Spectrum - Volume 18 Issue 29 April 25, 1996 - New alumni award established

A non-profit publication of the Office of the University Relations of Virginia Tech,
including The Conductor , a special section of the Spectrum printed 4 times a year

New alumni award established

By Tom Tillar

Spectrum Volume 18 Issue 29 - April 25, 1996

The Virginia Tech Alumni Association Board held its semi-annual meeting during Founders Day weekend and established a new award for "Excellence in International Service."

The award will be added to the 10 faculty awards already given annually by the association for excellence in teaching, research, Extension, and academic advising. Each award is accompanied by a $2,000 stipend. In addition, two $1,000 awards are given to graduate assistants for teaching and service. Criteria for the new award and a call for nominations will be developed by a committee appointed by the vice provost for international programs. The first recipient will be recognized in the spring of 1997. "Recognizing excellence in the university is something our alumni value highly, and our board is especially pleased to create and fund this permanent award to support faculty," said Tom Tillar, vice president for alumni relations.

In other actions, the board approved its 1996-97 slate of officers. The new president is Nancy Bowman Sauer `84, an engineering graduate and first woman ever to hold the office; president elect is W.E. Skelton `40 and vice president is John Rocovich `66. Tillar continues as secretary-treasurer of the corporate Alumni Association.

The board heard presentations from President Paul Torgersen, Dean Robert Bates from Arts and Sciences, and senior Mark Embree, newly named to receive a Rhodes Scholarship. The board reviewed various programs and initiatives of the association. Its Tech Connect mentoring program is receiving increasing participation and deemed very helpful to students in finding jobs. The legislative network, emphasized this past fall, was praised for its help in raising awareness of the university's needs for higher faculty/staff salaries and other programs. Reports of increased participation in alumni chapters and reunions were credited for involving more alumni and cultivating interest in supporting the university. Three athletic programs were recognized for their "top 25" national rankings thus far this year in football, men's basketball, and varsity cheerleading.