Editor's note: The following is an open letter to Virginia Tech employees from Kevin Foust, chief of police and director of security. Foust is the honorary chair of the 2016 Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign.

Dear colleagues,

I am honored and humbled to have been asked to serve as this year’s honorary chair for the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign.

We all are very proud of the university’s motto Ut Prosim (That I May Serve). Giving to the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign is an excellent way for us all to embody the Virginia Tech motto by serving others.

With more than 1,000 charities to choose from, employees can easily find one that fits their own sense of service. Great satisfaction can be gleaned from knowing that, although you might not have been able to be there with them personally, your financial support to the charity or charities of your choice ensured that others can continue to serve as well.

Supporting a charity through the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign is very easy. Employees can review the list of approved charities, find one or more that fits them best, and donate. Tax-deductible gifts can be made online through payroll deduction or via a paper pledge form.

Most importantly, each and every gift counts — there is no such thing as a small gift. When a gift truly comes from the heart, it knows no size.

If each employee donates just $2 per paycheck, we will exceed our goal of $325,000.

The 2016 campaign will run through Dec. 12. Please consider joining me and all other Hokies in fulfilling our motto.

Kevin L. Foust
Honorary Chair, 2016 Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign
Chief of Police and Director of Security

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