Brandon Carroll
 

Class of '74 and Class of '79

First and foremost, I want to welcome all of you back to Virginia Tech. Welcome home to the Hokie Nation. I am glad that you were able to make it to what I call the "family reunion," as we are all really members of this amazing Hokie Family. My name is Brandon Carroll and I’m the current Student Body President.

Now, you all either had T. Marshall Hahn or Bill Lavery as your President while you were here. Now, we have President Steger, who just like they did….cares so much for the health and growth of Virginia Tech. Looking at the history, each President has left an amazing legacy that led to Virginia Tech being named one of the top public institutions in the nation. After talking extensively with Tom Tillar, I learned that T. Marshall Hahn served in a time when the student body was increasing at a rate of about 1,000 students per year. Bill Lavery, on the other hand took office when the state of VA had a $20 million dollar shortfall, but he still was able to build the War Memorial Gym and significantly grow Virginia Tech.  Similar to President Steger, both Presidents understood the importance of Research and how it adds to the value of our education, and each President has impacted each one of us in some positive way.

In a time of political activism and enormous expansion, your experience here certainly was something unique & special.

Now, it is often said that Blacksburg will be a completely different place from when you leave to when you come back. Stop and reflect on that statement... With the exception of a few additional buildings, an increase in national rankings, and the best food in the nation, not much actually changes in Blacksburg. Well, I guess quite a bit changes, but I’ll tell you what certainly does not change and that’s the type of people….. the students. Today’s students are working hard and committed to preparing for careers, they are participating in service beyond themselves as a value in life, working to improve sustainability here and after college, and embracing an inclusive culture by living up to Virginia Tech’s guiding document, the Principles of Community.

A few minutes before this speech, I asked a few Hokies what Virginia tech means to them and how they think it has changed. I met ______ from the Class of ‘____ and Virginia tech means _____. I think we can all agree Virginia Tech means something a little different to each one of us, but youknow there’s one thing we can all agree on: there is no other place like it.

Now, allow me the opportunity to tell you what Virginia Tech means to me.

I know it’s a football Saturday in Blacksburg against Nebraska, a program who’s history is rich with tradition,  and the last thing you ever expected was a test, but I do have a short test for you this morning

Please raise your hand if you can name the last three nobel peace prize winners?

How many of you can name the last three Oscar recipients for best actor?

All of these people are the best in their field. They have accomplished what most work their entire life to achieve, but we still can’t remember them. How about a different test…

Please raise your hand if you can name three professors at Virginia Tech who have impacted you?

How many of you remember three friends that helped you during a tough time while you were here in Blacksburg?

Now I ask you, is it the awards and accolades that define one’s success? I think not. Virginia Tech is defined by those people, the unique and caring people in this Hokie community that have impacted, do impact, and will continue to impact you throughout your life. Those are the people who you remember. Those are the people that help you leave a legacy.

Speaking of people, by a show of hands, how many of you had Dr. Geller for a psychology class? He has been here for forty years and I am so fortunate to have him as a personal mentor. With him and others, we have started a movement on this campus. We have these green "Actively Caring For People" wristbands and we pay them forward when we see someone do something nice for somebody else. So, if I were to see you do an act of kindness, I would walk over to you, hand you a band from my wrist…something as simple as allowing me to use your story for my speech, I would thank you for caring, and then ask you to pay it forward by passing it on. Over 3,000 bands have been passed out in Blacksburg and the message has spread to twelve different universities across the country. This actively caring message symbolizes Ut Prosim, the Principles of Community, and Hokies Respect.

When I reflect on my past three years here at Virginia Tech, I think about the people who have actively cared for me by offering their time to make me, Virginia Tech, and really the world better.

People like….President Steger, Dr. Geller, Tom Tillar, and my friends…it’s these kind of people who can't be found anywhere else.  But, you all know this! Why do we all think it’s so hard to explain what a Hokie means? We are so unique, because we put more into relationships than they receive..and we embrace that! But, isn't that it. Isn't that what it's all about? Isn't that Ut Prosim, our school's motto to care more about others than one's self.  My hope is that each one of you will take a green wristband, wear it, and share Virginia Tech with the world.

Thank you for your time and LET’S GO HOKIES!
 


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