Alumni Announcements

FROM THE ALUMNI OFFICE

In 1964, the Corps of Cadets became voluntary, and participation began to decline until we reached our lowest point in 1977 with only 325 cadets enrolled. These numbers translate to our alumni ranks.

We were excited to welcome home a record-setting number of alums and their families to campus this fall. At Corps Reunion in September, we had over 500 attendees, a 15% increase from last year and 22% more than we had in 2021. Corps Reunion 2024 will take place on Sept. 20-22, and we are continuously redesigning the event to ensure that all alums and their families have a wonderful experience. Wouldn’t it be something if the number of alums that return for events continues to increase despite the decreasing size of our alumni ranks based on enrollment since 1964? How can we do that?

Step 1: Create events that make our alums want to come home.

Our events need to be fun for all alums and families, regardless of age or activity level. The events will account for those with mobility limitations and small children. Multiple activity options will be offered each weekend, some simultaneously, so every alum will have a memorable experience.

Step 2: Decrease the cost of reunion attendance.

We strive to set the date for the reunion as early as possible and publish through various outlets to allow alums the opportunity to coordinate lodging, time off work, and other logistical considerations. This year, we announced the weekend of Corps Reunion almost 11 months in advance. We promise to seek the most affordable venues and catering to keep the per-person cost low, while maintaining quality. We make it our goal to offer multiple cost and no-cost activities within the weekend so returning alums can “choose their own adventure” and only pay for activities they wish to attend. The highest expense for any returning alum will be lodging. With time to plan and coordinate, alums will have the opportunity to find nearby hotels, rental homes, or partner with others to dramatically reduce this expense.

Step 3: Peer pressure.

This is where we need your help. No one wants to attend a reunion when they are worried that there will be no classmates or folks they remember there. We need every alum that is planning to return for Corps Reunion weekend or another alumnithemed weekend to reach out to a bud and encourage them to come, too.

We want to see you, and we want you to continue your lifelong Hokie experience with us. Come home.

Ut Prosim,

Nate Brown ‘98

nhbrown@vt.edu 

DID YOU GET THE EMAIL?

If you are reading this magazine, then we know we have your address correct. But we are also pushing a monthly email to all Corps alumni that provides information on in-person and virtual events that you may want to participate in.

If you are not receiving this monthly email, send your preferred email address to vtccalumni@vt.edu.

SHOW ME YOUR "MUG" CONTINUES

We want to see your smiling face! Throughout the year, we have several in-person and virtual events desperately in need of your participation. Alumni events are no fun without alumni!

As a play on words, we are continuing the tradition of our Mug Campaign, and we hope you all will continue to participate.

We gave out metal camping mugs at the Corps Reunion in Sept. 2022. We still have mugs that can be purchased at our events. Along with the mug, you will receive durable stickers for the mug that indicate you attended an event. Our goal is that alumni will continue to add these stickers to their mugs to document their travels and experiences. 

GIVING DAY 2024

Mark your calendars and rally to help the Corps on Feb. 21-22. The Corps competes against other units at Virginia Tech to unlock funds from the university as bonuses during this 24-hour period of giving, and we don't think there's any reason for anyone to beat us. Participate, help cadets, and help the Corps win.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Feb. 8: Leaders in Contact Alumni Panel (Burruss Hall)

Feb. 21-22: Giving Day 2024

March 28: Distinguished Alumni Award Ceremony

April 26: Class of 2024 Senior Send Off (Upper Quad)

June 6-9: Alumni Weekend

Aug. 16 (tentative): New Cadet Move-in Day

Sept. 19: Leaders in Contact Alumni Panel

Sept. 20-22: Corps Reunion 

TBD Oct.: University Homecoming and HT Reunion