collegiatetimes.com
May 5, 2020
An independent, student-run newspaper serving the Virginia Tech community since 1903
GOODBYE GRADS
ETHAN CANDELARIO / COLLEGIATE TIMES
PAGE 2 May 5, 2020
opinions collegiatetimes.com
editor@collegiatetimes.com
collegiatetimes.com/opinion
op-ed
Seniors search for closure after coronavirus rids them of a traditional commencement ceremony
W
As COVID-19 continues to forge its path, seniors are left without a graduation ceremony, but their achievements remain.
hen the news broke that Virginia Tech had canceled commencement, I took a moment’s pause. Sitting perched on the wooden swivelly chair at the desk in my childhood bedroom, I reread President Sands’ message. My initial reaction to the announcement was one of bland indifference. Reason, after a murmur of hesitation, prevailed; it’s not like I was entirely blindsided. We all saw this coming, to some extent, from the widespread coverage of similar actions being taken by universities across the country in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Something about being quarantined for days on end, cut off from physical contact from my friends and loved ones, had dulled my senses. Finding even the motivation to be upset felt like a chore. With everything else that has happened — classes moving to an online format, public places being shut down, the world as we know it coming to a screeching halt — I thought, “Right, this might as well fall to pieces too.” I am sorely disappointed to learn that my final semester at Tech is coming to such an abrupt end. Knowing that I will no longer be able to toss my cap in Lane Stadium, surrounded by my classmates, family and friends as we celebrate the culmination of four years’ hard work is proving itself a tough actuality to face. My heart especially goes out to my parents, who will never get to experience the pride and joy of seeing their only child graduate college. Even harder to grapple with is the
university’s idea of atonement in the form of a virtual ceremony and fall tailgate (the two-guest limit is a particularly brisk slap in the face). This attempt at making reparations for a missed once-in-a-lifetime opportunity feels lackluster and sterile. Everything we have worked toward has been swiftly reduced to a teleconference and a couple of lukewarm beers. The whole affair seems careless and uninspired. Graduation was all I was really looking forward to coming back from spring break. I don’t really consider myself a sentimental person. With a mindset like that, I was focused on graduating and moving forward, on to the Next Thing — the next place, the next school, the next job, the next life. All I wanted was to take some pictures and close this chapter; to celebrate the end of one era and the start of another. With all of that said, canceling commencement was irrefutably the right choice from a public health standpoint. The university officials who made this decision did so in our best interests. Even if the situation were to be contained by mid-May, sequestering thousands of people in one densely populated venue would allow the virus to fester and rapidly accelerate the rate of transmission. The sadness we feel right now is transient, and pales in comparison with the long-term effects of jeopardizing the livelihood of an entire community. Think of your grandparents, your aunts and uncles, siblings and cousins that may be immunocompromised and therefore more vulnerable to the disease. Think of the locals whose shops, bars
Voice your opinion. Send letters to the Collegiate Times. All letters must include a name and phone number. Students must include year and major. Faculty and staff must include Blacksburg, VA, 24061 position and department. Other submissions must include opinionseditor@collegiatetimes.com city of residence and relationship to Virginia Tech (i.e., alumni, parent, etc.). We reserve the right to edit for any reason. Anonymous letters will not be printed. Letters, commentaries and editorial cartoons do not reflect the views of the Collegiate Times. Editorials are written by the Collegiate Times editorial board, which is composed of the opinions editors, editor in chief and managing editors. 365 Squires Student Center
and restaurants you may frequent and how the gathering of so many new, potentially infected people in one place may affect them. Now more than ever, we must embody the true spirit of Ut Prosim and put the wellbeing of our friends and neighbors over our own temporary unhappiness. We may not get to walk across a gleaming stage, but life will continue all around us. Our diplomas will arrive neat and tidy in the mail as always. We will pick out pretty, polished frames that will sit on our bedroom floor and collect dust as we decide where to hang them, just like every class before us. We will start graduate programs and jobs. We will go on. We must go on. The COVID-19 crisis and ensuing aftermath will endure in the hearts and minds of everyone on this planet. Not a single soul will remain impermeable to the pain, suffering and destruction the pandemic leaves in its wake. Right now, it feels like coronavirus is ruining our lives; as students, we are at the
epicenter of its social effects. But that we no longer get to celebrate our accomplishments does not necessarily render them worthless or insignificant. We have done and will continue to do great things. We are future doctors, engineers, teachers, lawyers, writers, artists and scientists who represent some of the most prolific minds of our generation. Not getting an official ceremony does not change that. So to the class of 2020, stay gold. More importantly, stay safe, stay healthy and stay hopeful. I offer you the heartiest of congratulations and wish you all the best of luck going forward.
NEHA OGALE • former opinions editor
COLLEGIATE TIMES NEWSROOM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-9865
Social media editors: Taylor Gerrells, Emily Logue, and Heather Trobridge
Editor-in-Chief: Ashley Long (editor@collegiatetimes.com)
Multimedia editor: Katie Dillon
Managing editors: Emily Hannah and Tori Walker Design editors: Celina Ng and Heather Trobridge Copy editors: Abby Evans and John McBride News editors: Adiah Gholston and Ben Walls Lifestyles editor: Emily Carter Sports editors: Claire Castagno and Devin Shepard Assistant sports editor: Amber Williams Opinions editors: Donya Momenian and Lexi Solomon Photo editors: Ethan Candelario and Anisha Kohli
Have a news tip? newstips@collegiatetimes.com BUSINESS STAFF. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 231-9860 Business manager: Taylor Gerrells (business@collegemedia.com) MEDIAMATE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 888-897-7711 collegiatetimes.com/media_kit/ orders@mymediamate.com
The Collegiate Times, a division of the Educational Media Company at Virginia Tech, was established in 1903 by and for the students of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. The Collegiate Times is published every Tuesday of the academic year except during exams and vacations. To order a reprint of a photograph printed in the Collegiate Times, visit reprints.collegemedia.com. The Collegiate Times is a division of the Educational Media Company at Virginia Tech, Inc., a 501(c)3 nonprofit with a mission to provide educational experience in business and production of mass media for Virginia Tech students. © Collegiate Times, 2019. All rights reserved. Material published in the Collegiate Times is the property thereof, and may not be reprinted without the express written consent of the Collegiate Times.
news
editor@collegiatetimes.com
collegiatetimes.com
May 5, 2020 PAGE 3
collegiatetimes.com/news
Food and drug motivation studies remain a priority at Fralin Biomedical Research Institute Until quarantine is lifted, one researcher and her graduate students study fMRI data, integral to understanding the brain’s reaction to foods and drugs. BEN WALLS news editor
The questions of how different macronutrient and micronutrient combinations interact in the body and whether or not commonly abused drugs and foods metabolize similarly have yet to be answered completely by the food sciences community. These topics have been focus points for Dr. Alexandra DiFeliceantonio, a Fralin researcher and assistant professor at Virginia Tech’s Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise, since August 2019. How food and the body interact with
influenced from diet, what is the best way to help those people, knowing of the underlying neuroscience and metabolic factors that are contributing to those behaviors?” DiFeliceantonio said. In her lab at Fralin’s Center for Transformative Research on Health Behaviors, DiFeliceantonio is learning how different foods and bodies interact based on researching animals’ gratification toward opioids and foods, like feeding M&M’s to rats, during her postgraduate education at the University of Michigan. “If we think about a doughnut that has high fat and high sugar as a stimulus that is unlike other foods, just like a drug-of-
“It will really benefit the communi-
ty, and everyone, to know more about what is going on when people consume (high-fat foods), and make more informed decisions about what they choose to eat.
”
each other is an important topic today, as DiFeliceantonio explains, because dietary factors are the second preventable causes of deaths, following smoking, in the United States. “It will really benefit the community, and everyone, to know more about what is going on when people consume (high-fat foods), and make more informed decisions about what they choose to eat,” DiFeliceantonio said. “Also, when we are thinking about creating interventions for weight loss or for managing diseases that are heavily
Dr. Alexandra DiFeliceantonio assistant professor of HNFE
abuse is unlike other natural stimulus, then thinking of these two allow us to learn from them and ask new questions about what is happening in the brain,” DiFeliceantonio said. Mor e sp e c i f ica l ly, howeve r, DiFeliciantonio is interested in studying the long-term effects of food motivation on the body. “I first got interested in modern foods by really thinking about how high-fat, high-sugar foods are some things that we never encountered in our evolutionary
ANTHONY WU / COLLEGIATE TIMES On July 1, the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, located in Roanoke, is the ninth college of the university, June 25, 2018.
environment and how our brain reacts to those differently,” DiFeliceantonio said. “Maybe (foods work) in a way that is similar to how it interacts with drugs of abuse.” As Virginia’s stay-at-home orders are effective, the lab is focusing on collecting publicly available functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data and asking questions about why a certain variable, for instance, correlates with a certain brain behavior. DiFeliceantonio is also beginning to guide her graduate students on how to interpret large data sets during quarantine as well. DiFeliceantonio received institutional review board (IRB) approval recently, and she will begin recruitment for her lab once stay-at-home orders are lifted. When the day comes, she will focus on the central questions of carbohydrates in the body
and understanding if metabolizing satisfying foods quicker is more “rewarding” than metabolizing foods slower. To complete the job, DiFeliceantonio’s lab will create drinks, similar to vitaminwater, which will consist of flavors people have never encountered. The lab will consequently study how quickly test subjects metabolize calories and scan them with the use of fMRI and study the brain on how it reacts to new flavors However, DiFeliceantonio’s research on high-fat foods and dopamine in the body is published.
@CollegiateTimes
PAGE 4 May 5, 2020
editor@collegiatetimes.com
collegiatetimes.com
Virginia Tech to distribute CARES Act aid to support undergraduate and graduate students Through the recently passed CARES Act, qualified undergraduate and graduate students will be granted aid to support them through the COVID-19 pandemic. ADIAH GHOLSTON news editor
In an effort to support students who have been impacted by COVID-19, Virginia Tech will immediately allocate $9.7 million to emergency financial grants for eligible students. The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund has secured $14 billion for postsecondary education through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which was signed into law by President Trump on March 27. Of the allocated $14 billion, U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos has set aside $6.28 billion for colleges and universities to support costs associated with the educational impact of shifting classes to online format and provide
students grants for food, housing, technology and other purposes. Virginia Tech is receiving $9.7 million from the money aside for universities.
formula-driven distributions and expanded individual emergency support. Virginia Tech’s constructed formula considers Pell Grant eligibility and prior
“Aid will be distributed to undergraduate and graduate students through formula-driven distributions and expanded individual emergency support.
”
School allocations are determined by a set formula in the CARES Act: total student enrollment and weighted for the number of Pell Grant-eligible students. Aid will be distributed to undergraduate and graduate students through
borrowing from direct subsidized or alternatives loan programs. A portion of the CARES Act will be set aside to address individual emergency needs as they are brought up. Another portion of the CARES Act will supplement Virginia
Tech’s Emergency Relief Fund. The Dean of Students office, various other student support services offices and the office of university scholarship and financial aid will evaluate each individual’s case and award the appropriate assistance from the emergency funds to the individuals.
@CollegiateTimes
Do you have plans for Fall??
Earn a VT Master’s degree in Accounting and Information Systems in as little as one year! Unlimited career opportunities; 95% national job placement
GMAT requirement waived; All majors are welcome! https://acis.pamplin.vt.edu/masters
acis@vt.edu
lifestyles
editor@collegiatetimes.com
May 5, 2020 PAGE 5
collegiatetimes.com
collegiatetimes.com/lifestyles
Fall 2020: What will the future hold for Hokie Nation? Virginia Tech hopes to have classes in person next semester with some changes.
KYLE BASSETT
lifestyles staff writer
As the spring 2020 semester comes to a close, with the last seven weeks being moved online due to the COVID-19 pandemic; and as a result, many questions remain for what lies ahead. While it may be over four months away, the fall 2020 semester is on the minds of many. What will we be able to do? How will things be different? Will things be different? Based on the information we currently have available to us, there’s a fair amount of info that we can go off of. If we have classes this fall or not isn’t a question for many; it’s been a question as to whether or not these classes will be in-person or online. While Virginia Tech has not formally announced whether or not it is opening for in-person classes, it has announced that the intent is to host an in-person fall semester, albeit an adjusted one. “Whether Virginia Tech chooses to have classes online or in-person next semester, I will be spending the fall semester in Blacksburg with my fellow Hokies,” said Kenny Barnes, a junior studying history and sociology. “Since it will be my senior year, it will be my last opportunity to get the VT undergraduate experience, and I would like to spend it with the people that have made the past three years of my life the best ones yet.” On Friday, May 1, during a Virtual Blacksburg Town Hall meeting, Virginia Tech President Tim Sands addressed whether or not the upcoming semester would be online. “We’re really hoping and planning that it will be an in-person fall, with some caveats and still some major decisions to be made,” Sands said. As for the adjustments made to the fall semester, should it come to be in person, one can assume that social distancing and the use of PPE, or personal protective equipment, may be some of the requirements students face when tasked with
when being around campus. Currently, in the state of Virginia until June 10 of this year, individuals must maintain a distance of 6 feet apart from each other unless they are family members, members of their household or caretakers. When it comes to class sizes in the fall, there isn’t much information out there as to what may be altered when it comes to seating or the numbers of students per class. With some classes using auditoriums that seat hundreds of students, one might wonder as to how these kinds of classes may allow students to safely social distance in packed settings. Currently, under Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam’s executive order, gatherings of more than 10 people are not allowed. “All public and private in-person gatherings of more than 10 individuals are prohibited. This includes parties,
celebrations, religious, or other social events, whether they occur indoor or outdoor,” the executive order reads. In regards to fall sports, the situation looking somewhat bright. As the way it stand currently, Virginia Tech fall sports can be expected. A Sports Illustrated article on the status of Virginia Tech’s fall sports notes that there are plans in place as to how the football team may return to play, as well as plans for the possible admittance of fans into games through the use of security gate health screenings. “Lots of planning going on, lots of misinformation out there. I know there’s a lot being said and read, but no final decisions yet,” said Whit Babcock, director of athletics at Virginia Tech. “I would anticipate playing football. I certainly don’t know it, but we are looking at all options out there.”
One can hope for the best when it comes to returning to campus for in-person classes this fall. With schools such as Radford University already announcing that they will be hosting in person classes in the fall, Gov. Northam believes that we have a chance at returning to classrooms later this year. When speaking on what should be expected of announcements moving forward regarding Virginia Tech, President Sands said, “We expect to have a decision during the first week, or maybe around June 8, for how the fall will progress,”
@CollegiateTimes
ETHAN CANDELARIO / COLLEGIATE TIMES University President Tim Sands speaks at the University Graduation and Commencement Ceremony, Dec. 20, 2019.
CONGRATULATIONS, HOKIES! You have attained something you can never lose, something upon which you will stand to reach your dreams — your Virginia Tech education. While your last semester was not what any of us expected, nothing can diminish your achievement, and you’ve proven that nothing will stand in your way. For every obstacle you overcame to reach this goal, we congratulate you. For every sacrifice you and your family made to get you here, we applaud you. For the spirit of Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) you will carry with you always, we commend you. Class of 2020, you will forever hold a special place in our hearts and minds. We celebrate you now and always. -President Tim Sands
editor@collegiatetimes.com
collegiatetimes.com
May 5, 2020 PAGE 7
‘We’re all in this together’: College movies to help ease the pain of graduation Grab your friends for a virtual movie night as you reflect on your last few days of being a senior.
ETHAN CANDELARIO / COLLEGIATE TIMES Graduating seniors file back into Lane Stadium after the thunderstorm all clear is given at the 2019 commencement, May 17, 2019.
EMILY CARTER lifestyles editor
Congratulations, seniors! You’ve finally made it to graduation. Even though you had a crazy last semester, chances are you’ll be reflecting on your college experience before you walk across the virtual stage on May 15. Since the graduating seniors won’t have that much to do between finals, you’re going to have a lot of time on your hands; might I suggest watching a movie or two? Here are some movies to hype you up for graduation or just straight-up put you in your feels while you wait for your college careers to end. “Legally Blonde” This is the perfect college movie in my eyes. For those of you who haven’t seen the iconic, quotable movie, Elle Woods is dumped by her boyfriend because she’s too “blonde.” With the help of her sorority sisters, Elle gets into Harvard Law School to try to win her boyfriend back. While at Harvard, Elle rises to the top of her class and helps one of her role models on trial.
“Legally Blonde” touches on a lot of things that quite a bit of students face while in college. “Legally Blonde” shows the ups and downs of college and life experiences college students often live through like breakups and competitions between classmates to get internships and jobs in and after college. Elle Woods finds out what she excels at while in college and becomes even more of a strong and confident woman. This movie is the perfect motivation when applying to grad school, working on a group project over a Zoom call with your peers or going through life in general. “Accepted” “Accepted” is an underrated movie about a high school senior who gets rejected from all of the colleges he applies to, so he decides to “invent” a college for himself and all of his friends who all get rejected. He then tries to fool his parents and other college students into thinking that the South Harmon Institute of Technology is a legitimate institution. “Accepted” may remind you of all the
times you and your friends did some dumb and possibly illegal things during your college careers. This movie shows the camaraderie between best friends and the sacrifices that friends are willing to make for each other. Gather all of your friends virtually for a final hurrah by laughing and crying while watching “Accepted.” It’ll remind you of all of the friends you made while at college and possibly make you emotional that they won’t be living close to you anymore. “High School Musical 3: Senior Year” Okay, bear with me for this movie. “High School Musical 3: Senior Year” is a movie from our childhoods that we all know and love. Troy, Gabriella and the rest of the gang are deciding on what colleges to go to while preparing for their final musical. Romance and impromptu singing ensues. The last “High School Musical” movie is a college movie in the sense that people you have known and have made connections with for four years are going their
separate ways and trying to make decisions about their lives while trying to keep in touch with the people that will soon be in your past. This movie can make you remember how far you’ve come since high school and how much you have accomplished since being at Virginia Tech. Whether or not you decide to watch these movies by yourself or with a group of friends, it’s important to remember how far you’ve come since graduating high school. If you’re going into the workforce or struggling to find a job after Virginia Tech, don’t stress; these movies can help ease the pain of your final semester and have you looking back onto better days of your time at Virginia Tech.
@Emilynic_12
PAGE 8 May 5, 2020
collegiatetimes.com
editor@collegiatetimes.com
Men’s basketball lead scorer Landers Nolley commits to Memphis after entering transfer portal Nolley’s absence is likely to leave a production hole for the Hokies, but new additions should help maintain quality. DEVIN SHEPARD sports editor
This March, Virginia Tech forward and leading scorer Landers Nolley announced he would be leaving the Virginia Tech basketball program and entering the NCAA Transfer Portal. Nolley was the Hokie’s leading scorer this past season and a member of the ACC All-Freshman Team. The 6-foot-7-inch, 225-pound redshirt freshman announced last week that he would be enrolling at Memphis next semester and playing for head coach Penny Hardaway. The rising sophomore has been part of
a roller coaster offseason, in which Hokie fans have seen both Nolley and guard Isaiah Wilkins leave the program. In their place, head coach Mike Young has brought in transfer talents in Kansas State guard Cartier Diarra and Iowa forward Cordell Pemsl. With no seniors on last year’s roster except Branden Johnson, Young has seemingly recouped the talent the team needs to compete. The Hokies will also be helped by a surge of freshman talent in guards Joe Bamisile, Darius Maddox and forward David N’Guessan. Though Nolley’s absence should leave a production hole for the Hokies, the new additions to the roster along with the
debut of big man Keve Aluma, who had to sit out last season due to transferring, should be more than enough to keep the squad competitive. Fan-favorite forward Jonathan Kabongo should also be making his return this season after missing last year with injuries. Nolley was undoubtedly a talented scorer and athlete for Virginia Tech, but his questionable shot selection and inconsistent effort on the defensive end made him a liability at times on the floor. His absence should allow for more scoring development out of other standout freshmen such as Tyrece Radford, Jalen Cone and Naheem Alleyne. This,
sports
combined with the influx of talent from both the transfer portal and recruiting, should allow for the Hokies to easily recover from the loss. Coach Young is likely to play a starting lineup of some combination of Radford, Wabissa Bede, Diarra, Alleyne, P.J. Horne and Aluma. This talent along with some combination of Cone, Hunter Cattoor, John Ojiako, Kabongo, Bamisile and Maddox should make the Hokies one of the most talented and competitive teams in the ACC next season. @DrashawnShepard
collegiatetimes.com/sports
TROY CLARK / COLLEGIATE TIMES Landers Nolley II (2) shoots a midrange jumper, Cassell Coliseum, March 4, 2020.
ETHAN CANDELARIO / COLLEGIATE TIMES Head coach Justin Fuente, flanked by Tre Turner (25) and Ryan Willis (5), enter the field before the game versus Marshall, Dec. 1, 2018.
Tech football secures 6-foot-3-inch graduate transfer and veteran defensive end Justus Reed AMBER WILLIAMS
assistant sports editor
Justus Reed has committed to Virginia Tech as a graduate transfer from Youngstown State. The 6-foot3-inch, 270-pound defensive end stated
throughout his recruitment cycle that Virginia Tech was his top choice. The defensive end missed his 2018 season because of injury but came back more powerful than ever, having the best season of his career in 2019. In the
2019-20 season, Reed had 12.5 sacks and 30 tackles. Reed is immediately eligible to play as a graduate transfer. His impressive stats and size signify that he will be an important addition on the field for the Hokies.
This is a key move for the Hokies in the off-season and will help bolster their defensive line and past rush. @CTSportsTalk
editor@collegiatetimes.com
collegiatetimes.com
GOODBYE GRADS
May 5, 2020 PAGE 9
Goodbye Grads: Sports Editor Davis Carbaugh DAVIS CARBAUGH former sports editor
I find it a bit ironic that after four years of writing for the Collegiate Times, the last piece I write is giving me the most difficulties. It’s not a lack of stories or takeaways from my time at the CT, but more of the difficult realization that the ride is coming to an end. When I visited my brother at Virginia Tech in seventh grade and went to my first football game, I knew I was going to be a Hokie. However, I had a difficult time deciding what I wanted to study in college. It finally clicked in high school that I could combine my love of sports with my passion for reading and writing to study journalism. Having no experience whatsoever and coming in as a shy freshman on a huge campus, the Collegiate Times was my first crack at sports writing.
It took me quite a while to step up and volunteer to write an article until the sports editor at the time, Faizan, encouraged me to write a football recap for the North Carolina game. That same week, I was able to attend the basketball media day and interview the players from the team. I had no real experience, but Tech football pulled off a big upset against the Tar Heels and both articles went on the front page of that week’s addition. I was hooked! In the following years, I covered just about every sport at some point and experienced the ups and downs of all the sports programs. From the basketball team’s best season in program history to ACC championships in various sports, it has been an amazing time to cover Tech sports. My advice for anyone interested in journalism, or really any field, is to try your CARBAUGH / page 10
COURTESY OF DAVIS CARBAUGH
JUMPSTART YOUR CAREER WITH A MASTER’S DEGREE MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
MASTER OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
• Ranked #19 nationwide by U.S. News & World Report • Take classes with professionals from local top employers • Start in Fall or Spring and take full- or part-time • 10 areas of specialization • Graduate assistantships available • Take your first two classes with no GMAT/GRE
• Ranked #4 nationwide by U.S. News & World Report • Offered jointly with the College of Engineering • Start in Fall, Spring, or Summer and take full- or part-time • 11 areas of specialization and 6 certificate options • Flat tuition rate for all students • No GMAT/GRE required
DC METRO AREA | evening.mba.vt.edu
100% ONLINE | vtmit.vt.edu
WORK EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS WAIVED FOR THE CLASS OF 2020 EXTENDED CAMPUS PROGRAMS
DC METRO AREA | NEWPORT NEWS | ONLINE | RICHMOND | ROANOKE pamplin.vt.edu/academics/masters-programs
PAGE 10 May 5, 2020
collegiatetimes.com
editor@collegiatetimes.com
CARBAUGH: Former sports editor Davis Carbaugh says a thankful goodbye to the Collegiate Times from page 9
hand at new experiences and write about new things. Covering sports like track or soccer for example, pushed me to become a better writer in sports I was less familiar with. This transition is what turned me from a fan writing about sports into a writer passionate about sports journalism. The Collegiate Times has given me opportunities that I could only ever dream of when I started with the sports section. Covering sold-out football games, late-night thrillers at Cassell Coliseum, and shedding a light on sports and athletes that don’t get as much mainstream coverage are some of my favorite moments. Traveling to Charlotte for the 2019 ACC Tournament has to be my most memorable experience writing for the CT. During Tech’s best basketball season in program history, we were able to cover that incredible run as well as be around
some of the best athletes in the country. That experience pushed Robby and I to be our best and gave us a taste of sports journalism on the biggest stage. Above all, the comradery and sharing
Sports have always been a passion for me but writing for the Collegiate Times has made me love journalism and all the steps that go into producing a finished piece. Looking back at being clueless as
“I am thankful for the editors that
came before our group that helped us get to where we are today, and I am excited for the future of the sports section.
”
in the goal of producing a quality paper is what I will cherish the most from my time at the Collegiate Times. As editor over the last year, working together with the other editors and motivating our sports staff gave me a great appreciation for what goes into producing articles. I am thankful for the editors that came before our group that helped us get to where we are today, and I am excited for the future of the sports section.
a freshman compared to where I am at the end of the journey, the CT was always a consistency over the last four years. While I will miss being a part of the Collegiate Times, it will always remain one of my favorite experiences at Virginia Tech. To wrap things up I’ll quote one of the greatest journalists of our time: “You stay classy, San Diego.” – Ron Burgundy
Davis Carbaugh, Class of 2020
editor@collegiatetimes.com
collegiatetimes.com
May 5, 2020 PAGE 11
Goodbye Grads: Managing Editor Izzy Rossi IZZY ROSSI
former managing editor
I joined the Collegiate Times during the first week of my freshman year. Joining the student newspaper was literally the first thing on my ‘first week of college to-do list’ and I still have my freshman year planner to prove it. I was so excited to get involved in student journalism that I didn’t want to wait for GobblerFest to meet the staff and get involved. I opted instead to message the private photo section Facebook page to see when I could start. I was told by my news editor later that this was a highly-unusual move. Attending that first meeting was one of the best and most important decisions I made during my time at Virginia Tech. In many ways, the CT has been my second home at Virginia Tech. When I was stressed and pulling all-nighters during exam weeks, I could come to the newsroom for a quiet and comfy study space. When I was having trouble in a class or needed internship advice, more experienced CTers acted as my personal advisers. And through any tough times I’ve faced, from roommate drama to deciding to change my major, my friends at the CT have constantly been there for me as a shoulder to cry on or to make me laugh. There are so many things that I’ll miss about being an editor for the CT after I graduate. I’ll miss trips to ABP every Sunday production and the feeling of seeing a new paper on the racks on Tuesday mornings. But the thing I’ll miss the most are all of my friends at the CT
COURTESY OF IZZY ROSSI
“Only a very special place can bring people together as coworkers and create friendships as strong as the ones I’ve described.
who have seen me at both my highest and lowest points and still love me. My friends at the CT, more than any other friends I’ve made at Virginia Tech, make me feel like I’m capable of accomplishing anything I put my mind to. And I love them. So much. I want to thank a couple people who were important to my journey in the Collegiate Times and in life. Starting at the beginning, I want to thank Lewis Millholland and Matt Jones. You two saw news editor potential in me when I didn’t
”
even see it in myself. You helped me to gain the confidence and experience I needed to run a functioning news section (sometimes) and your ability to go into careers in journalism helped me to realize that a career path like that was possible for me too. Next I want to thank the people who I consider my big sisters at the CT, Meg Connors and Jess Brady. You are two of the smartest, strongest, funniest, most amazing women I know and I don’t
know how to thank you for everything that you’ve taught me about journalism and about life. You are two people that I consider life-long friends. If Jess and Meg are my CT big sisters, Mike Liu is definitely my CT big brother. Mike, you will always be my news best friend. Regardless of what was going on in the CT or in life, you were my person to laugh with, to gossip with and to watch scary movies with. I hope you know how much our news team and your friendship means to me. And Ashley Long and Emily Hannah, in the worst senior year I could have imagined, you two were always there for me. I could not have imagined a better team if I tried. COVID-19 has taken away our last couple months as editors together, but I know this is a friendship that can
outlast anything. You two, along with Tori, are going to kill it next year. It’s so encouraging to see that the future of the CT is in such amazing hands. Finally, I want to thank the readers of the CT. If I could leave you with any message, it would be the importance of student journalism. Only a very special place can bring people together as coworkers and create friendships as strong as the ones I’ve described.
• Spacious 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartment homes!
• Large Walk-in Closets
• Private balcony or patio
• Private laundry facilities in each building
• Majority of utilities in monthly value rate
• Optional washer/dryer in apartment home
• Wired for high-speed internet access
• Optional furniture and all-inclusive packages
• Animal friendly (restrictions apply)
750 Hethwood Blvd. #100 G • Blacksburg, VA 24060 • 877-746-1676 • www.HethwoodLiving.com 800-828-1140 (TTY)
editor@collegiatetimes.com
May 5, 2020 PAGE 13
collegiatetimes.com
Goodbye Grads: Sports Editor Robby Fletcher ROBBY FLETCHER former sports editor
Fun fact: I am terrible at icebreakers. Like truly awful at them. What I didn’t realize about college was just how many icebreakers I’d actually have to do, though. Let me set the scene: You’re in a class on the first day, and a professor decides the best way to get this group of delinquents socially connected is by having them pass a ball around and say a fun fact about themselves. I always struggled to really find anything interesting to say. I tried so hard to focus on what other people thought was interesting that I never really considered what I found to be interesting. Once I found something worth mentioning, I relied on it like a crutch. The past four years, my go-to response has (and probably always will be), “when
I was a little kid, I learned how to read by looking at the little player biographies on the back of football cards.” Is it true? Well, yeah, but also it’s not the entire truth. I couldn’t just read those little biographies and start jumping into some Hemingway novels a few months later. I had to read a bunch of other forms of writing too, but that’s not as interesting to me. If anything, I think it just drives home this feeling that for as long as I could remember, sports has always been my thing. I don’t think I’ve ever considered anything other than a sports-related career in my entire life. Sure, I bailed on the prospects of being an NBA player once I realized I was A) much too slow and B) much too scrawny, but that never really halted my plans. I will say that once I bailed on the prospects of an NFL career, then my plans went a little off the beaten
path. Sadly, it took me a pretty long time to figure out that being the best basketball player at my house didn’t necessarily translate to success outside my driveway, but once I did, I knew I had to figure out
town in one of the best conferences in the NCAA with one of the best fanbases for college sports? Yeah, that sounds like the perfect environment for an aspiring writer (spoiler alert: it was).
“I don’t see my time with the Colle-
giate Times as the last step toward my dreams of becoming a journalist, but in fact one of the first. some other way to get into the field I was so desperately obsessed with. I eventually found out I loved to write and I loved to tell stories, especially true ones, and I knew a career in journalism was what brought me to Virginia Tech. I mean it all made sense: a big sports
COURTESY OF ROBBY FLETCHER
”
I joined the Collegiate Times two weeks into my freshman year because I thought it’d be the easiest way to get player access, which ended up being fairly accurate. At the time, I probably thought I was a hot shot young writer who could easily come in and become the next great basketball feature writer, but I look at my freshman work now and it is not very good. Like, at all. I look at my writing as of right now though, and I see improvements across the board. I now feel like I can capably tell a story and keep someone engaged, even if it’s just for five minutes. I couldn’t do that before I joined this paper. At least, not well. That, to me, makes this all worth it. I’ve always loved what I do, and I really love how I’ve grown in this craft. I think that’s the best part about this all, that I’m not done growing. I’d be incredibly sad if this was all I was good for, but it’s not. I still feel like there’s a ceiling I’m not even close to reaching yet. There’s so much more to learn and so many more people to learn from. I think that’s incredibly beautiful. I don’t see my time with the Collegiate Times as the last step toward my dreams of becoming a journalist, but in fact one of the first. Weirdly enough, as much as I love telling stories, I’ve never been that good at telling my own so I won’t keep you for too long as I close the book on this chapter of my life. I encourage you (yeah you!) to always do what you love and to never settle for anything less than greatness. Is that advice a little cliche? Without a doubt, but I guess that’s why I’m a journalist and not a motivational speaker.
GOODBYE GRADS
Alayna Godfrey
Elementary Education & Human Development To Our Dearest Ally, While the circumstances surrounding the end of your college career are not ideal, you have braved it with dignity and gusto, although with also a little more casualness than mom and I desired. We are very proud of you and how you have met these challenges and can’t wait to see what is in store for you, down the road. All our Love, Mom, Dad and Lexi
Angela Marie McGlathery Literature and Political Science
Angela, my wish for you as you graduate is that you continue to grow and explore, and experience all of the wonderful things the future holds for you. You are an amazing, intelligent, compassionate young woman - and I’m so very proud of you! Congratulations on your graduation! I love you to the moon....and back.... always! Love, Mom
Aaron Z. Boyd
Bachelor of Science Business IT Congratulations Aaron! We are so proud of your academic and athletic accomplishments and wish you continued success. Ut Prosium always! Love, Mom, Dad and Andrew
Abby Malone
Computer Engineering Congratulations Abby! We are so proud of you today and always! #include<iostream> int main() { std::cout << “CONGRATUATIONS\n” We love you, Mom, Will, Alex and Rachel
Armani Miguel Morales Tagle Mechanical Engineering
Congratulations, Achiever! I can sense you committed to be the best of you, you worked hard, dug deep, conquered and fought like a warrior. You created to excel, keep going and succeeding is your faith in God. Look ahead make the future your mate, set your mind on Good Things and Good Things will naturally follow you. God is always by your side and us. Everything God gave you is for a purpose. You are a blessing, stay humble and thankful pray harder. Dream boundless and aim for heavens, You can defeat any challenge and crowned with success. You are grown up, hard, responsible. Every single effort of yours is already a ray of light, Stand STRONG! God bless you and I love you, Mom!
Brent Bailey
Mechanical Engineering How do we celebrate your success in academics? We wish you more success as you launch your career, we hope you will continue a lifetime of learning, and we promise to pray for you and Kathleen in your next adventure. Hokie On! Love, Mom, Dad, Quint and Abbie
Alana Joy Hassett Professional and Technical Writing, and Creative Writing
Alana, you’ve accomplished so much in the past four years–we’re so proud of you! We can’t wait to see where you go from here! Love, Mom, Dad & Noah
Alexander Chiarolanzio Marketing
Virginia Tech was just the start of a wonderful journey. We’re so proud of the man you’ve become! With love, Congratulations! Mom, Dad, Maddie & Rosie
GOODBYE GRADS
Ariadne T. Manikas Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Journalism
Dearest ARIADNE we are so proud of you and your accomplishments. Congratulations on your graduation! May the Hokie Spirit always be part of your life. As you set out for Ithaka hope your road is a long one, full of adventure, full of discovery. Love always and forever your family.
Brady Michael Ryan Political Science and Strategic Communication
Congratulations, Brady! We are so proud of your accomplishments. You have made lifelong friends and memories and paved your own way, surely leaving your imprint at Virginia Tech. Love, Us
Cameron Alexander Smith Bachelor of Arts - Finance
Cam, Congratulations! Words cannot express how lucky I am to have you for a son and how proud I am of you! I wish you nothing but happiness and success in your new adventures! Love Mom!!
Carol L. Raffety
Caroline Beaulac International Studies
Congratulations, Sweet Caroline! You have worked incredibly hard, learned so much about the world and about yourself, and have now set sail with both determination and confidence, as well as humility and a sense of wonder. Know that we could not be more proud of you, and that we love you beyond words. Always. Love, Mom and Dad
Grant I. Splisgardt Biology
Congratulations Grant on this major milestone in your life! We are proud to be your parents and we wish you nothing but the BEST in life going forward. ALWAYS remember to set your goals, follow the steps to get you there and you will continue to accomplish great things. Remember, we are ALWAYS here for you!! Love Always, Mom & Dad
Hunter Hemmings
BS Engineering Science and Mechanics Congratulations! We are so proud of you and so glad that you took advantage of every opportunity presented to you. You have made the most of your college experience and for that we are truly thankful. You have everything going for you and we are excited to see what your future holds. Love, Mom, Dad, Madison, Jared, Anna, Skylar and Eli
Jana Leotta
Criminology
Bachelor of Science - Human Nutrition, Foods, & Exercise
Congratulations Carol! We are so proud of all your accomplishments! We love you so much.
A tremendous journey from life at Eggelston as a freshman to an honor’s graduate and everything in between. We are ever so proud of you and your AMAZING accomplishments. Much love and success with your transition as a Hokie to a Buckeye. We are behind you all the way‌ Love Mom, Joseph, and Reagan :)
GOODBYE GRADS Jessica Dwyer
Dual Degree Business Information Technology and Marketing Management Congratulations Jess - We can’t believe that your graduation has arrived. It certainly is not what we envisioned four years ago. Pandemic - No way.....Life is all about adjusting to the curves that life has to offer. Your 4 years at VT will be invaluable in negotiating these obstacles and opportunities that lie ahead. We’re so proud of you! Love, Mom, Dad & Maddy
Jessica Wileman
Criminology and Sociology We are so proud of Jessica Wileman! In true Hokie fashion, she has prevailed! At Virginia Tech, she has earned two bachelor’s degrees - Criminology and Sociology - plus a minor in Peace Studies and Violence Prevention. Now she is on to grad school at Radford University. Jess, your family loves you and could not be prouder of you! Congratulations!
Joseph L. Gordon Political Science
Mazel Tov Joey! Just yesterday you were getting on the school bus to kindergarten and now you are graduating from Virginia Tech! You will always be our little boy, but we are so proud of the man you are today. It’s time for you to fly and never stop reaching for your dreams. We love you, Mom, Dad and Hershey
Joshua Collins
Professional and Technical Writing Josh, I am so proud and happy that you have achieved this milestone. The adventure begins. Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined. May all your future endeavors be prosperous! Love you bunches. Mom
Casey Jane Gaipa Architecture
Casey Jane, We are so proud of you and all you have accomplished in your 5 years at VT. You have grown into a fine young woman, confident and ready to take on the world, which we know you will do with ease and grace. Love Mom and Dad
Cassandra Letta
Natural Resources Conservation (Conservation And Recreation Management) Congratulations, we are so very proud of you Cassie! You are resilient and strong. We have loved sharing your Hokie journey with you. We love you. Mom, Dad and Josh.
Christian Madden BS Biology
We are very proud of your hard work and accomplishments. Can’t wait to see what lies ahead for you. Love, Mom, Dad, Thomas, Spot, Marigold and Nutmeg
Christian Miodus-Santini
Building Construction Congratulations, Christian! We are so very proud of you. You are a star!
Now, Go Build! Love, Mom, Dad, Carlos, Corey & Lorenzo
GOODBYE GRADS
Dylan Edward Wigley Political Science
Dylan, We couldn’t be prouder of you! Your hard work and commitment has truly paid off! You come from a long line of Hokies: your father, (Class of 1978) and your grandfather, (Class of 1950). You are an amazing young man and we know you are going to do great things in this world. We love and support you DEW-Man!! Love, Mom and Dad
Emily Suzanne Danko Aerospace Engineering
Congratulations Emily, your hard work and dedication have paid off! We are so proud of the strong independent young woman you have become. We love you! Mom, Dad, and Anna
Eric Diaz Cayetano
Computer Engineering Minor in Music Technology Congratulations Eric! We are very proud of you. Always include God in all your plans. Keep pursuing your passion and dreams in music. We love you so much. Dad, Mom, & Justin
Gabriel Morgan Coleman
Bachelor of Science Clinical Neuroscience So proud of you for exceeding our expectations at VT. Thanks for being the kind, witty, hard-working, responsible son who adds such joy to our lives. Love, Mom and Dad
Justin
Architecture and Urban Studies Congratulations Justin! We are so proud of you. Love Dad, Mom, Katie
Kara Coxe
Business Information Technology Congratulations, Kara! It is great to see you successfully complete your undergraduate education at Virginia Tech. You have grown into such an amazing, beautiful, and talented young woman. We can’t wait to see where you go on your next adventure! Love, Mom, Dad, Eileen
Lindsay Pierle
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Congratulations Lindsay on your tremendous accomplishments at Virginia Tech! You have truly embraced being a Hokie and the spirit of Ut Prosim, meeting each challenge with optimism and determination. We are so proud of you. Wishing you every success as your journey continues at Johns Hopkins! Love, Mom, Dad, and Kayla
Matthew Yashar Architecture, B.Arch
Congratulations on your awesome achievement, Matthew. I am so proud of you; your Dad would be too. Your creativity is inspiring-I cannot wait to see what you will contribute to the world. I know the confidence you have built at VT will carry you forward as you begin your next chapter-continue to skip those stones along the way! Love, Mom.
GOODBYE GRADS Miles Walter Campbell
Business Management, minor Professional Sales Congratulations Miles! We are so proud of all you have accomplished. We are so excited to see what the next chapter of your life brings. You bring us so much joy and happiness, and we wish you the same to the moon and back. We love you, Mom and Dad
Gabriel Wise
Bachelor of Arts - Music We are so proud of you Gabriel! You amaze us with your strength to overcome every obstacle you face. Keep following your dreams! Love, Mommy, Adrianna, Alyssa, and Christian
Gabrielle Humphrey Natalie M. Harrison
Accounting and Information Systems Congratulations Nat - You Rock!! Best of luck in Grad School. We love you! Mom and Dad
Fashion Merchandising and Design Major
Congratulations Elle on graduation and all you have accomplished! We are so proud of you and can’t wait to see what you do next! Love, Mom, Papa and Hannah
Nathan C. Vigil
Computer Engineering CONGRATULATIONS NATHAN!!! We are so proud of you. Love, Mom, Dad, Johnny and Garrett
Haley Mashay Fugate Human Development
We’re so proud of your hard work to not only attend your dream school, but to accomplish all that you have in just 3 years! We love you, Mama, Daddy and Ryan
Harsh Patel Nina Petitt
Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise Congratulations, Nina! Our hearts burst with pride over your hard work and success. You are amazing! We look forward to seeing you continue to achieve all your goals and more. Love, Aunt Bev, Dad, Mom and Cody
Computer Science Minor in Cyber Security Congratulations Hershey! Your efforts reflect your unwavering dedication to achievement. You have demonstrated critical lessons in discipline, planning, focus and tenacity. You are on your way. Finally climb every mountain
GOODBYE GRADS Henry Lyon
Mechanical Engineering Bravo, Henry!!! We are so very proud of your accomplishments and the amazing person you are - genuine, hard working, caring, adventurous and balanced. You are ready for this next chapter and will do FANTASTIC! We can’t wait to see you so we can celebrate in person! Love, Mom, Dad, Marit and Aussie & Fergie
Isabelle A. Vazquez
Communications Studies Bella, Congratulations on your incredible academic success and incomparable Leadership. You are a true Hokie and we are extremely proud of you! We Love You, Mom and Dad
Jacob Dylan Pilkins
Criminology & Sociology Jacob, we are so proud of the man of faith and integrity you are today. You always desired to serve and VTCC gave you that opportunity. Congratulations, we love you!
Jared Kutrieb
National Security & Foreign Affairs and International Public Policy (dual major) Jared, Congratulations! For overcoming the challenges of 4 years of college (AND several uninterrupted months with your loving family)! So proud of you and excited for what’s next! Love, Mom & Dad
Nolan LeBlanc Architecture
It was never easy but you dared not give up. If you did, you will never be a step closer to your dreams. We’re so proud you were able to make it through. Congratulations, we all love you! Mom, Dad, Spencer, and Alexa
Peter Daian Architecture
Dear Peter! Congratulations! We are very proud of all your hard work and your excellent results! We are happy that you enjoyed the college years and you took advantage of a lot of opportunities that came your way. You got lifelong memories! May your architect life be rewarding and fun! We love you to the sky and back! Mom, Dad, Grandma and Philip
Sarah Elizabeth Rowe Animal Poultry Science
Sarah, I wanted to tell you how very proud we all are of you! With your persistence and dedicated work ethic you have set yourself up for a bright future. We will always be there to guide you. Congratulations young lady! You did it!! Dad, Sherry, Hannah, and Christopher
Steffen Bohn
Multimedia Journalism, Minor in Chemistry Gratulerer med dagen! Congratulations Steffen!!! We are so proud of you and your accomplishments! We wish you all the best as you endeavor into your career of dreams. May you achieve all you wish and build a life that is enjoyable and fulfilling. Love, Pappa, Mom, and Erik
GOODBYE GRADS Jessica A Beaudet
Yusuf Poladin
Bachelor of Arts in Theater and Cinema
Bachelor of Arts
Congratulations Yusuf on your immense academic achievements and professionalism . We are truly beyond proud of your determination and ongoing successes. Wish you forever prosperity. Love mom and dad.
We are so proud of you! We are looking forward to seeing where your future will take you! We love you to the moon and back! Mom, Dad and Christopher
Jill Marney
Professional Writing
Ziyan Zhang
To Jill, We love you SO MUCH and we are so proud of everything you have accomplished, and can’t wait to see what the future has in store for you ... we will be there every step of the way, rooting you on, girl xoxoxoxoxo
Computer Science Congratulations Ziyan! You are a successful young man. We are proud of you. Love, Mom, Dad, Ziyi
Love, Momma, Daddy, Caroline, John and PUMMY
Joshua Glascock Jordan Hemmen Biological Systems Engineering
What a long way you have come since becoming a Hokie soccer player! We are proud of your accomplishments and excited for your adventure ahead!
Bachelor of Science in Mathematics Way to go, Josh! The entire family is very proud of your accomplishment. All your hard work has paid off and you truly deserve the success. We hope you had a great time at Virginia Tech and will remember the experiences and friendships you made with enjoyment. We wish you all the best in your future to come. This is the beginning of wonderful things for you. We believe in you and your dreams. Congratulations! Love, Mom and Dad
Congratulations! You faced many challenges and persevered. Be confident as you pursue your dreams and turn them into reality. We are very proud of you. Love you to infinity and beyond!
Engineering Science and Mechanics “Act like the best until you are.” We are so proud of you and love you.
Katherine Adeline Vaughn
Kaitlin Marie Wade
Biological Sciences — Biomedical and Integrated Science Curriculum
Justin Robert Michael Dubik
Kaitlyn Nicole Hurley Human Development
Congratulations Kaitlyn! We are so proud of you and all of your accomplishments. We know you have an amazing future ahead. We love you very much!
Chemistry: Biochemistry, Honors College Katherine you’ve accomplished so much!! Academic excellence: Phi Beta Kappa initiation; Honors Global Scholar participant: Neuroscience research, Chemistry tutor, Animal shelter volunteer and Carilion Hospital PICU care provider Your intelligence, diligence, work ethic and heart make you exceptional. Very, Very Proud of you! Love Your Family
GOODBYE GRADS Keira I. Moyer English
We are so very proud of you and all of your accomplishments, Keira! You lived your dream of going to Virginia Tech and now you join the distinguished group of people who call themselves a Virginia Tech graduate! Hokie for Life! Love, Mom, Dad, Dyson, Aunt Donna, Grandma, Grandpa, and the rest of the Neals and Moyers
Lauren Kay Haacke
Experimental Neuroscience Lauren, we are so proud of you and all you have achieved. Your journey has been filled with challenge and sacrifice, but you’ve made it with amazing grace and tenacity.
Macy Parana
Business Information Technology Don’t stop here!! Keep achieving the unachievable. May the future bring you success and happiness. We love you and are so proud of you! Mom, Dad, Christian, and Mr. Peabody
Laney Hull
Kelsey Anne Krupa
Building Construction and Real Estate Congratulations! We are all so very proud of you. Your future awaits, so go after what you want. Go Hokies!! Love, Mom, Dad, Paul Jr., Samantha, Melanie and G&G
Laurie Booth Architecture
Congratulations Laurie! What an amazing five years in Blacksburg. We admire your grit, creativity, and love of beauty. Do good work today! Love Mom, Dad, Janie & Susanna
Madison Harris
Bachelor of Science in Business Management Congratulations Madison! All your hard work has paid off. So happy we have another Hokie graduate in the Family. We are so proud of you! Love, Mom and Dad
Megan A. Dobbins
Mia Genuario
You did it!!! You Finished!!! You worked so hard!!!
Congratulations Mia on your college graduation and many successes at Virginia Tech!
Mechanical Engineering
And, now, you will be saying good bye to Blacksburg and the beautiful mountains surrounding. I know part of you can’t wait to move on and part will miss the place so much. We are so very proud of you and the wonderful woman you have become. We are blessed everyday by you. We love you so very much, Megan. Mom and Dad
Neuroscience
Your future has no limits when you know who you are and have faith in what you can do. Stedman Graham Go Hokie! We are proud of you! Mom, Dad, and Katie
Bachelor of Science in Business “It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of my fate: I am the captain of my soul.’ William E. Henley Onward and Forward! Love you to Blacksburg and back, Mama and P5
MacKenzie Krason Bachelor of Science in
Animal Science with Honors Daughter, Sister, Scholar, Equestrian. We are so proud of your accomplishments and know there are many more to come. Aim high, never stop chasing your dreams! Love, Mom, Dad, Reilly
Megan A. Dobbins
Mechanical Engineering Congratulations, we are so proud of you and your accomplishments! You deserve success and happiness. May you have wonderful adventures and plentiful blessings. Much Love, Nana, Aunt Lisa, Alyss, and Jacob
Michael Joseph Bolinski
Bachelor of Science in Criminology, Bachelor of Science in Sociology Congratulations Michael on all your accomplishments! We are so proud of you. Go live your story- be proud, be confident, and most of all be happy! Love, Mom, Conner, & Carissa
GOODBYE GRADS Mitchell Thomas Peck Building Construction Management
Hokie born, drill field tree, Nebraska ‘09, Lee Hall, new crew, Pheasant, bar parties, Poquoson, lot 1, Lane Stadium, Sandman, Watson Lane, Hokie House, family- you did them ALL PROUD!
Reece Stone
Materials Science and Engineering Congratulations Reece! We could not be more proud of the man you’ve become, and we know your future is bright! We can’t wait to see what is in store for you! Love Mom, Dad, Riley, Sammy, and Shelby
Sai Prathyush Katragadda
Industrial Engineering & Statistics Dear Prathyu, You are a wonderful son, brother and a wonderful human being. You are very hard working and make us feel very proud. We wish you all the best for your future. Love, Mom, Dad and Brother
Sam Dickerson
Biology and Microbiology Congratulations! We are proud of how you defined “Hokie”: H - Humility O - Openness K - Kindness I - Integrity E - Excellence Good luck at EVMS! All our love forever, Mom, Dad, & Zach
Samat Imamov
B.S. Computer Science Congratulations upon your graduation, Samat! We are so proud of you. Hardship and handwork lead you to the stars, starman! Love, your family
We are so proud of you Sarah! You’re amazing! We can’t wait to see the places you’ll go! We love you! Congratulations! Love, Mom, Dad, Kate, Henry, Dunkin & Donut
Sophia Danielle Textoris
Psychology & Human Development Congratulations on so many successes, on rising up and singing above the noise, being true to yourself, exemplifying and living ‘Ut Prosim’. We love you proudly and immeasurably. Mom, Dad, Zoe
Russian
Sam, We are so proud of you and look forward to the great things you’re going to do in the future. We love you so much, Mom and Dad
Sidney Rorrer
Sarah Lachman
Business Information Technology
Samuel Tyson
Shelby Conway HNFE
“The person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” RWE The future is yours, you decide! We’re so proud, YOU are loved! Best Damn Fam
Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Biomedical Concentration Congratulations Sidney!! We are so proud of you and your accomplishments. Wishing you the best in your next challenge at Shenandoah University Pharmacy School. With love always, Mom & Philip
Tommy Nichols
Business - Marketing Tommy, we are so proud of you and all that you have accomplished. We know that your college experience did not end as you would have liked but you kept a positive attitude and continued to work to complete your degree. Congratulations! We love you always, Mom, Dad, Colleen and Matthew.
Tristan Vest
Environmental Resource Management
“DAY 1” until “DAY DONE” we’re super proud of you! You’ve never needed a stage to make an impression so why start now! We Love You, Mom Dad & Paxton
GOODBYE GRADS Tyler M. Mix Business Information Technologies
Look back on your college years and celebrate your achievement beyond your parents’ hopes....Magna Cum Laud, self-funded education, Corps graduate, Army officer....good man....and going forward, carry our love with you.
Vivi Dion
Business Information Technology Vivi, congratulations on your tremendous academic success. You’re setup well for the next chapter in your life; a rewarding impactful career. We’re so proud of you! Love Mom and Dad.
William Allen Murfee Public Relations
Congratulations! We could not be prouder of you. Your hard work and dedication have brought you to this finish line but prepared for a lifetime of adventure and success. Love always: Mom, Dad & Mitch
CONGRATS CLASS OF 2020!
PAGE 24 May 5, 2020
collegiatetimes.com
CT 2020-2021 EDITORIAL STAFF
editor@collegiatetimes.com
ASHLEY LONG editor in chief
EMILY HANNAH
TORI WALKER
EMILY CARTER
ABBY EVANS
ADIAH GHOLSTON
BEN WALLS
DONYA MOMENIAN
LEXI SOLOMON
CLAIRE CASTAGNO
DEVIN SHEPARD
AMBER WILLIAMS
ANISHA KOHLI
ETHAN CANDELARIO
CELINA NG
managing editor
news editor
sports editor
photo editor
managing editor
news editor
sports editor
design editor
lifestyles editor
opinions editor
assistant sports editor
HEATHER TROBRIDGE
design & social media editor
copy editor
opinions editor
photo editor
EMILY LOGUE
social media editor
NOT PICTURED: TAYLOR GERRELLS (BUSINESS MANAGER), JOHN MCBRIDE (COPY EDITOR)