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

MAN AND WOMAN OF THE YEAR
Castigliano Bhamidipati
By Laura M. D'Angella,
University Relations intern
Virginia Tech will honor several students at its annual Founders Day Celebration. One of the most prestigious awards given that day will be to the Man of the Year. Castigliano Bhamidipati is the recipient of the 1998 award, and will be recognized for his "outstanding academic performance, and exemplary leadership for the advancement of Virginia Tech."
Bhamidipati is a human nutrition, foods and exercise major in the College of Human Resources and Education. He is also pursuing minors in biology and chemistry as well as a Commonwealth Scholar Degree in health studies. After graduation Bhamidipati hopes to attend medical school and become a physician.
Bhamidipati's high academic performance has earned him membership in numerous national honor societies, including Golden Key, Kappa Omicron Nu, Phi Upsilon Omicron and Phi Sigma.
Bhamidipati came to Tech only 13 months ago as a transfer student and quickly became involved in many different activities. Roberta Minish, associate dean of the College of Human Resources and Education, describes Bhamidipati's involvement by saying, it's incredible how he seeks opportunities to learn, gain new skills and to serve." While in Minish's
Professional Orientation and Perspectives class Bhamidipati first became aware of the Dean's Ambassador Program in the college of which he now participates. Dean's Ambassadors are chosen by faculty and staff members and alumni to represent the college at various recruiting, fundraising and other academic functions.
Bhamidipati was the 1998 co-chair of his academic college's career fair, "Destinations." The career fair was held March 4 and attracted numerous businesses to campus to give students the opportunity to network and search for jobs after graduation. In addition to being the co-chair of "Destinations" and a Dean's Ambassador, he is also a member of the Honors Program and German Club. Bhamidipati also serves as a preceptor for Roanoke Emergency Medical Services.
Bhamidipati said his 13 months at Virginia Tech have taught him a lot about himself and the world. He said, "Virginia Tech is a crossroads that provides multi-cultural diversity, intellectual challenge, and infrastructure support to its students. The opportunities provided by Virginia Tech have not only assisted me in developing my leadership skills, but more importantly have taught me the people skills and social-interaction techniques which are basic for today's society."
Rachel Hash
By Matthew Winston
Rachel Hash has been selected as Virginia Tech's 1997-98 Woman of the Year. Hash is a graduating senior at Virginia Tech pursuing a double major in political science and philosophy. Hash will attend Virginia Tech's graduate school for her MBA in the fall. She then plans to go to law school.
Hash has excelled academically, being named to the Dean's List during her entire college career. This year, Hash was nominated for the George C. Marshall Scholarship. She also holds membership in many organizations including Phi Beta Kappa, Omicron Delta Kappa, Gamma Beta Phi, and Phi Eta Sigma.
She is a member of the Golden Key National Honor Society, and has also received scholarships from Tech's political-science department and the Athletic Department. Last year she became Virginia Tech's first Daughtrey Scholar.
Hash has also excelled in athletics as a member of Virginia Tech's soccer team. She earned athletic scholarships all of her four years at Tech and was voted Most Valuable Offensive Player her freshman year. Hash was captain of the soccer team for the past two years.
One of Hash's most earnest supporters is professor and head of the philosophy department, Joseph Pitt. "She is incredibly bright," Pitt said. "She has a delightful sense of humor, a deep commitment to public service, a concern for the welfare of young children that borders on being driven, and she is a varsity athlete," Pitt said. "Rachel is a doer. This young woman is going to make a difference in the world."
Hash will be recognized at Founders Day.