“We are Hokies. Are you?”

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Maria Monaco, Center Editor

Virginia Tech, formally recognized as Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, overflows with pride and sense of unity. Emanating from within the Hokie Stone antiquated walls, the university features a remarkably interesting recipe of spirit in both their educational, social, and athletic accomplishments. Situated Blacksburg, Virginia Tech attracts thousands of applicants yearly, specifically from Mendham where students find that the approximate 462 distance from home allows for cushioned freedom for what is often the first, true separation from a familial dynamic. However, what students undoubtedly find at the universe is a family in the purest definition of the word. Comprised of 213 buildings, 2,600 acres, and the Virginia Tech Montgomery Executive Airport, the main campus already boasts conveniently-located resources available to the students. With circa 34,400 students both on and off campus, the university establishes a surprisingly low student to faculty ratio of 16:1, providing students with engaging and seemingly personal learning environments. Virginia Tech’s educational program advertises 110 bachelor’s degree programs alongside 170 masters and doctoral degree programs, which when combined with the university’s university research ranking as 24th among public research institutions by National Science Foundation paints an idealistic portrait of educational superiority. In addition to the university’s impressive ranking, the private research center, VT Corporate Research Center, houses 230 acres, 33 buildings, and 180 buildings for additional opportunities.  The university dedicates over $521 million annually into student research, facilitating the constant production of new theories and discoveries to challenge the boundaries of current knowledge. Working collaboratively to create a well-rounded school identity, the university’s athletic department is also significantly recognized with participation in NCAA Division 1-A men’s varsity sports including football, basketball, baseball, soccer, indoor and outdoor track, swimming and diving, wrestling, tennis, golf, and cross country and women’s varsity sports include basketball, tennis, volleyball, swimming and diving, indoor and outdoor track, soccer, softball, lacrosse, golf, and cross country. Although the magnitude and diversity of accomplishments certainly demand attention, Virginal Tech ultimately aspires to embody its motto “Ut Prosim” within the student body. Translating from Latin to “That I May Serve,” the university hopes that the guiding force in their student lives comes from service- finding your place in a world filled with charity. Aspiring to mold the ideal future generation from the clay of youth, Virginia stresses that to be able to call this place home, you must be able to call yourself a server.