Virginia Tech has named John Steger, of Springfield, Va., as the Outstanding Graduating Senior in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences for the 2009-10 academic year.

Steger, a double major in history and political science, is expected to receive both bachelor's degrees from the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences in May 2010. During his time at Virginia Tech, Steger has not only excelled academically, but has also held a wide range of leadership positions in extracurricular activities.

As a member of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, Steger was chosen as regimental commander, the highest ranking cadet, leading over 750 cadets. During his time with the corps, Steger also led the Ranger Challenge team and the Army 10-Miler team. Steger is also a member of Omicron Delta Kappa, a national leadership honor society.

Steger has excelled academically as well, appearing on the dean's list for seven consecutive semesters. As a student ambassador for the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, he was also responsible for representing the college to prospective and current students.

Outside of the university, Steger has volunteered his time with children as a Sunday school teacher and a camp counselor. He has also interned with ManTech Inc., working with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Steger will be joining the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant upon graduation in May.

Steger is the son of Tom and Linda Steger of Springfield, Va.

The Outstanding Senior Awards are presented at the Student Honors Day Banquet each spring. These awards are co-sponsored by the Virginia Tech Alumni Association and the senior class.

The purpose of the award is to recognize outstanding student performance in each college of the university. Students are selected on the basis of their grade point average (3.4 or higher on a 4.0 scale) and outstanding performance in several or all of the following areas: academic achievement, extracurricular activities, leadership positions, and contributions of service to the university and/or community.

The College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences at Virginia Tech embraces the arts, humanities, social and human sciences, and education. The college nurtures intellect and spirit, enlightens decision-making, inspires positive change, and improves the quality of life for people of all ages. It is home to the departments of apparel, housing and resource management, communication, educational leadership and policy studies, English, foreign languages and literatures, history, human development, interdisciplinary studies, music, philosophy, political science, ROTC, science and technology in society, sociology, teaching and learning, and theatre arts. Virginia Tech, the most comprehensive university in Virginia, is dedicated to quality, innovation, and results to the commonwealth, the nation, and the world.

Written by Krystyne Hayes. Hayes, of Front Royal, Va., is a junior majoring in communication in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences.

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