadets no longer being a requirement.

Eugene stays involved with Virginia Tech predominately through his love for athletics. While Eugene’s two sons graduated from Tech, at this point he connects most deeply with Virginia Tech’s Hokie football team. Eugene has been witness to the evolution of Tech, but he will always remember it as his open-country, military university of 1950.

]]> 2015-05-21]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Eugene Banks, VT Stories]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> University History]]>
In this interview, Bud covers the role of mentorship in his academic career, his journey in becoming a beloved professor, and his love of the school. ]]> 2018-04-03]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Ezra "Bud" Brown, VT Stories]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> University History]]>
LaVerne Hairston Higgins, commonly known as Freddie, grew up in Roanoke, Virginia and arrived at Virginia Tech through following her math teacher from high school. While at Virginia Polytechnic, she was heavily involved in social activism and studied math.

Linda Edmonds Turner grew up in Halifax County and arrived at the school through the Rockefeller Foundation. She is a triple Hokie, receiving her Bachelor of Science in 1970, master's in 1976, and PhD in 1979.

Upon arriving to Virginia Polytechnic Institute, these women did not know they would be among the first Black female students of the school. However, they turned into trailblazers for later classes of students, especially in challenging the schools traditions. In this interview, the women talk about their experiences at Virginia Polytechnic through this intersectional lens. They recount experiences with discrimination on campus and pockets of acceptance they found, professors they butted heads with, displaying the Confederate flag during home games, stories from Hillcrest, and participating in social activism on a predominately White campus. ]]> 2016-04-22]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech. ]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries, Virginia Tech. ]]> University History]]>
In high school, Beamer was active in sports, playing football, basketball, and baseball, and graduated with 11 varsity letters. Football became his ticket out after several Roanoke Times articles piqued the interest of VPI coaches, leading him to sign with Virginia Tech. While here, Beamer majored in vocational education, played defensive back on the team, and started his coaching career at Radford High School. Upon graduating in 1969, he began teaching math at Radford High School in order to keep coaching.

His coaching career continued in 1972 as a graduate assistant at the University of Maryland, College Park, then moving to The Citadel for seven seasons. In 1969, he was hired as the defensive coordinator at Murray State University, and was later promoted to head coach. After six years as head coach, he was hired as head coach at Virginia Tech after a series of NCAA violations under the previous coach.

In this interview, Beamer talks about his years leading up to coaching at Virginia Tech, and his time here. His years rebuilding the team after first arriving, but then winning the Independence Bowl in 1993, leading to a streak in Bowls, culminating in the 1999 season. Bolstering the program’s academics, football rallying the school in the wake of tragedies, and what he’s learned in his twenty-nine years at the school. ]]> 2018-06-07]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech. ]]> Frank Beamer, VT Stories]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech ]]> University History]]>
He eventually arrived in Blacksburg because of a job offer with General Electric in Shenandoah. After getting the job, Nolen's boss decided to send him to Virginia Tech for an engineering degree, which he graduated from in 1965.

In this interview, Nolen recounts his path to Virginia Tech, becoming a student in the Corps, studies, his later career in General Electric, and then becoming a proud alumni. ]]> 2016-05-17]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech. ]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections and University Archives, 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]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> University History]]>
Everhart grew up on his family’s farm in a small border town near Mayberry, NC. An active and engaged student, he participated in any sport or extracurricular he could, including football, wrestling, and student counsel. He balanced his involvements with daily work on the farm, helping out his dad and earning an allowance. Life on the farm laid a foundation of a hard work ethic in Everhart; his parents expected him to give his all into everything he did, be it work, school, or hobbies.

With the intention of taking over the farm, Everhart chose to study agriculture at Virginia Tech. After viewing Tech to visit his older sister attending, he fell in love with the architecture, hometown atmosphere, and spirit. His parents were very supportive of his ambitions; whatever his dream, they pushed him to do everything he could to achieve it. They instilled in him a value of education at an early age, but gave him freedom to decide where and what he wished to pursue.

The Corps of Cadets helped Everhart to make the transition from small town to overwhelming collegiate campus. Not only did it offer him the opportunity to pursue a dream to fly, it gave him the chance to be a part of a close-knit community for support. As a cadet, he got through school with an accountability system and encouragement from his fellow cadets. Looking back at his decisions to join the Corps and live on VT’s beautiful campus, Everhart claims he is “tremendously blessed” and extremely happy with his choices.

Everhart’s first military experience was becoming a cadet in the Corps. At first, he was overwhelmed by the Corps’s strict regulations and wondered if he made the right decision. Even after the struggle of “rat year”, he knew the lessons he was learning were going to benefit him for the rest of his life. What separates his experience with the Corps from a regular student’s is the emphasis on tradition and honor.

After graduation, Everhart carried his Hokie pride into his next stage of life. He graduated in 1989 with a Master’s degree in business management from the University of Arkansas. Later, in 2002, he received a Master’s degree in national security strategy from National War College. Immediately following his undergraduate education, he moved to Mississippi for pilot training for a rigorous year of training. This sparked his journey into his extensive military career; after flight school, he worked with Desert Shield and Desert Storm, commanded at the squadron, group, and wing levels, worked staff assignments with the air staff at the Pentagon, and served as military aide to President Clinton for two years. Everhart has traveled around the world vertically and horizontally as well as stepped foot on every continent. When describing his experiences, he simply acknowledges that he has been “very, very blessed.” Finally, in 2015, Everhart became a 4-Star General in the United States Air Force.

Everhart has received numerous medals and won many awards, but of all of these achievements he credits service and duty as the most rewarding parts of his career. The memories behind his medals are really what he holds close to his heart. During his tenure at the White House, he formed a unique, close bond with the four other military aides. He was a student at National War College during the events of 9-11; his class forged a special relationship and felt the urge to serve their nation together. Everhart is especially grateful for once-in-a-lifetime moments such as these.

The words “Virginia Tech” remind Everhart of Hokie pride and the Hokie nation. He feels a passionate loyalty for the school he credits for his successful career. From recruiting new students to proudly “bleeding maroon and orange,” he undeniably calls Blacksburg home. He is happy to see the campus continually moving forward in a smart way with a “steady heartbeat.” As far as he is concerned, Virginia Tech will only grow stronger as an institution and community. He is grateful for the foundation of success he received during his years at Tech, among other things: the kindness of the locals, quality of education, and Hokie spirit.

Every day, General Everhart wears his class ring – what he calls his “pride and joy.” Forever a Hokie, he will never forget the impact of Virginia Tech on his life.
]]> 2017-09-23]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> General Carlton Everhart, VT Stories]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> University History]]>
In this interview, George Fox shares many stories from rat to senior year, including being one of the original cannon boys, shooting steam whistles, flooding the third floor showers, and putting cadets in laundry machines. Also in this interview, he talks about his time in the service, working after, and campus life. ]]> 2017-05-19]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech. ]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University]]> Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Corps of Cadets]]> Virginia Polytechnic Institute. Alumni Association]]> University History]]> 2018-05-16]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> Women]]> Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University]]> Blacksburg (Va.)]]> Home economics]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> University History]]>
Jack’s professor at UNR connected him to Dr. Cranford, who then connected him to the Entomology Department, which landed him a job. After falling in love with the campus, he stayed to do his master’s and PhD in education, then began working as a professor in the Department of Biological Sciences.

In this interview, Jack covers his life as a first generation college student, moving across the country to Virginia, and becoming a beloved biology professor at the university. ]]> 2017-03-03]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections and University Archives. ]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> University History]]>
After completing his dissertation, he worked in Washington for the Kennedy Administration until 1965. After getting sick of Washington D.C., he left for Montana for a tenured position. Bud's Virginia Tech story starts in 1967, where he got a position in the history department and stayed until retirement.

In this interview, along with his earlier years, Bud talks about his time working at the school, relationships with presidents and administrators, the athletic department, book collections, and current social issues. ]]> 2018-06-08]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> University History]]>
In this special interview, James Boone talks about his family history, his parents and relatives in the area, his fascination with railroads stemming from an early age. At Virginia Polytechnic, he covers influential professors, downtown life, living in the dorms, along with pranks done on fellow cadets.
]]> 2017-06-02]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech.]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> University History]]>
Growing up with a father in the navy, Godek moved all around the country before settling in Virginia Beach in 1973. While he couldn’t get into a naval academy due to fierce competition in the area, Godek earned a navy ROTC scholarship that guaranteed him entry into any school he wanted. He considered going to UVA to follow in his older brother’s footsteps, but ultimately chose to go to Tech because it was the school farthest away from his home.

Entering Virginia Tech as a freshman in 1983, Godek was undecided on his major, but he knew he wanted to be a pilot for the navy. The Corps took up most of his time, and, at one point, he had a GPA under 2.0. However, his low grades never discouraged him from his goals. He just needed to “figure it out.”

The second half of Godek’s senior year was when the navy decided on placement for incoming graduates. There weren’t any open spots available for the flight school Godek wanted to enroll in. But he still was not discouraged. Biding his time until there was an open spot, Godek went to school to become a navy SEAL, while continuing to put in applications for flight school.

Godek’s patience paid off, and, a year and a half after graduation, he was accepted into flight school after a spot opened up. Based on some solid advice from his father, Godek worked hard and made sure to stay within the top half of his class. In just a year, he graduated and accomplished his dream of becoming a navy pilot. He went back to Virginia Beach and served 12 years of active duty followed by 11 years in the reserves. Once off active duty, he took a job as a commercial airline pilot for Southwest Airlines, which is where he still works today.

In April 2014, after having trouble making radio calls while flying, Godek knew something was wrong. He went to the doctor the next day, where he was diagnosed with brain cancer and given 12-18 months to live. However, Godek did not let it control him.

Godek, who was an avid runner, did not let cancer slow him down. Everyday, he planned to accomplish a goal. He regularly trained and competed in races, such as Ironman triathlons, which consist of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride, and 26.2 mile run, all completed in under 17 hours. He did this all while sporting a shirt that read “Brain Cancer Survivor.” This opened the door and gave others who were affected by cancer the chance to talk to someone about it. Godek was never afraid to talk about his condition. He was never scared and comforted countless others by sharing his experience. He lived his life to the fullest. He never let cancer slow him down. He never quit. ]]> 2016-09-16]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> James Godek, VT Stories]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> University History]]>
Determined to break the pattern, Bowling spent a summer studying at the University of Tennessee. It only took one summer for him to realize the school was not the right fit for him. He applied to Tech last minute that Fall and was placed in a three-person room in Pritchard. Once another room opened up, he moved to Vawter, which he liked more than Pritchard.

Between his sophomore and junior years, Bowling gave tours during a summer session at Virginia Tech — something he says was a “predecessor” to Hokie Camp, which is held every year to introduce freshmen to the Virginia Tech campus. It was through giving these tours that Bowling stumbled into the opportunity to become an RA, an experience that, he says, benefitted him greatly during his four years at the University.

Bowling’s main concern during his time in undergrad, other than his tendency to procrastinate on assignments, arose during the Iran hostage crisis in 1979. As an RA, he would have been responsible for protecting students from any potential unrest.

Thankfully, nothing came of the student’s plans to protest, and Bowling was saved the trouble of mediating the anticipated riot.

Bowling graduated from Tech with a B.S. in Finance in June of 1980. He then earned his MBA from Virginia Tech, only a semester later, in December 1981. Throughout the years, he has gone on to work for many different companies, mostly around Baltimore, Maryland.

The former RA has fond memories of his time at Virginia Tech, and even though it has been over thirty years since he crossed the stage to accept his degree, the alum occasionally has bizarre dreams that throw him back to his time as a student.
]]> 2015-10-23]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech. ]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University]]> Virginia Polytechnic Institute. Alumni Association]]> Blacksburg (Va.)]]> University History]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> University History]]>
Throughout his time in the Corps, Jess experienced the seriousness of these values. In his four years, Jess bore witness to two drumming outs–expulsion from the Corps for ethical reasons. The gravity of these ethical standards did not only allow Jess to live in a community of trust and respect, but they also allowed for him to excel in his professional career. Serving in the military after graduation, Jess found his time in the Corps had prepared him to be a better soldier and, more importantly, a better person. Serving in the Military Assistance Command in Vietnam from 1965-1967, Jess was able to apply the ethical principles he developed at Virginia Tech to the world in a time of need. Jess understood the power of strong, steadfast beliefs–the Virginia Tech Pylons never faded from his life.

As a student, as a soldier, as a Hokie, Jess Fowler is a figurehead for ethical excellence. The Virginia Tech Nation prides itself in Hokies like Jess. In the face of adversity, Jess holds fast to this concrete belief that honorable behavior will always prevail.]]> 2015-05-22]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Jess Fowler, VT Stories]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> 2019-03-07]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech. ]]> Jim Hatch, VT Stories]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech ]]> University History]]> Joe grew up in a variety of locations, both in the United States and internationally due to his father’s military career. Growing up, his parents both went to college and stressed education and good grades throughout his life, leading him go to college. At Virginia Tech, Joe majored in sociology and philosophy as an undergrad, and got two master’s degrees in the same subjects.

Joe admits that he doesn’t have a very interesting story about choosing Virginia Tech for his college career; he just ended up a Hokie. He recounts his experiences as a Hokie with affection while also refusing to sugarcoat the more negative aspects of his time as a student, such as racial stereotyping and prejudice. In times when he faced these prejudices, Joe turned to organizations such as the Black Cultural Center and the Student African American Brotherhood where he was able to discuss these experiences with people who had been in similar situations.

It’s organizations such as the Student African American Brotherhood and other everyday interactions with fellow Hokies that influenced Joe in his academic experience. It’s also similar interactions that provoked him to act on social issues, such as when he was convinced by a PhD student at an NAACP meeting to go to Ferguson, Missouri following the death of Michael Brown. Joe was also inspired by Paulo Freire’s statement that “Washing one’s hand of the conflict between the powerful and the powerless means to side with the powerful, not to be neutral.” Joe believes there is no such thing as neutrality when it comes to justice, and knows when he needs to act on his beliefs.

In addition to protesting against police brutality, Joe formed the Student Police Unity League, a volleyball league with teams of police officers and minority students from Virginia Tech. In forming these teams, Joe hoped to create relationships between police officers and minority students. This league speaks to Joe’s desire to take a hands-on approach when it comes to social issues and activism.

It’s action such as this that often made Joe stand apart. His frustration during graduate school with sociology scholars who have detailed theories on social inequality and social issues but never do anything inspired him to act personally and make an individual effort to address social problems. This action led to him receiving the Aspire Award for Civility in 2016. Joe appreciates being honored in such a way, and wants to highlight that there are many people doing hard work for social justice that don’t get recognized like he did.


As far as activism and service goes, Joe encourages Virginia Tech students and faculty to be aware of the problems facing their immediate communities as well as the broader world. For Joe, serving fellow Hokies as well as people in surrounding counties who are struggling or facing injustice should common for Virginia Tech students. In this way, he lives out our university motto, Ut Prosim, and desires for Hokies to practice the motto in everyday life as well.

]]> 2017-10-30]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Joe Frazier, VT Stories]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> University History]]>
In this interview, Jack covers his life before and after Virginia Tech, his campus life including notable professors, influential Virginia Tech figures, and the reach of Hokie Nation.
]]> 2016-05-19]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech. ]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> University History]]>
At this time, Marshall Hahn began his tenure as President. President Hahn made the pivotal decision to make the Corps of Cadets voluntary. John watched as the size of the Corps shank drastically throughout the next few years, but he understood that it was the right decision for Virginia Tech. Leadership, one of the Virginia Tech Pylons, became a driving aspect in John’s life. He attributes his leadership abilities to his college experience. His lifelong leadership and dedication to his school later won John the Ruffner Medal in 2011, Virginia Tech’s highest award for distinguished service. Following in his father’s footsteps, John and his father, John W. Bates Jr., are the first father/son Ruffner Medal winners.

John has impacted Virginia Tech in outstanding ways. Virginia Tech is a better university for John’s leadership and dedicated service. Leaders walk among us in the Hokie Nation–like John, crossing the Drillfield on a quiet Sunday morning.

]]> 2015-05-22]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> John Bates, VT Stories]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> University History]]>
In this interview, John talks about his childhood in West Virginia, arriving at Virginia Tech, and time spent serving the university. ]]> 2017-11-20]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> University History]]>

Coming to Virginia Tech only four and a half years after WWII, there were still some veterans on campus when John arrived, and the Korean War had just begun. Due to these circumstances, John expected to be drafted. This never came to fruition and John was able to go on from Virginia Tech to get both a master’s and his PhD. All this time, he had been asking for extensions on the date of his call to active duty. However, his PhD was awarded while he was standing for inspection at Aberdeen Proving Ground where he worked in a ballistic research laboratory. A brief stint in teaching at Brown University followed, but John returned to the army after realizing a life in academia wasn’t for him.

John enjoyed his days at Virginia Tech and seems especially grateful for his experience in the Corps of Cadets. He appreciated studying, working, and living with many friends who proved to be a positive influence on his life. He feels that his involvement in the Corps taught him important life lessons and leadership skills.


]]> 2016-05-19]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> John Frasier, VT Stories]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> University History]]>
Even though he was attending his top school, Barlow almost dropped out during his difficult Rat Year in the Corps of Cadets. However, some encouragement from his mother and physician convinced him to stay.

After graduation, Barlow farmed with his father for four years before being called to serve time in the Air Force. After his two years, he declined the invitation to work full-time with the military to return to his number one passion, farming. Due to his ability as a natural leader, Barlow has been tied to Virginia Tech throughout his adult life. His role as a leader increased while his children were in school; he served on the PTA for fifteen years and during the last five years he was chairman of the schoolboard. During that time, he was also appointed by the Governor to a study commission for agriculture for the state. Barlow was also on the Ag. Counsel and served on the Board of Agriculture Consumer Services for eight years.

During his last three years with the Board of Agriculture Consumer Services, Barlow was elected president. This provided him a seat on the Board of Visitors at Tech. He held his position for three years during the mid-90s. While on the Board of Visitors, Barlow was one of the members who helped elect Dr. Torgersen as President of the University in 1993.

Barlow has taken the University’s motto seriously his entire life, and it shows through his actions.]]> 2015-05-21]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Joseph Barlow, VT Stories]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> University History]]>
As a student who majored in dairy science in the College of Agriculture, Bird was involved in numerous organizations and activities during his time at Virginia Tech. Bird was also President of his class, Chairman of the Ring Committee, and, during his senior year, a Regimental Commander, the highest rank a cadet can hold. In his story, Bird tells of walking across the snow and mud that blanketed the drillfield, something he feels all Hokies can relate to. He also speaks of the wonderful campus food, the snowball fights, the Corps pranks, and the unbelievable stories of the playful rivalry between Virginia Tech and VMI.

Following his graduation from Virginia Tech, Bird was commissioned as an officer in the Army before attending law school at Washington Lee University. His expansive career includes practicing law for 30 years, spending 25 of those years as a judge, and being a state senator, a lifetime honorary board member, and a President of the Alumni Association. Bird has remained so heavily involved with Tech that the class of 2014 honored him by naming their class ring in his honor. Despite his tremendous career, what Bird chiefly wants to be remembered as, is someone who always lives up to his school’s motto, Ut Prosim. Throughout his story, Danny Bird shows the love and respect that he and his classmates share for Virginia Tech.
]]> 2015-10-09]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Danny Bird, VT Stories]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> University History]]>
In her professional career in higher education, DePauw moved to Washington State University, as a professor in the Kinesiology and Leisure Studies Department. While there, she worked her way up through the graduate school, all the while teaching, eventually being appointed to the Dean of the Graduate School in 1999. Several years later, she was nominated for the Dean of Graduate Education at Virginia Tech.

However her decision to leave was not without trouble. Upon the nomination, DePauw faced backlash for her sexual orientation, including hateful emails, her partner Shelli Fowler being denied a position, and intolerant faculty/staff. Though this did not deter her, where DePauw officially arrived in Blacksburg in 2002 as a professor and dean, with her partner (who would soon be appointed to a tenure track position).

In this special interview, DePauw reflects on her 15 years spent at Virginia Tech, including the tragedies, successes, and progress made. All throughout the interview, she emphasizes how her background in social justice permeated her work in transforming graduate life, and the role graduate students serve in inspiring and pushing the university.
]]> 2017-11-21]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Karen DePauw, VT Stories]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> University History]]>
However, Katie quickly adjusted to life at Virginia Tech, finding both a community and an opportunity to grow academically. In the dorms she made lifelong friends with her hallmates, and she later joined a sorority that allowed her to branch out socially and gave her experience with service and leadership. After some time passed, Katie immersed herself in the Virginia Tech community, going to football games, pranking fraternities with her sorority, and making close friends in her classes. Through this community, Katie grew accustomed to being away from home and learning to go out on her own. She eventually became a college ambassador, allowing her to become acquainted with many of the leaders in her college, as well.

After she graduated, Katie applied her double majors of Agricultural Economics and Political Science through her work as a lobbyist, lobbying for a variety of agricultural issues, including the importance of agricultural education. She uses her drive and passion to make a change in people’s views and actions towards agricultural issues. Additionally, Katie is the President of the Virginia Agribusiness Council, and she credits Virginia Tech for giving her the opportunity, through internships, to acquire this position. She speaks to the impact that the combination of academic and extracurricular activities that she had during her undergraduate years at Tech had on her career and post-graduation activities, and she appreciates the opportunities for research and experience that Tech allows for, along with the willingness of faculty to help students as best they can.

As an alumna, Katie remains connected to Virginia Tech through the University Alumni Board and many other advisory committees within the College of Agriculture, along with lobbying for funding for Tech’s agricultural programs. She also is part of Virginia Tech’s Government Relations Department, which allows her to speak to Virginia Tech students and influence their paths. While she thinks of Virginia Tech as a community, she hopes that the university will continue to focus on development and research. She also would encourage the university to continue to create opportunities for alumni involvement and to let the world know what Virginia Tech’s community is capable of.

]]> 2015-10-10]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Katie Frazier, VT Stories]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> University History]]> Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University]]> Virginia, Southwest]]> Aerospace engineers]]> Montgomery County (Va.)]]> Oral histories (document genres)]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> VT Stories, Kevin Crofton]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> University History]]>
Being at Tech in the ‘60s allowed Muller to witness certain aspects of the university that were specific to that time period. For instance, instead of filling up Lane Stadium on game days, Muller and the rest of the student body at the time packed into War Memorial to support their university while Lane Stadium underwent construction. Additionally, students ate meals in Shanks Hall, which today houses Virginia Tech’s English department. During this time Muller made the less-than-fond memory of registering for classes through a system, described by Muller as “archaic”, that did not allow students to chose the professor they wanted.

Muller speaks highly of the education he was able to receive at Virginia Tech, and he remains particularly grateful to the College of Science. He learned and appreciated the willingness of professors to work outside of class time and how helpful the advisors were with choosing classes, and he recognized the importance of these people in his collegiate and postgraduate success.

Following the acquisition of his degree in General Sciences, Muller attended John Marshall Law School, graduating in 1975, and George Washington Law School, graduating in 1978. During law school, Muller saw the benefits of having a science background which allowed him to think analytically about legal situations in ways his peers could not.

After completing his education, Muller worked for an oil licensing company in Virginia for ten years, and then left to work for Shell Oil Company. While holding these jobs, Muller also dedicated time to travel back to Blacksburg, first from his home near D.C. and later from his home in Texas, to give volunteer lectures and teach courses at Virginia Tech.

Since graduation, Muller remains dedicated and attached to Virginia Tech. Throughout his life he has worked to exemplify the spirit of Ut Prosim that was instilled in him years ago. Along with making frequent trips to the university to voluntarily instruct for the College of Science, he also worked as a volunteer with the fire department and as a volunteer at the Houston Zoo. Muller spent about 15 years educating Virginia Tech students; this led to his induction into the College of Science Hall of Distinction in 2013, described by Muller as a “humbling and tremendous honor.”

As for the future of the university, Muller would like to see an increase in diversity among faculty and students. He has a heart for students from rural schools that offer less opportunities than those in highly populated communities, and desires more outreach towards these students. The opportunities and lessons he received at Virginia Tech have stayed with him to this day. Most notably, Muller learned to do what is right, even when what is right is inconvenient or difficult.

What is Virginia Tech to Kim Muller? Primarily, it is an excellent, solid education. It is a positive experience in a beautiful place, to where he will always feel a fond connection. More than just his alma mater, Virginia Tech is and will always be a place he can call home.]]> 2017-04-29]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Kim Muller, VT Stories]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> University History]]>
She went on to do home-based counseling, worked with the Radford Women’s Resource Center, and earned her M.F.A. degree at Cornell University where she taught courses on African-American Science Fiction and Feminist Memoir. Now, she serves as Assistant Director for the VT Black Cultural Center, focusing on its restoration. Virginia Tech was the springboard for Williams’s career. Today, she gives back to the community she calls home in hopes of providing others with the opportunities to follow their dreams – just like she did.

Kimberly was raised in an Air Force family; she never stayed in one place for very long. While maintaining friendships was difficult, she was fortunate to visit different places and experience their cultures including Paris and Germany.
Her family prioritized education highly; from a young age, Williams knew college was guaranteed in her future. She has loved for as long as she can remember and aspired to be a poet despite her parents’ reluctance towards the idea.

The first time she visited campus she noticed a lot of diverse candidacy and students. Coming from a small high school class, Williams anticipated expanding her community, experiences, and identity. Virginia Tech’s beautiful campus and outreach contributed to her final decision to attend, as well as having Nikki Giovanni on the faculty. One of her first memories of attending Tech was noticing the strong sense of community and school pride in the area; the sheer volume of VT gear seen on locals was humorously “borderline cultish.”

Unfortunately, Williams felt intense pressure as a minority on campus, especially during a time when tensions regarding affirmative action. Her parents encouraged her to stick it out despite issues like feeling alienated and receiving degrading messages on her door. The Black Cultural Center served as a refuge where Williams felt like she could be herself; there she found like-minded people who shared her struggles and fears. The support system of the Black Cultural Center was so important to her and other students – it was a place where they didn’t have to worry about differences and could “just be.”
Despite struggles in the classroom, Williams had several professors and mentors who stood out to her, namely Nikki Giovanni.
The mentors she had helped to open her eyes to social justice and her own potential. One of her favorite memories from her undergraduate years at Tech is when she received the Women’s Coordinator of the Year for creating an international women’s organization after learning about issues in Sudan. Other fond memories include cooking for friends, enjoying dinner with mentors, and eating turkey legs at football games.

After graduation, Williams transitioned into a home based counseling job for a grueling seven and a half months before transferring to a job at the Radford’s Women’s Resource Center. Her counseling position taught her perseverance and patience with relationships; she had to navigate through racism and sexism in order to establish a beneficial rapport with her clients.

She then decided to attend Cornell University for graduate school after helpful recommendations from Nikki Giovanni and others. From there, she dabbled in teaching English and working in administration at Hamilton College. It came full circle when she returned to Virginia Tech to work in diversity, working specifically with student advocacy, support, advising, mentoring, and faculty collaborations. While she recognizes that diversity and inclusion at Virginia Tech have a long way to go, she is happy to have the familiarity and community of the university once again.
In the near future, Williams would like to see Tech offer development and support in queer studies, an infrastructure of diversity and inclusion, counseling staff, and fully funded programs for students to study abroad. She envisions incorporating arts into other areas of learning – turning STEM to STEAM. In her experience, if it were not for the support given by mentors and friends, Williams would not be where she is today. Now, she aims to be that same support for students who experience the same struggles she did. It is students that inspire her daily and motivate her to continue giving back.]]> 2017-03-20]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech. ]]> Kimberly Williams, VT Stories]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> University History]]>
Before joining the Virginia Tech family, Plaut led a career in music. A love for the violin and a natural affinity led her to share the arts with others. She taught music and conducted orchestras in Pittsburgh, Boston, and Philadelphia elementary schools; she also performed with several city groups such as the Boston Pops, Philadelphia Opera, and with singer James Brown.

Plaut came to Blacksburg in 1983 at a time when the university needed more faculty. She accepted an offer of a two-year part-time contract to teach humanities courses. Having no prior experience teaching in that field, she devoted her first year of teaching to nights of studying material. In time, Plaut became an exceptional humanities teacher – so exceptional, that she kept her position for 23 years. She expanded from humanities to honors, leadership, and women’s studies courses.

A classical violinist with passion for the arts, Plaut noticed a significant lack of female composers in history. She decided to request a grant to exclusively play concerts written by women. Initially, instructors could not receive grants, but the Women’s Resource Center realized that the majority of instructors at Tech were female. They supplied Plaut with funds to go to the Library of Congress and find music by female composers. She found so many wonderful compositions that she and other musicians put on six concerts entirely written by women. The experience opened Plaut’s eyes to female underrepresentation in society.

The inability for women to produce as much art as men did in history bothered Plaut greatly. The injustice made her realize that women should have equal opportunities as men. Until that time, she had never considered herself a feminist. She began to research feminist theory and women’s studies; the fascinating material was something she never received in her education. As she studied and taught women’s studies, her focus shifted from women in history to women of today.
Plaut began to recognize women’s issues related to staff at Virginia Tech. Part-time instructors, like Plaut, were not considered faculty at the university. A seemingly small detail, this distinction meant that instructors were not eligible for pay with benefits. After she and a group of female professors investigated the issue, Plaut discovered that Tech had been receiving full-time equivalent money and spending it on furniture. She quickly pointed this out to administrators, and her group advocated increased security for instructors. The process was slow, but eventually their work paid off.
Advocating equality has not always been met without resistance. In the 1980’s and 1990 administrations of higher education were male-dominated; some could not accept changing that structure. Slowly, faculty attitudes have been evolving. Plaut and other female Tech educators stayed resilient, supporting each other and their cause with determination. They helped one another with difficulties in teaching, collaborated on class activities, and encouraged each other.
After retirement, Plaut remains active in the local Blacksburg community. She served as secretary on the Lyric Council Board of Directors for six years and contributed to a book about the historical theater’s restoration. The Lyric is a significant part of Blacksburg’s culture, but significant to Plaut in a special way: she met her husband there on a blind date.Plaut and her family would not think of leaving the area, for they are involved in many local organizations. Her husband enjoys volunteering at Gilbert Linkous Elementary School while Plaut finds herself focused on political and feminist efforts. Additionally, she attends as many performances at the Moss Arts Center as she can – when she’s not performing herself. She is pleased with her community work, as she has discovered that Blacksburg is home to many wonderful people.

When asked about changes she would like to see, Plaut encouraged less harassment of others. She hopes that faculty and students continue to embrace a stronger female presence at the university, as well as more general diversity and inclusion. In her opinion, the best part about her career at Virginia Tech was a change from “extremely overworked, underpaid, and insecure” instructors to those with confidence and job security. To the next generation, Plaut advises getting involved in local organizations and following one’s own passions. The best piece of advice she can give? “Don’t be afraid to change your mind.”
Linda Plaut is an exemplary advocate, educator, and Hokie, because she stands up for what she believes in. Thanks to her and women like her, a brighter, more equal future lies ahead. Plaut and her generation of feminists paved the way for equality; Hokies, present and future, will follow that path to a better tomorrow.]]> 2018-02-23]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Linda Plaut, VT Stories]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech ]]> University History]]>
At this time, Squires Student Center was being renovated and the Black Organizations Council began pushing for the inclusion of a Black Cultural Center. Lisa, and her fellow members of the Black Organizations Council, put the Black Cultural Center on the blueprints and, subsequently, in the front mezzanine of the Squires Student Center.

As a Hokie, Lisa’s voice established a living, functioning monument of diversity. For Lisa, the Virginia Tech community gave her a sense of solidarity and empowered her to become an advocate for the African American community. Lisa understands that the Hokie Nation is not monochromatic. Hokies do not allow differences to weaken us; rather, our diversity inspires Hokies to become leaders, dreamers, and campaigners for social change.
Beyond ethnicity, nationality, or gender, every Hokie knows what makes Blacksburg, Virginia home–even if it is just walking across the drillfield in the rain.]]> 2016-04-22]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Lisa Ellison, VT Stories]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> University History]]>
In this interview, Lorraine talks about her time at Virginia Tech, integrating into the school, becoming active in the Black Student Association, and finding a cultural community. Lorraine covers the changes she would like to see at the school in relation to diversity, and what she hopes for the future. ]]> 2016-04-22]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections and University Archives, Virginia Tech.]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections and University Archives, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> University History]]>
Anna LoMascolo came from a long line of Hokies. She went to Virginia Tech for undergrad majoring in communication studies. After graduating, she moved to New York and California, before coming back to Blacksburg and getting a PhD in sociology. She got involved with the Women’s Center first as a volunteer, but turned staff, eventually becoming a co-director.

In this interview, Anna and Mallory talk about their work in the Women’s Center, how they got there, struggles, and work they’ve done creating a safe space on campus for the community.]]> 2018-03-19]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech]]> Mallory Foutch and Anna LoMascolo, VT Stories]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> University History]]>
Marvin Boyd, graduate of the class of 2001, spent his time at Virginia Tech as a Resident Advisor, Resident Advisor Coordinator, and then the Head of Resident Advisors in O’Shaughnessy Hall. He understood the value of a supportive atmosphere for students who might be leaving home for the first time. Marvin built his own college experiences while simultaneously constructing a community where all Hokies could find their home.

Hokies continue to show the drive to help their communities even after they have completed their education. Blacksburg, as Marvin points out, is an isolated place, but this is not a bad isolation; it is, rather, an isolation that fosters a “closer knit community,” that allows students to leave with a permanent sense of Ut Prosim.

Marvin’s actions after he graduated emphasize the importance of the community and attitude towards service that was instilled in him as a student. He also comments on the significance of this affinity for service in other Hokies as well. He was struck in particular by the Relay for Life event that he witnessed when he returned to Tech after graduating. He notes that this event really shows the kind of passion and care that Tech students have, and use, to create a better community.
This kind of passion is what drove Marvin, as the President of the Alumni Chapter in Washington D.C., to organize an annual blood drive and memorial service following the events on April 16th. He also continues to visit Tech and serve with the Alumni Association.

As highlighted in this story, when you’re a Hokie, you’re a Hokie for life – Ut Prosim will always be your motto.

]]> 2015-10-09]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech.]]> Marvin Boyd, VT Stories]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]> University History]]>
In this interview, Prim recounts her life as a pioneer of women in engineering. At Virginia Tech, she was one of six women in her class to begin, and one of three to graduate. She reflects on the isolation where her male peers and professors would intentionally oust her, despite her accomplishments and ties to the department. In her professional career, being discriminated against on the basis of her gender, but persevering. To end, she reflects on the changes in the university, particularly in relation to gender equality on campus.]]> 2018-03-27]]> Permission to publish material from the VT Stories Oral History Collection must be obtained from Special Collections, Virginia Tech. ]]> Click here for synced audio and transcript ]]> Oral histories]]> Special Collections, University Libraries, Virginia Tech]]>