When you see a student walking backwards around campus, leading a crowd of eager faces, know it is Virginia Tech's motto, "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve), in action. Each year, students donate their time as Hokie Ambassadors in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

During the 2008-09 academic year, more than 100 current Virginia Tech students volunteered nearly 3,000 hours as Hokie Ambassadors.

These volunteers are often considered to be the face of Virginia Tech, as they are usually one of the first people potential students and their families encounter when visiting campus.

“Students who volunteer as Hokie Ambassadors are very enthusiastic about Virginia Tech. When they participate in tours, the families take away the school spirit and pride that each ambassador has for the university,” says Hokie Ambassador Advisor Linda Hazelwood, in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

“Also, we find that potential students see current students as their peers and tend to respond well to the interactive tours our Hokie Ambassadors give.”

Each Hokie Ambassador gives eight tours per semester to prospective students and their families. In addition, they volunteer in the admissions office for two hours per semester, filing and entering data from recent visitors in a secure contacts database.

Each one-hour tour consists of current and historical information regarding Virginia Tech and begins at Burruss Hall with stops at Pamplin Hall, Alumni Mall, War Memorial, Torgersen Bridge, Newman Library, War Memorial Gym, and finally the Drillfield.

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