Virginia magazine New school, new medicine Tech I, Robot|Physics andfootball

fall 2010 vol. 33, no. 1 Contents Fall 2010 VOL. 33, NO. 1

10 How Tech Ticks: Physics and football In the first installment of a new series on the inner workings of , we explore the physics and mysteries surrounding the football. 10 12 Vocational specialists dismantle employment barriers for NRV residents Domestic violence; lack of access to medical, dental, and mental health care services; homelessness; lack of transportation: All are barriers to gainful employment for New River Valley residents. A group of specialists at Virginia Tech is helping people overcome these obstacles and pave the way for brighter futures. 14 Romesh Batra: The measure of success In our first professor profile, Virginia Tech Magazine visits with Romesh Batra, the Clifton C. Garvin Professor of Engineering Science and Mechanics. The prolific scholar gauges success not by his own accomplishments, but by those of his students. 16 Diagnosing the doctors of tomorrow On Aug. 2, the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Research Institute opened its doors, welcoming 42 future doctors and celebrating the start of an innovative 16 approach to medicine, education, and research. 24 CHARLI in charge C-3PO and Rosie might someday take a backseat to the work of students and faculty at the Robotics and Mechanisms Laboratory. Their latest creation, CHARLI, is making noise on the international robotics scene. 28 Helping Virginia take flight A bold new partnership is harnessing the capabilities of Virginia Tech, the University of Virginia, the Virginia Community College System, Rolls-Royce, and state and local gov- ernments to build better jet engines and spur economic growth in the commonwealth. 32 Hokies teach for America Too often, a child’s birthplace determines the quality of his or her education. Fifty Hokie alumni are challenging this notion, choosing to teach in underprivileged communities through the Teach for America program. 24 38 Smoke and mirrors: Performance art bends the senses Architectural-draftsman-turned-performance-artist Bruce McClure (architecture ’85) is a man in his own genre, using the tools of cinema to bring the abstract to life in what he calls “projection performance.” Letters to the Editor...... 2 Around the Drillfield...... 4 45 Alumni Association News Corps of Cadets...... 41 page 45: Commentary Philanthropy...... 42 page 46: 2009-10 Alumni Association Annual Report page 49: Alumni Association and university awards Book Notes...... 54 page 51: Alumni travel Class Notes...... 56 In Retrospect ...... 63 DEPARTMENTS

On the cover: (From left) Don Vile, Raeva Malik, and Robert Brown, members of the 42-student charter class at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Research Institute, pose outside the new building in Roanoke, Va. Photo by Jim Stroup.

Virginia Tech Magazine Fall 2010 1 Letters to the Editor Letters to the Editor

Virginia Tech Magazine Letters to the editor: architects was “form follows I was the first and proud brother Ken (he’s second from Fall 2010, Vol. 33, No. 1 Send us your thoughts at [email protected] Fellow alumni: function,” which led to plain, to say so. Even more proud the right and looking dismal). You may have noticed some changes to Virginia Tech Maga- Editor box-like structures. I person- that my daughters are turning Big Stone Gap, Va., was a Jesse Tuel zine over the past several issues. Concurrent with the Fall 2008 Assistant Editor ally do not admire them and it into a tradition! Bloodlines good place in which to grow Denise Young issue we merged Alma Mater, a semi-annual publication of the Art Director had hoped that Bauhaus or not, we are all one big up! They did well! Glen Duncan Alumni Association, into Virginia Tech Magazine. This change edu had faded away. The Nazis Hokie family, and few under- “De” was my uncle. He . Graphic Designer t afforded university relations and the Alumni Association cost Alison Romano considered these designs stand how strong the ties that .v graduated in 1921. Dad fol- savings and a streamlined production process. e Interns decadent, so the school was bind are! lowed him in 1923 [electrical Meaghan Hinder ’10 With this issue more changes appear. You now will see Hillary May ’12 shut down as the republic engineering]. I was a distant Tim Austin ’13 Todd Dale ’86 paid advertising throughout the publication. Formerly only the Graduate assistant was extinguished. third. We kept in touch with Chad O’Kane M.A. ’11 Eagleville, Pa. alumni section was ad-supported. We adopt this new business Contributors De though he and wife Ruth vtmagazin via Facebook model reluctantly. However, university finances demand that . Harry Holland ’46 Clara B. Cox M.A. ’84 lived in Atherton, Calif. w Steven Mackay Greenville, S.C. we reduce costs or find supplemental revenue. Rock Roszak ’71 We lived in Springfield, Pa. ww Albert Raboteau For many years, we reduced costs and expanded distribu- (suburban Philadelphia). Dad Melissa Vidmar The tion. I fear that those days are over. For almost two decades we Copy Editors died in 1960 at age 58. He Juliet Crichton supercomputer have distributed the magazine free to all alumni. We remain Richard Lovegrove worked most of his career for I wonder how fast iTunes one of the few large universities to continue this practice. Webmaster Philadelphia Electric Com- Juliet Crichton loads at 10 teraflops? You have repeatedly told us through survey after survey Photographers pany in sales. Michael Kiernan that Virginia Tech Magazine is your primary source of news and John McCormick I “made it out” of Tech in From left, Michael Banks ’04, Juan Espinoza ’04, Alex Kevin Zhan ’10 information about your alma mater. While alumni magazines Jim Stroup 1956, mostly thanks to the Business Manager Espinoza, Jared Irish ’04, Chris Bonner ’04, and Andrew Charlottesville, Va. remain expensive programs and I sometimes hear a clamor Paula Vaught Espinoza, ready to run with the bulls in Spain. influence and guidance of Advertising Coordinator via Facebook to replace print with some version of electronic distribution, Horace Cross ’08, M.S. ’10 these two! Alumni Notes our experiences, research, and feedback continue to support a Shirley Fleet Hokies run with Hereditary Hokies Ray Wolfe ’56 traditional print magazine approach. Associate Vice President Center for the Arts Ray Wolfe My infant son is a fourth- Westport, Conn. We hope that this periodical just might have some small for University Relations the bulls I can appreciate the Larry Hincker ’72, M.B.A. ’94 generation Hokie. We deco- Remembering role in the legendary affection and support the Hokie Nation Director of Marketing Fully aware of the dangers worth in a building for the and Publications of marriage, I thought it rated the nursery in Hokie D.C. Wolfe See the summer 2010 repeatedly expresses for Virginia Tech. Melissa Richards arts, but why does it have colors largely to honor my [Below] is a 1921 picture article on D.C. Wolfe and the And if your business needs exposure in front of 180,000- Vice President for Alumni Relations would be best to prepare for to look like warmed-over Tom Tillar ’69 dad, [a member of the]corps of Highty-Tighties band slideshow of his WWI-era im- plus highly educated American consumers with a penchant for it by celebrating my bach- Bauhaus? For those unfamil- Address changes and circulation inqui- elor party in Pamplona for of cadets and Class of 1951. Capt. D.C. Wolfe (fourth ages of Virginia Tech at www. strange color combinations, we’ve got just the ad vehicle for you. ries should be mailed to the Virginia iar with this sort of archi- Tech Alumni Association, Holtzman from the right, with stripes on vtmagazine.vt.edu/sum10/ Learn more at l. the running of the bulls. tecture, let me offer a little Joe Hoggard www.vtmagazine.vt.edu/advertising.htm Alumni Center (0102), Blacksburg, VA sleeves) and little sophomore feature4.html#_slideshow. 24061, or sent via e-mail to alumni- Although my fellow Hokie history. The Bauhaus was Oak Hill, W.Va. [email protected]. Alumni notes should be Larry Hincker ’72 mailed to Alumni Notes, Virginia Tech classmates are scattered across conceived during the Wei- via Facebook Alumni Association, Holtzman Alumni Associate Vice President for University Relations Center (0102), Blacksburg, VA 24061, the world, we managed to mar Republic, Germany’s or sent via e-mail to [email protected]. Virginia Tech Magazine is produced by meet up for a nice fiesta. We failed attempt at democracy Me, hubby, three of our the Office of University Relations, with were not only lucky to be in four kids, son-in-law, daugh- support from Alumni Relations. The that followed World War I. underwrites Spain for a Spanish World ter-in-law, sister, sister-in-law, most production costs. It was a school founded in Corrections and clarifications Cup victory, but also fortu- the city of Weimar, where one niece, two nephews, two Advertising opportunities are through- The first name of Bennet Cassell was misspelled in out the magazine, and alumni may nate enough to finish the run the republic had also been cousins, and their spouses. promote their businesses in the Class “Tech’s gutsy go-to guy,” a summer 2010 story about Stuart Notes section. For advertising rates as a group in a little over two founded. Walter Gropius One U.Va. grad, but he works and information, contact Horace Cassell. Cross, advertising coordinator, at minutes unscathed. After a was the leader in this effort for Virginia Tech and always [email protected] or 540/231-2966. The spring 2010 article referenced a board victorious return home, I was to amalgamate all visual cheers for Tech over that Virginia Tech does not discriminate more than ready to marry the other school! of visitors resolution during the 1990s requiring Hokie against employees, students, or ap- arts into one school. It later plicants for admission or employment lovely Kara MacLeod. Stone on all campus buildings. Although this sentiment on the basis of race, gender, disability, moved to Dessau, where it Karen Torgersen ’78, age, veteran status, national origin, Go, Hokies! clearly was the direction from the board’s building and religion, sexual orientation, or political had a profound effect, espe- M.B.A. ’86 grounds committee, a resolution never went before the full affiliation. Anyone having questions Juan P. Espinoza ’04 cially on architecture. The Raleigh, N.C. concerning discrimination should con- university board for action. tact the Office for Equity and Access. Blacksburg, Va. guiding principle of Bauhaus via Facebook

2 www.vtmagazine.vt.edu Virginia Tech Magazine Fall 2010 3 Around the Drillfield Around the Drillfield

Pamplin professor Musculoskeletal Rehabilita- a master of arts in education, reports results of a new Office of Economic tion and the Monthly Image ment Act since it was passed France. His research focuses receives Fulbright tion Sciences Study Section at with a concentration in coun- clinical trial confirming that Development Competition Award, making in February 2009. Of the on fluid flow and aquifer- grant the National Institutes of selor education, in the School two eight-ounce glasses spearheads team him the first photographer to 91 awards, 47 are from the system dynamics in complex Janine Hiller, professor of Health. His term began on of Education at the Northern of water before meals can that lands win all three major awards in National Science Foundation, fractured and faulted systems. business law in the Pamplin July 1, and expires on June 30, Virginia Center. increase dieters’ weight loss $4.7 million grant one year. while others are sponsored College of Business, has 2016. Selection is based on by about five pounds. The Twenty-five partners on by such organizations as the received a Fulbright Scholar demonstrated expertise and Clinical trial points study included 48 adults, a Virginia Tech-led team will National Institutes of Health, grant and the Fulbright-Lund achievement in an area of to simple appetite aged 55-75 years, divided help train health care workers U.S. Department of Justice, Distinguished Chair of study, including quality of control method: into two groups. One group in the new world of electronic and National Institute of International Public Law. She research accomplishments, drinking water drank two cups of water medical records. Under a Standards and Technology. will spend the fall 2010 publications in scientific Brenda Davy, associate prior to meals; the other did $4.7 million grant from the semester in Sweden at Lund journals, and peer-group professor in the Depart- not. Over the course of 12 U.S. Department of Labor, Geoscientist award- Amphibious aircraft University’s Raoul Wallenberg honors. ment of Human Nutrition, weeks, water drinkers lost the team—drawn from ed Fulbright to study takes first place in Institute of International Foods, and Exercise in the about 15.5 pounds, while industry, academia, and gov- in France NASA contest Human Rights Law. Hiller U.S. News gives high College of Agriculture and those not drinking water ernment—will focus health Daniela Cimini A Fulbright grant will Ten Virginia Tech will participate in undergrad- marks to undergrad- Life Sciences, is the senior before meals lost about 11 information technology train- enable Tom Burbey, associate undergraduate aerospace uate programs and faculty and uate engineering, author on a recent study that pounds. ing in communities hit hard Biologist awarded professor of geosciences in the engineering students took graduate-student seminars, business programs by job losses in Southwest Human Frontier Sci- College of Science, to travel the top prize in a NASA and pursue a research project Virginia Tech ranks 69th Virginia. Called HITE, for ence Program grant to France this fall to study aeronautics competition for comparing Swedish, Euro- among the 100 best universi- Health Information Technol- Daniela Cimini, assistant fractured rock hydrogeology. college students to develop pean Union, and U.S. ties—an advancement of two ogy Education, the initiative professor of biological scienc- Along with his French coun- a multipurpose amphibious approaches to balancing places from recent years—in will target workers in nursing, es in the College of Science, terparts, Burbey will conduct aircraft. The engineering patient privacy and health U.S. News & World Report’s pharmacy, and medical-assis- is the first from research at a site in Ploemeur, students were asked to design rights in the area of electronic survey of undergraduate tant fields. Virginia Tech to be awarded health-record systems. programs, America’s Best a collaborative international Magazine readership survey Colleges 2011. The College grant from the Human Fron- Editor’s note: In late October, you might receive of Engineering ranks 13th tier Science Program. Cimini an e-mail to participate in a Virginia Tech among the nation’s top 20 will share the $1.05 million, Magazine survey. The simple Web-based survey engineering schools, up from three-year grant with two was developed by editors of university and last year’s 14th place. The colleagues from universities in alumni magazines through the Council for the Pamplin College of Business Austria and Germany. Cimini Advancement and Support of Education, of which again ranked No. 42 among has a growing international Virginia Tech is a member. Your confidential the top 50 business schools. Lumenhaus sweeps European Solar reputation in the study of answers will provide us with a comprehensive Decathlon chromosome structure and picture of how you perceive the magazine, how Jim Stroup Thurmon Lockhart Lieberman awarded Lumenhaus, Virginia Tech’s entry in Solar Decath- mechanics, molecular controls we can improve it for you, and how the magazine Lockhart to serve on first graduate schol- lon Europe, won the 10-day competition this summer Stroup named over cell division, and rela- compares to university magazines across the National Institutes arship from NCR in Madrid. The solar house—designed and originally photographer of tionships between errors in country. A random sampling of readers will receive of Health review alumni chapter constructed on the Blacksburg campus—was declared the year cell division and many human the survey invitation. If it reaches your inbox, we board Perrin Lieberman is the the most efficient structure in the decathlon. Seventeen Jim Stroup of the Office diseases, including cancer. encourage you to participate—and help us make Thurmon Lockhart, an first graduate student in the solar houses from seven countries on three continents of University Relations was Virginia Tech Magazine even better. associate professor in the National Capital Region were judged in 10 different categories. The house tied named Photographer of Research funded 4 . 2, n o l. 3 VirginiaTech o v College of Engineering’s to be awarded an academic for first in architecture, placed second in communica- the Year by the University by recovery act magazine 10 Grado Department of scholarship by the region’s tion and social awareness, and placed third in indus- Photographers’ Association exceeds $34 million summer 20 Industrial and Systems Alumni Association chapter. trialization and market viability and in lighting. A team of America (UPAA). At the Faculty members have Engineering, has been invited A full-time student who of faculty, undergraduate, and graduate students from annual UPAA symposium been awarded more than Hereditary Hokies to serve a five-year term on the expects to graduate in May four Virginia Tech colleges designed and built the solar in June, Stroup also won the $34 million from the Ameri- Saving the bay | Factor of X 1910 commencement program Center for Scientific Review’s 2011, Lieberman is pursuing house. Learn more at www.lumenhaus.com. Nikon Shoot Out Competi- can Recovery and Reinvest-

4 www.vtmagazine.vt.edu Virginia Tech Magazine Fall 2010 5 Around the Drillfield Around the Drillfield

a civilian aircraft that could ing and research expenditures Their studies were part of a Tech receives (HHMI). The award will Preserve contains a large rescue up to 50 survivors in within five years and will cre- three-year initiative funded $1.4 million be used to encourage faculty swath of rare calcareous for- the event of a natural disaster. ate up to 183 new jobs in the by the U.S. Agency for science-education members to develop new est and was granted Natural Their design appeared as a local economy by 2020. International Development award ways to teach undergraduate Area Preserve status by the rotorcraft that resembled a through Higher Education Virginia Tech was among students about science and Virginia Department of catamaran. NASA’s Aero- Chemist honored for Development to train a 50 research universities research. The $1.4 million Conservation and Recreation. nautics Mission Directorate with Camille Drey- new generation of techni- nationwide to receive a Pre- award—the university’s In a calcareous forest, porous in Washington sponsored fus Teacher-Scholar cal professionals for Haiti. college and Undergraduate first education award from limestone bedrock provides a the competition through the Award All four were in the United Science Education Program HHMI—was among $70 foundation for nutrient-rich subsonic rotary wing project Edward Valeev, assistant States at the time of the Jan. award from the Howard million in grants given by the soils. As a result, most calcar- in its Fundamental Aero- professor of chemistry in the 12 earthquake. Hughes Medical Institute institute this summer. HHMI eous forests in Virginia were nautics Program. More than College of Science, is one invited 197 research-focused converted to agriculture; less 100 college students from of 14 researchers across the universities to apply for the than 5 percent of these for- across the globe entered the country to receive the Camille grants. ests in Virginia remain intact. contest as part of teams or as Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar The Blakes lived in the area individuals. Award for 2010. The $75,000 for many years and wanted award recognizes leadership in to see the land protected Tire research chemistry research and educa- by TNC. Oscar Blake, now center established tion, providing funding for deceased, was a professor of in Southside Virginia young faculty members in the civil engineering (1953-85). Virginia Tech announced early stages of their careers. “Mrs. Blake’s generosity U.S. Marine Corps to use autonomous the creation of the Na- Valeev’s research group works reveals how important a role vehicles built by engineering students tional Tire Research Center toward accurate quantum- private landowners play in The U.S. Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory worked (NTRC), an advanced tire mechanical prediction of preserving Virginia’s out- closely with Virginia Tech and TORC Technologies in the research and test facility in properties of molecules and doors for future generations,” creation of four Ground Unmanned Support Surrogates. Southside Virginia. The facil- materials. said TNC Director Michael The unmanned vehicles can carry up to 1,800 pounds ity is a partnership among the Lipford (biological sciences and can move at the speed of a soldier on foot, about Virginia Tech Transportation Google funds schol- Nature preserve ’78). “Their conservation five miles per hour. The vehicles are designed to re- Institute, the Department arships for Haitian Equine medical center receives award dedicated, donated ethic is critical to the protec- supply troops, to reduce the loads manually carried by of Mechanical Engineer- students of excellence by alumni tion of the commonwealth’s Marines, and to provide an immediate means for the ing, General Motors (GM) Google has provided The U.S. Park Police Horse Mounted Patrol The Nature Conser- forest land and the air and evacuation of casualties. Company, the Institute for funds to fully support four recently presented an Award of Excellence to the vancy (TNC) in Virginia water quality benefits we Advanced Learning and Re- Haitian Virginia Tech Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center for established a 222-acre nature receive from healthy forests.” search, the Southside Virginia students pursuing graduate the “truly exceptional veterinary services received preserve north of Blacksburg, and mechanical engineering Education, Directorate for community, and the Virginia degrees in computer sci- from this nationally recognized equine health care Va., the result of a donation Janis Terpenny to in the College of Engineer- Education and Human Re- Tobacco Indemnification ence. Sherley Codio, Fabrice facility.” The award states that “for decades, this from Evelyn Lilly Blake (M.S. hold director’s post ing, is joining the National sources at the NSF. Her work and Community Relations Marcelin, Jennifer François, premier equine hospital has provided both inten- home economics ’49) of Dal- at National Science Science Foundation (NSF). is in programs advocating sci- Revitalization Commission. and Mario Calixte will con- sive and critical equine health care services for the eville, Va. The Oscar Jennings Foundation On Aug. 30, Terpenny began ence, technology, engineering, The NTRC will generate tinue their studies at Virginia U.S. Park Police horses.” Amy Troppmann, director (M.S. architecture engineer- Janis Terpenny, profes- as program director for the and math, as well as cyber- more than $12 million in test- Tech, thanks to the support. of development for the center, accepted the award. ing ’49) and Evelyn Lilly Blake sor of engineering education Division of Undergraduate service.

Blind Driver For more news about Virginia Tech, Researchers Student’s concept for Pamplin business-ethics Student-designed ‘Athena’ Virginia Tech to aid Challenge vehicle visit www.vtmagazine.vt.edu, where use geometry to music studio in Haiti researchers ranked could take astronauts to improvement of agricultural takes top awards you can read such stories as clean up oil spills wins first place among the top near-Earth asteroids education in Senegal at NIWeek

6 www.vtmagazine.vt.edu Virginia Tech Magazine Fall 2010 7 Around the Drillfield

Research aims to McCarty, senior market- prevent bullying ing major who is leading A study under way in the the research. “This program Department of Psychology encourages a culture where

in the College of Science has it’s cool to care for others.” John Mc C or m ick shown a decrease in reported Geller is an internation- bullying and an increase ally known expert in the psy- in caring behavior among chology of safety and applies school-age children as the the Actively Caring concept result of using a program to improve safety-related Hybrid Electric Vehicle Team scores developed by Alumni Dis- behaviors. He has found that second place in competition tinguished Professor E. Scott increasing an individual’s Virginia Tech’s Hybrid Electric Vehicle Team Geller. The program, called self-esteem, sense of belong- recently took second place in the international EcoCAR Actively Caring, encourages ing, self-efficacy, personal Challenge, a three-year design competition that seeks students to report bullying control, and optimism can to inspire science and engineering students to build behavior and, at the same improve that person’s pro- automobiles that are more energy-efficient. The team time, recognizes students pensity to actively care for won second place overall and won the categories of who show acts of kindness other people. electrical presentation, static consumer acceptability and compassion. The group plans to presentation, braking distance, lane change, use of “Bullying is a serious epi- extend the program to National Instruments tools, progress reports, and pre- demic sweeping across our elementary schools along the competition safety tech inspection. In all, the team country today,” said Shane East Coast. captured $10,000 in prize money.

8 www.vtmagazine.vt.edu Virginia Tech Magazine Fall 2010 9 How Tech Ticks How Tech Ticks

the inner workings of virginia tech By Jesse Tuel 7) “My joke with the class is ‘I can teach you a lot of fluid mechanics, and you don’t even realize it,’” Schetz said. “All kinds of things we see in everyday existence are really very complicated if you sit down and … start peeling Physics and football the onion apart. All these little details, it’s game-changing, to put it into sports lingo. No question about it.” The leather-bound prolate spheroid, more commonly known as a football—and the object THE LIFE OF A FOOTBALL of our Hokie fascination—has a life of its own before, during, and after the game. 8) Each November, Lester Karlin, Virginia Tech Athletics equipment manager, orders 144 Nike 3005 footballs for the season that starts THE PIGSKIN’S INNER EQUATIONS the following academic year. Players who’ll handle the football a lot— quarterbacks, obviously—borrow a ball for the summer. 1) Plenty of physics lessons pass through the football on game day. We see the ball take flight, en route toward one, three, or six points, but that’s not the only math going on. Get this: at the moment of impact, starting kicker Justin Myer’s foot causes the football to deform inward—even with his usual soccer-style kick. For the sake of illustration, Myer kicked a few fully inflated balls with his toe.

9) In August, Karlin gets 36-48 balls out and ready for the first practice. Defensive players practice with new balls; after a week or two, the spheres are cycled into the hands of quarterbacks, who select the balls for game day. The laces are marked to track usage. “We shuffle them around all the time,” Karlin said.

10) A ball’s leather, far too slick when new, is softened to be more receptive to players’ grasps. One trick is to rub a ball with a brush, wipe it down with a damp rag, and throw it in the dryer.

2) The impact causes waves to traverse the ball’s warped membrane like a sound vibration. Points on the surface are “pulled back and forth by their own neighbors,” said John Simonetti, a professor in the physics department. 5) Outside the ball, other forces are in play. The backspin “That’s what a wave is about, [and it] will get transmitted on a kicked ball, tumbling end over end, produces a all around.” Still, the initial waves are irrelevant to the measure of lift. The top surface of the ball moves away 11) No matter how thunderous becomes direction of flight. “Those forces add up to nothing.” from the direction of flight, creating a velocity between after a touchdown, heaving a pigskin into the the air and the ball’s surface that is less than the stands is frowned upon. “They don’t. It’s a 15-yard velocity influencing the bottom plane of the ball. Were penalty—and I fine them,” Karlin said. 3) Newton’s third law of motion—equal and opposite the spin reversed, it would generate downward force. reactions to any force—dictates that the ball pushes back on the foot with equal force, Simonetti said. But the foot, 12) After the season, the collection of footballs is carrying the mass of the body’s momentum, wins out, sent to the university’s surplus department to imparting a vector that causes acceleration and rotation. make way for new beginnings. 6) Any Monday-morning quarterback will tell you the spiral pass is more aerodynamic than a ball tumbling end over 4) Inside the ball, air molecules respond to rotation in end. But it’s not quite perfect. The ball’s laces cause a about 0.5 milliseconds, Simonetti said. The molecules disturbance in the air, creating a destabilizing wobble flit about anyway, bouncing off opposing walls at the rate that is counteracted by the quarterback’s tight, hard- Go to www.vtmagazine.vt.edu to find an audio slideshow on the football’s journey. of about 340 meters per second. Given the Nike 3005’s thrown spiral. “You don’t want wobble,” said Joseph circumference of 56 centimeters perpendicular to the laces, Schetz, the Fred D. Durman Chair of the aerospace and the molecules swiftly apply the ball’s in-flight rotation to ocean engineering department, who teaches a Fluid Photos by john mccormick their otherwise random freneticism. Flows in Nature course that incorporates flight in sports.

10 www.vtmagazine.vt.edu Virginia Tech Magazine Fall 2010 11 Vocational specialists dismantle employment barriers for NRV residents

JobBy Jesse TNo.uel

Uprooted and forced out of her home community by domestic violence, Christy relocated to Radford, Va., several years ago. 1 Kelsey Kradel Today, her family is bouncing back. After residing in a women’s From left, Karen Boone, fiscal technician; Karen Mealy, vocational specialist; Mary Beth Dunkenberger, pro- gram director; and vocational specialists Michelline Stokes, Teena Vernon, and David Marshall, all with the shelter and then a transitional apartment, the 30-year-old and her that Christy could drive at night without Institute for Policy and Governance’s Partnership for Self-Sufficiency, are helping New River Valley residents children, ages 14, 12, and 7, moved into a house this summer. And headaches, the program provided a pair overcome barriers to employment. Christy, whose last name is withheld for privacy, landed a job of glasses. Their first interaction was through Mealy’s job-readiness class. “She Specialists converse with a new client, two clients whose cases were closed but evaluating its efficacy in helping clients earlier this year. went over success skills, how to interview, trying to draw out the issues that aren’t were seeking additional advice. achieve self-sufficiency. how to answer certain questions. She immediately evident. “Sometimes we’re “Having them trust me enough to VT-IPG Director Max Stephen- Things are looking up, and the help ment. A barrier can assume any number went into how to write a résumé,” Christy able to help the client accept that they call me, even though I don’t have to son Jr. said case analysis allows she’s had along the way has been of forms: domestic violence, criminal said. need help, and have those conversations work with them anymore, that gives me researchers to understand contextual instrumental. Christy was paired with a records, substance abuse, physical or Christy now has a housekeeping job, with them, and then they’re more likely satisfaction,” Stokes said. elements more subtly and completely vocational specialist at the Virginia Tech mental health issues, food and housing but Mealy still calls whenever she spots a to accept help,” Stokes said. The institute itself builds strategic than otherwise possible. Institute for Policy and Governance needs, lack of transportation, and more. job opening that might pay better. “She’s Sometimes the progress is one step relationships between the university and “Our PSS program and related (VT-IPG), which gave her the job Even appearance, such as a lack of helped out tremendously,” Christy said. “I forward, one step back. Although one community by linking academic research yields insights into actual readiness training she needed. dental care, can be an employment think it’s a really great program. It’s just client lost her job after a panic attack, the research and outreach efforts to address program impacts that directly inform Vocational specialists at the institute barrier. A person missing teeth will have awesome. I know a lot of people have event helped her acknowledge that she public policy challenges. PSS blends relevant state and federal officials of the staff the Partnership for Self-Sufficiency difficulty landing a job in food service. been successful with this program.” needed mental health assistance. Once theory with practice; Dunkenberger implications of their legislative, (PSS), providing intensive support to “That person automatically has a strike In many cases, the vocational she stabilizes, she’ll still have the calls it a “living laboratory.” Studying budgetary, and regulatory choices for clients referred by local Department of against them,” said Dunkenberger. “We’re specialists help clients navigate an job-seeking skills. Another man who societal issues from a systemic perspec- those they aim to serve,” Stephenson Social Services offices in Radford and the constantly trying to get more resources intimidating system of services and job served time in jail for drugs was laid off tive, VT-IPG’s researchers are also said. “That knowledge can inform counties of Montgomery, Giles, Floyd, for dental care.” opportunities, such as how to get a birth from his job, but he’s thrilled to have informed by results in individual cases policy decisions and permits the and Pulaski. Clients like Christy, eligible The fact that the vocational special- certificate in order to obtain a driver’s something on his résumé between and can test interventions in real university to serve a profoundly for federal Temporary Assistance for ists are equipped for dismantling all of license, or which employers are willing to incarceration and his next job, the settings. If lawmakers in Richmond important social function.” Needy Families funding administered those barriers testifies to just how far hire those with criminal records. specialists said. wonder whether domestic violence is a Like the clients they serve, the through the Virginia Initiative for Virginia Tech is willing to go to fulfill its “There are a lot of bureaucratic “They’re just happy to have someone barrier to employment, the vocational specialists get to witness success. Employment not Welfare, must become outreach mission. The specialists hurdles that the clients are just not highlight that they have skills and present specialists are beginning to document Christy, for her part, plans to perma- employed to continue receiving the collectively manage about 100 cases at equipped to deal with,” Dunkenberger it in such a way that they can articulate the answer, estimating that at least 25 nently improve her career potential. temporary aid. any one time, responding to the needs of said. them and own those skills, because they percent of their cases involve domestic On the same August day that her Job No. 1 for the specialists—David each individual. Added Stokes: “A lot of them are don’t really understand the value of all violence as an impediment. Regarding children started school, Christy Marshall, Karen Mealy, Michelline When the transmission in Christy’s intimidated by the system to begin with, they have to offer,” Stokes said. mental health, researchers developed started a full-time slate of classes that Stokes, and Teena Vernon, along with car failed, Mealy drove her to pick up or they don’t trust it, or they have The specialists who give these screening and referral protocols with fits into her work schedule. Within program director Mary Beth Dunken- applications and drop them off, taking misinformation. We help them pinpoint invaluable gifts are often rewarded in New River Valley Community Services. about two years, she figures, she can berger—is reducing barriers for employ- her as far as Roanoke for an interview. So where they need to go.” turn. Stokes recently heard back from Two years into the collaboration, they’re become a nurse.

12 www.vtmagazine.vt.edu Virginia Tech Magazine Fall 2010 13 Professor Profile Professor Profile

Romesh Batrathe measure of success

B y J esse T uel

he collision was offset from the center by 1.2 mil- • Clifton C. Garvin Professor, Department of limeters, the Ph.D. student said, but noted that the “It’s really transferring knowledge to younger people Engineering Science and Mechanics authors of the paper he was citing didn’t explain T and graduating some of the very brightest students.” • World-renowned researcher in the strength whether the offset was along the X axis or the Y axis or both. of materials under explosive loads, e.g., light- This omission wasn’t an issue for Romesh Batra as he weight armor for soldiers and Humvees listened to the presentation by one of a half-dozen advisees, blessed with equal intelligence, and everyone has special skills.” • Teaches courses in continuum mechanics, all but one of them Ph.D. students, during his regular Friday “He knows he’s strict,” said Joseph Callahan, an advisee pur- finite element methods, nonlinear elasticity advising session in Norris Hall. The problem for the world- suing a master’s degree in aerospace engineering. “Because he’s • Ph.D., mechanics and materials science, The renowned materials-behavior expert—described by his demanding, he’s right there with you. Because you’ve defended Johns Hopkins University; M.S., mechanical students as “strict,” “tough,” and “challenging”—was that the it to him, he’ll defend you to other people.” engineering, University of Waterloo, Canada; student hadn’t contacted the authors to learn the direction of For 35 years—including the past 15 at Virginia B.S., mechanical engineering, Thapar Univer- the offset. Tech—Batra has pushed his students to excel. Their sity, India. In Batra’s precise world, 1.2 millimeters might as well be success is his greatest satisfaction. “It’s really transfer- a mile. ring knowledge to younger people, and graduating Recognition “Yes, I should’ve done that,” the student conceded. some of the very brightest students,” Batra said. “[But] it could’ve taken three or four days.” • 2010 Virginia Outstanding Faculty Award, “I’ve been more lucky than I thought I’d be. I “It could’ve taken three or four minutes,” Batra sponsored by the State Council of Higher think that’s true.” Education for Virginia and Dominion, an said, calmly coaching. Luck, perhaps, but consider the in- energy company Batra points to a concept his mentor tangibles. As an undergraduate, Batra impressed upon him: that a teacher’s • 2009 Engineering Science Medal, Society of attended India’s Thapar College of success is measured by student success. Engineering Science, for his singular work on Engineering, living with his older In nomination materials for the State material failure brother in a large city rather than Council of Higher Education for Vir- with his parents in their small • 2009 Lee Hsun Research Award, Chinese ginia’s (SCHEV) Academy of Sciences, for his work on under- hometown since the nearest 2010 Outstand- standing material behavior under explosive college was 15 miles away from ing Faculty loads his parents’ house. To help with Award, Batra expenses, he tutored his neighbor’s • 2000 Eric Reissner Medal, International explained that in children in return for home- Congress of Computational and Engineering Eastern cultures, Society, for his fundamental work in simulat- cooked meals. some measure ing the penetration of a missile into a tank He received a graduate research the success of parents wall assistantship from the University raising children in the of Waterloo, Canada, and his interest • 1992 Alexander von Humboldt Award for his same way. Accord- pioneering work in developing an understand- in continuum mechanics led him to The ingly, he teaches with ing of the failure of materials due to extreme Johns Hopkins University for doctoral studies. the realization loads “that all of us are –continued on page 36

John mccormick

14 www.vtmagazine.vt.edu Virginia Tech Magazine Fall 2010 15 Virginia Tech Carilion

Methods for tabula rasa [L. = scraped tablet], a tablet from which selecting and the writing has been erased, and which is therefore Diagnosing teaching students ready to be written upon again; a blank tablet. stand apart in new medical school —Oxford English Dictionary the doctors of tomorrow By Jesse Tuel

An archaic Latin phrase that graced the printed page as early as 1535 best describes the unknown future of medicine. The premise that future physicians should be “thought leaders”—intellectually nimble, research-minded doctors who draw from the latest knowledge to tailor care for each patient—guides Virginia Tech’s exploration of the unknown. On the heels of a 20-year span during which no new medical schools were established in the United States, Tech has exercised its innovative awareness to craft a school that utilizes radically different but proven methods of selecting and teaching students.

From a blank slate to fruition, the Virginia Tech Carilion be applicable when they begin practicing medicine. After four (VTC) School of Medicine and Research Institute in Roanoke, years of medical school, three to seven years of residency, and one Va., opened its doors Aug. 2, ushering the charter class of 42 to three years of fellowship, VTC physicians will be equipped to students into a progressive, entrepreneurial program handle whatever the future holds. of medical education that already stands boldly “What is the future? “What is the future? This is the challenging part apart. This is the challeng- of starting a medical school because we don’t know The school, a first-of-its-kind public-private ing part of starting what this future is going to look like,” said Cynda partnership between Tech and Carilion Clinic, a a medical school be- Johnson, the school’s founding dean. “So that is why regional health care network, selected its charter cause we don’t know our school is based on the mission of developing class through multiple-mini interviews (MMI), a what this future is ‘physician thought leaders,’ through inquiry, re- technique only a half-dozen U.S. medical colleges going to look like.” search, and discovery. We’re going to be training employ, according to the technique’s co-creator. Ad- these students to be able to face—and lead—this ditionally, students are immersing themselves in a curriculum that unknown world of medicine.” centers on problem-based learning, a faculty-intensive and de- “The neat thing about it is we had a clean slate,” said Richard manding approach that just 15 percent of U.S. medical colleges Vari, associate dean for medical education. Planning took on a utilize. simple premise, he said: “‘What are the best things going on in VTC administrators said concepts students learn today must the country? And let’s do that. Or, let’s not. Let’s do it better.’”

Virginia Tech Magazine Fall 2010 17 On site, the MMIs further refined the applicant pool. In a process similar to speed-dating, students rotated through 10 interview stations. A scenario was posted on the door of each room, and after a brief time for review, the student was ushered in for eight minutes one-on-one with an interviewer. For instance, one of the practice questions posted online for applicants asked them to discuss the ethical implications of a doctor prescribing homeopathic medicine to a patient as a reassuring placebo, even without evidence it would be effective. Interviewers, many of whom were community leaders spe- cifically trained for the MMIs, would listen to the applicant’s courtesy of vtc rationale and then ask questions regarding the choices made by the applicant, rating candidates based on the interaction. Students also had an 18-minute traditional interview with a member of the In a process similar to speed-dating, students rotated through 10 interview stations. A scenario was posted on admissions committee. the door of each room, and after a brief time for review, the The MMI identifies students who don’t “necessarily take the student was ushered in for eight minutes one-on-one with party line at face value,” Workman said. “They will be inquiring. an interviewer. They will examine the evidence. They will ask when evidence is in absence. We think that will be reflective of their ability to be a Panning for gold better physician down the road.” Three weeks before the start of classes, a media-day tour of “The response that I got from each applicant was different and the Roanoke facility revealed faculty and staff in the last throes interesting,” said Bill Flattery, vice president of operations for The of a meticulous preparatory process that began in January 2007, Physicians Group at Carilion Clinic, who served as a community- when Virginia Tech President Charles W. Steger and Carilion based interviewer. “I was surprised that the format could be so

Clinic President and CEO Edward G. Murphy announced the effective. The very best were able to emerge.” j i m strou p new school. A new-carpet smell permeated the pristine building, Grounded in questions of morality and ethics, the MMI weighs clad in 207 tons of familiar Hokie Stone. Classroom desks were a student’s ability to comprehend and apply new information for still being assembled, while the library was still empty of books. Sight lines of mountains and the Roanoke cityscape, visible The Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Research Institute. through large windows on all sides of the building, stood ready to welcome 42 new residents. the benefit of the patient. It’s also a proven predictor for scores on master’s degrees at Georgetown University, said the interviews Just how the applicant pool was trimmed to 42 is intriguing. national licensing exams, which test for clinical decision-making were “intense.” She was nervous at first, but grew more comfort- About 230 of the 1,650 applicants landed on-site interviews skills while indirectly predicting future success, such as fewer com- able as she progressed through the 10 rooms. “Most people, when during the 2009-10 academic year, and the 42 spots were filled plaints registered and a higher survival rate among they’re put under a high-pressure situation, will as August approached. patients who have suffered cardiac events, said “I thought it was the perform better,” Malik said. “In the medical field, Many applicants were attracted to VTC for the research Harold Reiter, professor and admissions chairman best interview process you always have to think on your feet.” emphasis and the entrepreneurial chance to shape a new school at the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine at I’ve ever been to in my Robert Brown, who earned his biology major

and undertake a unique curriculum. Meanwhile, administrators j i m strou p McMaster University in Ontario, Canada, who co- life,” Brown said. “At and chemistry minor at the University of North analyzed applicants beyond the traditional MCAT and GPA created the MMI with Kevin Eva, Geoff Norman, the end of it, I really felt Carolina at Chapel Hill, endured a number of tallies. They identified applicants who had a heart for serving oth- and Jack Rosenfeld about 10 years ago. they knew me.” one-on-one and panel interviews for various ers through medicine and who adopted an interest—academics, The use of multiple interviews dilutes the bias medical schools. He left more than one of those music, athletics, research, and more—and pushed themselves to of a single stellar or poor performance. “Anyone can perform ad- interviews unsure if the interviewers understood him fully. Not excel, said Stephen Workman, director of admissions. mirably or horribly in one interview, regardless of their personal so at the end of the MMI. “Even if their overall grades or MCAT scores aren’t neces- or professional skills,” said Reiter, who traveled to Roanoke in July “I thought it was the best interview process I’ve ever been to in sarily at the top, if we see evidence of that kind of spark and Tim Johnson, associate dean for research and chair of basic 2009 to train VTC leaders on the process. my life,” Brown said. “At the end of it, I really felt they knew me.” science, visits with new VTC student James Joyner (middle) Raeva Malik, a Potomac, Md., native who courted the idea For some prospective students, the attention to detail evident enthusiasm and performance, those are the people who interest and Joyner’s girlfriend, Kylee Miller, at the school’s orienta- us,” Workman said. tion session. of medical school from a young age through her bachelor’s and in the MMI and interview weekends was a deciding factor.

18 www.vtmagazine.vt.edu Virginia Tech Magazine Fall 2010 19 THE CHARTER CLASS Students: 42 / Average Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) score: 33 / National MCAT average: 30 / Research experience: 70 percent / Original or published research: 18 percent / Age range: 22 to 32 years old / Gender: 12 women, 30 men / Residents of Virginia, the Mid-Atlantic region, and across the nation: 1/3 each j i m strou p

The 42-student charter class is divided into six teams. In each team work room, they will learn together and teach each other. From left, Yisrael Katz, Matthew Levine, Robert Brown, Greg Davis, James Light, and Alice Chen exchange contact information.

“We were just blown away—how organized they were, the 2009 and was accepted just before the holidays. “The startup, in whole community effort,” said Don Vile, a 2000 Harvard Uni- and of itself, is a neat environment. Combined with medical school, versity undergraduate who worked in software engineering and it’ll be all the more interesting.” management before deciding to enter medical school, ultimately Malik felt much the same. choosing VTC from among the five schools that accepted him. “I think it’s exciting to be involved in a new medical school,” Don and his wife welcomed the birth of their daughter, Nadia, Malik said. “I think first-year students will be offered many op- this summer, and his choice of schools encountered another fac- portunities that medical students don’t typically have. The students tor—the best place for his family. are going to be a part of building the medical school [along] with Vile credits Harvard with teaching him how to compete at faculty. We’re going to have critical input.” the academic level required in medical school. He worked at Ap- Students, in fact, will evaluate the medical school and faculty pian Corp., based in Washington, D.C., leading the architectural after the first year of matriculation as part of the push toward team in a start-up IT software company that grew from 10 to 200 provisional accreditation. The school received preliminary ac- employees. After six years at Appian, Vile had reached a point in creditation from the Liaison Committee for Medical Education middle management where to advance further he needed to learn in mid-2009. After the first class graduates, VTC will be eligible new computer languages or go the M.B.A. route. “I was not willing for full accreditation. to make that investment unless I really loved what I was doing,” It’s a rare chance indeed. Not a single new medical school Vile said. “I enjoyed software, but it wasn’t my passion.” was opened in the United States from 1982 until 2002, when the His interests were in his Harvard major, engineering sciences Florida State University College of Medicine broke the dry spell. with a speciality in biomedical research. Vile started volunteering Ten schools have launched since 2002, according to the Associa- at local hospitals and entered a Georgetown post-baccalaureate tion of American Medical Colleges. j i m strou p program for a full academic year of chemistry, physics, organic chemistry, biology, and biochemistry, preparing himself for the The solution is the problem rigors of medical school. On any given Monday, each of the six teams, seven students Early in his application to VTC, Vile recognized that his per team, will be given an actual patient case—the chief complaint, start-up experience at Appian neatly mirrored the entrepreneurial medical history, and physical exam for a patient with cardiovas- nature of a new medical school. cular disease, for instance. Students then work through the case “I thought about it as a great opportunity to be [part of] together, guided by a faculty facilitator, researching specific topics something new,” said Vile, who interviewed on-site in October to present to the team at the next session on Wednesday. One

20 www.vtmagazine.vt.edu Virginia Tech Magazine Fall 2010 21 student might describe the anatomy of the heart’s chambers; an- sitting in a lecture hall. “This is so much more applicable. They’re other might diagram electrical activity as currents move through constantly refreshing their thirst for knowledge.” A recipe for a the heart tissue. They’ll apply this knowledge to the case and Vari said the differences were visible right away. Prior to receive new information about the patient, leading to additional problem-based learning, first-year students were “bored” in research institute research and presentations on Friday. The week culminates with lectures, he said. After the switch, “We saw these students really By Jesse Tuel a private session for students to interact with the physician and actively engaged and enthused,” he said. the actual patient, allowing for meaningful learning in real time. Students excelled at teaching their fellow students, display- One part world-class research university, one part This is problem-based learning, focused on patient casework, ing the intellectual prowess that got them into medical school in dynamic network of health care providers, one part

with fewer traditional lectures, more hands-on learning, and a the first place. “That was a huge surprise, an appreciation of how new school of medicine, and one part new biomedical j i m strou p new case each Monday. talented they are,” Vari said. “They want to learn, and they don’t research institute. Directing the VTC curriculum is Richard Vari, lured away want to waste their time.” from the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and All the while, through discovery, research, and teamwork, This is the Virginia Tech Carilion (VTC) School of Medi- Health Sciences, where he led the curricular transition from tradi- VTC students will embrace the school’s four value domains: basic cine and Research Institute. Launched this fall, the tional to problem-based about 15 years ago and earned the school sciences, clinical sciences, interprofessionalism, and research (see research institute will eventually house hundreds of re- the distinction of being named one of eight models for the future sidebar on the research institute). searchers while giving Virginia Tech and VTC students of learning by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of So much planning, so much excitement. Now it’s time to an outlet for conducting primary research of their own. Learning. At North Dakota, like at VTC, the smaller class sizes deliver, as Johnson put it. “We’ve put together what I think is an As a graduation requirement, medical students must were suitable for the educational format. excellent curriculum that will stand the test of time and train produce a publishable, hypothesis-driven research proj- “It focuses on adult-learning theory,” Vari said of problem- students for the future of medicine,” Johnson said. ect, satisfying one of the school’s four value domains. based learning, adding that it gives students the flexibility to To find additional stories, photos and videos about VTC, go to The formula means students and faculty members uncover what they need to learn about the human body without www.vtmagazine.vt.edu. will carve out the time for meaningful involvement Michael Friedlander, the institute’s founding in research. “It’s not just going to be dabbling,” said executive director Michael Friedlander, the institute’s founding execu- tive director. “They’re going to be fully engaged in research. Just as they learn to work as part of a health care delivery team, the medical students will also learn to work in interdisciplinary research teams—with 2010-11 academic year, and each of those PIs will biomedical faculty members, Ph.D. students, postdoc- bring or hire researchers for his or her team. The goal toral fellows, laboratory technicians, clinical research is 25-30 PIs, with a range of 250-350 people working coordinators, and undergraduate students.” on site.

VTC graduates will leave medical school as “thought The researchers will work across four broad areas: neu- leaders”—understanding what makes a good experi- rosciences, cancer biology, cardiovascular sciences, Voting for Coach of the Year is a snap and ment, what a good control is and when one can reach and immunology and infectious disease. They’ll focus a conclusion. “They’ll be a tremendously educated on problems that have the potential for the greatest so is saving on your car insurance. advocates for the benefit of the patient,” Friedlander impact on public health. said. “We think this research is really going to make a For the top researchers Friedlander wants, the insti- You could save hundreds of dollars a year on your car and home insurance. Call better doctor.” 888-438-9083 for a free no-obligation rate quote, and find out about the special tute boasts a new opportunity in a unique partnership. group discount you could receive just for being a Virginia Tech alum.* Cynda Johnson, founding dean of the school of medi- “This is a place used to big-time research,” Friedlander cine, said research is inseparable from primary prac- said. “It’s not like we’re starting from scratch.” With- While you’re scoring savings, cast your vote for the Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year. tice. Johnson—with 35 years in primary practice and out the presence of Tech and the Carilion reputation, More than a million college football fans voted for the football coach they thought best demonstrated responsibility, integrity and excellence, on and off the field. academia—called research the “missing element” in he said, “it would be a much harder sell.” general medical education. Be part of this year’s action by visiting coachoftheyear.com/savings. High-impact medical research is just around the bend— Friedlander aims to have the first wave of seven to nine one more point of pride for the university and the This organization receives financial support for allowing Liberty Mutual to offer this auto and home insurance program. *Discounts and credits are available where state laws and regulations allow, and may vary by state. To the extent permitted by law, applicants are individually underwritten; not all applicants principle investigators (PIs) in place by the end of the region. may qualify. Coverage provided and underwritten by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and its affiliates, 175 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA. In Texas, coverage provided and underwritten by Liberty County Mutual Insurance Company and its affiliates, 2100 Walnut Hill Lane, Irving, TX. A consumer report from a consumer reporting agency and/or motor vehicle report on all drivers listed on your policy may be obtained where state laws and regulations allow. © 2010 Liberty Mutual Insurance Company. All rights reserved.

22 www.vtmagazine.vt.edu Virginia Tech Magazine Fall 2010 23 Head. CHARLI has a brain, but not here. Rather, his head is comprised of, depending on the task, one or two off- the-shelf USB webcams. These are the robot’s main sensors to help him perceive the world, figuring out his orienta- tion and position within a given space. He does this using complex algorithms that perceive colors and shapes. On a miniature soccer field, CHARLI can follow the pattern of the field’s painted lines. When he targets an orange ball to kick, he is using computer algorithms that identify “round” and “orange.” A sophisticated autonomous behavior CHARLI in charge program then kicks in, figuratively and literally. Neck/Spine. CHARLI can move his head on a three-axle rotation, The trailblazing footprint of Virginia unique for most robots. This Tech’s Robotics and Mechanisms allows him to display “emotion,” such as curiosity or sadness. Laboratory (RoMeLa) The S-shaped spine, based on humans’, is made of carbon-fiber by Steven Mackay rods. The rods are held together by clear acrylic disks to protect the scores of wires that comprise CHARLI’s HARLI took his first step in the base- What makes central nervous system. ment of Virginia Tech’s Randolph Hall CHARLI go? in March 2010. His creators—students Chest. Here lies CHARLI’s “brain,” a single- C Here’s a quick break- Shoulders. at RoMeLa—stood by in case the robot fell. board computer using a Linux operating down on just what Exposed off-the-shelf servo-actuators They were anxious. Hopeful. CHARLI, short for system. LabVIEW software performs most makes CHARLI tick … move CHARLI’s arms. Each computerized Cognitive Humanoid Autonomous Robot with actuator unit controls its own motions, of the complex computational tasks, such as and kick. Before you ask, Learning Intelligence, took a few halting but reporting to and receiving commands walking and balancing, vision interpretation, CHARLI has no heart. upright steps. Then came to a stop. Cheers from the robot’s main brain. and action commands. CHARLI soon will receive erupted. CHARLI’s main architect, graduate Sorry. (A trip to Oz, a new, “smarter” brain in the form of student Jeakweon “J.K.” Han, exhaled an audi- anyone?) Arms/Hands. Carbon-fiber tubes a super-fast computing unit, ble “Whew!” Dennis Hong, director of RoMeLa, and custom-milled aluminum parts supplied by National Instru- shouted: “One small step for a robot, one for structure make for a strong, but ments. Also here: two giant leap for robotics!” Everyone laughed. lightweight, body. Note the use of lighter, wireless communication But Hong’s off-the-cuff joke was prophetic. thinner areas (upper arm) balancing systems used for moni- CHARLI—the first, full-sized autonomous walk- out heavier, thicker areas (forearm, toring and for remote ing humanoid robot built inside the United hands). The hands, for now, are dummy control when needed. States—has gone over the moon with the placeholders with limited grip function. The chest covering is a robotics world. He introduced a “Cool Jobs” simple plastic shell. panel featuring Hong at the 2010 World Sci- ence Festival in New York; wowed thousands of spectators at Hong Kong’s 350,000-square- Legs/Feet. A clever system Power. Battery cells hidden in the feet (for foot Park Central Mall; made a splash debut of mechanical linkages swing actuators and motors in the legs and arms) and at the 2010 Singapore RoboCup Tournament, in tandem to generate the between the hips (for vital computing opera- winning third in his division; and landed on motion for CHARLI to walk. tions and electronics) provide CHARLI’s power. the August cover of Popular Science. Not bad Springs in his legs balance The lithium-polymer battery packs can explode for a 5-month-old. There’s been a hiccup along the gravitational load, support if incorrectly charged or even discharged at an the way, as to be expected with breaking-edge CHARLI’s upper body weight, and abnormal rate, hence the power monitor unit in technology: CHARLI popped the main bal- lift his legs. His feet must always be the chest. Also between CHARLI’s hips is an in- ance sensor in Singapore and crashed to the parallel to the ground, which limits his ertial measurement unit, providing the robot’s ground after becoming disoriented. But that possible poses and motion. sense of balance and orientation. won’t stop him—and Virginia Tech—from help- ing lead the way in robotics research in the United States. photos by jim stroup

24 www.vtmagazine.vt.edu Virginia Tech Magazine Fall 2010 25 CHARLI and the future of RoMeLa at Virginia Tech

he students at Virginia Tech’s robots as their companions, not as a CHARLI is proof, yet again, of “CHARLI-L is just the start, to Robotics and Mechanisms Labo- ‘Terminator.’” Hong’s and RoMeLa’s leadership in quickly get our foot into this exclusive K elsey kradel T ratory (RoMeLa) have built some Dennis Hong, director of RoMeLa, U.S. robotics research. Worldwide, international club of humanoid robots,” cool robots in the past several years, and sees future incarnations for CHARLI the field is dominated by South Korea Hong said. “Though we still have a long CHARLI is by far the tops. as necessary to everyday life. Eventually, and Japan. In a recent Popular Science way to go to catch up, RoMeLa always But cool goes only so far. And CHARLIs could help care for elderly cover story on robotics, editors dubbed approaches the problem in fresh, new, Mechanical engineering doctoral CHARLI is much more. parents or perform jobs too danger- CHARLI “the loneliest humanoid in innovative ways, and we believe we can Dennis Hong student Jeakweon “J.K.” Han of South Jeakweon “J.K”. Han, CHARLI’s ous for people, such as fighting fires on America.” Hong hopes to openly com- create new solutions that can leapfrog Korea is the main architect of CHARLI. main architect and a doctoral student naval ships. The U.S. Navy is expected pete with these robotic superpowers the ‘traditional’ approaches.” new technology to benefit society and to His wife, Younseal Eum, is an artist who from Seoul, Korea, always has seen this fall to give RoMeLa $3 million to with ingenuity as his rocket. Hong is convinced the team’s work teach the next generation of engineers who helped design CHARLI’s slick look. robots as helpful. “When I was a young continue building CHARLI-H (as in will impact the world for the better. will become the leaders in their fields.” child in Korea, I was always watching Heavyweight), a robot able to navigate “We are not just doing this for the fun ‘Astro Boy’ on TV, a show about this complex surroundings and endure harsh of it,” Hong said. “Our goal is to develop Steven Mackay is the communications coordinator for the College of Engineering. DARwIn I heroic robot helping and protecting conditions. Work is also under way on people,” he said. “I want people to accept CHARLI-L2 (L for Lightweight), an Lynn Nystrom, director of news and external improved version of the first. relations for the college, contributed to this article.

DARwIn IV To see the extensive coverage of IMPASS HyDRAS CHARLI and RoMeLa—videos, photos, and stories—go to www.vtmagazine.vt.edu. RAPHaEL 2011 2008 2005 2006 2007 2004 2009 2010 Hong starts June September December March October March September February November January June August January RoMeLa after Participating in RoMeLa sweeps Goooalll! DAR- Hong receives RoMeLa wins $2.5 Full work begins NFB gives DARwIn IV de- Hong named to RoMeLa wins $1.2 CHARLI appears at BDC vehicle wins Ap- New BDC Fords to joining Tech in NASA research top awards at wIn II scores in $400,000 NSF million multi-uni- on Blind Driver RoMeLa grant to buts, with the Popular Science’s million multi-univer- New York’s World plication of the Year debut publicly at 2003. Work be- program, Hong American Society soccer for the CAREER Award and versity grant from Challenge (BDC) build first BDC ability to jump “Brilliant 10 of sity grant to develop Science Festival award at NIWeek. Daytona Internation- first time fully and run. 2009.” Appears at gins on minia- begins work of Mechanical develops Whole Skin NSF to kick-start project, proposed by vehicle. open-source min- and Hong Kong’s Work on CHARLI-L2 al Speedway’s Rolex autonomously. National Federation TEDxNASA event; iature humanoid Park Central Mall. begins. 24 race. ture humanoid on spider-like Engineers robot- Locomotion robot, the humanoid of the Blind (NFB). December April presentation be- robots. Later suffers major robot DARwIn. MARS. ics conference. a.k.a. the “amoeba” robotics research HyDRAS wins RAPHaEL comes video hit. fall at RoboCup in October February/March robot. program in United April July December at International debuts and March Singapore. U.S. Navy expected Hong to speak States. CIRCA wins at December CHARLI takes first to award $3 million Work begins on DARwIn I July Capstone Design wins a number at international Compressed Air and Tech selected to steps. RoMeLa wins June grant to help build spoke-wheel ro- stands up and November Fair. of top awards, TED (Technology RoMeLa is the only Gas Institute (CAGI) build battlefield $6 million grant with RoMeLa purchases CHARLI-H, as SAFFiR. bot, IMPASS, with walks with Team VictorTango including CAGI Entertainment and American robot- Innovation Awards. robots for 2010 Drexel University for two Ford Escapes to $346,000 grant two legs. wins third place Innovation Design) event. ics team invited to Multi-Autono- advancing the capa- build next-genera- December from National Sci- and $500,000 at June Award. RoboCup’s humanoid mous Ground- bilities of humanoid tion BDC cars. Open-source ver- ence Foundation DARPA (De- CHARLI project division. robotic Interna- robots. sion of DARwIn for (NSF). fense Advanced announced. Seed July tional Challenge July/August research and educa- Research Projects funding provided BDC vehicle August (MAGIC). April Popular Science cover tion to be unveiled Robot Acronyms Agency) Urban by Virginia Tech debuts at youth CHARLI: Cognitive Humanoid Autonomous Robot with Learning Intelligence DARwIn sweeps RoMeLa receives features CHARLI. at Humanoids 2010 Challenge with Student Engineers camp run by CIRCA: Climbing Inspection Robot with Compressed Air top three awards at $1.5 million grant Meanwhile, Tech international confer- Odin, an autono- Council. NFB. Featured DARwIn: Dynamic Anthropomorphic Robot with Intelligence from NFB to develop fails to make MAGIC ence. Robotis Co. will NIWeek 2007, spon- mous SUV. HyDRAS in Washington HyDRAS: Hyper-redundant Discrete Robotic Articulated Serpentine next-generation finals cut. sell robot to public. sored by National debuts. Post. At RoboCup, IMPASS: Intelligent Mobility Platform with Active Spoke System BDC vehicle. Part- Instruments; STriDER DARwIn 4’s cam- MARS: Multi Appendage Robotic System ners with TORC debuts and wins eras fail. RAPHaEL: Robotic Air Powered Hand with Elastic Ligaments Technologies. best paper award at SAFFiR: Shipboard Autonomous Fire Fighting Robot STriDER: Self-excited Tripedal Dynamic Experimental Robot International Confer- ence on Advanced Learn more at www.romela.org. Robotics.

26 www.vtmagazine.vt.edu Virginia Tech Magazine Fall 2010 27 In 2007, Virginia faced stiff competition as one of eight states vying to land the Rolls-Royce plant. Virginia Tech, Virginia Tech and U.Va., and VCCS were on board from day one, offering the the economic Helping company the benefits of faculty research expertise and the health of the ability to educate a skilled workforce. The company would go commonwealth on to forge a strong bond with VCCS, particularly John Tyler Community College in Prince George, to provide worker training, especially in advanced manufacturing. Virginia A number of factors led to the company’s decision to build the plant in Virginia, said Brian Warner, Rolls-Royce lead By Denise Young for the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CCAM), a joint research center to be built adjacent to the Rolls-Royce facility and staffed by Tech and U.Va. research- take flight ers. The commonwealth’s quality of life, strong infrastructure, innovative approach to research and education, commitment Virginia Tech isn’t alone in its ongoing efforts. Universi- to workforce development through the community college sys- ties and community colleges throughout the state also strive to tem, and economic incentives all played a role in the decision. make Virginia a prosperous place to work and live. Barry John- son, associate dean for research in U.Va.’s School of Engineering The greatest instrument of democracy and Applied Science, said that despite the oft-publicized rivalry Thomas Jefferson once said, “I look to the diffusion of light between Tech and U.Va., the two universities work together and education as the resource to be relied on for ameliorating constantly to help the commonwealth and society as a whole. the condition, promoting the virtue, and advancing the hap- “A lot of people tease us about being competitors all the piness of man.” Nowhere is the Jeffersonian ideal of education time, but the reality is that we frequently have faculty teaming more vibrantly realized than in Virginia. As the senior land- up on research projects. [Collaboration] happens every day at grant university in the state, Virginia Tech is fulfilling a role it the faculty level. There’s a natural relationship there. We have has played since the school first opened its doors. Virginia Tech graduates working in our school of engineering, “It’s a 21st-century definition of what we’re doing, but and you have U.Va. [alumni] working [at Virginia Tech]. We’re this project is a reflection of our historic mission of helping to strengthening those relationships and growing them,” said embrace society’s problems and helping to provide solutions,” Johnson. said Virginia Tech President Charles W. Steger. One need not be an academic researcher or a titan of “The Rolls-Royce project is a great example of that com- industry to reap the rewards of these partnerships. Perhaps the mitment,” agreed Virginia Tech Vice President of Outreach greatest benefit is to regional communities that experience job and International Affairs John Dooley. “This project will growth. And endeavors like the Rolls-Royce project create more certainly engage the scientists at Virginia Tech around the jobs than just those at the plant. They have a “multiplier effect,” business interests of Rolls-Royce and their suppliers. Through according to Don Leo, associate dean of research and gradu- this partnership, we will develop a new generation of technolo- ate studies in Virginia Tech’s College of Engineering. For every gies that will be used in Rolls-Royce equipment.” advanced-manufacturing job, three or four others are created in

A new chapter in economic growth for the commonwealth has begun. Through a collaborative effort that includes partners from Virginia Tech, the Artist’s rendering of the first University of Virginia (U.Va.), the Virginia Community College System (VCCS), buildings at Crosspointe, Rolls- and state and regional governments, a Rolls-Royce jet-engine plant, located Royce’s new aerospace facility in

on a 1,000-acre site in Prince George County, Va., is set to open in 2011. The Photos C ourtesy of R olls- oyce Prince George County, Va. factory will employ 140 people initially, with some 500 employees expected as site development continues. The facility is the fruit of a multifaceted and well- wrought team effort.

28 www.vtmagazine.vt.edu Virginia Tech Magazine Fall 2010 29 the community. These jobs include construction, food services, perience that Rolls-Royce brings to the table,” Batra said. “This and hotel and retail positions. will help professors bring to the classroom problems industries Job growth takes other forms, noted Vandy Jones, direc- are facing so students will be prepared to meet the challenges of tor of economic development for the City of Petersburg. “The more advanced processes that will involve very small tolerances.” research and development that will come out of the project will Wing Ng, the Chris Kraft Professor of Mechanical add to the knowledge base of this region, and it will also give an Engineering in Tech’s College of Engineering, is undertak- opportunity for folks to enhance their knowledge and job skills, ing CCAPS-related research to study volcanic ash and sand which could translate to other opportunities.” injections into aircraft turbine engines, a research problem with which Rolls-Royce specifically requested help. The Wil- Rescuing technologies from the liam S. Cross Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Danesh ‘valley of death’ Tafti, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering Srinath The plant is a key component in a far-reaching idea with a Ekkad, and Ph.D. student Sukhjinder Singh have joined Ng big impact. Two centers will supply high-end research that will on the project, which began in 2010. Rolls-Royce is donating help Rolls-Royce, its suppliers, and other big players in industry the necessary equipment to Virginia Tech for this research, and solve complex problems. By utilizing the skills and ingenuity cost-sharing with the state. of faculty and students from both Tech and U.Va., these two “If sand and ash go into the engine when it’s hot, they’ll fuse centers will supply implementable technologies to the fields. j ohn m ccor ick to the parts of the engine and cause an in-flight shutdown,” said “What makes it difficult for large companies to solve high- Ng. “[The research] will help both commercial and military end manufacturing issues is that we have to focus on produc- aircrafts for safety and efficiency of the airplane.” tion day in and day out. Having this equipment in research Not only will the team’s work be valuable to Rolls-Royce— centers will allow us to work toward solutions to those prob- particularly its implications for military jet engines function- lems without putting a halt to production,” said Warner, the ing in a desert environment—but the opportunity also helps Rolls-Royce lead. Virginia Tech and its faculty and students. “It is a tremendous With faculty expertise in fields ranging from thermal bar- benefit for us to be so visible and to work on practical engi- Mechanical engineering professors and doctoral stu- rier coatings to turbomachinery, Tech and U.Va. can put their after a 10-year period, CCAM itself might employ a total of dents are collaborating with Rolls-Royce to study the neering problems,” Ng said. “It’s good for students in terms knowledge to work solving problems that will have real-world 50 full-time employees with an additional 50 to 100 part-time effects of hot ash on jet aircraft engines. (From left) of training and job placement, and it’s good for the faculty for application for Rolls-Royce and others in the industry. “Uni- employees. In addition, we want CCAM to be viewed as a Sukhjinder Singh, Colin Reagle, Wing Ng, the Chris Kraft international visibility.” versities are very good at developing new technologies, and competitive advantage for other companies to locate in Virginia Professor of Mechanical Engineering; Jacob Delimont, Mechanical engineering doctoral students Jacob Delimont and Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering companies are very good at developing new products, but a lot and to locate in the Petersburg area,” Leo said. Srinath Ekkad, on a runway at the Virginia Tech Mont- and Colin Reagle, both working with Ng on the study, said the of times what happens is that technologies developed at univer- The second, the Commonwealth Center for Aerospace gomery Executive Airport. opportunity to delve into an issue with practical applications sities don’t make it into the product stage,” said Johnson, who Propulsion Systems (CCAPS), more closely resembles the gives them experience that purely theoretical research would calls the gap between lab-prototype and production the “valley traditional research model found on campuses. Rolls-Royce In Tech’s College of Engineering, Romesh Batra, the not. of death” for technologies. will provide funding for professorships, graduate assistantships, Clifton C. Garvin Professor of Engineering Science and “Industry wants results; they want something they can ap- “Our long-standing activity in advanced manufacturing and upgrades of lab equipment for research, with additional Mechanics, and Gary Pickrell, associate professor of materials ply with a certain amount of money and within a certain time- is extremely valuable,” said Richard Benson, dean of Virginia funding provided by the state. Total funding in the first year is science and engineering, are working on intelligent software frame. Scholarship is about research and papers. This project is Tech’s College of Engineering. “Because of our expertise, we are about $1.5 million, equally spread between the two universities, and experimental programs to help in the development of a balance between those,” said Reagle. able to move quickly into research projects that Rolls-Royce said Johnson. advanced coating systems to ensure uniform consistency in “It has given us an industry problem … that needs to be and others will find interesting.” In the five-year period from 2010-14, the state will contrib- application of coatings. solved,” said Delimont. “The end goal of our education is to The first center to emerge from this collaboration is ute $40 million, said Jeff Anderson, executive director of the “This should save Rolls-Royce and other companies en- solve these problems.” CCAM. Based on a unique business model, CCAM will be Virginia Economic Development Partnership, which led the gaged in similar processes considerable sums of money,” said Ba- Economic impact, part of Tech’s core land-grant mission, is housed in a research facility on the Rolls-Royce site and staffed negotiation process. By upgrading labs and creating internships tra. “The tools developed will also be applicable to many special nothing new for the university. Benson said he envisions that by Virginia Tech and U.Va. It will involve not only Rolls-Royce, and professorships, this funding ensures that Virginia’s higher- processes, including thermal spraying, painting, and aluminiz- the collaboration’s long-term benefits for Virginia’s economic but other high-end manufacturing companies of the same stat- education research aligns with the companies that have a pres- ing, and will attract high-tech companies to Virginia’s CCAM.” vitality will be felt across the commonwealth. ure, including those involved in the shipbuilding, automotive, ence in the state or that are being recruited. “We want to make Students at the postdoctoral, graduate, and undergraduate Perhaps one day, Rolls-Royce suppliers and related start-up energy, and transportation industries. sure they understand that, beyond our ability to meet their site levels will join Batra and Pickrell in their research. companies will fan out across Virginia, from the mountains to “Our vision is for this center to have positive economic and labor needs, we have the ability to meet their needs through “Without this partnership, the personnel involved—stu- the coast. It’s a flight path for all Virginians, and Tech is per- impact in a number of ways. Our business model indicates that these long-term partnerships,” Anderson said. dents and faculty—would not have the benefit of practical ex- fectly suited to be in the cockpit.

30 www.vtmagazine.vt.edu Virginia Tech Magazine Fall 2010 31 In places where children may be sent to school without breakfast, Tech alumni are among a prestigious teaching corps who instills a hunger for another C ourtesy p hoto basic need their students are deprived of: knowledge. These individuals willingly accept some of the hardest jobs imaginable and learn about themselves on the journey. “Service is the rent you pay for living,” said Nichole Prickett (hu- man resource management ’08), citing an often-quoted phrase on service. Prickett has taught Nichole Prickett ’08 special education in Atlanta in her Atlanta classroom. since 2008. “It’s not fair that these children are [deprived of ] equal accessibility because of where they live. We’re giving them the tools they need to become self-functioning adults, self-sufficient contributors to society.” Prickett’s mental- ity is the framework of TFA’s mission to civilian-track cadet to serve as regimental The opportunity to teach for stop educational inequity. commander of the Virginia Tech Corps America does not come easily. In 2010, “The need for qualified teachers is of Cadets. 12 percent of all seniors at Ivy League undeniably one of the biggest needs in Graduating college students are care- schools applied, and a record total of the country,” said Kelly Mason (political fully selected to commit to two years of 46,000 applications came in from more science ’10), recently stationed in Colo- service in regions where there is a dem- than 350 colleges and universities. rado for her first year of teaching. onstrated gap in academic achievement Nationally, only 12 percent of applicants TFA is one step ahead in addressing and where the organization receives the made the cut, and just under 10 percent Virginia Tech alumni are at the forefront of a shared mission this need. An impressive 65 percent of community and school district support accepted invitations to become members to stop educational injustice. Immersing themselves in under- teachers exceed their two-year service corps teachers need to be effective in the of the teaching corps, setting the bar privileged communities through Teach For America (TFA), a obligation and continue to work full-time classroom. higher than ever before. in the field of education. According to the U.S. Department of The organization addresses the nonprofit organization devoted to expanding scholastic oppor- “No matter what I do after this, it’s Education, newly hired teachers in poor dire need for highly qualified teachers tunity, Hokies are confronting the gap in achievement. going to be focused on education, which urban and rural areas are often among through meticulous examination of is the fundamental stone for any society A disturbing reality exists in this nation that a child’s birthplace the least prepared and most inadequately each applicant. “We select exceptional to succeed. It will be an attempt to show supported. “We have to provide these individuals who demonstrate past lead- too often determines the quality of his or her education. Accord- the world that we are all the same,” said students with what they need,” said ership and achievement, persevere in the ing to TFA, 9-year-olds in low-income communities are three Adnan Barqawi (business management Mason, a special-education teacher at face of challenges, exhibit strong critical ’09), a second-year math and science Laredo Elementary School in Aurora, thinking, have the ability to influence grade levels below those residing in high-income areas, and only by Meaghan Hinder ’10 teacher in the Mississippi Delta region. Colo. “We’re creating a system with more and motivate others, possess strong orga- 50 percent will graduate from high school. The 2009 Undergraduate Leader of transparencies so the problem can expose nizational skills, understand and work illustration by Kyle Waldrop ’11 the Year was the first Middle-Eastern, itself.” relentlessly in pursuit of our vision, and

32 www.vtmagazine.vt.edu Virginia Tech Magazine Fall 2010 33 Adnan Barqawi ’09

have respect for students and families in “Arriving here has made me realize Gastrock cites—that only half of their The weight of responsibility, reality teacher-preparation system, the state’s quickly learned that being there for them low-income communities,” said Kaitlin that all of this was the right decision,” students are expected to graduate from of poverty, and transition to a new home leading provider of teachers. The study is the most prized gift you could ever give Gastrock, TFA spokeswoman. Mason said. “It’s an adventure in so many high school, and just one in 10 will can be emotionally taxing on the corps. found that TFA “represents an oppor- them,” said Barqawi. “‘You can do it!’ are About 3 percent of Tech’s most-re- ways. … Yes, I want teaching to be my graduate from college—and the numbers A strong network of support, which tunity for UNC and North Carolina to words they’ve never heard before.” cent graduating class applied for teaching career, but this is so much more.” Service take on a deeper meaning. includes a transition team at each place- learn and improve” and recommended “Once you get in the classroom, it’s no positions, and 14 Hokies were chosen is nothing new to the Kappa Delta sister. “Your opinion and your views change ment site, becomes a necessity. that UNC identify elements of the TFA longer about you anymore. It’s about the to join the teaching corps for their first She participated in numerous volunteer once you’re in the classroom,” said Prick- “It was definitely not hard to find a model that would be “portable and scal- kids, the community, the bigger picture, year. Eighteen Hokies are in their second opportunities at Tech and continues her ett, who plans to see her eighth-graders sense of belonging,” Barqawi said. “After able” to UNC’s preparation programs. [as opposed to] the ‘me’ mentality you had year of teaching, while another 18 have selfless mission in the classroom. “This off to high school next spring after all, we’re all unified by the same mission. Another study, The Effects of Teach during college,” Prickett said. completed the program, according to the is how I want to do it, and this is who I teaching three years at Jean Childs Young It’s so rewarding to be around people For America on Students, conducted In other words, the teachers are learn- organization. want to do it for.” Middle School. “It’s no longer just the who are very well accomplished, yet have by Mathematica Policy Research Inc., ing, too. Barqawi shared an unattributed “It’s very clear that their passion stats. It’s not 50 percent anymore. It’s my dedicated years of their life to service. discovered that “corps members made quote he stumbled across on the Web, for community service and education is kids, my students, my families.” Corps come from all walks of life; you more progress in a year in both read- which says, in part: rooted in their Virginia Tech experience,” TFA reaches 39 regions in the have the Ivy League grads and the small- ing and math then would typically be What will matter is not what you Gastrock said. “Their accom- United States, chosen on the basis of school grads. It’s just amazing when you expected,” and researchers observed that bought but what you built, not what you got plishments in the class- community and school support and other bring talent together.” within this particular data set, students but what you gave. room speak to how well factors, such as a state’s alternate route Research suggests that the talent level “attained significantly greater gains in What will matter is not your success but the university prepares to teacher licensure. Barqawi, Mason, has a big impact in the classroom. The math compared with students of other your significance. their graduates. The Hok- Prickett, and Gina Xenakis (M.S. mar- University of North Carolina (UNC) teachers, including veteran and certified What will matter is not what you ies are among many working keting research ’09), a technology and at Chapel Hill’s Carolina Institute for teachers.” learned but what you taught. to solve one of our nation’s social studies teacher in New York City, Public Policy recently published a study Along with the impact on school- “This is what I’ve learned,” Barqawi most pressing problems.” are among many who partner with a local testing the effectiveness of different children, the organization also exposes said. “Living a life that matters is what to Tech teachers soon grasp university to earn their master’s in educa- pathways into teaching, comparing TFA- its teachers to powerful realities that strive for. It’s not a matter of circumstance the meaning of the statistics tion while teaching. trained teachers to graduates of the UNC may change their worldviews. “I very but of choice.”

34 www.vtmagazine.vt.edu Virginia Tech Magazine Fall 2010 35

SSPIRITPIRIT LLETTERSETTERS™™ COLLEGIATE, EVERGREEN WREATH Professor profile, continued from page 15 mechanical systems that open up car air bags and smart materi- als that monitor their own vibrations and make car rides quieter Let your neighbors Order Yours Today! There he discovered a certain mental agility that allowed him to and smoother. know who you’re quickly assimilate concepts outside his immediate discipline and Not surprisingly, the paper trail is astounding. Batra’s 276-579-7733 pulling for! apply them to his own work. This gift, along with a work ethic publication rate of 15 refereed journal articles per year is five www.spiritletters.com that often spurred him to rise at 4 a.m. to begin working from times the average in the College of Engineering. He was recently home, means that the applied mechanician and mathematician selected for inclusion on www.ISIHighlyCited.com because of his Show your spirit who ended up in material behavior has few peers in his field. exceptional citation count in the field, a honor shared with less with this “If we are asked to choose the three most distinguished than one-half of 1 percent of all publishing authors. collegiate, evergreen researchers in the area of engineering mechanics who have made The history of his discipline may be at his fingertips, but the Go Hokies! the most impact in the field during the past two decades, Dr. unknown future is what keeps him going. Asked about the last wreath on your Batra, in my opinion, will make this list. His research shows time he was confounded by a problem, Batra had an unexpected front door. creativity, relevance, and diversity,” said the University of Mary- answer. SPIRIT LETTERS™ land’s Alfred Gresso Professor Inderjit Chopra in the SCHEV “It happens every time,” he said. “The kinds of problems Patented & licensed by: nomination materials. keep on changing. It really happens every day. Otherwise, life are available Carolina Fraser Fir Company, LLC Batra has led teams that improved the design of differ- would be boring.” exclusively through 2617 Potato Creek Road ent types of armors such as bullet-proof vests, tank walls, and Mouth of Wilson, VA 24363 Carolina Fraser Fir shields to protect vehicles against improvised explosive devices. Lynn Nystrom, director of news and external relations for the [email protected] Company, LLC. He has characterized carbon nanotubes for designing lighter College of Engineering, contributed to this article. and more-fuel-efficient planes. He has studied micro-electro- To read more about Batra, visit www.vtmagazine.vt.edu.

Jim stroup

36 www.vtmagazine.vt.edu Virginia Tech Magazine Fall 2010 37 Alumnus Profile Alumnus Profile

are akin to walking along a picket fence, running a stick across these relationships between what you see and what you hear. the pickets while peering through the slots. “The kind of action It’s sort of Pythagorean,” he said of the metronome, the move- you see on the screen is very limited. It might be a scene of a ment of which can be interpreted in his work. ”You observe the bird turning its head, but as the scene repeats itself over and weight on the inverted pendulum and experience tempo as a over, there’s subtle variation with sound and light.” swing, to and fro, with an attendant ticking sound.” Ray Kass, a retired faculty member in the art department This attention to movement is the center of each piece. at Virginia Tech, remains close to his former student, attend- There is no focus on plot or character development. Instead, the ing McClure’s exhibitions and bringing him back to campus in film is stripped bare and pared down so the focal point is the 2000 and 2005 to share his work. “Bruce’s work deconstructs subtlety, the intentionality of each color, every shadow, sound, film itself into its component parts, like working on film as a flash, or bit of image projected, moving from what McClure robin m artin projected surface as opposed to dealing with a photographic calls the mechanic medium to the human medium. “I like movie image—skipping the camera,” said Kass, who noted that Marcel projectors. I like their shutters and light intervals, the way they Duchamp’s Rotoreliefs were a major influence on McClure. work—strobe lights, lighthouses, sirens, and other flashing McClure’s recent performance pieces Ventriloquent Agita- lights,” he said, listing his fascinations. tors and Pie Pelicane Jesu Dominae will be shown as part McClure’s work has more in common with a music concert of two October performances at the Harvard Film Archive, than a showing at an art gallery. It’s abstract art brought to housed in the Carpenter Center for the Visual Arts. life—only instead of a few brushstokes on a canvas, the audi- His inspirations are many and varied: the geometry of ence has light on a black backdrop with accompaniment of weights used in surf fishing, the registry of colors in melting sound. Live performance is vital to each of McClure’s works— lead, vaudeville, and the rhythm of the metronome. “There are a distinction, he noted, from more traditional art forms. A Bruce McClure ’85 painter might never be seen side by side with a painting. A film shown at a festival is distant from the director behind the lens. McClure prefers to be “on the frontline,” enacting each composi-

Performance art bends the senses

by Denise Young Imagine these still shots, taken from McClure’s Nethergate composition, layered on top of each other and rapidly blinking on the screen. Go to In the labyrinth of memory, a group of teenagers enters tors, shuttered lamplights, exciter bulbs, the optical sound sys- www.vtmagazine.vt.edu to view an excerpt. a cave; each blows out his carbide lamp and allows tem, and minimal amounts of film. In the art world, McClure’s pure darkness to engulf him. Air rushes against their work has won major recognition. He’s been in two Whitney faces like phantoms. A trickle of water drips haunting Biennial exhibitions and received the Herb Alpert Award, the notes in the quietude. From such sensations, Bruce latter of which includes a $75,000 prize. McClure (architecture ’85) draws the inspiration for McClure avoids the words “art” and “artist” for the archetypi- his work. cal images they conjure up: museums and the artist who walks “I’d first say that [my work] comes from a condition of away from the work he or she creates. “I don’t spend a lot of imaginary privation, and then being alone and wanting to get time paying attention to what other people are doing because out into the world,” said McClure, a draftsman-slash-artist who I realize what I’m doing is its own sort of creature,” he said. “I counts among his most influential experiences his time at a Boy always believed in trying to stay outside of certain definitions. Scout camp in Goshen, Va., where he and his fellow staff mem- But I thought I should have a job, go into an office and work bers explored local caves. “In order to escape the limits of your nine to five, and then come home and turn to other pursuits.” own reach, you might turn on the light. I think that’s a pretty McClure’s compositions are slow and intense. “It’s pretty good analogy for where I get my ideas.” grueling as far as the audience is concerned.” Unlike television McClure calls his work “projection performance.” His tools shows or films, in which a great deal happens in 30 minutes or include not brushes and canvas but those of cinema—projec- a couple hours, McClure’s 45-minute to one-hour compositions

38 www.vtmagazine.vt.edu Virginia Tech Magazine Fall 2010 39 Alumnus Profile Corps of Cadets

Ringing out the old,

bringing in By Rock Roszak ’71

R obin m artin the new

In the 2009-10 academic year, the Virginia Tech Corps tion in the presence of duced McClure to Ed of Cadets expanded its reputation in a number of ways, the audience. Yet one Knowles, a “kindred highlighted by its exemplary leader-development program. difference separates his spirit” who provided With another outstanding year of achievement behind us, work from that of the McClure with an they’re ready to scale new heights in 2010-11. stage performer. invaluable three-year “Picture Judy Gar- “Instead of being pushed out on an empty stage, I’m down with the architectural stint. land being pushed out people on the floor. I’m throwing light onto the stage, and the speakers McClure worked are facing me.” on the stage with the as a draftsman until Virginia Tech Magazine readers met Cadet John ing the way on campus in living up to the university lights pointing at her. She’s preparing to perform for a packed 2008, when two events collided that would shape the next few Steger in the fall 2009 issue as he was beginning motto with more than 7,900 hours of community house, but all she can see is the light shining on her. Instead of years of his career. His work at an architectural firm dried up his semester as the regimental commander, charged service. Over the course of the year, the corps being pushed out on an empty stage, I’m down with the people during the economic downturn, and he received the Alpert with leading the regiment of just under 770 cadets. surpassed its goal of collecting 500 units of blood on the floor. I’m throwing light onto the stage, and the speakers award. Nominated by an unknown source, McClure was To say that Steger (pronounced “Stay-ger”) had a for the Red Cross. The cadets, who represent about are facing me. It’s some sort of mirror image between what we distrustful of packaging something performative into an award good year would be an understatement. He made 3 percent of the undergraduate student body, do- associate with performance and what I call projection perfor- application. Though he applied in deference to the nomina- personal accountability the watchword of his com- nated 516 units of blood—17 percent of the total mance. I’m throwing a voice out into the room, but from the tor, he now has mixed feelings about the role of living off art, mand policy; if ever a cadet led by example, it was collected at Virginia Tech. Success with service was other side of the proscenium arch,” he said. finding it fairly labor-intensive for the compensation. “It’s Steger, who excelled in all phases of cadet life—fit- matched on the academic front: The average spring In his years at Tech, McClure remembers a professor saying one of the most generous awards in the arts, and it’s burning ness, academics, and leadership. semester cadet GPA was 3.03, and 395 cadets that the College of Architecture and Urban Studies “was a place a big artistic hole in my professional résumé. As far as being Steger captained the Virginia Tech Army made the Commandant’s List with a 3.0 or better. where one was permitted to fail.” For McClure, this meant the a draftsman is concerned, I haven’t worked in two years. I’ve ROTC’s running team in the Army 10-Miler in The Class of 2014 arrived on campus 350 college became a bastion of free thought where he was able to been traveling around the world, and I have nothing to show October, the largest 10-mile race in strong, part of a regiment of 850 cadets, the largest minimize vocational training in order to soak up the university’s for it—not even a trophy. I’m in the ‘in-between,’ and I don’t the world. For the second consecutive corps since 1969. The incoming class is almost offerings in art, literature, philosophy, and film. “It was a good think the life of an professional artist is for me.” The corps had another great year, Virginia Tech’s team was the evenly split between in-state and out-of-state place just for the richness of ideas and so forth,” he said. He also Nevertheless, the experience has provided McClure a year, leading the way on campus best ROTC team in the nation. On students, and females comprise just over 16 percent appreciated the affordability of Virginia Tech, which left room sturdy platform for his next jump into the space between the in living up to the university the academic side, Steger graduated of the class, continuing the growth of that demo- for exploration. He spent two years abroad in Italy, long enough mechanic medium and human medium, wherever the jump with a 3.84 GPA, with a double graphic. The states outside of Virginia with the motto with more than 7,900 to study Italian, learn the bus routes, and intern with Ivano takes him. “I became the monster I didn’t want to become,” he major in history and political science largest numbers of incoming cadets are Maryland Gianola, an architect whose work he admired. joked, “but it’s been good because I got to show a lot of places I hours of community service. and a minor in leadership studies, and Pennsylvania. Freshman cadets boast an aver- Kass’s encouragement influenced McClure at Tech. “Ray’s wouldn’t have otherwise.” and was named the Outstanding age GPA of 3.83 and SAT scores of 1223. self-appointed mission was to bring some of the culture from The show goes on, this performance artist creating pat- Senior in the College of Liberal Arts and Human The Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets remains New York down to Blacksburg,” McClure said. Kass founded terns and sounds in the darkness. Perhaps somewhere inside Sciences. His leadership was recognized with the a vital program that blends the longest-standing the Mountain Lake workshops, at which McClure met many McClure there is still a young man snuffing the light out, Undergraduate Student Leader of the Year Award, tradition on campus with a top-notch leadership figures of the art-world intelligentsia, including composer allowing the pure shadow to seep under the skin, and turning the seventh consecutive year the honor has gone to experience. John Cage, who would be an influence on him not only at the the lamp on again. a cadet. He became U.S. Army 2nd Lt. John Steger Col. Rock Roszak ’71, U.S. Air Force (retired), workshops in 1983, 1988, and 1990, but also when McClure To see a video of one of McClure’s compositions, visit www. in May. is the alumni director for the Virginia Tech Corps of moved to New York after graduation. In New York, Kass intro- vtmagazine.vt.edu. Overall, the corps had another great year, lead- Cadets.

40 www.vtmagazine.vt.edu Virginia Tech Magazine Fall 2010 41 Philanthropy Philanthropy Ji m S trou p Reviving damaged Supporting outstanding faculty Eleven faculty members were appointed during ground the 2010 fiscal year to named positions created by donors. More than 40 such positions have been created since July 2003 as part of The Campaign for Soil-remediation expert W. Lee Daniels Virginia Tech: Invent the Future. is one of many talented Virginia Tech faculty members benefiting from donor support. A professorship named for his own mentor By Albert Raboteau In June, Daniels was one of several outstanding faculty mem- bers appointed to named professorships—titles that donors create Landowners in Virginia’s Dinwiddie, Greensville, to enhance the ability of extraordinary teachers and researchers and Sussex counties are letting an Australian mining to do good work. company dig 20 to 30 feet down into thousands of His professorship was endowed in 1985 to honor the acres of prime farmland in search of something far agronomy department head who died that year. Daniels said the more lucrative than any crop: major deposits of tita- prestigious title will help as he applies for research grants. The “They are now to a point where, with the right protocols, they Virginia. He has researched ways to return thousands of acres Hutcheson professorship also provides discretionary funding that nium and zircon. get back 80 to 85 percent of the pre-mining [agricultural] yield, of coal-waste piles to productive use and how to address the Daniels views as “seed money” for early-stage research projects. Topsoil is scraped up and set aside. Deeper earth which is pretty darn good,” Daniels said. danger of dissolved salts leaching from the valley fills created in “It helps to support my overall operations,” Daniels said of that contains the valuable materials—which are used So good, in fact, that the Interstate Mining Compact Commis- mountaintop-removal mining. his new title. to make products such as paint, suntan lotion, and sion gave a national award to Iluka for its work in Virginia in 2009. By sharing his expertise with industry, Daniels has improved But for him this appointment is not just professionally useful. ceramic glazes—is wetted and run through cyclones mining practices. By sharing his expertise in the After finishing his master’s in 1980, Daniels was and spirals to separate the titanium and zircon from Less-damaging methods of mining classroom, he has helped thousands of students By sharing his expertise working as a research associate on the Powell the soil. The soil is returned to the pit, covered with Daniels has been researching how to bring mining-damaged understand soil science and management—es- with industry, Daniels has River Project. It was Hutcheson who steered him topsoil, and replanted. soil back to productive use since the early 1980s, when demand for sential knowledge for agriculture, forestry, and improved mining practices. into an instructor position in 1982. such knowledge arose alongside stricter environmental regulation. urban-land management. By sharing his expertise Hutcheson also served on Daniels’ disserta- In theory, landowners should be able to have the best of both In the 1990s, Daniels broadened his research to address how More than 100 students attend his introduc- tion committee. He was lobbying for Daniels to in the classroom, he has worlds, profiting from their land’s mineral riches without losing to restore damaged wetlands. Companies and landowners rely on tory soil science lecture course. He has served join the tenure track, but died of a heart attack helped thousands of stu- the ability to farm. In practice, yields on lands mined this way his work for practical methods of complying with environmental on the committees of more than 75 graduate just a month before Daniels defended his dis- were poor—until W. Lee Daniels (forestry ’78, M.S. agronomy ’80, regulations. students and has been major advisor for 21 more, dents understand soil sci- sertation in 1985. Ph.D. agronomy ’85), the Thomas B. Hutcheson Jr. Professor of “You cannot view mining or mineral extraction as a totally including John Michael Schmidt (biological ence and management. Two years later, Daniels became an assistant Crop and Soil Environmental Science, helped identify a problem. benign procedure with no impact,” Daniels is quick to point out. sciences ’98, M.S. crop and soil environmental professor—an opportunity for which he is still “Because of the very heavy compaction in the soil, you have “But what I have focused on is understanding a [mining] process, sciences ’02), who is now a legislative assistant for U.S. Sen. Russ grateful to Hutcheson. to rip it,” said Daniels, referring to a method of loosening the soil figuring out how to work with industry and regulators to mini- Feingold of Wisconsin. “I’m really humbled to be in this position,” Daniels said of many feet down. mize the impact during the process, and potentially eliminating “I think he’s a great mentor,” said Schmidt, who first met Dan- the professorship named for his mentor. “It means a lot to me.” Daniels conducted research that led the mining company, Iluka off-site impacts.” iels during a high school program at the Powell River Project and Resources, to start using gigantic tilling machines on the soil that Daniels began his mining-related research as part of what later studied under him as both an undergraduate and a graduate Albert Raboteau is a writer for University Development. was returned to the original excavations. The practice also includes is now the Powell River Project, a Virginia Tech-led program student. “He’s always approachable and tries to, as much as he can, To learn more about how wetlands are built and how sites affected customized liming and fertilization. that puts research into practice in the coalfields of southwestern integrate folks into his lab and look for opportunities for students.” by coal mining are renewed, go to www.campaign.vt.edu/daniels.

42 www.vtmagazine.vt.edu Virginia Tech Magazine Fall 2010 43 Philanthropy

Alumni AssociationAlumni Association News

Commentary My recent columns have focused on our year-long multicultural interests, and student life programs. 135th anniversary celebration of the Alumni Associa- We continue to place emphasis on our relationships tion. This issue of the magazine highlights many recent with students to prepare them to be future loyal alumni. achievements of our modern association. For the first Our alumni chapters raise funds for local scholarship Donors make a difference at Newman Library 50 years, volunteers kept the recipients, and endowed funds support many merit Adding a study café may be the most visible improvement that donors have made possible in the Carol M. Virginia Tech flame burning scholars. We oversee the class officer program that Newman Library this semester, but it’s not the only one. through alumni programs guides each unique class ring design. There were nearly Six floors up, in a section of the library closed to the public, a high-tech conference room is being and support activities that 4,000 ring purchases in the past year, and the junior installed. For the library’s technical services unit, the project—made possible by an anonymous gift—provides enriched the small college. ring dance in Squires Student Center reached capac- much-needed space for meetings and Web-based training sessions. Our first alumni office, located ity for the first time in its 75-year history. Our Student

John McCormick in a new War Memorial Gym Alumni Associates produce a variety of programs that By Albert Raboteau in 1926, signaled that the foster Hokie Spirit and acquaint their contemporaries association had entered a new with future opportunities for engagement after gradua- “Technical services work has changed tion ’66), grateful for the library’s support from donors who want to ensure that the phase with a staff designated tion. radically with the Internet, and higher- of his studies, endowed the fund. “The most relevant information in a particular to keep the college’s 2,000 Another hallmark of the association is its awards level technical skills are essential,” said library was just so valuable for me, espe- field of study can be readily accessed. alumni engaged. program, which recognizes and encourages accomplish- Leslie O’Brien, director of the Jean Rus- cially in my first year at Virginia Tech,” Ellen Krupar, librarian for the Pam- In 2010, we have more ments and excellence among faculty, students, alumni, sell Quible Department of Technical Ser- plin College of Business, said permanent, than 214,000 living alumni across the globe. Virginia and local alumni chapters. vices. “Training and continuing educa- predictable support from an endowment Tech alumni make their marks in every profession, ser- Our association is merely 135 years young! As tion, which have always been important, is especially welcome. “Knowing you can vice, and dimension of volunteerism imaginable. Associ- always, we will continue strengthening a connected are even more critical now.” depend on that money means you can ation programs extend far and touch alumni who cannot alumni base that is the envy of our peer institutions na- O’Brien’s department purchases buy materials with yearly costs, such as return to campus as often as they would like. Our chapter tionally. Virginia Tech is truly special. Our Alumni Asso- materials, licenses databases and journals, journals, compendiums of statistics, or organization has never been stronger, with more than ciation is proud to lead the charge to foster loyalty and collects usage data, and classifies materi- research report subscriptions,” she said. 120 active chapters led by volunteers and supported expand a sense of pride across the entire Hokie Nation. als for Addison, the library’s catalog. Just as Musolf did, today’s students by our staff. Likewise, there were 175 different alumni “Everyone benefits from the work of the still rely on the library as a place to study events in the past year that engaged alumni through unit, even though they may not interact and get support. By supporting the café class reunions, college and departmental programs, Vice President for Alumni Relations with the department directly,” said Eileen project, multiple donors have lent their Hitchingham, dean of university libraries. own support. Eileen Hitchingham, dean of university Another exciting development for libraries, in the café. “People may think of a library in the library is the creation of the Gary terms of its collections, but it’s equally Musolf Business Resource Fund—the the Macon, Ga., resident said. “I found important as a place where students can first library endowment to focus on the a lot of support there, and it was a great spend long hours working individually or needs of one of Virginia Tech’s colleges. place to go study. I don’t know if I would in a collaborative setting,” said Hitching- The fund provides money for materials have gotten through my first year if I ham. “This project helps us provide that that support Pamplin College of Business hadn’t had that resource available.” space.” Alumni Association teaching or research. Library officials hope to set up simi- Albert Raboteau is a writer for Univer- Annual Report Gary Musolf (business administra- lar funds for other colleges, with help sity Development.

Newman Library received nearly 800,000 Read more about the new library café in “Donations 2009–10 A popular visits during the 2009-10 school year, and fuel high-profile projects” in the winter 2009-10 place its materials were either checked out or magazine, available at www.vtmagazine.vt.edu/ accessed online more than 2.5 million times. winter10/philanthropy.html.

44 www.vtmagazine.vt.edu Virginia Tech Magazine Fall 2010 45 Alumni Association Annual Report 2009–10 Alumni Association Annual Report 2009–10

Supporting students 123 active chapters and clubs held events Engaging leadership 105 advocates at Hokie Day with the General Assembly Student programs bridge the gap Alumni chapters and clubs Alumni advocacy events and strategies, ensure strong financial and administrative Student Alumni Associates (SAA) and the Class System, connect with students Hokies for Higher Education is the legislative advocacy management, and develop future initiatives. The board is two active and respected organizations, foster traditions Chapters and clubs across the country host annual student group for Virginia Tech, providing vocal backing on issues comprised of 30 members elected by the association’s designed to bond students more closely to the university. send-off events for current and incoming students and often of importance to the university and to higher education by active members. SAA accepted 34 new members through its annual recruit- remain in touch with students throughout the year by invit- cultivating support among elected officials. Alumni mem- ment for 2010. As part of the student transition program, a ing them to tailgates, providing care packages during exam bers of the General Assembly were hosted at a breakfast in Chapter Officers Leadership Forum speaker series meant to prepare seniors for life after gradu- time, and including them in other events, such as holiday Richmond, and the 12th annual Hokie Day at the General The Chapter Officers Leadership Forum each fall provides ation was offered during the spring semester. The Class of gatherings and summer picnics. Assembly in the state capitol attracted the highest num- an opportunity for alumni chapter volunteers to return to 2011 had record attendance of more than 2,000 at the Ring ber of participants to date, with 105 alumni and students campus for special workshops, to hear updates on the Dance, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the class ring. Raising scholarship money visiting legislators. Chapters also invited legislators to their Alumni Association and the university, and to meet other through chapters functions during the months when the legislature was not in chapter officers. About 180 participants from 43 alumni Alumni chapters raise hundreds of thousands of dollars session. chapters attended the 2009 program, which focused on to assist students with educational costs. In 2009-10, 58 engaging alumni across generations. A chapter officer train- alumni chapters awarded 164 freshman scholarships total- Alumni Board of Directors ing webinar was held in January with more than 30 chapter ing $187,600. In addition, the association has a scholarship Twice a year, members of the Alumni Board of Directors volunteers joining in. Teleconferences for chapter leaders endowment of about $2 million, which provides annual gather to review and approve operating expenses for the as- scheduled throughout the year featured special topics or scholarship support for University Honors students. sociation, evaluate progress in accomplishing annual goals open forums.

Embracing SERVICE 49 alumni chapters performed more than 100 service activities Ut Prosim Outstanding volunteerism The Hokie Nation Serves initiative encourages all members Forty-nine alumni chapters participated in more than 100 of the Hokie Nation to commit to service hours beyond community service activities in the past year, including Hok- normal commitments, especially during the month of ieBird Fights Hunger, Virginia Techforlife blood drives, and Celebrating faculty 16 faculty members were recipients of Faculty Excellence Awards April. The Ut Prosim Update, a newsletter designed to keep Adopt-a-Highway cleanups. Unique projects included a Ryan alumni informed of community service projects that involve Clark Scholarship and Community Service Award benefit; a Honoring the best Faculty featured in alumni our alumni, students, faculty, and staff, was introduced in beach cleanup; and baking for the Ronald McDonald House. The association recognizes Virginia Tech’s top teachers with programming December 2009. In addition, at the fall Chapter Officers Leadership Forum, its Faculty Excellence Awards for teaching, research, advis- Professors regularly visit alumni chapters. In addition, chapter volunteers joined their local scholarship recipients ing, outreach, and extension, and for international educa- faculty and administrators speak at reunions, constituency in making more than 100 hats for children with cancer. On tion, outreach, and research. Sixteen faculty members were homecomings, and other special events. New Year’s Eve, more than 20 alumni volunteers worked honored in 2009–10 with cash stipends of $2,000 each. at the Atlanta Union Mission shelter in association with the An endowment was created in 1972 by the association to Tech bowl game in Atlanta. provide support for professorships; the Alumni Distinguished Professorship is one of the university’s highest honors.

72 chapter awards were presented at the fall

164 chapter scholarships were awarded to incoming freshmen, totaling $187,600 in financial support; Chapter Officers Leadership Forum; the number of 3,900 class rings were purchased by the classes of 2010 and 2011. living alumni climbed to 214,000.

46 www.vtmagazine.vt.edu Virginia Tech Magazine Fall 2010 47 Alumni Association Annual Report 2009–10 Alumni Association Annual Report 2009–10

Serving alumni 175 constituency events for reunions and colleges were held University and alumni association awards Alumni tours Reunions, homecomings, and special events Awards to Alumni Research: Timothy E. Long, chemistry; The Alumni Association sponsors group travel opportunities, In the fall, the Alumni Association enjoyed a successful William H. Ruffner Medal: Shuhai Xiao, geosciences often at substantial savings over the price of private tours, to reunion season. More than 2,550 alumni attended six class Garnett E. Smith (honorary alumnus) Teaching: Barbara M. Bekken, geosciences; exciting destinations worldwide. In 2009–10, 17 tours gave reunion weekends, seven college homecomings, a corps of University Distinguished Achievement Award: Peter E. Doolittle, School of Education 163 Hokies the opportunity to visit places around the globe, cadets homecoming, a multicultural alumni reunion, and Retired Gen. Lance L. Smith ’68 William E. Wine Awards in Teaching: including popular tours to Italy and Ireland and a Mediter- a Graduate School homecoming. The annual Old Guard Patricia G. Amateis, chemistry; Eloise B. Coupey, ranean cruise. Tours are professionally guided to take much reunion was attended by 180 members of the classes of ’36 Alumni Distinguished Service Awards: marketing; Michael J. Ellerbrock, agricultural and of the hassle out of travel. Additionally, 54 new graduates through ’58. Nearly 645 alumni and friends attended other James M. Shuler ’66, E. Ann Spencer ’76, ’84 applied economics traveled abroad on the Essential Europe tour. special events. More than 380 alumni and friends attended Graduate Alumni Achievement Award: educational and special events, such as Summer Around Richard T. Crowder ’60, ’62 Alumni awards the Drillfield, Civil War Weekend, and A Day in the Life of Col- Graduate Student Awards Since 1972, the association has honored more than 100 lege Admissions. Teaching Award: Rachel Arnold, mathematics; alumni for achievements in their careers and service to the Alumni Awards to Faculty for Excellence Laura Boutwell, sociology (honorable mention) Alumni Association, Virginia Tech, and their communities Alumni Association presence in Virginia Tech Graduate Academic Advising: Harold E. Burkhart, forestry with the Alumni Distinguished Service Award. Each year, Magazine and online Undergraduate Academic Advising: D. Michael Denbow, Service Award: Laura Pennington, political science; the association recognizes one individual with the Graduate Beginning in fall 2008 the Alma Mater, formerly published animal and poultry sciences Jonathan Gaines, mechanical engineering Alumni Achievement Award, eight alumni from each college by the Alumni Association, merged into the Virginia Tech Extension: Michael J. Parrish, Dinwiddie County Extension; (honorable mention)

with the Outstanding Recent Alumni Award, eight students Magazine with a devoted Alumni Association section in each Scott P. Greiner, animal and poultry science For detailed biographical information on award recipients, from each college with the Outstanding Senior Award, and issue. The association pages provide news regarding upcom- International Education: A.L. Hammett, visit www.universityawards.vt.edu/. two graduate students with teaching and service awards. A ing or recent programs, with occasional features on trends wood science and forest products Humanitarian Award is occasionally presented to deserving or topics of broad appeal. The association also expanded its International Outreach: John K. Burton, alumni who have had a profound humanitarian impact on communication network over the past year through Hokie School of Education the lives of others. Nation Network, Facebook, and Twitter. International Research: Mary A. Marchant, agricultural and applied economics 2010 award winners Holtzman Alumni Center Outreach: Mary E. Kasarda, mechanical engineering; The Holtzman Alumni Center opened in 2005. Its Alumni (from left) Lance Joyce Latimer, horticulture L. Smith, E. Ann Gallery provides space for receptions and features rotating Spencer, Garnett E. art exhibits by alumni and local artists. The Alumni Museum Smith, and James M. displays memorabilia that depict the university’s rich history. Shuler with President The Alumni Library has a collection of university publica- Charles W. Steger. tions and yearbooks, and volumes authored by Tech alumni. Numerous events were held at the Holtzman Alumni Center and the Alumni Terrace, including graduate fairs, an open house for students, an alumni open house during Home- coming weekend, a graduation bash for seniors, and a wine festival.

20,000 alumni and friends participated in association events on and off campus; 163 passengers traveled on alumni tours; Hokie Nation Network was introduced and registered nearly 11,000 members.

48 www.vtmagazine.vt.edu Virginia Tech Magazine FallFall 20092010 49 Life is meant to be experienced and explored. … What better way to broaden your horizons and breathe in new adventures than with other Hokies!

Alumni Association Annual Report 2009–10 Virginia Tech’s alumni travel the world

Swiss Winter Escapade Sketches of Spain Vikings, Kings, and Castles: University and alumni association awards Feb. 21–28 | $1,695* May 5–16 | $3,495* England, Scotland, Norway, Ireland, Located in the center of the Jungfrau Travel through the most historic regions the Isle of Man, and Wales Outstanding Recent Alumni Awards Outstanding Alumni Region, Interlaken is your gateway to the of northern Spain. This special program July 14–29 | $5,299* (Graduates of the past 10 years are eligible.) Chapter Awards Bernese Oberland, the magnificent heart begins in cosmopolitan Madrid, with its (air included)** Alleghany Iowa of alpine Switzerland. stunning architecture, lively streets, and Uncover the cultural and historical riches Thomas W. Chittenden ’02, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Highlands Jacksonville renowned museums. of northern Europe while cruising on the Jason J. Fichtner ’05, College of Architecture and Urban Studies Annapolis Knoxville Cruise the Panama Canal ~ grand and regal Oceania Cruises’ Marina. Daniel J. Connolly ’99, Pamplin College of Business Atlanta Los Angeles Crystal Symphony Treasures of China and Tibet ~ Henry A. Sodano ’02, ’03, ’05, College of Engineering Austin Middle March 6–17 | starting at $3,795* Century Sky Mara S. Seidel ’06, College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences Baltimore Tennessee (air included)** May 20–June 4 | $4,095* Travis E. Hardy ’01 and Vladimir G. Kochkin ’00, College of Natural Resources Central Florida Minnesota Relax aboard the six-star Crystal Sym- On this epic journey, discover one of the and Environment Central National Capital phony as you chart a course to fascinat- world’s most dynamic and captivating David M. Williams ’04, College of Science Pennsylvania Region ing ports of call. nations. Lauren L. Howard ’00, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine Charleston, S.C. N.C. Triad Baltic Treasures ~ Copenhagen to Charlotte New River Valley Stockholm Chapter Superlative Awards Chattanooga New York City June 10–21 | $3,699* Outstanding Chapter Event/Activity: Alleghany Highlands—Blue/Gray Banquet Chicago Palmetto (air included)** Outstanding Community Service Project: National Capital Region—Capital Area Cincinnati (South Carolina) Sail away on Oceania Cruises’ newest Food Bank Coastal Carolina Prince William ship, Marina, to a selection of the loveli- Outstanding Fundraising Event/Activity: Denver—Wine Tasting & Silent Auction Columbia, S.C. Research est sights northern Europe has to offer. Outstanding Golf Tournament: N.C. Triad—Carroll Dale Charity Golf Tournament Dallas Triangle Alaskan Adventures Outstanding Chapter Website: New York City—www.MaroonEffect.org Danville Richmond Amalfi ~ The Divine Coast of Italy Aug. 4–14 | Starting at $3,499* Outstanding Chapter Volunteer: Jill Heyman, N.C. Triad Chapter Denver Roanoke Valley June 15–23 | $2,795* (air included)** Most Improved Chapter: New Jersey East Tennessee Rockbridge Delight in the scenic grandeur of the Revel in the rugged beauty of Alaska as Outstanding New Chapter: Western North Carolina Emporia/ San Antonio Amalfi Coast, with its varied architecture you sail its coastline onboard the elegant Outstanding Chapter Officer:Marvin Boyd, National Capital Region Roanoke Rapids Seattle Jewels of the Mediterranean and and amazing vertical landscape. Hosted Oceania Cruises’ Regatta. First State Shenandoah Greek Isles by Richard Sorensen, dean of the Pam- (Delaware) South Florida April 12–23 | $3,499* plin College of Business. Franklin County/ Southwest Virginia (air included)** Smith Tampa Bay This alluring voyage presents a magical Mountain Lake Tidewater blend of ancient Mediterranean ports Fredericksburg Western and celebrated destinations as you cruise Grand Strand/ North Carolina on the elegant 684-passenger Oceania Myrtle Beach Williamsburg Cruises’ Insignia. Houston kelsey kradel Hokies at the Kentucky Derby Chapter Achievement Awards May 5–8 | $1,859* Central Virginia New Orleans/ And down the stretch they come! The Dayton, Ohio Baton Rouge majesty of Churchill Downs and Louis- Hilton Head, S.C. Northeast Ohio ville, Ky., are on full display for one Kentuckiana Philadelphia amazing weekend in May. 2010 winners of faculty/staff awards presented by the university and Las Vegas Pinehurst, N.C. Alumni Association. Loudoun County, Va. Pittsburgh New Jersey San Francisco Southwest Florida 50 www.vtmagazine.vt.edu Virginia Tech Magazine Fall 2010 51 IMAGINE WHAT YOU COULD DO WITH YOUR SPECIAL SAVINGS ON Virginia Tech’s alumni travel the world AUTO INSURANCE.

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*The New River Valley is the region around Virginia Tech’s Blacksburg, VA campus.

52 www.vtmagazine.vt.edu Virginia Tech Magazine Fall 2010 53 Book Notes Book Notes

Virginia Tech Magazine is pleased provided by Akiko Nakata. The book is through Lulu Enterprises Inc. (3103 alumni director for the Virginia Tech The Now Exspirientuality—The Way Adventures in Central America, by Thom- to note books by alumni, faculty, published by Pocahontas Press Inc. (P.O. Hillsborough St., Raleigh, NC 27606- Corps of Cadets, chronicles Pearl Harbor of Unity: Conversations with Dog, Book 1, as T. Wiatt (civil engineering technology and staff or books about Virginia Drawer F, Blacksburg, VA 24063-1020); 5436); www.lulu.com. before, during, and after the fated Japa- by Greg Morgo- ’80), is a collection Tech. To submit a book, please www.pocahontaspress.com. Greeetings from Ekaterinburg, by nese attack. This book is self-published glione (business ’81), of stories inspired mail it to Book Notes, Virginia Tech Jean Wilson Hale (civil engineering through Military Aviation Archives Inc. reveals an instantly by his 20-year Magazine, 105 Media Building, Books by alumni ’79), offers a hu- (403 Hearthstone Dr., Blacksburg, VA accessible, real-time journey backpack- Blacksburg, VA 24061. You can also Introduction to Composite Materials morous account of 24060); www.milavnarc.com. meditation for those ing through Central e-mail a high-resolution image of Design, second ed., by Ever J. Barbero living and working New Selected Poems of T. Byron seeking immediate America. The book the book cover, along with your (Ph.D. engineer- in Russia by way of Kelly (English ’90) enlightenment, with is self-published name, the name of the publisher, ing mechanics ’89), letters and e-mails takes the reader on the help of Alice, through Pub- and a brief description of the book, updates its preced- sent to family and a visionary poetic the Canine Messiah. lishAmerica (P.O. to [email protected]. For more infor- ing best-seller with friends. This book journey that spans The book is self- Box 151, Frederick, mation about Book Notes policies, new chapters on is self-published 23 years. The collec- published by BookSurge LLC (7290-B MD 21705); www.publishamerica.com. please go to www.vtmagazine. short-fiber and through iUniverse tion is self-published Investment Dr., North Charleston, SC In his book Keeping People Safe: vt.edu/bookreview.html. fabric-reinforced (1663 Liberty through iUniverse 29418-8305); www.BookSurge.com. The Human Dynamics of Injury composites and Dr., Bloomington, IN 47403); www. (1663 Liberty Dr., In his novel The Ark, Boyd Morri- Prevention, Josh Books by faculty and staff external reinforce- iuniverse.com. Bloomington, IN son (industrial and systems engineering Williams (Ph.D. In Recovering the Commons: Democracy, ment for infrastruc- Nanotechnology Environmental Health 47403); www.iuniverse.com. M.S. ’93, Ph.D. industrial organiza- Place, and Global Justice, Herbert Reid ture. The book is published by CRC and Safety: Risks, Virginia’s Montgomery County, edited ’95) combines ele- tional psychology, and Betsy Taylor, senior research scholar Press (6000 Broken Sound Pkwy. N.W., Regulation and by Mary Elizabeth Lindon (architecture ments of the thriller ’94) illustrates how at the Alliance Ste. 300, Boca Raton, FL 33487); www. Management, ed- ’52), is a compre- genre with biblical organizations can for Social, Po- crcpress.com. ited by Matthew S. hensive history mystery to tell of create safer work- litical, Ethical, and In Become Your Own Boss in 12 Hull (M.S. biology of Montgomery a frantic search for places through the Cultural Thought Months, Melinda F. ’02) and Diana M. County from the an ancient artifact use of the “Big Five” at Virginia Tech, Emerson (com- Bowman, tackles prehistoric geog- and a race to save components of occupational safety: provide new practi- munication ’94) the debate over raphy of its land humanity. The communication, leadership, behavior- cal and conceptual presents a practical, nanotechnology to the modernity novel is published based factors, person-based factors, tools for respond- month-by-month by thoroughly explaining environmental of present-day life. by Simon & Schuster Inc. (1230 Avenue and safety-management systems. ing to human and guide for getting a health and safety issues, financial implica- The publisher of the Americas, New York, NY 10020); The book is published by Govern- environmental cri- successful business tions, foreseeable risks, and the implica- is Montgomery www.simonandschuster.com. ment Institutes (4501 Forbes Blvd., ses in Appalachia and beyond. The book up and running in tion of occupational hygiene precautions Museum and Lewis Miller Regional Art My Whole Life and 48 Years of Small Ste. 200, Lanham, MD 20706); www. is published by University of Illinois 365 days. The book and consumer protections. The book is Center (300 S. Pepper St., Christians- Town Family Medical Practice, by Paul A. govinstpress.com. Press (1325 S. Oak St., Champaign, IL is published by published by Elsevier (3251 Riverport burg, VA 24073); www.montgomery Tanner Jr. (biological sciences ’45), is an My Mommy Has Breast Cancer, by 61820-6903); www.press.uillinois.edu. Adams Media (57 Littlefield St., Avon, Ln., Maryland Heights, MO 63043); museum.org. autobiographical Gina Wright (clothing and textiles ’90), In his compilation Images: Sixty Short MA 02322); www. www.elsevier.com. Favorites, by Garret Mathews account stemming explains what both “Mommy” and her Japanese Poems adamsmedia.com. Through a series of rare photographs, (economics ’71), is a collection of intrigu- from his collec- children may of Nature, Man, In 50-Year maps, and illustra- ing columns about tion of patient experience and Love, Carl J. Adventure, Rick tions, Attack on Americana, compiled comments and during the Pfeiffer, profes- Evans (geophysics Pearl Harbor, Japan to honor the fading quotes. The book grueling fight sor emeritus of ’84) chronicles his Awakens a Sleeping print of newspaper. is self-published against cancer. biomedical science travels, which begin Giant, written by This compilation with Eloquent This book is at Virginia Tech, in rural Virginia and Bert Kinzey III is published by the Books (845 Third self-published captures impres- take him around (business admin- Evansville Courier and Ave., Sixth Floor, through sions of Japanese the globe, offering istration ’68) and Press (300 E. Walnut No. 6016, New York, NY 10022); www. Author House culture as seen through the eyes of a a unique story of personal struggle and illustrated by Rich- St., Evansville IN eloquentbooks.com. (1663 Liberty Dr., Bloomington, IN Westerner. Japanese interpretation is redemption. This book is self-published ard S. “Rock” Roszak (management ’71), 47702); www.courierpress.com. Just Tell Me What Happened: My 47403); www.authorhouse.com.

54 www.vtmagazine.vt.edu Virginia Tech Magazine Fall 2010 55 Class Notes Class Notes

’85 ’89 Alumni, we want to hear what you’ve been doing. Although we can- A day at the beach … for everyone not print stories or obituaries, we can post online photographs of Robert J. Bloxom (MGT), Benjamin H. Cassutto (VM), weddings, babies, and spirited alumni. Mail photos to Virginia Tech Melfa, Va., is executive vice Millsboro, Del., has authored by Meaghan Hinder ’10 Magazine, 105 Media Building, Blacksburg, VA 24061, or e-mail president and chief credit a family biography entitled them to [email protected]. Please mail career, retirement, wedding, officer for Hampton Roads The Last Jew of Rotterdam. Most people take for granted the ease birth, and death notices to Alumni Notes, Virginia Tech Alumni Bankshares. Association, Holtzman Alumni Center, Blacksburg, VA 24061; send John E. Christensen (IEOR), of a beach day. For many, it’s effortless to them via e-mail to [email protected]; or submit them online at www. Susan Mokwa Breiteno- Gas City, Ind., is general vtmagazine.vt.edu/submit.classnotes.html. ther (BIOL), Clarksville, Md., manager of Packaging Cor- stroll the shoreline or bulk up one’s sea- earned her master’s of poration of America. Editor’s note: For privacy reasons, mailing addresses for alumni science in nursing from the shell collection. However, not everyone appearing in Career News, Weddings, and Births and Adoptions, University of Maryland. Elizabeth Strackbein may now be viewed online at www.alumni.vt.edu/directory by Forbes (MKTG, BAD ’93), has the ability to bask in the benefits of logging in with your Virginia Tech PID and password. Jeffrey J. Haugh (CE ’86), Vienna, Va., is a partner and Gum Spring, Va., received chief of staff and operations life in a traditional oceanfront commu- his doctorate of ministry at Heart+Mind Strategies. nity. For those who must use wheelchairs, ’68 Thomas J. Verbeck (EE ’74), Joyce Griffin Latimer America aftermarket prod- from Wesley Theological Seminary. Michael J. Parrish (AT, HORT Burke, Va., retired from the (HORT), Moneta, Va., uct development for General ’92, EDVT ’96), Chester, a day of sand and surf can mean a day of ’50s Lance L. Smith (BAD ’70), U.S. Air Force and is now a received the Virginia Tech Motors Customer Care and Pinehurst, N.C., received Va., received the Virginia spinning one’s wheels on a beach’s soft ’56 chief technology officer for 2010 Alumni Award for Aftersales. Tech 2010 Alumni Award for the Virginia Tech 2010 Northrop Grumman Health Outreach Excellence. ’86 Darren R. Conner (CE), Excellence in Extension. shores—not the idyllic, lazy day that oth- Charles E. Hamner Jr. University Distinguished IT. Dwight A. Holland (GEOP, Billy Almond ’78 Achievement Award. Humbert J. Lertora III Callands, Va., is president of (ANSC), Chapel Hill, N.C., Dewberry & Davis Inc. ISE ’91, ISE ’01), Roanoke, ers might imagine. received a Health Care Hero (PSYC), Roanoke, Va., Va., received the Meritori- Robert L. Snider (MATH), ’75 received an education spe- award from The Triangle Riner, Va., was conferred the Laura DeSantis Gagliano ous Service Medal for his When Virginia Beach, Va., native Billy Almond (landscape archi- Business Journal for his Dayton Egger (ENSY), cialist degree from George outstanding service to the professor emeritus title by Washington University. (ARCH), Olathe, Kan., is a ’90s tecture ’78) recognized the problem, he decided to take initiative in the accomplishments in health the Virginia Tech Board of Blacksburg, Va., was project manager for design United States. care. Visitors. conferred the professor and construction manage- ’90 design and construction of America’s first handicapped-accessible beach emeritus title by the Virginia ’79 ment at the University of Tech Board of Visitors. Kansas. ’87 Darrell H. Chapman (FW), playground, JT’s Grommet Island Beach Park and Playground For Every- ’69 Michael E. Melo (FW), Boca Raton, Fla., was as- Timothy E. Long (CHEM), Ralph A. Lorenzetti (CE), James D. Heffernan Jr. Yorktown, Va., is president/ signed to the U.S. Embassy BODY, on Virginia Beach’s oceanfront. (HIST), Bonita Springs, Fla., CEO and owner of ITA Inter- Ronnie D. Green (ANSC Blacksburg, Va., received ’60s Harpers Ferry, W.V., was ap- ’84), Sutton, Neb., is vice in Baghdad, Iraq, as a sys- is the understudy for the national, which ranked No. the Virginia Tech 2010 tems security officer. The inspiration spawned from Josh Thompson, a local boy diagnosed ’60 pointed by the West Virginia president for the University Alumni Award for Excellence Attorneys Association to the character Dr. Bob in the 1 on the Virginia Chamber movie Bill W. and Dr. Bob. of Commerce’s “Virginia of Nebraska and Harlan Vice in Research. Larkin Sims Dudley (PAPA with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2006. At that time, beach Richard T. Crowder (AGEC, board of directors of the Chancellor for the Institute Fantastic 50.” ’86, PAPA ’90), Blacksburg, AGEC ’62), Alexandria, Va., National District Attorney Lewis L. Lanier (BIOL), San of Agriculture and Natural Darrell G. Mottley (ESM, Va., was conferred the inaccessibility prevented him from enjoying days by the shore with his received the Virginia Tech Association. Francisco, Calif., was elected Resources. BAD ’94), Alexandria, Va., professor emerita title by Graduate Alumni Achieve- to the National Academy of is president-elect of the the Virginia Tech Board of family. ment Award for 2010. Sciences. Steven M. Pearson (ARCH), Washington, D.C., Bar. Visitors. Virginia Beach, Va., was Almond watched on television as Josh’s father, Bruce Thompson, ’80s Sandra J. Schiavo (STAT), Reginald G. Mitchiner (ME), named architect of the year Michael G. Lee (ACCT), Da- pitched the idea for a fully accessible beach park to the city council. “I’ve ’63 ’70s Salem, Va., was conferred ’80 by the Society of American Alexandria, Va., is a captain vidson, N.C., is co-president ’70 the professor emeritus title Military Engineers. in the U.S. Navy. of the global consulting firm known Bruce for the better part of my life,” Almond said. “When I saw Arthur H. Walz Jr. (CE), Bel by the Virginia Tech Board of Ronald J. Kendall (FIW), North Highland. Air, Md., received the 2010 Ransom Canyon, Texas, Dennis M. Scullin Jr. (ACCT, James R. Denyes (IE ’71), Visitors. Douglas G. Stewart (MKTG), ACCT ’88), Cumming, Ga., him making a proclamation for Josh, I immediately texted him, ‘We’ll do Lifetime Achievement Award Williamsburg, Va., retired received the Gerald E. Cross Fredericksburg, Va., was Matthew M. Winston Jr. Alumni Leadership Award is serving Pricewaterhouse- it.’” The park opened on May 22. from the United States from the Naval Safety and ’76 named as one of 2010’s (MKTG), Athens, Ga., is Society on Dams. from the Virginia Tech Col- Coopers LLP as a tax assistant to the president at Environmental Training top 1,000 financial advisors partner. “It’s truly the highlight of my career to be involved in something like Center as executive director Thomas A. Sachs (PSCI), lege of Natural Resources in the U.S. by Barron’s the University of Georgia. after more than 35 years of Alexandria, Va., is the as- and Environment’s Depart- magazine. this,” said Almond, vice president and managing principal of WPL Site ’64 federal service. sociate director for business ment of Fisheries and ’88 ’91 services and administration Wildlife Sciences. Design, the landscape architecture firm that designed the park. “It feels Douglas D. Martin (PAD, David G. Austin (AE), Nice- EDAD ’78, EDAD ’93), ’71 for the U.S. Department of ’84 Nathaniel Q. Belcher Transportation’s Office of ’81 ville, Fla., took command of so good to give back to the oceanfront community where I was born and Newport, Va., was conferred J. Madison Drake (ASE), (ARCH), Miami, Fla., is the 605th Test and Evalua- the director emeritus title by Intelligence, Security, and Patricia Graham Amateis director of the H. Campbell raised.” New Orleans, La., received Emergency Response. Judy S. Riffle (CHEM), tion Squadron for the U.S. the Virginia Tech Board of the Fellow Membership Blacksburg, Va., received (CHEM), Blacksburg, Va., and Eleanore R. Stuckeman Air Force. Visitors. Virginia Tech’s College of received the Virginia Tech School of Architecture and Virginia Beach isn’t the only community where Almond shows his Grade in the National Ann Spencer (ACCT, BAD (MATH, Society of Professional ’84), Jackson, Wyo., received Science Diversity Award. 2010 William E. Wine Award. Landscape Architecure at Bobbi Bolte Erb Penn State. EDCI ’93), Chugiak, Alaska, support and appreciation. He chaired the Virginia Tech Department of Engineers. the Virginia Tech 2010 Dis- R. Christopher Rosenthal Clara Brown Cox (ENGL), received the National Milken ’65 tinguished Service Award. Landscape Architecture Advisory Board for 20 years and recently became Catherine O’Connor Woteki (ACCT), Edgewater, Md., is Blacksburg, Va., compiled, Kevin G. Bezy (EDAD), Rocky Educator Award. Irving M. Blank (PAD), treasurer of the Baltimore wrote, and edited the “His- Mount, Va., is president of (HNF ’72, HNF ’75), Wash- Laura Worley Fornash the first landscape architect on the advisory board of the School of Archi- Richmond, Va., is president ington, D.C., was appointed ’77 Estate Planning Council. tory and Historical Data of the Virginia Association of of the Virginia State Bar Virginia Tech” website. Secondary School Principals (MKTG, HTM ’98), Henrico, tecture + Design. by President Barack Obama Bevlee A. Watford (MINE, Va., is deputy secretary of Association. as USDA undersecretary for Nancy Pritt Mathias (ELED), for 2009-10. IEOR ’83, IEOR ’86), Blacks- (ME), Vienna, education for Virginia. research, education, and Covington, Va., penned the John D. Daus Jonathan C. Clough (MATH), Meaghan Hinder (communication ’10) is an intern with Virginia Tech words for the alma mater burg, Va., is the interim head Va., was a supporter and ’66 economics. of the College of Engineer- Springfield, Va., has retired Brian Lieberman (ISE), Magazine. song for Dabney Lancaster participant in the Crossing from active duty in the U.S. Farmington Hills, Mich., ing’s education department. Way Foundation Competing John S. Cundiff (AGE), ’72 Community College. Air Force as a lietuenant is marketing manager at Blacksburg, Va., was For A Cause Campaign. colonel after 21 years of Takata. Jon H. Fagan (ME), Aiken, ’78 ’82 bus, Ohio, is president and William E. Jamerson Profes- ELPS ’03), Christiansburg, conferred the professor Douglas E. Nauman (FIN), service. COO of Indiana Michigan sor of Building Construction Va., was named to Virginia emeritus title by the Virginia S.C., is vice president of Mark B. Pokrywka (AOE), J. Robert Mahan (FR), engineering at Northrop Walter L. Daniels (FW, High Point, N.C., is an attor- Gina Bottoms Maio (MKED), Blacksburg, Va., was Power. by the Virginia Tech Board of first lady Maureen McDon- Tech Board of Visitors. Slidell, La., received the ney with the firm of Daggett, Visitors. nell’s advisory council to Grumman Corp. and is chief AGRN ’81, AGRN ’85), NASA Silver Snoopy award Richmond, Va., earned her conferred the professor Theresa O’Toole Durboraw James M. Shuler (ANSC), engineer and nuclear safety Blacksburg, Va., was ap- Shuler, Koontz, Nauman, & master’s of divinity from emeritus title by the Virginia support the first lady’s Initia- for outstanding achieve- Bell PLLC. (BIOL), New Market, Ala., Charles E. Watson (STAT, tive Team Effort. Blacksburg, Va., received officer for Savannah River pointed the Thomas B. ments related to the space Union Theological Seminary Tech Board of Visitors. was named Teacher of the ENGL ’93, ENGL ’95, EDCI the Virginia Tech 2010 Nuclear Solutions. Hutcheson Jr. Professor by and is pursuing ordination shuttle program. David A. Norden (ARCH), Year for Buckhorn High ’07), Blacksburg, Va., is M. Laine Mears (ME), Alumni Distinguished Ser- the Virginia Tech Board of as a minister of word and ’92 School and Madison County. associate director of Virginia Anderson, S.C., received vice Award. Visitors. ’83 Warrenton, Va., was rec- sacrament. ’73 ognized by the American She was also selected as Tech’s Center for Instruc- a 2010 National Science (ME), Alice G. Anderson (EDVT), District 8 Teacher of the tional Development and Foundation CAREER grant William H. Swan Jr. (MGT), Kathy Dye Spradlin (MATH, Douglas W. Domenech (FW Michael L. Burton Institute of Architects as a Steven D. Springer (ANSC), Brunswick, Ga., received ’79), Richmond, Va., was Grand Blanc, Mich., is “citizen architect” for years Los Angeles, Calif., has Findlay, Ohio, is dean of Year. Educational Research. for a five-year study at Clem- MATH ’75), Lynchburg, the school of education at son University. the Albert Berger Award Va., earned her doctorate appointed Virginia secretary the manager of global of service as a Warrenton authored his fifth book, The for Outstanding Chapter of natural resources by Gov. independent aftermarket Town Council member and Organized Teacher’s Guide Purdue University. Walid Y. Thabet (CE), Roa- ’93 of education from Liberty engineering and North Kristin Metz Mentz (MKTG), Leadership. University. Bob McDonnell. vice mayor. to Building Character. Paul Chodak III (CE), Colum- noke, Va., was named the Judith M. Lynch (EDSP, Columbia, Md., is executive

56 www.vtmagazine.vt.edu Virginia Tech Magazine Fall 2010 57 Class Notes Class Notes

Erik J. Olson (CE, BAD ’01), ’00 Jhaymee S. Wilson (FIN), 2010 Award Banquet. SmallBizLady thrives on social media Chesapeake, Va., is manag- Centreville, Va., received the Supporting those “in the arena” ing partner of Syntactical Amjed A. Al-mousa (EE), 2010 Women in Technology Matthew B. James (CE), by Meaghan Hinder ’10 Business Intelligence. San Jose, Calif., earned his Rising Star Award. Blacksburg, Va., is a staff doctorate in electrical en- engineer in the site planning At age 12, Mike Melo (forestry gineering from Santa Clara ’95 and engineering division of ’79) was gifted a piece of paper on Melinda F. Emerson (communication ’94) has mastered the art of social University. ’04 Draper Aden Associates. (EDCI), media networking. As president and CEO of MFE Consulting LLC, a Jennifer L. Lamb Marshall R. Eichfeld (CE), Krysta K. Ardigo (MGT), which was written a quote from Sykesville, Md., was named Rocky River, Ohio, is office Haymarket, Va., founded ’09 to USA Today’s prestigious Invite Me: Invitations for All Theodore Roosevelt. That quote, giv- full-service communications firm based in director of Delta Airport Emily C. Barry (SPAN), APO, All-USA College Academic Consultants Inc. Occasions. en to him by his father, has served as Philadelphia, Pa., Emerson develops audio, team. AE, received the National Elizabeth L. Markle (MSCI), Jeffrey N. Bolton (ESM, Security Education Program the North Star in Melo’s career—not video, and written materials to educate and Christopher C. Peters (TED Woodstock, Ga., earned her EM ’06), Pearisburg, Va., Boren Fellowship for human ’96), Christiansburg, Va., is a M.B.A. from the University of received the Virginia Tech services in Sri Lanka. only during his 23 years in the Navy, train small-business owners. co-recipient of the Reference Georgia. 2010 Sporn Award for Excel- Service Press Award granted lence in Teaching Introduc- Emily C. Barry (SPAN), APO, AE, was named to USA but also in his current line of work Using Twitter as a vehicle to reach rising by the American Library ’01 tory Engineering Subjects. Association’s Reference and Today’s second team of as the president and CEO of ITA, a entrepreneurs, Emerson hosts #SmallBiz- User Services Association. Feride Daku (BAD), Blacks- Jennifer Dickison Coffey academic all-stars. (HD), Centreville, Va., earned government defense contractor that burg, Va., is the director of Kristen L. Casto (ISE), Hen- Chat, a weekly forum reaching more than Jason D. Powell (CHEM ’96), finance and administration her master’s of divinity with Ferrum, Va., is dean of natu- honors from Wesley Theo- rico, Va., received the 2010 provides clients with analysis, plan- Mike Melo ’79 4,100 Twitter users. Additionally, her for the office of the vice Outstanding Dissertation ral sciences and mathemat- president and dean for logical Seminary. ning, and training. ics at Ferrum College. Award from the Aerospace @SmallBizLady Twitter stream boasts more undergraduate education at Emily B. Hedgpeth (ECON), Human Factors Association. Virginia Tech. Kensington, Md., earned her The name ITA stands for “in the arena,” a reference to Roosevelt’s than 10,000 followers and offers resources ’96 M.B.A. from George Wash- Jarom C. Hagen (IT), Curt S. Kothera (ME, ME Garrisonville, Va., is vice 1910 quote: “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out Jason G. Gillmore (CHEM, ington University. Melinda F. Emerson ’94 for those wishing to or just beginning to start ’02, ME ’05), Crofton, Md., president of technology for CHEM ’98), Holland, Mich., received the Hal Andrews Matthew J. Kushin (PSYC), Telematch Inc. how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have their own business. Emerson was recently received a CAREER Award Young Engineer Scientist of Pullman, Wash., earned done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the from the National Science the Year from the National his Ph.D. in communica- Matthew T. Stimpson named to Forbes’ Top 20 Women for Entrepreneurs to Follow on Twitter. Foundation. Capital Section of the Ameri- tion from Washington State (ELPS), Balsam, N.C., is arena.” can Institute of Aeronautics University. director of enrollment The “SmallBizLady” has been recognized as one of the Top 50 Women ’97 and Astronautics. research and modeling for “Our philosophy as a company is that we’ve worn a uniform at one Aaron S. Lucas (BIOL), Performa Higher Education. in Business in Pennsylvania, a Woman of Distinction by the National Stephanie Johnson Kalan- Gordon M. Snow (BAD), Slidell, La., was named the time, and so we know what it’s like to be in the arena,” said Melo. Eighty- tarians (ARCH), Newport Campbell, Calif., is assistant Outstanding Graduating Association of Women Business Owners, and a Black Business Pioneer by News, Va., is a licensed director of the FBI’s Cyber Student in the Virginia-Mary- five percent of ITA’s employees have a military background. “What I’ve architect for the Common- Division. land Regional College of the Pennsylvania Department of Commerce, among many other honors. wealth of Virginia and serves Weddings found in the service industry is that it’s really easy to be a critic. At ITA, Maria L. Weese (CHE), Veterinary Medicine for the Guernsey Tingle Architects. 2009-10 academic year. Her first company, Quintessence Multimedia, was ranked 29th on the list Knoxville, Tenn., received ’51 Leon B. Ufkes and Mar- we provide solutions to meet our clients’ requirements. Our job is to of 100 Fastest-growing Small Businesses in the Philadelphia region and ’98 her doctorate in statistics Michelle F. McLeese (SOC), lene Paris, Pasco, Wash., make our clients successful in their missions. That’s our mission.” from the University of Ten- Blacksburg, Va., is the 9/3/09. has won eight Telly awards for outstanding production. Steven V. Coxon (ENGL, nessee. Virginia Tech 2010 Graduate Since landing its first government contract in 2005, ITA has grown EDCI ’00), Williamsburg, Woman of the Year. ’80 Diane Stewart Kathol As part of her work with MFE Consulting, Emerson has helped more Va., is assistant professor of ’02 and Douglas P. Kathol, rapidly. It now has 115 employees, and in 2010, the Virginia Chamber gifted education at Maryville Colorado Springs, Colo., Christopher L. Ford (ISE), ’05 4/25/09. of Commerce ranked it the commonwealth’s fastest-growing company. than 1,500 start-up companies launch and grow their businesses. “Your University. North Charleston, S.C., network is key,” Emerson said. “We live in a 24-hour economy. It’s all about Elizabeth Johnson Howard earned his master’s of Robert D. Schmidt (CHEM), ’81 Melanie Pearson Hurley From 2005 to 2008, the company’s revenue increased 5,779 percent, and (MSCI), Chester, Va., has science in family financial Raleigh, N.C., is a postdoc- and Stephen K. Hurley, the value you add to the customer experience.” authored a book, along with planning from the University toral research associate Alexandria, Va., 5/2/09. despite the rough economy, business is still expanding approximately 15 her son, entitled The Cordial of Alabama. at the University of North ’84 Karen Kessenich percent each year. Melo’s goal is for ITA to become a $100 million com- Emerson pens a monthly career column for www.secondact.com, a Cricket. Carolina at Chapel Hill. Janet S. Luc (HNFE), Adamo and Mark M. Adamo, pany within the next 10 years. start-up column for www.smallbiztrends.com, and her own resource blog at Brandon S. Rowe (HIST, Midlothian, Va., is the child McLean, Va., 5/23/10. and adult care food program ’06 “Author” was recently added to Emerson’s URPL ’07), Summit, N.J., is a ’90 Angel C. Ho and ’99 Val- Of his accomplishments, Melo noted, “It’s all because of my bachelor’s www.succeedasyourownboss.com. manager of corridor for the coordinator for the Virginia Virginia Department of Health. Joshua D. Elliott (PSCI, erie L. Carpenter, degree from Virginia Tech. I loved my time at Virginia Tech. That college North Jersey Transportation MGT), Rockville, Va., Beach, Va., 4/17/10. impressive list of accomplishments with the March 2010 release of Become Planning Authority. ’03 received his master’s ’93 Michael D. Miller and degree gave me the opportunities I’ve had in the Navy and in my busi- Your Own Boss in 12 Months. “My mission is to end small-business failure,” of science in strategic ’99 Anna Cenatiempo, Gam- ness.” she said. “On top of creating a realistic planning system to start a business, Donna Augustine (STS), management from Indiana brills, Md., 10/11/09. Jens Cattarius (EM), Rochester, N.Y., was University. Hokie Spirit is fast becoming a family tradition. Melo’s daughter is a I wrote this book to supply the confidence and encouragement people need Richmond, Va., is director recognized for her efforts in ’93 Jennifer Julian and CEO of Mercedes Benz founding the STEP Regional Johanna L. Gusman (BIOL), Underwood and David C. recent graduate of Tech, and his youngest daughter is now in her first year to succeed as their own boss.” Research and Development Science Bowl. Potomac Falls, Va., was Underwood, Mechanicsville, India. awarded a Gates Public Va., 3/20/10. at the university. Emerson also enjoys giving back to Virginia Tech and serves on the Jeremy R. Moss (PSCI, Service Scholarship from SOC ’03), Alexandria, Va., the University of Washington ’97 Heath A. Gerber and ’03 College of Science Alumni Board and the Multicultural Alumni Advisory was named a 2010 Virginia School of Law. Julie Doutt, Midlothian, Va., Rising Star by Virginia Super 10/3/09. Board. “Virginia Tech is my heart,” Emerson said. “I am a proud member ’00s Lawyers. ’05 G. Charles Harrison and ’06 Eric F. Detweiler and ’07 ’99 Amanda Rich Morgan ’00 Andrea Puckett Wells Mark Newlan (HTM), and Brian Wells, Alexandria, ’06 Melissa P. Leong, San ’09 Katherine Olson, Cham- of the Hokie Nation.” and Justin Morgan, Virginia Diego, Calif, 6/5/10. paign, Ill., 6/5/10. Attention ’00 grads: Kensington, Md., earned his Alexis B. Bozzo (IDST, PSCI), Beach, Va., 5/1/10. Va., 5/30/09. Knoxville, Tenn., is down- Meaghan Hinder (communication ’10) is an intern with Virginia Tech In January 2011, the M.B.A. from the University of ’03 James R. Kane and ’04 ’05 Aimee Elm Miller and ’06 Joshua D. Elliott and Schiffert Health Center Maryland Robert H. Smith town development ’00 Christopher A. Banta Christopher Scott Miller, Mary E. Barnett, Rockville, coordinator for the Univer- Lesley J. Stec, Concord, Magazine. School of Business. and Kimberly Michelle Boy- N.C., 6/20/09. New Market, Va., 1/16/10. Va., 7/4/09. will destroy the medical sity of Oregon RARE Fellow- er, Roanoke, Va., 7/18/09. records of all ’00 gradu- Donald O. Saunders Jr. ship AmeriCorps. ’03 Brian W. Monteleone ’05 Robert D. Schmidt and ’06 Rebecca Hoffner ates. If you would like (MATH), Montross, Va., ’00 William T. DuBois and and Robin Kay DeJong, Rachel M. Robeson, Raleigh, Prillaman and ’08 Kevin director for the Women’s appointed to the Center for ’94 a copy of your records, earned his master’s in Minta Jane Dodd Ferguson Jennifer Walsh, Arlington, London, United Kingdom, N.C., 6/26/10. Lee Prillaman, Chicago, Ill, Giving Circle of Howard Instructional Technology diverse student popluations (ARCH), Charlotte, N.C., Va., 10/3/09. 3/30/2010. Erich S. O’Dell (ENGL), please contact Paula Rob- received the Emerging 4/10/10. County, Md. Solutions in Industry and with a gifted education ’05 Ashley Crockett Salisbury, Md., had his fifth ertson at 540/231-9430 Professional award at the ’00 Nicholas J. Watson and ’04 Amanda Bullock LeReche Wisniewski and Peter ’07 Charles A. Bartocci and Michelle R. O’Connor Education advisory board at career CD, entitled Radio endorsement from the Uni- Jamie Ricketts, Blooming- or [email protected] before versity of Mary Washington. Construction Specifications and ’04 John LeReche, Wisniewski, Livonia, Mich., ’07 Tiffany S. Napier, Clifton (EDCI), Salem, Va., was Virginia Tech. Hostile, produced. Dec. 1. Institute’s Charlotte Chapter ton, Ill., 5/29/10. Norfolk, Va., 9/26/09. 8/27/09. Forge, Va., 5/08/10.

58 www.vtmagazine.vt.edu Virginia Tech Magazine Fall 2010 59 Class Notes Class Notes

’07 Blair Padula Demianov- ’95 Joseph A. East, Stone ’00 Jennifer S. Green and ’03 Kevin M. Gallagher ’43 William L. Hawkins, ’50 William C. Mann, 4/12/10 (2314 Gillingham ich and Nicholas Demia- Ridge, Va., a daughter, ’01 Andrew H. Green, and ’03 Krista Pratt Gal- 2/14/10 (105 Carolina 5/30/10 (768 S.W. Valley Cir., Thousand Oaks, CA Have skills, will travel novich, Waukesha, Wis., 11/24/09. Bel Air, Md., a daughter, lagher, Arlington, Va., a son, Village Rd., Hendersonville, Way, Lake City, FL 32025). 91362). 10/10/09. 3/25/10. 12/31/09. NC 28792). ’95 Heidi Helfrich ’50 Alan J. McClelland, ’55 Leona Hobbs Robbins, Veteran Associated Press (AP) corre- ’07 Blake V. Ray and ’08 Susta and ’96 Stefan A. ’00 Andrew R. Kuti, ’03 Jennifer Lemkul Lewis ’43 Julian R. Sedwick, 5/8/10 (13 Duck Pond Rd., 4/5/10 (Apt. 513, 3804 Mary Scott Ambler, Milwau- Susta, Dayton, Ohio, a son, Richmond, Va., a daughter, and ’03 Will Lewis Jr., 12/12/09 (137 Diamond Camden, ME 04843). Brandon Ave. S.W., Roa- spondent and editor Andrew Selsky (com- kee, Ore., 9/5/09. 8/2/09. 12/29/09. Bristow, Va., a daughter, Ct., Harrisonburg, VA noke, VA 24018). 10/9/09. 22801). ’50 John D. McDaniels Jr., munication ’78), has a knack with pen and ’08 Ryan T. Beethoven- ’96 Wendy Couchoud Haas, ’01 Stephanie Clevenger 6/16/10 (155 Sabinas Ct., ’56 Charles H. Anderson, Wilson and ’08 Meredith Arlington, Va., a daughter, Behling, Adamstown, Md., a ’04 Jennifer Dickison ’43 John O. Smith, 1/12/10 Solana Beach, CA 92075). 5/27/10 (512 Villa Ave., paper that has parachuted him into many H. Woods, Arlington, Va., 3/17/10. son, 11/24/09. Coffey and ’04 Stephen K. (Apt. 102, 200 Greystone Front Royal, VA 22630). 6/5/10. Coffey, Centreville, Va., a Dr., Beaver, WV 25813). ’50 John M. Scruggs, of the world’s hot spots. ’96 Allison Holaday Hol- ’01 Matthew P. Daggett son, 6/1/10. 4/21/10 (Apt. A417, 600 E. land, Littleton, Colo., a ’44 Walter D. Arnold, Cathedral Rd., Philadelphia, ’56 Emory J. Fugate, In May 2009, Selsky was named and ’02 Sarah Sarver 4/9/10 (934 Malcolm Ln., daughter, 3/24/10. Daggett, Arlington, Mass., a ’04 Jace W. Ely and 5/29/10 (10 Harrow, Bristol, PA 19128). ’04 Meghan Grice Ely, TN 37620). Kingsport, TN 37660). Africa editor, charged with leading news Births and adoptions ’96 Joel G. Horning, son, 12/30/09. ’50 George W. Shafer, Aberdeen, Md., a daughter, ’56 Clark D. Leaghty, coverage for one of five international AP Richmond, Va., a daughter, ’01 Jessica Bowman For- 3/1/10. ’44 Bennett P. Miles, 6/9/10 (302 E. Michi- 12/29/09. man and ’01 Patrick R. For- 4/15/10 (171 Howeland Cir., gan Ave., Jacksonville, IL 5/23/10 (13061 Mid Pines ’81 Paul J. Clarke, Sioux Dr., Ashland, VA 23005). desks. The 54-year-old Hokie oversees Falls, S.D., a son, 3/19/10. man, Corpus Christi, Texas, ’05 Eric R. Bonini, Greer, Danville, VA 24541). 62650). ’96 Amy G. Menolez, San S.C., a son, 5/5/10. bureaus in Johannesburg, South Africa; Diego, Calif., a daughter, a daughter, 4/8/10. ’44 Kenneth C. Williamson, ’51 John V. Branscome, ’56 Michael W. Moore, ’86 Kerry A. Koritko, 6/11/10. ’05 Lauren Burnette 4/14/10 (712 Gracelyn Ct., 4/3/10 (232 Borton Dr., Leesburg, Va., a daughter, ’01 Becky Staubus Henry, 11/9/09 (35 Sea Marsh Kenya, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, and Senegal; Stephens City, Va., a son, Opett, Leesburg, Va., a son, Blacksburg, VA 24060). Woodstown, NJ 08098). Rd., Amelia Island, FL Andrew Selsky ’78 12/14/09. ’96 Lauri Pizzano Haught 10/8/09. and ’96 Martin P. Haught, 5/19/10. ’45 Louis P. Chisholm Jr., ’51 I. Kenneth Cassel, 32034). and correspondents across 45 countries in ’87 Daniel B. French, Hern- Burleson, Texas, a son, ’06 Joshua D. Elliott, Rock- 5/23/10 (3218 Elk Creek 3/22/10 (100 Anna Goode don, Va., a son, 12/18/09. ’01 Amy Hogge Thomas and ’57 William D. Owens, sub-Saharan Africa. He and his wife, Zoe, live in Johannesburg with their 3/26/10. ’01 John I. Thomas, Crozet, ville, Va., a son, 6/11/10. Rd., Mineral, VA 23117). Way, Apt. 220, Suffolk, VA 5/22/10 (18553 Wyndale 23434). ’91 Sheri B. Cohen, ’96 Kimberly Pedigo Welch, Va., a son, 5/14/10. ’06 Marian Hall Hickes and ’45 Leon P. Cook Jr., Rd., Abingdon, VA 24210). 14-year-old son; the eldest son, 18, recently moved to the United States Eatontown, N.J., a daughter, Richmond, Va., a son, ’06 Matthew T. Hickes, 4/26/10 (2904 Pioneer Tr., ’51 James M. Thornton, for college. 4/17/10. 12/8/09. ’01 Erik M. Wishneff, Fredericksburg, Va., a son, Winston-Salem, NC 27106). 4/7/10 (P.O. Box 365, Gate ’57 Benjamin B. Scott, Arlington, Va., a daughter, 12/21/09. City, VA 24251). 4/7/10 (224 Holston Dr., When there’s piracy off the coast of Somalia, Selsky is guiding cover- ’91 Jennifer Palmer Riggle- ’96 Suzanne Whitley 3/23/10. ’45 Louise Rash Foutz, Weber City, VA 24290). man, Warrenton, Va., a son, Witcher, Roanoke, Va., a 9/21/09 (833 State Rt. ’52 Edward S. Allen, age. When the Taliban imposed its fundamentalist laws in 1996, Selsky 3/21/10. son, 2/12/10. ’02 Christopher L. Ford, 61N, Norwalk, OH 44857). 5/30/10 (1305 Marsh ’58 Shirley L. Kelly, North Charleston, S.C., a Creek Ln., Collierville, TN 5/10/10 (2409 W. Jefferson was in Kabul. He was in Haiti in 1994, when the U.S. military intervened ’91 Michael N. Wynne and ’97 Candice Sanders son, 4/18/10. ’45 L. Max Howard, 4/4/10 38017). St., Boise, ID 83702). ’92 Paula V. Johnson, New Palmer, Laguna Beach, Deaths (501 VES Rd., Apt. C306, to restore democracy, and he’s covered drug-trafficking in Colombia. In ’02 Stephanie Joy Ruble Freedom, Pa., a daughter, Calif., a daughter, 2/7/10. ’32 Linwood M. Jones, Lynchburg, VA 24503). ’52 Charles A. Helton, ’59 Howard M. Cooper, 3/9/10. Jamison and ’03 Benjamin 1/4/10 (3925 N. Apopka a December 2006 story, Selsky provided the first full account of former ’98 Charlotte Wagner A. Jamison, Richmond, Va., 6/19/09 (2300 Cedarfield ’45 L. Carl McGraw, 5/9/10 (118 Webster Rd., Pkwy., Apt. 268, Richmond, Vineland Rd., Orlando, FL Sandston, VA 23150). ’92 Julie Barcomb Kamien- Lukas, Washington, D.C., a a daughter, 9/1/09. 4/18/10 (1737 Garards 32818). Guantanamo Bay prisoners, demonstrating that they were routinely freed ski, Christiansburg, Va., a son, 3/5/10. VA 23233). Fort Rd., Waynesburg, PA ’02 Laura Torgersen ’59 Thomas C. Grayson, after being transferred to other countries for continued detention. daughter, 4/5/10. ’34 Olaf O. Vaught, 9/2/09 15370). ’52 George A. Natchus, ’98 Jennifer Flynn Mizelle, McGarry and ’03 Matthew 4/4/10 (1506 Waylen Loop, 2/11/10 (32012 26th ’92 Hollis Gardner Vaughen Newport News, Va., a daugh- R. McGarry, Herndon, Va., a (2920 Demington Ave. N.W., ’46 Hardin A. Gunter, Ave. S.W., Federal Way, WA “I definitely would say Guantanamo coverage has been the most Canton, OH 44718). Chesapeake, VA 23320). Maple Valley, Wash., a son, ter, 2/10/10. daughter, 12/24/09. 4/15/10 (1112 W. McGee 98023). important and rewarding reporting I have done,” said Selsky, who covered 5/17/10. St., Greensboro, NC 27403). ’52 J.C. Patterson Jr., ’99 Raphael R. Castillejo, ’02 Michael A. Reardon and ’38 Susanne Ellett Berkaw, 4/26/10 (83 Raleigh Rd., ’59 John W. Hudson, 5/17/09 (950 Travelers ’93 Lori Wrenn Huff, Bonita, Calif., a daughter, ’04 Kelli Parker Reardon, ’46 John C. Pearson, Newport News, VA 23601). 5/8/10 (1101 Heather the base for about four years while stationed in Puerto Rico. For the 6/13/09. Charlottesville, Va., a son, Blvd., Apt. D4, Summerville, 12/30/09 (Apt. 312, 4080 Wood Rd., Bluefield, WV Charlotte, N.C., a daughter, SC 29485). Hawthorn Rd., Chubbuck, ID ’52 David M. Rainey, coverage, he was named a finalist for the 2008 Daniel Pearl Award for 1/18/10. ’99 Vance R. Hodges, Char- 3/11/10. 24701). 83202). 5/26/10 (3873 Peakland Outstanding International Investigative Reporting, and earned a 2006 lotte, N.C., a son, 4/20/10. ’02 Jessica Leonard ’38 George T. Mehalko, Pl., Lynchburg, VA 24503). ’93 M. Laine Mears, 5/20/10 (3241 Faragut Ct., ’46 Robert A. Whitehorne, ’60 Thomas D. Burgess III, Anderson, S.C., a daughter, ’99 Gifford M. Nowland, Seppala and ’03 Erik A. 4/29/10 (2130 W. Terrace Pulitzer Prize nomination. “We managed to shine a light on a secret Seppala, Reston, Va., a son, Falls Church, VA 22044). 5/6/10 (216 Fairfax Way, ’52 Jane Hardiman Waller, 9/23/09. Lincoln University, Pa., a Williamsburg, VA 23185). 2/19/10 (8197 Pine Val- Dr., Wickenburg, AZ 85390). son, 3/7/10. 4/2/09. ’40 Charles F. Bowersett, place.” ’94 William K. Barkoskie, ley Ln., Germantown, TN ’60 Keren L. Coxe, 3/26/10 5/6/10 (Apt. 146, 1217 ’47 James B. Bush Jr., 38139). St. Augustine, Fla., a daugh- ’00 Jason R. Andresen, ’02 David R. Spracher 11/21/09 (249 Henry Ln., (2575 Rittenhouse St. N.W., Such coverage doesn’t come risk-free. In 1998, he survived a stark Herndon, Va., a son, and ’05 Erika Murtaugh Alliance Dr., Virginia Beach, ter, 4/28/10. VA 23454). Willis, VA 24380). ’53 Leonard H. Bell Jr., Washington, DC 20015). reminder about miscalculations. Selsky followed South African soldiers 10/29/09. Spracher, Simpsonville, 6/17/10 (13107 Boggs Cir., ’94 Mark A. Clark, Stone S.C., a son, 4/21/10. ’48 William J. Andrews, ’00 Kevin J. Benko and ’00 ’40 H.S. Harley, 4/29/10 Midlothian, VA 23114). ’60 Pierce L. Lawing, into Lesotho, assuming it was a routine “mopping-up” operation. But Le- Ridge, Va., a son, 4/21/10. 11/27/09 (425 S. Mildred 6/4/10 (1705 Arapahoe Tr., Shelby Zantzinger Benko, ’02 Sarah Bell Van Orman, (62 Delfae Dr., Warsaw, VA 22572). St., Charles Town, WV ’53 Harold D. Clements, Edenton, NC 27932). sotho forces fought back fiercely. Selsky and two colleagues were pinned ’94 Jerri Bain Girvin, Madi- Marietta, Ga., a daughter, Portsmouth, Va., a son, 25414). 10/15/09 (115 Barcroft Ct., son, N.J., a son, 3/25/10. 3/15/10. 5/7/10. ’40 William C. Thacker, Southern Pines, NC 28387). ’60 Thomas S. Martin Sr., ’48 Carl M. Beale Jr., down for seven hours by bullets, escaping only after darkness fell. ’95 Lisa Moreno Arnold, ’00 Kimberly Dail Forbes, ’03 Kristen W. Day, Me- 5/5/10 (142 Breslau Cir., 5/13/10 (1208 Laurel Ln., Winston-Salem, NC 27106). 4/5/10 (4600 Deerhurst ’53 Norman C. Legge, Collinsville, VA 24078). Selsky was born in D.C. to a father in the CIA, and his childhood Chesapeake, Va., a son, Chesapeake, Va., a daugh- chanicsville, Va., a daughter, Garden, Williamsburg, VA 5/21/10 (2334 State Rt. 1/14/10. ter, 4/17/10. 4/21/10. ’42 Greta Pratt Call, 23188). 343, Yellow Springs, OH ’61 Glen A. Carey, 3/30/10 included Spain, Holland, and Chile. He chose Virginia Tech for its big- 2/18/10 (7328 Blanchard 45387). (871 Kent Rd., Waynesboro, Dr., Derwood, MD 20855). ’49 Ellen S. Button, school-but-small-town feel. He specifically recalls the teaching of James 6/13/10 (86 E. Grattan St., ’53 Raymond D. Stultz Jr., VA 22980). ’42 Seymour S. Cutler, Harrisonburg, VA 22801). 4/30/10 (225 Main Blvd., I. Robertson Jr. and Bruce Nurse. Both exhibited “that ability to vividly 5/2/10 (Apt. 10A, 2521 Apt. 2-D, Boynton Beach, FL ’62 Donald M. Ware, Hokie Business ’49 Mason S. Hicks, 33435). 5/31/10 (4290 Scenic Hwy., create a situation and explore it from all angles,” Selsky said. “Now that I Palisade Ave., Bronx, NY 1/31/10 (1415 Sum- Mount Solon, VA 22843). SHOWCASE 10463). mit Ave., Fayetteville, NC ’54 William W. Garnett, think about it, I’ve carried that into journalism.” ’42 Louis A. Garvin, 28305). 4/19/10 (11785 Loretto ’63 Vincent A. Coppola Jr., Woods Ct., Jacksonville, FL 5/21/10 (6624 Castlebrook Selsky can’t imagine anything better at this stage of his career. 5/24/10 (118 Bahia Vista ’49 Elizabeth Marsh Poys- Advertise your business in Class Notes! Dr., Niceville, FL 32578). 32223). Way, Ocean Isle Beach, NC er, 4/28/10 (P.O. Box 4539, 28469). Though he’s not doing much reporting since leaving San Juan, he’s able to Contact us at [email protected] for ’42 Richard F. Wilkinson, Pinehurst, NC 28374). ’54 Riley J. Stewart, 2/2/10 shape coverage and coach younger talent. 5/14/10 (175 W. Queens (P.O. Box 19238, Roanoke, ’64 Charles E. Lester, ’49 William F. Seymour III, VA 24019). Dr., Williamsburg, VA 6/14/10 (2015 Conte Dr., 5/10/10 (1343 Crown Terr., “I leave work at the end of the day just as satisfied as if I wrote the rates and more information. 23185). Marietta, GA 30062). Midlothian, VA 23113). ’55 George C. Georgallis, story,” Selsky said. “It’s been said that journalists write the first version of ’43 Cyrus W. Hardy, 5/10/10 (2112 Kipawa St., ’65 Julian M. Campbell Jr., Restricted to alumni-owned businesses. ’50 Charles P. Gilchrist Jr., Raleigh, NC 27607). 2/10/10 (P.O. Box 350576, 5/24/10 (P.O. Box 205, Tap- 6/5/10 (105 Wexford Way, history. That’s been really special.” Palm Coast, FL 32135). pahannock, VA 22560). ’55 Arthur N. Pozner, Peachtree City, GA 30269).

60 www.vtmagazine.vt.edu Virginia Tech Magazine Fall 2010 61 Class Notes In Retrospect

’65 Ronald K. Quesenberry, ’70 James B. Galyen Jr., ’76 Phillip W. Reynolds, ’80 Mary J. Gonzalez, was a theologian and phi- 3/13/10 (94-423 Ukalialii 4/4/10 (P.O. Box 22448, 4/18/10 (2922 8th St. Ct. 4/16/10 (2616 John Milton losopher. Grover joined the Pl., Mililani, HI 96789). Farragut, TN 37933). N.E., Hickory, NC 28601). Dr., Herndon, VA 20171). newly formed Department of Philosophy and Religion ’66 Frank D. Boone, ’71 Leland B. Lacy, 6/1/10 ’76 Carl E. N. Takle, ’80 Dean Allen Jones, (now the Department of 5/26/10 (P.O. Box 90, Ken- (P.O. Box 475, Pembroke, VA 4/26/10 (1019 Springbrook 2/20/10 (5963 N.C. 42 W., Religion and Culture) in nesaw, GA 30156). 24136). Dr., Plano, TX 75075). Macclesfield, NC 27852). 1957 and served as head of ’66 Marvin L. Crutchfield, ’72 Neal C. Dunn, 6/8/10 ’77 Diana Hibbard Bitz, ’80 Mary Ballard Shipman, the department until 1975. 5/14/10 (443 Mecklenburg (744 Parrish Rd., States- 6/17/10 (2116 N.W. 3/25/10 (1201 N. Sterling He continued teaching in Dr., Chase City, VA 23924). boro, GA 30458). Blvd., Sterling, VA 20164). the department until his Addison Caldwell Seventh Ln., Gainesville, FL 32603). retirement in 1994. ’66 Roy R. Hill, 4/23/10 ’74 Ralph F. Breeding, ’81 Margaret H. Spiegel, Boy on a mission? Stephen Mark Hunter (MBA (6064 Windsor Farme Rd., 5/1/10 (296 N. Five Forks ’77 John B. Hall, 6/13/09 7/15/09 (4278 Eggleston Summerfield, NC 27358). Rd., Pearisburg, VA 24134). ’87), associate director Rd., Monroe, VA 24574). (21 Cavalier Rd., Hampton, of career services, died By Clara B. Cox M.A. ’84 ’66 Robert E. Shaw, VA 23669). ’74 Susan M. Covington, ’82 Thomas W. Kearney, June 24, 2010. “Mark was 11/28/09 (25989 Marengo 5/22/09 (9544 Whitecedar a valued member of the Rd., Easton, MD 21601). 11/20/09 (820 Noble Ave., ’77 William G. Smith, Danville, VA 24540). 5/27/10 (353 Albemarle Ct., Vienna, VA 22181). career services staff for 24 ’67 C.W. Green Jr., 5/3/10 Ave., Richmond, VA 23226). ’83 Kenneth F. Crockett, years as associate director (300 Fourth Ave., Farmville, ’74 Joseph C. Hill Jr., 11/19/09 (100 Sunset of information systems and VA 23901). 2/13/10 (299 Bill Jones Dr., ’78 Martha Dalton Graham, Blvd., No. 703, Columbia, SC assessment,” said Donna Springville, AL 35146). 4/26/10 (P.O. Box 1455, 29203). Cassell Ratcliffe, director ’67 Charles L. Jones, Hillsville, VA 24343). of career services. “He was 5/20/10 (8305 Freret St., ’74 Carson I. Moore, ’83 Steven J. Uzmann, an integral part of all the Blacksburg, VA 24060). 5/16/10 (493 Virginia Ave., ’78 Paul A. Kazmierczak, 4/10/10 (170 Hill View Rd., successes we achieved ’67 William A. Mack, Harrisonburg, VA 22802). 6/9/10 (4617 Scrabble Rd., West Danby, NY 14883). with student and employer Shepherdstown, WV 25443). services—taking us from 12/29/09 (4 Scarlet Ln., ’74 William C. Phlegar, ’84 William T. Anderson, Danvers, MA 01923). ’79 Louis H. Horwitz, the mainframe platform to 4/27/10 (P.O. Box 146, 5/29/10 (1115 Bluebird Ct., today’s technology.” ’67 J. Braxton Powell, Ripplemead, VA 24150). 3/28/10 (8819 Riverside Harrisonburg, VA 22802). Dr., Richmond, VA 23235). John Daniel “J.D.” Stahl, 5/2/10 (11701 Bundle Rd., ’86 Carrington W. Ewell, Chesterfield, VA 23838). ’75 Rebecca McGee Allen, professor of English, died 6/10/10 (5420 Lakeland ’79 Diane H. Prather, 4/2/10 (1524 Somerset Dr., July 15, 2010. A profes- ’68 Herbert J. Caldwell, Dr. S.W., Roanoke, VA 2/17/10 (306 Sixth Ave., Lynchburg, VA 24503). sor, author, and scholar of 4/5/10 (P.O. Box 18, 14679 Radford, VA 24141). 24018). ’88 Dorothy M. Brewer, children’s and American Highlands Pkwy., Whitetop, literature, Stahl led a distin- VA 24292). ’75 Kenneth L. Sherman, ’79 Jacquelyn Alen 3/30/10 (513 Whitacre St., Williams, 8/2/09 (725 Winchester, VA 22601). guished career at Virginia ’68 Jack M. Friar, 4/1/10 6/3/10 (7462 S.E. 172nd Tech. Joining the faculty in In 1991, Virginia Tech learned that William Addison “Add” Caldwell Fieldcrest St., The Villages, Prestbury Dr., Conway, SC ’88 Emory J. Derrick, (113 Traveler’s Ln., Beckley, 29526). 1982, he transformed the WV 25501). FL 32162). 5/21/10 (302 Givens Ln., children’s literature program tramped 26 to 28 miles across two mountains to reportedly become ’80 James R. Coulter, Blacksburg, VA 24060). from a single undergraduate ’69 Frances Evans Duffield, ’76 Kyle D. Austin, 6/2/10 the first student of Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College (P.O. Box 743, Buchanan, VA 1/19/10 (309 Fairfax Rd, ’88 Stephen W. Gravely, survey course to a highly 5/2/10 (1163 Terrace Acres Blacksburg, VA 24060). respected set of undergrad- Dr., Auburn, AL 36830). 24066). 12/24/09 (3553 Longview (VAMC, today’s Virginia Tech) when VAMC opened on Oct. 1, 1872. But Dr., Collinsville, VA 24078). uate and graduate courses. ’69 R.N. Singh, 10/17/09 ’76 Frank L. Berzak, ’80 Virginia C. Cox, Stahl received the W.E. since the publication in 1972 of D. Lyle Kinnear’s The First 100 Years: 1/20/10 (564 Marthas (14859 Rutland Cir., Ches- 5/14/10 (4400 Foxridge, ’88 Richard W. Handran, Wine Award for Excellence A History of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, there terfield, MO 63017). Blacksburg, VA 24060). Knob Rd., Galax, VA 24333). 4/25/10 (Rt. 1, Box 169, in Teaching in 2008 for his Glade Hill, VA 24092). decades-long work to guide has been some question about why Caldwell registered that day. ’88 Margaret L. Redmond, a generation of young teach- In memoriam: Charlie L. Yates 4/5/10 (12564 Dickerson ers, writers, and scholars. Mill Rd., Moneta, VA 24121). Associate Professor Emerita Charlie L. Yates, 74, the first African-American graduate of Virginia Margaret Groseclose “Peg- ’90 Linda Zoller Weinhardt, gy” Skelton, a faculty mem- Tech, a member of the corps of cadets and later a member of the College 1/8/10 (540 Marshall Rd. ber for more than 20 years S.W., Vienna, VA 22180). and one of the university’s Curiosity or intention? to campus into two 13-mile stretches, defrayed by the state. Minor complied of Engineering faculty, died in August after a long battle with leukemia. ’91 Vincent P. Barone, most dedicated and gener- Yates made history in 1958 as the first African American to graduate 7/10/09 (4307 Birch Pond ous supporters, died July “There is a completely unverified one in the fall and one in the spring, on Jan. 8, 1873. Ln., Fairfax, VA 22033). 19, 2010. She joined the from Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VPI), part of a South that still faculty of what was then the legend that Caldwell’s appearance at the would argue that a 26-mile hike is a lot In his report, Minor noted scholar- ’93 Daniel S. Fisher, College of Home Economics largely practiced segregation. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 4/24/10 (4 Audubon Cir., in 1952 and later directed college was motivated more by curios- of energy to invest in mere curiosity. ship status beside the name of each Merrimack, NH 03054). its Cooperative Extension ity than by any intention to enroll as And records in the Library of Vir- student, with two scholarships identi- mechanical engineering with honors. ’96 Faye B. Bass, 5/17/10 Family Resource Program. “Charlie was a pioneer among young black Virginians in the 1950s. (4077 Bridgehampton Ln., In retirement, she continued a student,” Kinnear wrote. “Certainly ginia provide a strong argument against fied. An “A” designation meant that Virginia Beach, VA 23455). to help the university in he had not been nominated for a state Kinnear’s conclusion that Caldwell did the student was a county school board He helped knock down barriers at Virginia Tech that opened the doors many roles as a volunteer ’96 Jason A. Huddle, and philanthropist, along scholarship by his county superintendent not have a scholarship before arriving in appointee, and a “B” identified a student for others to follow,” said President Charles W. Steger. “He will be long 4/26/10 (128 Rocky Knoll with her husband, William Ct., Denver, NC 28037). E. Skelton, dean emeritus of schools, as it sometimes has been Blacksburg. “enjoying the same privileges by ap- remembered throughout this academy for his many accomplishments.” ’08 Zachary R. Eckhart, of Virginia Cooperative asserted. Whatever his real motive may On Dec. 6, 1872, Virginia Gov. pointment of the faculty under autho- Yates obtained a master’s degree from Cal Tech in 1959. In 1978, 4/12/10 (5404 Keel Dr., Extension, who passed away Pensacola, FL 32507). in 2008. The university’s have been, immediately he was given Gilbert C. Walker instructed the Com- rization of the executive committee of he earned a Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins. He returned to Tech in 1979 conference center is named ’08 Neil A. Van Pelt, for the couple. a state scholarship by the faculty and mittee on Public Instruction to ascertain the board of visitors.” A “C” indicated a to serve as a faculty member in the mechanical engineering department 6/16/10 (29065 Eleys Ford Rd., Richardsville, VA The Virginia Tech Alumni enrolled as the first student in Virginia from VAMC President Charles L.C. student paying his own tuition. until 1983, and again in 1987, when he served as an associate professor 22736). Association made Peggy Skelton an honorary lifetime Agricultural and Mechanical College.” Minor the number of students, the date An “A” follows Caldwell’s name. of aerospace and ocean engineering. He remained at Tech until retiring member in 2001 as a result of her longstanding work Anyone who has traced Caldwell’s of matriculation, and the counties from With scholarship in hand, it is more in 2000. Yates also served a term on the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors. on the university’s behalf. Faculty obits The Skeltons were charter path to Blacksburg by participating in the which they were appointed. He also likely that he made the long walk from Read the full story at www.vtnews.vt.edu/articles/2010/08/081110- members of the Ut Prosim Caldwell March, a trek by the corps of Craig County with the sole purpose of Rev. Norman L. Grover, pro- Society and its President’s requested information on the number coe-yates-memoriam.html. fessor emeritus of religion, Circle, the university’s high- cadets that breaks the first student’s walk of students whose expenses were not registering as a student. died June 15, 2010. He est distinction for donors.

62 www.vtmagazine.vt.edu Virginia Tech Magazine Fall 2010 63 In Retrospect make an IMPACT. make a CARD.

Was he the first? Some people question whether Caldwell actually was the first student to register, a question made difficult to answer because the university’s records burned in the early 1900s. Support for Caldwell’s place in Virginia Tech history can be found in Minor’s 1873 report, which records stu- our dents by day of matriculation and not by all-american alphabetical order. The first name on the team list for Oct. 1 is that of William Addison Hometown: all across the Hokie Nation Caldwell. An oral tradition also exists in Craig County that he was the first key stats since 2003: student, according to county historian Jane Johnston. more than 114,000 Who was he? givers Born on Jan. 10, 1856, Add Caldwell grew up on a farm in the Sinking Creek The adult Add Caldwell, second from more than community of Craig County, the second B. On graduation day, Aug. 9, 1876, he left, front row, with seven of his eight $ siblings. Sitting beside him are Mic, 945 million of nine children. When he was 16, he and was elected secretary of the class alumni to the left, and Frank, to the right, in giving his older brother, 18-year-old Milton M. association. both of whom attended VAMC but did “Mic” Caldwell, left their home and walked After graduating, he worked as a not graduate. Photo courtesy of the visit www.vt.edu/all-americans to Blacksburg, according to Mic’s daughter, schoolteacher in Craig County and then late William Addison “Bill” Caldwell, to make your own card! nephew and namesake of Virginia the late Katherine Caldwell Mendez. as a clerk at Norfolk and Western in Tech’s first student. Mic, however, waited until Nov. 2 Roanoke, Va., where he was described to register. His name on Minor’s list is as a well-known and popular employee. Today, the Add Caldwell Lounge in followed by a “B.” Both teenagers, then, He moved to Wilmington, N.C., around G. Burke Johnston Student Center, the had state scholarships, although from dif- 1898 and worked, probably as a sales- library’s e-catalog (known as Addison), a ferent appointments, to apply to the $30 man, for several large wholesale firms. statue, and the Caldwell March remind tuition and $10 fees. Sometime before 1910, Caldwell’s us that education meant so much to a Another brother, Frank, enrolled in health declined. Doctors told him that teenage boy that he hiked 26 miles and 1874, but neither he nor Mic graduated. salt air would be good for him, so he struggled through an extra year of classes. Add did, but he took an extra year to secured a job as a clerk at a Wrightsville In doing so, he forged a path for thousands The team behind the team. complete the three-year program in ag- Beach, N.C., hotel. “I have not been here of students who turn to the state’s land- Our All-American team of supporters is making a powerful impact – helping our riculture, finishing with VAMC’s second long enough to tell whether the salt air is grant institution to acquire the skills and athletes win championships, our students prepare for tomorrow’s challenges, and our graduating class. A report card indicates going to benefit me or not. I am feeling knowledge that can lead to a richer life and professors make discoveries that change the world. that he excelled in written compositions, about the same, no worse, no better,” he better future. military tactics, and farm work; was “sat- wrote Mendez on June 15, 1910. Members of this team donate to both our athletic and academic programs. And to help isfactory” or nearly so in French, natural A few days later, he sustained a severe Clara B. Cox is the former director of recognize them, we created www.vt.edu/All-Americans, where supporters can share history, and composition and rhetoric; head injury when he fainted. He died on publications for University Relations. their stories and create their very own trading cards. June 29, 1910, in a Wilmington hospi- Virginia Tech and was “tolerable” or worse in math- See the fall 1991 issue of Hundreds of people have made cards so far, including Paul and Pam Hoag (shown ematics, chemistry, and bookkeeping. tal. His funeral was held in his mother’s Magazine for a more detailed biography of above). We hope you’ll join them. If you support both athletics and academics, like the During college, he joined the Maury home—by then she had moved to Add Caldwell. The article is available online Literary Society and attained the rank of Radford, Va.—and he was buried in the at http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/ejournals/ Hoags, please share your story. If you haven’t made a gift yet, visit anyway and make a card. It’s fun, free, and easy to do. second sergeant of VAMC’s Company family cemetery nearby. VTMAG. Phone: 540/231-2801 or 800/533-1144 | Fax: 540/231-2802 Office of University Development (0336), University Gateway Center Blacksburg, Virginia 24061 | www.campaign.vt.edu 64 www.vtmagazine.vt.edu Make your card today at www.vt.edu/all-americans

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