Virginia Tech Magazine
Alumni Association News
Spring 2009

Holtzman Alumni Center
Reunions: A look back at an exciting season

The fall 2008 reunion and college/constituency homecoming season saw thousands of alumni and their family and friends venturing back to campus to join us for some memorable weekends. Reunions that span 25th through 50th anniversaries, as well as young alumni reunions, are planned with the assistance of class presidents and reunion committee members to help ensure a special weekend for all attendees.

Virginia Tech cheerleaders, past and present, with the HokieBird

This past reunion season provided lasting memories for everyone. The Class of '58 had a surprise pep rally to kick off their reunion, led by past cheerleaders Patsy Bean '58, Don Williams '59, and Bootie Chewning (Radford College). The group was joined by the current Virginia Tech cheerleaders and the HokieBird. Not to be outdone, some members of the Class of '63 led the corps of cadets as they marched into Lane Stadium prior to game time.
Young alumni joint class reunions prove popular
Last fall was an exciting time for young alumni to connect with friends and classmates, as shown by two joint young alumni reunions hosted by the Alumni Association. The classes of '00, '01, and '02 celebrated their time at Virginia Tech by gathering in Charlotte, N.C., Aug. 29-30. The weekend began with a welcome reception at a local tavern in downtown Charlotte. Alumni bedecked in orange and maroon packed the house to celebrate, reminisce, and catch up. The next morning, the group enjoyed a tailgate with games, food, and beverages with the Charlotte Alumni Chapter as they prepared to cheer on the Hokies against the East Carolina Pirates in the football season opener.
Young alumni reunion at Virginia Tech

The classes of '91, '92, and '93 celebrated their joint reunion Sept. 5-6. They kicked off with the first GobblerFest, a new, annual "welcome to the neighborhood" festival, which was held outside Squires Student Center and in part of downtown Blacksburg. During the festival, which included food and live music by the Pat McGee Band, alumni mingled with students and friends. On Saturday, class members and their guests and families met at the Holtzman Alumni Center for a Hokie Tailgate Party. The private tailgate featured a live classic rock band, plentiful barbeque and beer, tailgate games, and, of course, the HokieBird leading a spirit rally. Children and adults alike lined up to get their picture taken with the HokieBird before the group headed to Lane Stadium to cheer on the Hokies as they defeated the Furman Paladins 24-7. Afterward, some alumni joined in an optional "Hokie Crawl" in downtown Blacksburg that gave them a chance to return to their favorite college hangouts, where they received discounts and specials just by mentioning their reunion.

This fall, the home season opener with popular rival Marshall University will feature another exciting joint class reunion for several recent classes. If your reunion class is '94, '95, '96, '03, '04, or '05, plan to join in the festivities at the Holtzman Alumni Center. The featured event again will be a Hokie Tailgate Party with plenty of good food and tapped kegs, and there will be live music and games on the Alumni Terrace and Lawn for all attendees. The alumni center offers free parking for reunion registrants. After the game, enjoy traveling down memory lane at popular downtown Blacksburg nightspots.

Register online at www.alumni.vt.edu/reunion/index.html.

IN THIS EDITION
. Commentary

. Alumni Association 2009 Tours

. Hokie Nation Network

. Upcoming 2009 alumni events

. Multicultural Alumni Programs

. The Alumni Association seeks your advice

. Celebrating alumni who exemplify Ut Prosim

. Virginia Tech Alumni chapter contacts


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