Virginia Tech students, faculty, and staff are well known for their commitment to the university's motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve). It's in that spirit that employees are dedicating their time to serve their colleagues through participation in "Our VT: Building Community at Virginia Tech."

"Our faculty and staff have such a wealth of expertise and this series allows them, regardless of their location, to participate," said Hal Irvin, associate vice president of human resources.

The webinar series, launched in the fall of 2013, facilitates two-way conversation between presenters and employees across the state, providing an opportunity to discuss a range of topics in an engaging way. 

Hosted by the Department of Human Resources, the webinars are held every six times a year, from noon to 1 p.m., and are broadcast live from the North End Center on the Blacksburg campus. Employees participate via Adobe Connect from their office and may ask questions. In some cases, employees have come together in groups to participate.

More than 700 employees participated in six webinars in the past year. Speakers included:

  • University Distinguished Professor Nikki Giovanni who spoke on poetry, education, and community;
  • Director of University Scholarships and Financial Aid Beth Armstrong, Associate Vice Provost for Enrollment Management and Director of Undergraduate Admissions Mildred Johnson, and Associate Vice Provost for Undergraduate Academic Affairs and Director of Student Success and Chief Diversity Officers for the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine Karen Eley Sanders who spoke on college access and how employees can help get their own students navigate the application, admissions, and financial aid process at Virginia Tech and other institutions;
  • Associate Professor of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise Elena Serrano and Associate Professor of Food Science and Technology Robert Williams who spoke on strategies for healthy eating and weight control over the holidays;
  • Associate Professor and Director of the Hahn Horticulture Garden Holly Scoggins shared advice on gardening; and,
  • Athletic Director Whit Babcock spoke on his vision for the future of Virginia Tech athletics
  • Philanthropist P. Buckley Moss, for whom the newly opened Moss Arts Center is named, spoke on her life and career.

Recordings of each session are available for those who are unable to participate.

The 2015 schedule of speakers will be announced soon on the Human Resources website. Suggestions for possible speakers are welcome and may be submitted via a short online form

For more information contact the HR Service Center at 540-231-9331.

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