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  1. Virginia Tech Daily /
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  3. 2018 /
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  5. Meet these members of the Class of 2018 /
  • January
  • February
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  • April
  • May
    • Caroline Reist named Outstanding Graduating Student for the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine
    • Virginia Tech funds 12 sustainability projects through the student Green RFP Program
    • Class of 2018: Juan Hernandez leads inside and outside the classroom
    • A week in Havana transforms Virginia Tech students
    • Chief of naval operations to speak at Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets and ROTC Graduation and Joint Commissioning Ceremony
    • Keep calm and carry on: VTCRI scientists make first serotonin measurements in humans
    • Virginia Tech researchers awarded USDA grant to study the spread of devastating wheat diseases
    • Class of 2020 ring namesake and sponsor named
    • Class of 2018: Taylor Swan develops Student Affairs experience into career path
    • Class of 2018: Kyle Kirkpatrick helps to crack long-sought key to make quantum computing a reality
    • Cartledge Charitable Foundation joins fight against breast cancer with gift to Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute
    • Language and Culture Institute’s English program earns reaccreditation
    • Could soccer headgear reduce concussion risk? First-ever ratings say yes.
    • Victory in Europe Day to be commemorated with national effort to make available insights of American soldiers during World War II
    • U.S. Cherry Blossom Queen Margaret O’Meara to serve as goodwill ambassador to Japan
    • Class of 2018: Graduating senior Genevieve Gural spent undergrad career learning beyond her major
    • $5 million gift from alumnus and family creates pathway for 60 first-generation students per year
    • Nine graduate students join the Bouchet Graduate Honor Society
    • Tyler Miller named 2018 Outstanding Senior for the College of Science
    • Behind the scenes of drone integration: Managing traffic in the sky
    • Polymer researchers discover path to sustainable and biodegradable polyesters
    • Student earns Phi Kappa Phi Medal
    • New creative technologies in music degree option reimagines instruments and soundmaking
    • Undergraduate researchers represent Virginia Tech at ACC Meeting of the Minds
    • Ex Lapide Year Zero Reunion is May 10
    • Dwayne Pinkney named senior vice president for operations and administration
    • Owner’s connection to the land plays a major role in conservation efforts
    • Virginia Tech to present honorary degree to Minnis Ridenour during spring commencement ceremonies
    • New research explains larger-than-life perceptions of American chestnut
    • Virginia wins bid to participate in national drone program
    • Class of 2018: Neuroscience graduate Dallece Curley is headed for year-long fellowship at Mayo Clinic
    • Everything you need to know for 2018 commencement
    • SNAP benefits already underestimate nutritious diet costs; employment requirements could further constrain low-income households, experts say
    • Doughtie to receive award for distinguished achievement
    • Elaine Densley recognized for outstanding leadership
    • Virginia Tech collaboration brings virtual reality to Montgomery County Public Schools
    • Medical school welcomes 41 new doctors into the profession during 2018 graduation
    • Virginia Tech’s Design Build Fly Team places second at international AIAA competition
    • Class of 2018: Budding paleontologist journeys forward by looking back
    • Virginia Tech industrial design students win Stanford Center on Longevity Design Challenge
    • In memoriam: President Emeritus Charles W. Steger
    • William Hopkins receives Mitchell A. Byrd Award for outstanding achievement in ornithology
    • Despite bumps in the road, engineering team places third in North American autonomous vehicle competition
    • Mandatory national menu labeling underway. While it is a good start, restaurants could voluntarily do much more, according to Virginia Tech expert
    • Chemistry’s John Matson honored as outstanding young faculty by Dreyfus Foundation
    • Town hall reveals progress of Virginia Tech diversity, inclusion work
    • Video: HokieBird statue created for VTCSOM after 100 percent of Class of 2018 donated to their class gift
    • Roger Duvall named general manager of WVTF Public Radio and RADIO IQ
    • University Libraries group study rooms to be named in recognition of gift for library renovations
    • Undergraduate Honor System presents students, faculty with Honor Council awards
    • Class of 2018: Miss Virginia USA uses national spotlight to follow Virginia Tech motto of service
    • Leon P. Harris receives Virginia Tech’s highest honor
    • Video: Memorial service for President Emeritus Charles W. Steger
    • First students earn degrees through innovative translational biology, medicine, and health program
    • History course examines tumultuous 1960s and presents research through University Libraries exhibit
    • bi-datacenter
    • bi-astrocyteseq
    • Alumni couple’s passion for the environment leads to undergraduate research support in the University Libraries
    • Mom knows best: including cheetah, wood duck, and jaguar moms
    • Class of 2018: Zach Simmons first in family to graduate, first to pursue medical school
    • Current page: Meet these members of the Class of 2018
    • Gang Wang receives CAREER Award to thwart email phishing attacks
    • Enter an evocative world of sound art with five leading artists in experimental music and multi-channel sound
    • Policy Strategic Growth Area faculty discuss solutions to complex problems at spring forum
    • Open textbook “Fundamentals of Business” surpasses 100,000 downloads
    • Exploratory Virginia Tech study suggests dockless bikeshare attracts more diverse riders and may be more accessible in D.C.
    • Computational modeling may soon help researchers predict, and prevent, food insecurity
    • National expert on the behavioral science of scarcity to speak at VTCRI
    • Virginia Tech community gathers to remember President Emeritus Charles W. Steger
    • Virginia Extension Master Gardeners offer help for common garden and landscape problems
    • Help Virginia Tech lead a revolution in sound
    • VTCRI wins award to develop test for mild traumatic brain injury, working with industry partners, other Virginia universities
    • Wildlife conservation student receives 2018 Udall Scholarship
    • A student’s passion for skateboarding sparks a passion for research
    • No more banks or FICO reports? Economist describes ways blockchain technology will change how we allocate credit
    • New council charged with enhancing equity in work, life at Virginia Tech
    • Yanny or Laurel? Virginia Tech linguist available for comment on viral phenomena
    • Clancy offers Capitol Hill testimony on telecommunications supply chain operations
    • Virginia Tech receives 2018 Green Leadership Award
    • The Moss Arts Center marks its fifth anniversary with a new season of legendary voices, global sounds, and timeless classics
    • Virginia Tech graduate becomes first African-American woman to earn degree in nanoscience
    • Community college faculty get training in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) to bring back to the classroom
    • Virginia 4-H'ers spend spring break helping Texans rebound from Hurricane Harvey
    • Wireless technology expert available to discuss national security risks surrounding telecommunications
    • Radio IQ news staff wins Associated Press, Murrow awards
    • Summer Arts Festival 2018 kicks off on June 1
    • Block.one, Virginia Tech team up to build skills in blockchain
    • Destination Area courses, student experiences continue to move Virginia Tech forward
    • Farm Bill set for a vote; SNAP benefits already underestimate nutritious diet costs
    • A letter from President Tim Sands at the end of the academic year
    • Virginia Tech team tops in cyber capture-the-flag
    • Funding awarded to diverse group of social and behavioral science researchers who aim to make an impact
    • Drug discovery researcher receives NIH support to find inhibitors to treat global diseases
    • Steelcase funds work to create an active learning space where students and faculty collaborate
    • Bill Abplanalp named director of management systems and data administration within the Division of Operations
    • Diverse perspectives on display at upcoming exposome symposium
    • Celebrating 25 years of Staff Appreciation Day
    • Dedication ceremony honors Ray Smoot '69
    • Jason Lai reappointed James S. Tucker Professor
    • Robert Broadwater honored with emeritus status
    • Peter Vikesland named the Nick Prillaman Professor
    • Delbert O’Meara inducted to Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Hall of Fame
    • Azim Eskandarian named Nicholas and Rebecca Des Champs Chair in Mechanical Engineering
    • Linsey Marr appointed Charles P. Lunsford Professor
    • Jennifer Schafer Zabinsky named Outstanding Recent Undergraduate Alumna of Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
    • Olivera Jankovska named Outstanding Recent Graduate Alumna of Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
    • Amanda Morris’ chemistry lab mimicking how plants energize in bid to create clean, sustainable energy
    • Chen-Ching Liu named American Electric Power Professor
    • Harpreet Dhillon named Steven O. Lane Junior Faculty Fellow of Electrical and Computer Engineering
    • Wenjing Lou named the W.C. English Professor
    • VTCRI scientists identify novel cellular mechanism that can lead to cancer metastasis
    • Vinod Lohani named W.S. "Pete" White Chair for Innovation in Engineering Education
    • Scott L. Hendricks honored with emeritus status
    • Report shows strong impact, predicts economic growth for Virginia Tech Carilion Health Sciences and Technology Campus
    • Adaptive Brain and Behavior DA workshops engage campus for updates, information
    • Singer-songwriter and pianist Ben Folds performs a summer solo show at the Moss Arts Center
    • Virginia Tech Board of Visitors to meet June 3-4
    • Graduate School to hold graduate education conference in June
    • College of Science’s Gary Long receives Sally Bohland Excellence in Access and Inclusion Award
    • Expert dispels myths about Lyme disease and offers tips for prevention
    • Red salamander named official salamander of Virginia thanks to 4-H group
    • Virginia Tech professor and 4-H youth team up to establish Community and 4-H Center in Senegal
    • Eric Lyon receives Guggenheim Fellowship to explore the edges of spatial orchestration
    • Professor Richard Veilleux receives Graduate School's outstanding mentor award
    • President Tim Sands reappointed to serve on Innovation and Entrepreneurship Investment Authority
    • VTCRI researcher to deliver internationally renowned Dorcas Cummings Memorial Lecture
    • Luisa Havens Gerardo uses life, service experiences to lead enrollment management
    • Apex Center for Entrepreneurs announces preliminary winner of Global Challenge
    • Robert Sturges honored with emeritus status
  • June
  • July
  • August
  • September
  • October
  • November
  • December

Meet these members of the Class of 2018

May 10, 2018

  • Article Item
    Man poses for photo alongside fence
    Class of 2018: Zach Simmons first in family to graduate, first to pursue medical school , article

    The importance of getting an education for Simmons couldn’t be measured in miles. But if it could, it would come out to a 60-mile round trip every day for a year of community college. Then moving 44 miles up the road to Blacksburg.

  • Article Item
    Dallece Curley
    Class of 2018: Neuroscience graduate Dallece Curley is headed for year-long fellowship at Mayo Clinic , article

    When the Virginia Tech School of Neuroscience first launched four years ago, incoming first-year student Curley was one of the first students to jump at the chance to be part of the new, one-of-a-kind program within the College of Science.

  • Article Item
    Ashley Vollrath
    Class of 2018: Miss Virginia USA uses national spotlight to follow Virginia Tech motto of service , article

    Ashley Vollrath is competing for the Miss USA crown to grow her Boys and Girls Club initiative, Spread Your Wings and FLY (Forever Love Yourself), to help motivate disadvantaged youth to achieve their dreams.

  • Article Item
    Student in a lab
    Class of 2018: Budding 'rockhound' journeys forward by looking back , article

    Alex Bradley loved picking up rocks as a kid growing up in Alaska. But his passion for natural treasures didn't stop then.

  • Article Item
    Ahmed Elnahhas
    Class of 2018: Mechanical engineering student top graduating senior in College of Engineering , article

    Ahmed Elnahhas received the Phi Kappa Phi Medal as the top graduate in the College of Engineering April 9. A mechanical engineering senior, Elnahhas is graduating with a 4.0 grade point average.

  • Article Item
    Photo of a smiling young woman standing in front of a gray Hokie stone building, Burruss Hall.
    Class of 2018: Graduating senior Genevieve Gural spent undergrad career learning beyond her major , article

    Gural began her undergraduate career as a member of Hypatia, the College of Engineering's living-learning community for women.

  • Article Item
    Daniel-Surinach
    Class of 2018: Daniel Surinach shapes the future of men’s reproductive health , article

    During his time at Virginia Tech, Surinach has grown into an essential member of his lab’s team by conducting preliminary research for a condition known as Peyronie’s Disease.

  • Article Item
    Taylor Swan poses beside a sign that reads "Orientation Check-In" in Squires Student Center.
    Class of 2018: Taylor Swan develops Student Affairs experience into career path , article

    Over the past four years, Taylor Swan has developed a passion for service and discovered her leadership style through involvement in Student Affairs departments and programs.

  • Article Item
    Kyle Kirkpatrick in chemistry lab
    Class of 2018: Kyle Kirkpatrick helps to crack long-sought key to make quantum computing a reality , article

    Graduating senior Kirkpatrick of chemistry may have found a new key to make the path toward quantum computing a reality.

  • Article Item
    Juan Hernandez offers remarks behind a podium in Owens Banquet Hall at Virginia Tech.
    Class of 2018: Juan Hernandez leads inside and outside the classroom , article

    A senior from Salem, Virginia, studying biochemistry in the College of Science, Hernandez said he is most proud of his Mexican heritage and being a Mexican immigrant here in the United States. He'll graduate with a 3.93 overall GPA and Dean's List with Distinction honors.

  • Article Item
    Kirsten White stands on a grassy hillside, with a large valley stretching out behind her
    Class of 2018: Kirsten White’s trek from Poquoson to the Peace Corps , article

    White, a geography major, has developed a passion for sustainability. She has been accepted to the Peace Corps and plans to begin service within the next year.

  • Article Item
    Saherah Khan (right) poses with Senator Mark Warner at the Hart Senate Office Building..
    Class of 2018: Graduating senior Saherah Khan seeks to create the change she wishes to see in the world , article

    Khan is a business management major and a recipient of the Pamplin New Horizons Scholarship, established to recruit more students with a diverse background to Pamplin and to promote a better understanding about the importance of diversity in higher education and in the workplace.

  • Article Item
    Corps of Cadets Regimental Commander Brian Kehs addresses first-year cadets gathered around him.
    Class of 2018: Corps of Cadets experiences prepare Brian Kehs for a career as an Army officer , article

    Kehs, the regimental commander for the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, says he will leave Virginia Tech with this key lesson: Great leaders don’t try to be the best at everything.

  • Article Item
    Ian Ho
    Class of 2018: Engineer, athlete, time management superstar , article

    Mechanical engineering major Ian Ho is a time management master, juggling a heavy course load and excelling at D-1 athletics - holding two Virginia Tech swim records.

  • Article Item
    Video: Graduating student Chanz Hopkins helps others while pursuing his dream
    Video: Graduating student Chanz Hopkins helps others while pursuing his dream , article

    Hopkins, a fish conservation major at Virginia Tech, has reinvented himself and will graduate this year, 17 years after graduating from high school.

Spring 2018 Commencement Schedule

Find everything you need to know at our commencement website.

  • Thursday, May 10: Graduate School Commencement Ceremony, 2:30 p.m. in Cassell Coliseum
  • Friday, May 11: University Commencement Ceremony, 8:30 a.m. in Lane Stadium (get there early!)
  • Friday-Saturday, May 11-12: College and Departmental ceremonies
  • Sunday, May 13: National Capital Region Commencement Ceremony, 1 p.m. at the Center for the Arts at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia

Top News

  • Article Item
    Lisa M. Lee
    Hooked on public good , article
  • Article Item
    A picture of the HokieBird held up in front of Torgersen Bridge on the Virginia Tech campus.
    More than 12,000 Hokies come together to raise over $6.1 million for Virginia Tech on Giving Day , article
  • Article Item
    COVID-19 update
    Bissell: Vigilance still needed even as case numbers improve , article

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