In its winter 2016-17 edition, a.k.a. "The Boundary Issue," Virginia Tech Magazine examines the many ways that Hokies are pushing the traditional limits in order to redefine the role of the land-grant university in the 21st century.

From drone-delivered burritos and capital investments in health science and technology in Roanoke, to interactions with policymakers in the National Capital Region and the reinvention of the Blacksburg campus, university leaders, faculty, staff, and students are making bold moves to change the world.

In a related feature, learn more about how Virginia Tech has revolutionized the sports helmet industry. Through hard-hitting studies that involve partners from Blacksburg to Roanoke and across the nation, researchers are focused on improving the diagnosis and treatment of concussions and traumatic brain injuries in youth and adults in sports ranging from football to men's and women's soccer.

Changes in helmet safety, practice guidelines, and coaching techniques are already making a difference for players of all ages. Continued Virginia Tech helmet testing is expected to result in the first-ever safety ratings for headgear in every helmeted sport around the globe.

As Hokies continue to pioneer groundbreaking research and new approaches to address the complex challenges of the future, a group of faculty, staff, students, and administrators are taking the  time to carefully document Virginia Tech's past and present, one story at a time, through the VT Stories oral history project. Recording the personal experiences of the people who make up the Hokie Nation, VT Stories embraces the tradition of oral histories that is central to Appalachia and gives voice to the shared experiences that have shaped the Virginia Tech community.

Meanwhile, the spirit of Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) continues to drive alumni, as evidenced in the story of Tom Bagamane, who was inspired by a trip to Washington, D.C., to make a difference for the homeless in California. His organization, The Giving Spirit, assembles and distributes survival kits for those who live on the streets.

Elsewhere, read about the quarry that's the source of Hokie Stone, take a look back at some of the exciting sports highlights from 2016, and learn more about the conversion of Virginia Tech's Honors program into a full-fledged Honors College.

The web version of Virginia Tech Magazine features online-only multimedia content. Request hard copies by emailing magazine editor Erica Stacy.

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