COLLEGIAT ETIMES
SQUIRES SET TO RECEIVE MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES THIS SUMMER
Marley Vann | News Writer
Squires Student Center will reopen to the public Aug. 16.
Squires Student Center will undergo many new infrastructure renovations this summer — including electrical and cooling systems — making Squires more energy efficient, extending the building’s life and keeping a consistent temperature throughout the facility. The Graduate Life Center will also be affected by these renovations as they are tied to the same AC system.
Squires hosts many meeting rooms, offices, dining options and gaming areas. Students are able to go to Squires to eat, study and relax. Squires also hosts a variety of clubs and organizations, such as WUVT, VT TV, Collegiate Times and the Cultural and Community Centers.
From past renovations like the
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Commonwealth Ballroom renovation, Squires’ infrastructure has become dated.
“Parts and pieces have been worked on and replaced by facilities through the years in these systems, but now, in order for Squires to move forward with campus, to safely accommodate more modern features and better serve the experience of all users, we needed to bring the electrical system up to date and get the cooling system fixed with brand new major installments,” said Ian Dunbar, assistant director for Student Center Operations.
With these new electrical and cooling systems, there will be more infrastructure security and improvement on
that to their readers, but rather to report as completely and impartially as possible all verifiable facts so that readers can, based on their own knowledge and experience, determine what they believe to be the truth.
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comfort and reliability.
“There will be more consistent, steady temperature throughout Squires,” Dunbar said. “Whether they are there for class, finding a study room or coming to Commonwealth Ballroom for a major event like the Yard Show for Homecoming week or the Off Campus Housing Fair. No matter why they are here, they will also be able to comfortably plug in their devices
just like they did before without issue.” Squires is closed for renovations from June 8 to Aug. 15, and will reopen to the public on Aug. 16. The path from Squires Student Center and Newman Library will be closed for crane operations.
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WEEKS OF WELCOME MARKS THE START OF THE FALL SEMESTER
Hannah Skemp | Assistant News Editor
Weeks of Welcome begins Aug. 18 and offers assistance to incoming freshman and transfer students.
As the fall semester approaches, Weeks of Welcome will kick off Aug. 18-28, offering a series of events designed to help incoming freshmen and transfer students transition into campus life.
Orientation begins virtually, allowing students to learn about academics, policies and support services at their own pace. Students also had the option to attend an in-person orientation over the summer from June 20 to July 13, where students can visit campus and connect with other students for the day.
Weeks of Welcome follows move-in and provides students with an ample selection of events and social opportunities.
Scheduled activities:
- Mandatory College and Academic Sessions
- Residential Well-being Community Meetings & Commuter Student Meetings
- Living-learning Programming (only for students in a Living-Learning
Community)
- Hokie Hi Spirit Rally
- Transfer Student Luncheon
- International Student Orientation
- Gobblerfest
Students can access the full schedule of events including times and locations through the Hokies on Track app, which allows students to plan their week and receive event details.
Student Affairs created these programs to help new students feel supported as they begin their academic journey and become familiar with Virginia Tech’s expectations and available services. Students seeking additional information, including answers to frequently asked questions, can find more details online.
More information, including contact information, is available on their website.
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VIRGINIA TECH FACES TRANSITION IN ATHLETIC FUNDING
Haley Stoehr | News Writer
Hokie Ventures is a nonprofit corporation affiliated with Virginia Tech Athletics.
Virginia Tech’s new athletic funding transition is driven by the new financial reality of college sports, where schools can now directly share revenue with athletes in 2026. Cardinal News states, “Top programs are racing to generate more money in order to stay competitive, and Virginia Tech is one of them.”
Under the House v. NCAA settlement, beginning in 2025-26, schools can share revenue with their athletes by distributing roughly $20.5 million annually to student-athletes. Virginia Tech
acknowledged that its athletics budget was lacking in comparison to its many ACC competitors. Starting in 2025, the university proposed a major increase in its athletic funding.
The biggest 2026 development is the creation of Hokie Ventures, a nonprofit corporation affiliated with Virginia Tech Athletics. Instead of relying solely on traditional athletic department fundraising, Hokie Ventures is designed to generate new revenue streams, pursue sponsorships and corporate
partnerships, manage investments, expand relationships with donors and operate more like a business enterprise.
University leaders believe college athletics is moving toward a model where schools must act more like professional sports organizations. Hokie Ventures is intended to help Virginia Tech generate more revenue without changing the university’s oversight of athletics. This is not only going to be a change for the school, but also for the athletes. Athletes will have more direct
compensation opportunities, greater NIL support and increased resources for recruiting and retention.
The 2026 transition is a shift towards a business-oriented model built around revenue sharing, major fundraising and the new Hokies Ventures organization, all aimed at helping the Hokies compete with their fellow ACC competitors.
PHOTO COURTESY OF VIRGINIA TECH
Emma Duncan poses with members of the class of 2027, Weeks of Welcome leaders and the HokieBird during the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences Social in August 2023.
FRESHMAN YEAR BUCKET LIST ESSENTIALS
Samuel Harvey | Lifestyles Assistant Editor
Here are five trademark experiences to help new Hokies make the most of their first year at Virginia Tech.
The first year of college opens the door to a multitude of new experiences unique to incoming students. Many freshmen or new transfer students have their sights set on experiencing and achieving various things, whether that be forming friendships with roommates, acing that first big exam or dipping their toes into the vibrant world of college nightlife.
Aside from the general experiences many freshmen encounter, Virginia Tech presents its own unique set of must-dos for new students. With an enthusiastic student body, passionate alumni and the welcoming Blacksburg community, Virginia Tech opens the door to countless places, events and traditions to kick off every student’s college experience. Here are five items every new Hokie should add to their freshman year bucket list.
“Enter Sandman” in Lane Stadium
Ranked second on ESPN’s list of “favorite college football game-day traditions,” the Virginia Tech Football team’s entrance to Metallica’s 1991 hit, “Enter Sandman” is an electrifying experience. Since 2000, the stadium speakers blast Metallica leading up to kickoff for all to hear. 66,000 fans erupt in a rallying cry, belting out the lyrics. The most exhilarating part of this iconic tradition came about by pure chance.
On a particularly cold night, a member of the Marching Virginians band began jumping during the entrance song to stay warm. One by one, other band members began jumping. Soon, the whole band joined in, prompting the thousands of other fans to do the same.
“It was one of those accidental traditions,” said former director of the Marching Virginians David McKnee in an interview with The Washington Post in 2009, later cited by Hokie Sports.
Since that moment, every Virginia Tech Football team and its opponents have been welcomed into Lane
Stadium by the thunder of jumping Hokies. Virginia Tech’s Department of Geosciences has a record of seismographic data from the 2025 season that shows the exact moments when the “Enter Sandman” entrance registered as an earthquake. Even for Hokies who are not the biggest football fans, the entrance alone is a worthwhile experience that never fails to stoke school spirit and a competitive flame, especially in new students.
Torgersen Bridge Study Session
When the stress of the inevitable first college exam sets in, it is important to face it head-on and take the necessary steps to prepare. For many, a solid study session somewhere quiet can help with focus, knowledge retention and stress reduction.
Bridging the gap between Torgersen Hall and Newman Library is the massive stone archway of Torgersen Bridge. Spanning Alumni Mall, the interior of Torgerson Bridge — also known as “Torg Bridge” for short — offers a completely quiet space to study that is also visually impressive.
Rows of desks cover much of the floor, dimly lit with the warm glow of lamps. On either side of the bridge are individual study cubicles to block out any outside distractions. The floor is also completely carpet so the footsteps of coming and going students are silenced to avoid disrupting the focus of others. When it’s time to get studying, the atmosphere of Torgersen Bridge can help new students get into the right headspace to focus and learn.
Late-Night DX Run
Whether it’s the overnight study sessions in Newman Library or latenight socializing with friends, there are many times when Hokies find themselves craving a late-night meal or snack. Open until 2 a.m., DX on the first floor of
Dietrick Hall is the perfect place to grab a midnight bite. DX presents students with a variety of comfort foods, including burgers, pizza, chicken tenders, fries and more.
Dietrick Hall is also in a central location in relation to many of the residence halls, including Pritchard, Peddrew-Yates, Slusher and West Ambler Johnston. This location makes DX even more convenient for freshmen living in those particular residence halls. Taking a late-night trip to grab a bite from DX can be an enjoyable bonding experience for new students.
Meet the HokieBird
Perhaps the most instantly recognizable figure associated with Virginia Tech is its mascot, the HokieBird. This fuzzy, smiling creature has gone through various iterations since 1971, finally settling on the current look in 1987. With bright eyes, a smiling beak and some signature dance moves, the HokieBird is a larger-than-life character that every student should meet at some point during their time in Blacksburg.
The HokieBird can be found practically everywhere on campus at some point. Dining halls, sporting venues or university events such as Gobblerfest or GobblerFair are all settings where the HokieBird is present to encourage school spirit. For those who are unable to make it to these places, there is still the chance to spot the beloved mascot skating from place to place around campus on a signature golf cart, driven by a dedicated team.
For new students looking to meet this campus celebrity, the HokieBird is always offering hugs, dance battles and selfies, providing the perfect opportunity for a core college memory.
Cadet vs. Civilian Snowball Fight
When the first snowfall of the year hits Blacksburg, a historical campus rivalry is
awakened. Every winter when the grass of Drillfield is covered in a powdery blanket, Virginia Tech’s Corps of Cadets march to the icy center of campus to engage the civilian student body in an all-out snowball war. Slingshots, catapults and plastic shields are among the weaponry used by either side to hurl and deflect frozen projectiles.
This competitive tradition brings two distinct populations of Virginia Tech students together in a momentous faceoff. The snowy conflict even caught the attention of news network WSLS 10, which reported the battle as “a big part of student culture at Virginia Tech.” Hurling snowballs at fellow Hokies is an unusual yet immersive way for new students to bond and take part in a timeless tradition.
Whether it’s jumping to “Enter Sandman” in Lane Stadium or partaking in the epic Drillfield snowball fight, these five experiences offer a wide range of options to make those first, formative memories in college. With bucket list items like these, every new Hokie is guaranteed to have a memorable and exciting freshman year at Virginia Tech.
WHAT THE COLLEGIATE TIMES STAFF WISH THEY KNEW FRESHMAN YEAR
Collegiate Times Staff
From managing friendships to routines, the Collegiate Times offer advice for freshman year.
It’s the beginning of freshman year, and while there is excitement, there are also thousands of questions about what the next four years will look like. From dorm essentials to friendship advice, there are bound to be some unknowns when starting new. Here to ease some nerves and give some advice, the Collegiate Times staff shares what they wish they knew freshman year.
Emmy Rose, lifestyles staff writer
One of the things that I wish I knew starting freshman year would be that it’s okay to feel lost. You don’t have to make all of your best friends on the first day, know your major and five-year plan or even know how to get to your classes. Google Maps is there to help you with the last one. It’s so nerve-racking going to a new place, feeling like you don’t have your life together. But then, as the weeks go on, you’ll slowly realize no one here does. We’re all figuring out life at the same time, and at our own pace. So don’t stress too much and make the most of your freshman year.
Benjamin Gozzi, lifestyles staff writer
If there’s anything I wish I knew when I first arrived in Blacksburg, it was that staying in your dorm room with the door closed is perhaps the worst choice you can make for yourself. Freshman year is arguably the most unique year of your college experience, specifically in that the proximity you feel towards both the campus and the people around you can be hard to replicate later in your college journey. I was fortunate to form some of my strongest friendships in college simply by keeping the door open and nurturing a space that was welcoming and friendly to both new and old friends. Further, stay in your dorm as little as possible — there’s a gorgeous campus teeming with undiscovered friendships right outside your door!
Grace Belcher, lifestyles staff writer
I really think the best thing you can do is to bite off more than you can chew and
figure out how to make it work. That sounds like it’d be irresponsible, but I think that sometimes stress builds character. Try anything and everything that interests you, and if you decide it isn’t for you, then try something else. Staying busy in college is so important. We have so much free time that we will never have at any other time in our lives. So put yourself out there. In my freshman year, I made a great group of friends and some awesome memories, but I wish I had gotten out of my comfort zone a little more. Don’t be afraid to make a mistake or take up space.
Sam Harvey, lifestyles assistant editor
The main thing I wish I knew in my first year at Virginia Tech is that everyone’s experience in college is completely unique. Coming out of high school, I had the notion that there was an ideal, fantasy of the college experience that involved a huge group of lifelong friends, a crazy nightlife and a constant feeling of having the most fun ever. The truth is, this experience may be obtainable, but it’s not guaranteed for everyone and that is perfectly okay. My experience as a freshman didn’t constantly involve any of those three things, but I instead paved a more unique path and lived out some experiences that felt uniquely my own. There is no single or right “college experience,” and that isn’t a bad thing at all. Everyone is different and experiencing college in their own way that is the most fulfilling for themselves as individuals.
Bailey Linza, lifestyles assistant editor
My biggest piece of advice is to face the fact that no one can make any decisions for you and the only person who lives with your choices is yourself. Whether it relates to picking a major or starting a new hobby, choose what makes you feel right inside so you can create the outside you desire. During freshman year, I knew deep down that my first major was not for me because my professor asked me, “Is this what you want to do every day for the rest of your life when you wake up in the morning?” Want to guess what the answer was? It was no. If something forces you to really question
what you are doing or if you think it is a waste of time, then you know your answer. Go and do something you love, because if you don’t, you either will ruminate on it later or resent parts of yourself you once knew very well.
Ella Winterling, lifestyles editor
One of the biggest things I wish I knew going into my freshman year is that it’s okay to take some time to feel adjusted and at peace with my decision of which university to attend. When thinking about starting college, I had the assumption that once I moved in, I would have a sure feeling of knowing that I made the right decision. However, it is completely okay to not have that feeling right away. While I am very grateful I decided on Virginia Tech, it took a little bit of time to get settled into my new environment. So if it’s been a few weeks and there is some uncertainty, just be patient and don’t put too much pressure on feeling completely settled. Also, most of the dining halls close at 8 p.m. As someone who learned that the hard way, make sure to leave enough time on move-in day to grab a good meal instead of ramen.
Jenna Mason, managing editor
If I could choose anything that I wish I had known when going into my freshman year at Virginia Tech, it would be that there are people who feel the exact same way you do. I was nervous and scared and had no idea what I was doing or if I was even going into the right field. I thought I was completely alone on this feeling because everyone seemed so put together and like they had everything worked out. Well, in reality, not everyone did. So many other people were in the same position as me, and it was kind of wonderful to know that. Wonderful, but also reassuring because we’re all in the same boat. We’re all figuring out this little “in-between” of life together. So, just know that if you ever feel this way, you’re not alone and your peers are right there with you, taking it one day at a time.
Cat Pizzarello, managing editor
My wise words are to romanticize everything and know your limits. I have a habit of thinking that every moment in my life is a “movie moment,” which occasionally leaves me disappointed when others don’t stay on script. You’re going to have bad nights, fights with new friends and homesickness that has you considering that multiple hour drive home. You’re going to have lows, but you’re also going to have the highest highs, so try everything, experiment and say yes. Romanticize it all along the way and make the most of every experience (even the bad ones). But more importantly, listen to your gut and what you actually want. If that’s staying in on a Friday night and binging a new TV show, do it. Balance is everything, and I wish I had known that my freshman year. You have so many “movie moments” ahead of you, so don’t forget to take care of yourself off-screen.
WHAT YOUR LIVING LEARNING COMMUNITY SAYS ABOUT YOU
Bailey Linza | Lifestyles Assistant Editor
Students are gearing up to join their LLCs, entailing unique traits for every member.
On June 3, 2026, Virginia Tech’s Board of Visitors decided to keep Living Learning Communities implemented within the university’s residential atmosphere. As this choice was made, current students celebrated the outcome and began preparing for their incoming peers’ arrivals to campus in the fall.
Living Learning Communities are groups within Virginia Tech’s dorms that allow students to engage with each other and faculty in both academic and social settings. The university is offering 18 LLCs for the 2026-2027 academic year and caters to over 3,300 students who are interested in the programs.
Each LLC promotes its own purpose, ranging from academics to the arts and leadership to peer support. Current students, and now incoming freshmen like you who applied for the upcoming year, are now getting ready to interact within these spaces. However, you may still be curious about what all entails from your chosen LLC and what it says about you.
Aurora
You are always welcoming new people into your social circle and are inquisitive about others’ experiences. Students in Aurora enjoy celebrating the good in their lives and the community but also respect and reflect upon times of difficulty. You are kind to everyone, hope to build strong connections and embrace diversity.
Casa Maderni
Casa Maderni students are adventurous and ready to take risks. Sometimes life calls for more than comfort and you are excited to embrace uncertainty. You hope to keep traveling when you are older, but you never want to lose touch with the people around you who support you.
Convergence
You are creative and your soul yearns to share passion with others. Students in Convergence are hard workers and never let negative emotions deter them from success. Life is all about pushing the limits and you go above and beyond to make your goals happen.
Corps of Cadets
The Corps of Cadets is ready to experience structure and discipline to help them in the future. As a cadet, you think about decisions with care and know what
is important to you. Community is one of your biggest priorities because you love to hype others up.
Digerati
You are very invested in technology and how it can improve the world around you. Digerati students know academics are at their core and they always stay up late to get their work done. Sometimes you contemplate whether your undergraduate plan is right for you, but you always know deep down it is.
Galileo and Hypatia
Engineering is on your radar and you are ready to get to work. Students in Galileo and Hypatia enjoy taking on challenges that puzzle them, even though there can be many obstacles. If you aren’t solving experimental problems actively, you find other things to fix or mend in your free time for fun.
GenerationOne
You are a first-generation student, thrilled about college and a big dreamer. Students in GenerationOne do not take “no” for an answer, ever. As a young adult, you are a powerhouse in everything you do.
Hillcrest
At Hillcrest, academics are at the top of your list because you want to be here. You wake up every day wanting to gain more knowledge to not only learn more about yourself but also to teach and help others. Education is your game and you know how to play well.
Impact
You like getting results, whether you achieve them in numbers or in daily life. In academics, you are a huge math fan and are very skilled at it. As a student in Impact, friends usually rely on you as a human calculator.
Innovate
Innovate students are natural leaders at heart, wishing the best for all those around them. You are a strategic thinker and always have a plan to ensure things work out. You are constantly sharing new ideas with friends to see if they can become a reality.
Meraki
You take care of your physical, mental and emotional health with pride so nothing gets in your way of enjoying life.
Meraki students love finding new techniques and routines to ensure that they are happy in their own bodies. You make an effort to encourage others to do the same so that they can achieve joy, even in the small things.
Mozaiko
You are a people person. As an outgoing individual, you know many details about your friends and get excited when they share new stories with you. Students in Mozaiko want to experience new cultures but also become in touch with their own.
The Roost
Students in The Roost are seeking change or want to commit to a brand new beginning for themselves. Selfimprovement is on your mind, and you are ready to accept the good and bad you are faced with. You desire deep connections with others who have experienced similar situations as you.
Securitas
You view technology as a tool and hope to keep it safe for all users. You know it is powerful yet also extremely vital to our society today. Securitas are fast-paced workers who do not mess around when it comes to fixing a problem in their arm’s reach.
Studio 72
Art is your way of life. At some point, or even now, you still doodle on your papers when you are bored or envisioning an idea. Studio 72 students’ worlds are colorful and they hope to show others what they are truly capable of.
Thrive
As a young adult, you aspire to grow and shape your life the way you want to. You are organized and plan personal days accordingly. Thrive students have great work-life balances.
Transfer Experience
You are excited and nervous about starting your journey at Virginia Tech. However, you do not let your anxiety get to you. Because of the Transfer Experience, new students jump into the action. They make all of their friends laugh and smile because they are amiable and brave people.
VIA
You are someone who is pumped to get out and try new things. You love having fun but also care about individual goals. Students in VIA desire to find opportunities that align with their dreams.
Regardless of what Living Learning Community students pick for the academic year, they will find their place in it and experience moments that they will not forget. Incoming students have much to look forward to in these exciting and new spaces.
NAYHA POCHIRAJU / COLLEGIATE TIMES
Virginia Tech’s new Creativity and Innovation District Building, Nov. 11 2021
THE MANY FACES OF GREEK LIFE AT VIRGINIA TECH
Cat Pizzarello | Managing Editor
A comprehensive guide to Virginia Tech’s extensive Greek life and how to find the best fit for you.
Greek life: For some, it’s a rite of passage in college, and others can’t get farther from the concept.
Virginia Tech has numerous active chapters, sororities and fraternities — each different from the next. With so many options, navigating the different types of Greek life is anything short of easy. However, the number of options often means there is a chapter for everyone; it’s just about finding that perfect fit.
Panhellenic & Interfraternity Council Organizations
When you think of Greek life and rush, social sororities and fraternities typically come to mind first. These organizations originated as secret clubs where students often debated issues schools discouraged conversation about.
Now, these sororities and fraternities have chapters at universities all over the country. Eventually, they evolved into different subsections of Greek life, not just social, but many original fraternities and sororities have passed the torch to present-day chapters.
Official Panhellenic sororities and social fraternities are recognized by one of four organizations at Virginia Tech: The National Pan-Hellenic Council, the Panhellenic Council, the United Council of Fraternities and Sororities and the Interfraternity Council .
Panhellenic sororities host recruitment or “rush” the week before the end of winter break at Virginia Tech. Fraternities recognized by IFC have both fall and spring recruitment seasons. Both also typically have Continuous Open Bidding for sororities, or informal recruitment for fraternities, where students who didn’t take part in formal recruitment have the opportunity to join under specific criteria.
During recruitment, aspiring members will connect with different sororities or fraternities to decide which they would like to join. These organizations then offer bids to the potential new members, inviting them to the chapter. After that, the potential candidates can choose to pledge the sorority or fraternity to become a member of the organization formally.
Social sororities and fraternities participate in philanthropy and social events linked back to a concentration or cause the group is raising funds and awareness for. For example, the sorority Sigma Kappa focuses primarily on raising awareness for Alzheimer’s disease and research.
Social Greek life organizations each have a designated house where members of the chapter may reside while attending Virginia Tech. Many of these houses are found in the Oak Lane Community, but with the school’s growth, there are numerous off-campus houses throughout Blacksburg.
During a given semester, these social sororities and fraternities typically take part in a series of collaborative activities with other chapters. This helps introduce chapters to one another and boost individual chapters’ philanthropy.
According to Virginia Tech’s Fraternity & Sorority Life, each chapter has its own membership dues, typically ranging from $639 to over $1,200 for new members. It’s good to keep in mind that fees are typically higher when first pledging and are lower as an active member.
At Virginia Tech, there are 32 IFC-recognized fraternities, 13 Panhellenic Council-recognized sororities, eight NPC-recognized sororities and nine UCFS-recognized chapters.
Service or Non-Panhellenic Organizations
Shortly after the rise of social sororities and fraternities in the 1800s, service sororities began to emerge in the 1900s with the intent of being volunteer-based. Similar to social Greek life, these service organizations often embody a cause to bring awareness to.
Recruitment, either in the fall or the spring, for service sororities and fraternities differs heavily by organization. Recruitment typically takes place during the semester, unlike during winter break for Panhellenic sororities.
Service sororities and fraternities typically have stricter rules or criteria to stay in the chapter by completion of volunteer hours and contribution to chapter projects. These organizations can also be coed, but are occasionally separated by
gender.
Unlike social Greek life, these service organizations do not have designated houses for members to live in. They also have lower membership costs, with new member fees typically ranging from $150 to $450 and active member dues costing even less.
Many of these groups still operate similarly to social sororities and fraternities with norms such as sisterhood and brotherhood; they just keep the focus on service. Virginia Tech has a variety of service sororities and fraternities that help students find a passion for giving back in their community.
Academic, Professional & IdentityBased Organizations
Last but not least are the miscellaneous Greek life organizations. These include academic Greek organizations that connect students by their major, professional Greek organizations that are meant to assist with career development and success, and identity-based Greek organizations.
Academic Greek organizations are often by invitation and require a student to meet specific GPA and hour requirements; professional Greek organizations can have similar criteria, but not always. These invitations are often sent at the end of semesters, when grades are being finalized and GPAs are calculated. Identity-based groups typically unite students based on their individuality, such as ethnicity, religion or sexuality. Fees for these types of organizations are typically inexpensive and can even be one-time fees, not by semester like social or service. Organizations in this category are great to meet people who may have shared experiences, interests and passions; they also often have less of a time commitment than social or service organizations.
Academic Greek organizations range across every major at Virginia Tech, such as Sigma Tau Delta for English students or Tau Beta Pi for engineering students. These organizations can also be referred to as an honors society, bringing recognition to outstanding students by major. Receiving an invite and joining these societies often earns you a cord at
graduation.
An example of a professional Greek organization is Alpha Epsilon Delta, a society that focuses on health preprofessional students on pre-med tracks. These, like academic societies, often help students network with professionals within their field.
Alpha Kappa Delta is an AsianAmerican interest sorority at Virginia Tech that focuses on connecting students with diverse backgrounds. Identitybased organizations, such as Alpha Kappa Delta, can help students connect with students of similar backgrounds. Now that you know the basics, how do you know if Greek life is right for you? Greek life provides a world of connections that can be valuable in making meaningful relationships and finding outlets for success, service and community. It can open up leadership opportunities and serve as a connector in professional settings. For many, a huge appeal is the value of friendship and camaraderie these groups can provide.
There are some well-known cons: Greek life can be costly for many students due to high fees. Not to mention the significant time commitment, recruitment stress, reputation and stereotypes of some organizations.
The best advice: try talking to someone in the chapter you are most interested in. Ask about their lifestyle, their likes and dislikes and what their chapter has provided to them. Hearing from an active member can help you see if you would be a good fit for the chapter.
Whatever your choice is in the end, you aren’t locked in on staying in a sorority or fraternity. Although there are logistics to consider when leaving a chapter, it’s always best to choose what’s right for you. Go Hokies and good luck this recruitment season.
OPINIONS
YOUR “FOR YOU” PAGE LIED TO YOU ABOUT COLLEGE
Jenna Mason | Managing Editor
Social media doesn’t get everything right about college — and that’s okay.
The night before I moved into my dorm freshman year, I did what many incoming freshmen do: I watched approximately 40 “A Day in My Life” college videos on TikTok.
By the end of my doomscrolling, I had a mental image of what college was supposed to look like. I’d wake up at 7 a.m. in a cutely decorated dorm room with fairy lights and a matcha latte that I somehow already made. I’d then walk to class with my best friends and roommates that I met on day one. After studying for 45 focused minutes, I would head out with said friends to a casual darty and spend the rest of my time in college as an active club member with a 4.0 GPA.
Well, four years later, and none of that actually happened. If you’re an incoming Hokie who’s spent most of their summer doomscrolling “college essentials” and “get ready with me for my first day of classes” videos, none of that is going to happen to you, either. That’s actually
pretty good news.
Here’s the thing about college content — it’s not all lies; it’s just heavily edited. No influencer is going to post the Tuesday they ate lunch alone in Owens because their roommate had class and they haven’t made that many friends yet. No one will show a clip of themselves crying in a Newman Library study room because they bombed their first college exam in a “best four years of your life” video. Since those kinds of things don’t get filmed for social media, it can start to feel like it doesn’t happen to other people. You can get the feeling that everyone else is thriving, but you’re the only person struggling to find your place on campus.
Trust me when I say this, you are not the only one.
The friend groups that look instant on camera almost never are. Most people spend the first few weeks — sometimes the first whole semester — feeling a little unmoored, eating some meals alone or
even texting people from a group chat wondering if it’s too weird to ask them to hang out. That’s not a sign of you doing college wrong; it’s just the beginning of what something actually looks like before the editing happens.
Believe it or not, the pressure doesn’t stop at friendships. There is this idea, baked into a lot of content, that you should already know who you are by week two: your aesthetic, your friend group, your major, your five-year plan, etc. That’s a lot to ask of someone who, a little over three months ago, was still asking a teacher for a hall pass. What all that social media content doesn’t tell you is that you’re allowed to not have it all figured out. Most of the people who look like they do are also faking it a little, just off camera.
So here’s my actual advice, for what it’s worth: let your first semester be boring sometimes. Let it be unfilmed and have zero influenced expectations. Go to the dining halls by yourself if you
have to, because genuinely no one there is thinking about you as hard as you think about yourself. Join a club that has absolutely nothing to do with your resume and future goals. Just join it because you want to. Take the long way to class. Let your dorm room look lived-in instead of styled.
The parts of college that actually change you are rarely the ones that make good content — they’re the 11 p.m. conversations in the hallway, the professor who says one thing in office hours that rearranges the way you think and the friend you meet in week nine, not week one.
College is going to be good, and it might even end up being some of the best years of your life. But it’s most definitely not going to look like the algorithm promised, and it doesn’t have to. The real version is where you’re a little lost, a little awkward and figuring it out in real time. And honestly, that one’s better.
Put the phone down and live the life you’re unprepared for in freshman year. Welcome to Blacksburg and congratulations on becoming a new Hokie; you’ve got this.
GETTY IMAGES
College athlete influencers pose for a selfie with the crowd.
OBSESSED WITH “OBSESSION”: THE HORROR MOVIE OF THE SUMMER
Shelby Brann | Opinions Editor
The original film “Obsession”, directed by former YouTuber Curry Barker, is quickly casting a spell (or, rather, curse) on audiences around the world. While this indie film had a small budget of under $1 million, the film recently reached an unprecedented profit of over $240 million; the staggering difference in budget versus profit is a simple testament to how successful this underestimated film has become. It has claimed a place as one of the most successful movies of the 2020s thus far and as its production company Focus Features’ most profitable film — ever. When looking at the sheer detail and thought included in the film, it’s easy to see how this could be. However, this movie isn’t just a triumph of profit; it’s also a triumph of storytelling that the horror genre has not experienced in recent years.
In a film industry and world oversaturated with fairly trite plots and stories, a quality horror film that’s not a remake, sequel or made with artificial intelligence is increasingly hard to find. This might be hard to imagine, considering the sheer volume of horror movies released in the past two years, but sadly, it’s true, at least from this writer’s perspective. In one movie ranking list by the movie and Hollywood-related website Looper, six out of the 10 worst movies of 2026 were in the horror genre. “Obsession”, it seems, has been an exception to this rule, acting as a fresh, original indie with the numbers to explain its success. The story behind it is undoubtedly novel… and undoubtedly disturbing.
The movie itself starts off in a simple place. A young man named Bear is deeply in love with his long-time coworker and friend, Nikki, and is on the edge of confessing his feelings. When he finds out Nikki will be leaving her job working with Bear to pursue her dream of writing, Bear loses the confidence to admit his love and instead uses what he assumes to be a cheap, fake metaphysical item called a “One Wish Willow” to wish for Nikki to love him more than anyone in the world. To his shock, the wish works — and Bear finds himself in the relationship of his
An
dreams with Nikki. Quickly, things are revealed to be far from idyllic, as Nikki’s love turns more and more sinister and all-consuming.
Their relationship spirals in a horrifying series of events — for Bear, but also, and more primarily, for Nikki. Throughout the film, it’s hinted to the audience that the real Nikki, who did not have feelings for Bear, is trapped inside the entity created by the One Wish Willow. At one point in the film, the real Nikki even pleads with Bear to end her life, saying, “she’s asleep,” in reference to the “Wish Nikki.”
Although Bear is obviously the protagonist of the film, and events are seen through his eyes, it is frighteningly clear to the audience — and dare I say, especially female audience members — that Nikki’s experience is the real horror story. It’s through this attention to narrative that I believe “Obsession” found its success. Barker spins a tale of fear, not just for someone whose wish takes an evil form, but for those it affects. The special reflection of this plot choice asks the question of who the real villain is, and is unashamedly proud in pointing to Bear after asking the question. In many ways, this movie is interpreted as a story about consent. Nikki’s choice of who she loves — and who she is intimate with — is stripped away from her, a direct representation of the assault that happens to many women and people every day. This darker, deeper underlying metaphor of the plot is undoubtedly what has pushed “Obsession” above and beyond the average horror movie and is a factor of its success at the box office.
Many horror movies in recent years have attempted to hint at the meaning behind their antagonists. “The Babadook” is a metaphor for grief, for instance, while “It Follows” is a clear allegory for sexually transmitted diseases. However, as someone who has seen these movies and found them lacking, “Obsession” rises above in its goal of thoughtfully but sometimes harshly impressing its point on the audience. Other horror movies of 2026 so far — “Backrooms” and “Send Help” for example — simply cannot compare in
terms of originality, impact and simple design.
Besides the elevated plot, “Obsession” also boasts a host of different choices in regard to scenery and tone that take the movie that extra step and have helped deliver it to its success. One of these choices, and perhaps the most impactful, is by far going to be the lighting. Obsession hosts a spread of scenes colored by dark, moody palettes of grays and blues that shape the environment of the movie. The lighting choices can also be seen in the shadows that frequent the screen. Nikki, at many points, can be seen hiding in them, staring darkly at Bear while he sleeps or sits, brooding. It’s hard to explain the stir of fear that seeing Nikki’s emotionless face cloaked in shadow evokes, but those who have seen the movie will be able to testify that these scenes are some of the most horrifying of the film. Besides these glimpses of Nikki, other easter eggs can be found in
the cinematographical choices Barker made, such as in the staging of different items and people within the camera frame.
These plot-related and artistic choices created the proper environment in which “Obsession” has thrived. The film has not only done well commercially, but has also created a stir of conversation around the symbolism of the film and the importance of consent. In many ways, the testament of a good movie isn’t just the money it makes, but the conversation it invokes — and in both of these respects, “Obsession” has done well to create a movie with a message. This movie took a step beyond the average horror film and stands as a truly original plot that will keep it both relevant and as a hallmark of the horror genre for years to come.
indie horror movie has taken theaters, and movie critics, by storm.
VOCAL MEDIA
A movie poster for the 2026 film “Obsession” by Curry Barker.
THE BUBBLE TRAP: FINDING HOME WITHOUT GETTING STUCK THERE
Arsheya Prasad | Opinions Contributor
It’s important for international students to not just seek familiarity, but also novelty.
One of the strangest parts of moving halfway across the world is how promptly you start searching for familiarity.
You hear someone speaking your language across the tables at Dietrick Hall. Walking through Prairie Quad, you overhear someone mention a city you know by heart. Be it a flickering or well-defined moment, such instances make this unfamiliar place feel just a little less unfamiliar. Even in a world that is completely new, your attention keeps catching onto fragments of home.
Initially, that feeling is comforting: It makes the unfamiliar feel survivable, the uncharted feeling well-known. That was exactly how freshman year felt that sunny August morning. As I waited in line to get my Hokie Passport at Maroon Bay, I unknowingly built a version of home inside a place that was meant to be an extension of it.
One makes friends quickly in those first few weeks. People who are synonymous with your references without explanation. People who know exactly why you miss a certain comfort food, why certain dates and celebrations matter, why certain music or words take you right back. When everything around you is unfamiliar, such connections provide solace. As a freshman in a new town, it was exactly what I needed.
But what starts as comfort can slowly become a boundary. I already had friends to walk to Owens with every evening, spend weekends with and rely on when things felt overwhelming. Consequently, I stopped walking into rooms that felt unfamiliar, or participating in anything that felt like ground zero.
Until it dawned on me: Had I really come to the antipodes, or had I simply brought home with me?
I had moved away from home to experience something completely different, yet many of the conversations I was having, the social dynamics I was navigating and even some of the conflicts I found myself dealing with, felt all too familiar. Somewhere along the way, I had recreated home so immersively that I was not letting Blacksburg change me.
This, I believe, is what I call “the bubble trap:” The community that initially felt
like a lifeline can quietly become a limit.
This is not about just making American friends. In truth, I think framing it that way misses the point entirely. One of the greatest privileges of studying at a university like Virginia Tech is being surrounded by people who celebrate unity in diversity. The person sitting next to you could have grown up in rural Virginia, a small city in Estonia or halfway across the world in Japan, carrying different stories, perspectives and outlooks. Nevertheless, we all come together in maroon and orange each fall, celebrating our individualities while sharing what it truly means to be a Hokie.
Dirk Wittenborn once said, “We are the sum of all people we have ever met; you change the tribe and the tribe changes you.”
That line captures something I have come to understand: The people around
you shape your thinking, your questions and your sense of what is achievable. A diverse cycle expands you and those around you holistically, while a narrow one might keep you stagnant.
If I could give one piece of advice to every international student arriving at Virginia Tech this fall, it would be this: find your people. Hold on to your culture. Celebrate the festivals that remind you of home. Eat the food you grew up with. Speak your language. Those things matter, and they always will.
Find your home. Then make sure it does not become your ceiling. There is a reason we leave home for a place like Virginia Tech. It is not merely to earn a degree, but to experience a new world, meet people we would not otherwise meet, discover things about yourself as you go and learn things that
cannot be taught in a classroom. My high school’s motto was “courage is destiny,” and for a long time I thought the courageous part was boarding a plane and moving far from home. In reflection, I realize it was much more than that.
The harder courage is quieter. It is getting out of your lofted bed and letting your day be filled with encounters and people that will truly change you, that will be worth celebrating more than the degrees we receive years down the road. The harder courage is quieter. It is choosing curiosity over comfort and showing up anyway. That is what I hope every incoming freshman remembers.
AMBER WILLIAMS / COLLEGIATE TIMES
Burrus Hall in the Fall, Oct. 10, 2021.
SPORTS
VIRGINIA TECH HIRES BRIAN WHITE AS NEW ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
Dylan Tefft | Sports Editor
White arrives in Blacksburg after transforming Owls athletics.
Virginia Tech formally announced Brian White as its 12th athletic director Monday, June 22, ending a nearly two-month committee-led search to replace longtime AD Whit Babcock, who is transitioning to an emeritus position at the end of June.
White, who has served as Florida Atlantic University’s athletic director since 2018, will start at Virginia Tech on June 24. His introductory press conference is scheduled for later that day.
“I am deeply grateful to Rector Jim Miller, President Tim Sands, Lynne Doughtie and the entire search committee for the trust they have placed in me to lead Virginia Tech Athletics,” White said in a release. “Virginia Tech is one of the distinctive brands in college athletics, and the passion of Hokie Nation, the commitment of university leadership and the momentum already underway make this an extraordinary opportunity.”
“Few institutions in college athletics possess the combination of tradition, passion, institutional support and untapped potential that
exists at Virginia Tech. I am excited to partner with Coach James Franklin as we continue building a championship-caliber football program. That same commitment to success will extend across all 22 sports as we work alongside our exceptional head coaches, dedicated staff and talented student-athletes to compete for championships. Together, we will pursue excellence relentlessly, strengthen our competitive position and elevate Virginia Tech Athletics to new heights.”
White, a 42-year-old Iowa native, was hired as FAU’s AD in March 2018 after spending three years as Missouri’s deputy AD for external relations. FAU announced a five-year contract extension for White in 2024, but publicly announced terms did not specify buyout implications.
“Throughout this process, we sought a builder, a leader who embraces change, thinks boldly and understands the tremendous opportunity in front of Virginia Tech Athletics,” said Doughtie, who chaired Virginia Tech’s athletic director search committee. “Brian
demonstrated a clear vision for how to strengthen our competitive position, grow our resources, elevate our brand and support our student-athletes. Most importantly, he understands what makes Virginia Tech special and how to harness the power of Hokie Nation to achieve ambitious goals.”Franklin, who has repeatedly expressed a desire for alignment in the athletic department, also served on the athletic director hiring committee.
“I am excited to partner with Brian as we continue building a championship-caliber football program and creating an outstanding experience for our student-athletes,” Franklin said in the release. “The future is bright at Virginia Tech, and I look forward to what we can accomplish together on behalf of Hokie Nation.”
White comes from a prominent family in college athletics. His father, Kevin White, retired from a legendary career as Duke’s AD in 2021. He served in the same role at Notre Dame, Arizona State, Tulane, Loras and Maine. Brian White’s brothers, Danny White and Mike White,
serve as Tennessee’s athletic director and Georgia’s men’s basketball coach, respectively.
Under White, FAU athletics joined the American Conference in July 2023 following the men’s basketball team’s historic 2022-23 season, when the Owls won 35 games, claimed a conference title and reached their first Final Four.
White’s FAU tenure included 26 NCAA postseason/bowl appearances and 11 conference titles, plus notable coaching hires such as Dusty May, John Jakus, Zach Kittley and Jordan Clark. May is reportedly set to become the Dallas Mavericks’ next head coach (NBA) after leading Michigan men’s basketball to a national title in April. Clark led FAU softball to back-to-back American Conference regular-season titles in 2024 and 2025.
In addition to his time at FAU and Missouri, White has worked for athletic departments at Army, Tulsa and Louisiana Tech.
INSIDE THE RESURGING HYPE OF HOKIES FOOTBALL
Alex Winn | Sports Editor
There’s a different but familiar buzz around Lane Stadium.
An eventful offseason has made fans forget a lackluster 2025 season and look forward to a brighter 2026 season.
A 27-7 loss to in-state rival Virginia capped off a disappointing 3-9 2025 football season, which saw head coach Brent Pry lose his job following a 45-26 home loss to Old Dominion in Week 3. The season didn’t go as Tech fans or media anticipated, with 247Sports predicting six to seven wins for the Hokies, which they fell far short of. Going into 2026, expectations are higher for a multitude of reasons. The spark that lit that flame was the Sept. 30, 2025 approval of a plan to increase the school’s athletic budget by $229 million over four years. The budget increase puts the athletic budget at $212.1 million for 2029-2030. The largest reported 2025-26 budget in the ACC by Knight-Newhouse is Florida State University’s $211.9 million, meaning this would put Virginia Tech among
the top spenders in the ACC.
The main driver of hype behind Tech football was the hiring of new head coach James Franklin on Nov. 17, 2025. Franklin arrived in Blacksburg with a reputation and a resume as a top college football coach. At his former stops at Vanderbilt and Penn State, he finished nine seasons ranked in the AP postseason poll and five in the top 10. Franklin has brought hope to a Hokies team that is 28-43 since 2020. One way he’s done this is by recruiting. Franklin’s 2026 recruiting and transfer class ranks 26th in the nation according to 247Sports. A lot of these recruits followed Franklin from Penn State after his firing, showing his gravity and how much he’s liked by his players. He hasn’t stopped either; as of July 4, 2026, his 2027 recruiting class ranks 15th in the nation, according to 247Sports. Virginia Tech was also able to keep some of its top contributors and promising players. Players
like four-star freshman running back Jeffery Overton Jr., 2025 leading receiver Ayden Greene and leading sack getter Kemari Copeland each returned. They’re supplemented by new Franklin recruits and transfers headlined by Penn State sophomore quarterback Ethan Grunkenmeyer.
The expectations are different this time around. In 2024, former head coach and current defensive coordinator Brent Pry set the bar high, saying that falling short of the ACC Championship game would be a disappointment. In 2025, nobody knew what to expect; Pry was on the hot seat, and the team brought in 50 new players after a 6-7 finish the year prior. This time, the media and fanbase are putting the hype on the team. CBS Sports released its early predictions for the 2026-27 season and has Virginia Tech going 8-4, which would be the school’s best regular season since
2019.
Hype doesn’t always mean success, especially under Franklin. Penn State entered 2025 as the second-ranked team in the country and fresh off making the Orange Bowl in the College Football Playoff. The Athletic projected Penn State to win the Big 10; instead, they fell flat and fired Franklin just six weeks into the season after a 22-21 loss to Northwestern one week after losing to UCLA, a winless team to that point.
The Franklin era is fully underway in Blacksburg; now it’s time to see if it lives up to the hype.
THE WORLD’S GAME IN BLACKSBURG: VIRGINIA TECH MEN’S SOCCER’S INTERNATIONAL ROOTS
Brody Bryan | Sports Editor
Many Hokies men’s soccer players’ paths to Blacksburg began thousands of miles apart.
Every four years, the FIFA World Cup reminds us that soccer truly is the world’s game. For one month, billions of fans band together to rally behind their nations and celebrate their cultures on the sport’s grandest stage. From the streets of Buenos Aires, Argentina, to the academies of Madrid, Spain, every player carries a different story.
Virginia Tech men’s soccer is no different. While the Hokies all share the same crest on gameday, many of their journeys to Blacksburg began thousands of miles apart. For a handful of Tech’s internationals, their paths reflect more than just their heritage. Together, they bring distinct identities to Thompson Field, blending lifelong traditions from some of the world’s most accomplished soccer nations.
Tito Peralta, Defender — Madrid, Spain
Growing up in the Spanish capital, Peralta developed through several clubs in Spain’s professional soccer system, including Real Valladolid, Rayo Majadahonda and Burgos CF before making the move to Blacksburg for the 2025 season. Spain’s defensive tradition has produced players such as Sergio Ramos, Carles Puyol and Gerard Piqué, three center backs who helped define one of the country’s greatest soccer eras.
In his freshman campaign, Peralta appeared in 15 of the team’s 16 matches, playing 781 minutes and tallying seven shots on goal, with two coming in Tech’s season-ending loss to Syracuse in the ACC Championships. His wealth of Spanish experience quickly earned him consistent minutes in the Hokies’ defensive rotation and set the stage for a larger role in the team entering the 2026 season.
Amir Ariely, Defender — Barnsley, England
Few countries are woven into the history of soccer like England. Widely credited with inventing the modern game, the home of the Three Lions has long treated the sport as a part of its national identity. Home to some of the world’s oldest professional clubs and biggest modern brands, England’s
soccer identity runs deeper than the bright lights of the Premier League. Thousands of towns across the country boast clubs that serve as the heartbeat of local communities.
For Barnsley native Amir Ariely, that culture was lived firsthand. He kept his early career close to home, playing for Barnsley College and Barnsley F.C. before beginning his collegiate career in Blacksburg in 2025. He wasted little time making his mark in maroon and orange, starting all 15 games he appeared in and quickly becoming a staple in the Hokies’ back line. Ariely helped the Hokies keep seven clean sheets during the season and assisted Tech’s winning goal against ETSU on Sept. 5.
Dagur Traustason, Forward — Reykjavik, Iceland
Hailing from Europe’s sixth-smallest country by population, Traustason arrived at Tech after developing in Iceland’s growing soccer scene. Iceland stunned the world by knocking off England on its way to the quarterfinals of the Euro 2016 tournament, and carried that momentum to its first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance in 2018, where it managed a 1-1 draw against Lionel Messi’s Argentina before being eliminated in the group stage.
Much like his home country did on the international stage, Traustason wasted little time capturing attention in Blacksburg, earning eight starts across 12 appearances in his freshman season. After failing to hit the score sheet in his first three collegiate appearances, the six-foot-three forward tallied seven goals in his next six, including a hat trick on Oct. 7 against Longwood, Tech’s first since 2019.
Leo Ledin, Goalkeeper — Stockholm, Sweden
Sweden has a storied history of producing physically imposing athletes who blend raw size with sound technical skill — just look at legendary striker Zlatan Ibrahimović, who stood six-foot-five and became one of Europe’s most prolific strikers, scoring a recordsetting 62 goals in 122 appearances for the national team. At six-foot-six, Ledin brings a similarly commanding physical
presence between the posts.
He originally began his collegiate career at Wofford in 2024, where he put together a historic freshman campaign, recording the most clean sheets by a freshman goalkeeper in school history (six) in 17 starts. The Stockholm native made 48 total saves that season and earned a spot on the SoCon All-Freshman team before transferring to Tech. Ledin didn’t see game action in 2025, sitting behind starting goalkeeper Sam Joseph, but looks poised to compete for the first-choice role in 2026.
Beltran Alvarez, Midfielder — Buenos Aires, Argentina
Soccer in Argentina carries immense expectations, with the reigning World Cup champions boasting 23 senior international titles — a world record — and a tradition that has shaped generations of stars. Alvarez proved his mettle by spending five years developing at Club Atlético River Plate — one of the most decorated (and demanding) clubs in South America — where he helped the
squad win a U17 National Championship. Before he started 13 games in 2025 for the Hokies, Alvarez spent his freshman season at Florida Gulf Coast University, being named to the ASUN All-Freshman Team after logging 1,334 minutes across 16 matches — the second-highest total on the squad. He also picked up ASUN All-Tournament Team honors before arriving in Blacksburg. Once in maroon and orange, he immediately carved out a crucial role in Tech’s midfield, registering 14 shots on the year and netting a vital goal on Oct. 31 in a hard-fought 3-3 draw at Clemson.
ANTON OBOLENSKY / COLLEGIATE TIMES
Virginia Tech’s Dagur Traustason (13) looks for a cross into the Eagles’ penalty box during the Virginia Tech Hokies Men soccer match vs. Winthrop on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025, in Blacksburg, Virginia.