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October 6, 2026
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VIRGINIA TECH LAUNCHES ‘VIRGINIA IS FOR HOKIE LOVERS’ Aleyna Akyuz | News Writer
Virginia Tech partners with tourism officials to launch the sign in downtown Blacksburg. Virginia Tech has teamed up with state and regional tourism officials to launch “Virginia is for Hokie Lovers,” a new campaign connecting the university’s brand with tourism across the New River Valley. A Virginia Tech-themed LOVE sign now sits on Henderson Lawn, where campus meets downtown Blacksburg. It not only gives students and visitors a spot for a photo, but it’s part of a larger effort to draw attention to the area beyond the university. Launched on Sept. 10, the campaign is a partnership between Virginia Tech, the Virginia Tourism Corporation and Montgomery County Regional Tourism aimed at encouraging Hokies, alumni and visitors to explore the New River Valley. It’s the first collegiate extension of Virginia’s “Virginia is for Lovers” tourism brand, which has represented the state since 1969 and is considered one of the longest-running tourism slogans in the country. Virginia Tourism Corporation created
the original slogan, while Virginia Tech’s Licensing and Trademarks team and the regional tourism office developed the Hokie version. The collaboration reflects a broader trend among tourism boards nationwide that have increasingly leaned on university branding to draw visitors to college towns, particularly during football season. Running through March 2027, the campaign spans the fall football season and several months of events that typically bring visitors to Blacksburg, Christiansburg and the surrounding area. Football is a major draw, but the campaign’s focus extends beyond Lane Stadium. Organizers say the goal is to encourage people who come to town for a game or campus visit to stick around and see more of what the New River Valley has to offer. The regional tourism office is using the campaign to highlight other parts of the area, including downtown businesses,
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outdoor recreation, restaurants, music, arts and cultural attractions. Its website also promotes the region for fall weekend trips, pointing visitors toward hiking trails, local breweries and small-town shopping districts that sit just outside of the university. The campaign includes its own merchandise as well. “Virginia is for Hokie Lovers” T-shirts and other items are sold at the Hokie Shop and Alumni Hall, with proceeds supporting Virginia Tech scholarships and student initiatives along with regional tourism programs. The timing lines up with a period of renewed attention for Virginia Tech as Blacksburg’s population swells on football
PHOTO COURTESY OF VIRGINIA TECH NEWS
weekends and during major campus events. Local officials have said tourism tied to the university remains one of the area’s most significant economic drivers. Organizers say the full impact of the campaign, including any measurable increase in regional tourism, won’t be clear until after it concludes in March 2027.
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COLL LLEG EGIA IATTETIMES
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PULITZER PRIZE WINNING AUTHOR COLSON WHITEHEAD VISITS VIRGINIA TECH Caitlin McKelvey | News Writer
Whitehead spoke at the Center for the Arts about his inspirations and writing process. On Sept. 30, Colson Whitehead, the first author to win consecutive Pulitzer Prizes for fiction, visited the Center for the Arts and provided insights on cake out in the rain, hand modeling, life on other planets and neanderthal existentialism. Whitehead’s humor and creative metaphors bring a unique light to the difficulties of being a writer. Whitehead shared how he struggled to find publishing companies for his novels early in his career and how later, many schools banned his work and took it off of shelves. Whitehead is an African American author whose Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “The Underground Railroad” was adapted into a mini-series on Prime Video. In his work, Whitehead often explores themes of race, gentrification, hope and jobs like zombie cleaners and elevator inspectors. Whitehead explained that as an artist, you can get inspiration from multiple places. He
said that he got his inspiration for his novel “Harlem Shuffle,” which was number three on the New York Times bestseller list, from watching “Ocean’s 11.” Whitehead also lists “Dateline NBC,” TV shows and zombie dreams as his inspiration, emphasizing that inspiration can come from anywhere. In recent years, inspiration has increasingly become outsourced to language learning models. As an artist, Whitehead is often asked for his thoughts on AI. He is a big proponent of AI and uses it to organize his calendar and outsource trivial tasks. However, he doesn’t use AI for art. “If you use AI for brainstorming, you are in the wrong field,” Whitehead said. He went on to explain that the most important thing is to do the work and that “if it were easy, it wouldn’t be worth doing.” Whitehead was asked many questions about his writing process during the Q&A session of the visit. He explained
that he only writes one story at a time. Whitehead begins with his outline for a novel that includes the beginning, end and major moments, but sometimes starts without knowing all the characters’ names. Whitehead also shared that he writes in a steady accumulation, producing six pages a week. When asked about his favorite books, Whitehead said “One Hundred Years of Solitude” and “The Remains of the Day,” but he mostly reads non-fiction because he finds fiction distracting as a fiction writer. Whitehead also noted the importance of having cool older siblings, and how their interests in comic books like “Spider-Man” continue to influence his work today and serve as a gateway for his imagination. Writers are often asked about the legacy that they want to leave; Whitehead shared that 100 years from now he wants someone to read his book and simply think that it was
not a waste of time. For information on future speakers and performances at Virginia Tech’s Center for the Arts, visit their website.
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VIRGINIA TECH’S CECE RECEIVES REGIONAL COUNCIL ACCLAIM Natalie Shannon | News Writer
The center helps staff state programs for community engagement and improvement. The Center for Economic and Community Engagement at Virginia Tech is a dynamic center for university-level support of surrounding Virginia communities to promote economic prosperity in Virginia communities through research and development initiatives. In addition to economic development research, the center also helps to staff state programs geared toward community engagement and improvement. One of the major programs that CECE is involved with is GO Virginia Region 2, which includes 18 jurisdictions across western Virginia, including the New River Valley, Lynchburg and the Roanoke Valley. John Provo, executive director of Virginia Tech’s CECE, explained in an interview with Collegiate Times that GO Virginia is a state-funded program coupled with a set of
guidelines, but many of the administrative tasks and implementations are delegated to the communities, organizations and university programs that are involved in the cause. GO Virginia is an economic development initiative intended to enhance diversification of industry across these jurisdictions through local government and community collaboration. Virginia Tech staff work directly with the regional council, made up of education officials, community members, school board associates and more, to support and develop plans for actionable goals such as job creation and income growth across communities. Virginia Tech CECE staff involvement has seen recent success in the GO Virginia program. The Region 2 staff, led by program manager Jemma Sabokrouh and program
coordinators Emmalee Wagner and Barb Reibsamen, earned the “highest ratings of any regional team in a statewide satisfaction survey” out of the nine regions that GO Virginia works with, according to Virginia Tech’s Outreach and International Affairs News. Provo added that Region 2 has had the “most projects of any region in 10 years of the program.” The prioritized industries and supported businesses are those in the life sciences, manufacturing, information technology and engineering sectors to create opportunities for high-wage jobs. Additional activity by the center is largely supported by graduate research students. Graduate research students at CECE are given leeway to create their own professional portfolios and execute research projects under faculty to deliver actionable
results for real-life clients. Provo explained that the center is involved in teaching within the Master of Public Affairs program at Virginia Tech in addition to its community engagement. Provo explained how the center follows the command of Ut Prosim to go out into the community and give back as well. He encouraged Virginia Tech students to “grab every opportunity while you’re here, particularly the ones that give you exposure to things outside of campus.” For more information on CECE or GO Virginia’s active projects and community involvement, visit Virginia Tech’s page on GO Virginia Region 2.
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LIFESTYLES
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WHERE YOUR NEXT THRIFT FINDS ARE HIDING AROUND BLACKSBURG Max Welther | Lifestyles Contributor
Find your next wardrobe upgrade with the help of Max Welther, lifestyles contributor. Whether you are refreshing your wardrobe or seeking a new hobby, the Blacksburg area is home to multiple second-hand clothing stores to check out this fall. Featuring a mix of traditional thrift shops and curated boutiques, there are several options for sustainable and stylish shopping around the New River Valley. Local gems: Blacksburg The Goodwill Blacksburg Store and Donation Center on North Main Street presents a classic thrift store experience. Most pieces are priced under $10, offering a selection of men’s and women’s clothing on a budget. Goodwill Industries of the Valleys has a 50% Color of the Week sale, amplifying customer savings by 50% on select items tagged with the weekly color. Moreover, items tagged with the previous week’s color are discounted to $1 each Sunday. Purchases aid Goodwill Industries of the Valleys’ mission of empowering underserved members of Virginian communities. The YMCA Thrift Shop on North Main Street is another traditional thrift store, selling clothes, shoes, housewares, physical media, electronics and other trinkets. For Hokie fans, there are several racks dedicated to Virginia Tech merchandise. Customers shopping on Tuesday and Wednesday get
50% off all clothes marked $5. Additionally, shoppers can fill large paper bags with clothes for $10 each at the Monthly Bag Sale, held the first Friday and Saturday of each month. Proceeds support leadership development and community programs in the New River Valley. BookHolders on North Main Street holds more than just textbooks. Customers can expect an expansive selection of Virginia Tech gear, novelty shirts, band tees, vintage outerwear, pants and accessories. For additional savings, customers can treat themselves to the shop’s $6-per-item clothing bins. BookHolders also hosts pop-up shops in the parking lot by Benny Marzano’s for further chances to uncover new finds. The pop-ups generally occur during the Blacksburg Farmers Market hours, with occasional dates and times added weekto-week. Items are typically men’s and unisex-oriented. The Blacksburg Vintage Market is held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Market Square Park on the second and fourth Sundays of each month, April through November. Featuring a hand-picked selection of vendors, attendees can find vintage clothing, jewelry, accessories, physical media and more. Apparel can range from $5 to over $50,
providing a variety of pieces to choose from. The Blacksburg Vintage Collective on North Main Street presents a curated collection of vintage pieces, including unique custom products from local vendors, vintage Virginia Tech attire, band and sports tees, outerwear, pants and more sourced from nearly 20 vendors. On the higher end of the price spectrum, this store is home to a wide selection of men’s and unisex clothing with regular new arrivals to keep inventory fresh. Down the road: Christiansburg Plato’s Closet Christiansburg is a resale store that buys and sells men’s and women’s clothing, shoes and accessories. Aimed toward teenagers and young adults, the store says it adheres “exclusively to trendy, casual teen styles.” Plato’s Closet hosts several curated, themed drops and events throughout the year, occurring regularly on weekends. Information regarding upcoming events can be found via Instagram. College students receive 20% off their purchases every Tuesday with a valid student ID. Uptown Cheapskate operates with a similar resale model as Plato’s Closet. Featuring everyday, business casual and designer items at thrift store prices,
customers can browse men’s and women’s styles while selling their old clothes for cash or store credit in the same visit. Uptown Cheapskate hosts frequent clearance sales and discount days with details found on Instagram. The Goodwill Christiansburg Store and Donation Center is another retail store operated by Goodwill Industries of the Valleys. Similar to the Blacksburg location, this store offers a slightly wider selection of merchandise for shoppers to sort through. Digging deeper: Roanoke Valley Just outside of the New River Valley, the Goodwill Salem Outlet Store and Donation Center sells clothing by the pound. This shop comprises a room with an assortment of bins filled with clothes, housewares, toys, shoes, books, electronics and media that are routinely swapped out throughout the day. Goodwill’s outlets house unsold items from its retail stores before they are sent off to be recycled. Customers should be prepared to dig, as items in the bins are mostly in unsorted piles. From vintage Virginia Tech bomber jackets to new pairs of jeans, southwest Virginia’s second-hand stores have much to discover this season.
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POETRY IN MOTION: FREE CUSTOMIZED POEMS AT THE BLACKSBURG FARMER’S MARKET Megan Stambaugh | Lifestyles Contributor
Come visit Dylan Ever at her booth to receive an impromptu poem on the weekend.
As the leaves begin to fall and the air becomes crisp, nothing feels cozier than going to the Blacksburg Farmer’s Market. The live music, kind shop owners and serene atmosphere make it the perfect weekend activity. However, between all the expected tables of fresh produce and baked goods, one somewhat unconventional booth stands out. At her booth, Virginia Tech creative writing graduate student Dylan Ever writes free customized poems. Her booth contains a “Poetry Menu” that allows customers to choose what kind of poem they would like
her to write. Then, on her typewriter, she produces an original poem for them to keep. “People who are willing to interact with poetry just come up and tell me,” Ever said. “They give it to a family member or someone they love.” Uniquely, Ever does not charge for her poems and is not interested in expanding her services. Instead, she considers this booth an extension of her passion. “I’m not promoting anything except poetry,” Ever said. “I started doing this a few years ago to getpeopletocometomypoetry club when I was doing my undergrad.”
Ever values customer encounters that allow vulnerability to pour into her work. Each week, she continues to set up her booth, hoping to impact her patrons. Her free customized poems also allow customers to interact with a new artistic medium and express anything on their mind. “It’s just very fulfilling and exciting to interact with people,” Ever said. “Poetry removes barriers of interactions.” She strives to reach people and encourage a form of artistic expression with this booth. Through conversations with customers, she
better understands them and their stories. “Poetry is very accessible in this format and very special to give and receive,” Ever said. Whether she writes for Virginia Tech students, residents of Blacksburg or visitors, Ever hopes that poetry will reach every willing patron. Adding to the sentimental appeal of the Blacksburg Farmer’s Market, this booth is a great opportunity to stimulate creativity.
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COLLEGIATE TIMES’ STAFF BLACKSBURG SPOT RECOMMENDATIONS Collegiate Times Staff
From homey coffee shops to delightful restaurants, discover some of Hokies’ local favorites.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE TOWN OF BLACKSBURG
Virginia Tech’s hometown of Blacksburg, Va. may be less than 20 square miles in size, but it makes up for it with a diverse array of cuisine from across the globe. Much like the university itself, Blacksburg offers something for every Hokie. Here are some recommendations from the Collegiate Times’ staff. Ella Winterling, lifestyles editor The Cellar Restaurant, hard to miss with its blue awning and prime corner location on North Main Street, is a lunch and dinner spot in Blacksburg that visitors to the area should visit. The restaurant features Italian, Greek and Mediterranean food, from pizza and pasta to gyros and other sandwiches. If the weather is nice and the wait is not too long, make sure to eat out on the patio to enjoy some sunshine or just people-watch. From good food to good atmosphere, stop by the Cellar on your next visit to Blacksburg. Bailey Linza, lifestyles assistant editor Take a walk behind the United States Postal Service on North Main Street to experience a meal you will never forget at Yeah Siam. During freshman year, my two good friends took me there to try Thai food for the first time, and I will never forget that day. We eat there often, at least 3 times a month. From classic dishes like pad thai and drunken udon to my favorite: the crispy pork belly saltn-pepper — I am always excited to sit down with my friends or family and eat a delectable meal while spending time with one another. There are so many places to visit, but make sure to stop by Yeah Siam when in Blacksburg because you will definitely remember the
spot when you go back home. Samuel Harvey, lifestyles assistant editor Although it took me two years to discover it, Coffeeholics Cafe & Bakery on Draper Road is one of my favorite spots. Even before stepping inside, customers can see the cafe’s artistic personality shining through in the flashy owl mural on the exterior wall. Its central, downtown location makes it a great hideaway from the buzz of campus, or a captivating spot to people-watch and study with a warm beverage. No matter the season, Coffeeholics always surrounds customers with a cozy atmosphere. The dim glow of fairy lights on the walls, home-style seating and decor give the establishment a downto-earth vibe. In the fall, I’ll treat myself to a Pumpkin Cheesecake Breve, which is the perfect rich and creamy drink for a chilly, autumn day. With its rotating seasonal menu, Coffeeholics is always brewing something special to fit the mood. Benjamin Gozzi, lifestyles staff writer The best day in Blacksburg starts with the best coffee. Head to Bollo’s near Squires Student Center in the downtown area and order yourself a pumpkin chocolate chip muffin, which is a favorite amongst their sprawling customer base. This hole-in-the-wall restaurant also has a perfectly curated ambience of warmth and community within its four walls. Whether you’re in town for the weekend or are a student looking for new places to try, add Bollo’s to your list. Abby Davis, lifestyles staff writer
Blacksburg has so much to offer, and it’s definitely not short on coffee. After a friend introduced me to Mill Mountain Coffee and Tea, it’s become a favorite spot of mine. It’s the perfect mix of lively cafe ambience and small-town charm. An oasis for any season, it’s also a great place to hunker down to study or catch up with a friend. Whether visiting from out of town or just seeking a comfortable place away from campus, make sure to stop at this spot while strolling the streets. Max Welther, lifestyles contributor Whenever my family is in town, we have to visit Macado’s on University City Boulevard. With an extensive menu and eccentric interior, you can choose from dozens of sandwiches while dining under a giant gorilla prop. I discover at least five new quirky decorations I hadn’t noticed before with each visit. Not only is the decor a sight to see on its own, but the varied menu features almost anything I could be craving at that very moment. The restaurant has daily specials available for dine-in customers, so ensure you plan accordingly. The unmatched ambience and great food make Macado’s a Blacksburg staple for families and friends alike. Aleeza Ali, lifestyles staff writer The Boardwalk is a must-visit if you’re in town.Nestledrightintheheartofdowntown, the snack shop is a Blacksburg staple. There are so many items to choose from, some sweet and some savory. Enjoy one (or more) of their several varieties of funnel cakes, or get some taquitos for a quick bite. While you wait for your food, you can play arcade games or simply admire the summery decor lining the restaurant’s walls. It’s the perfect spot to satisfy your cravings, day or even late at night. Whenever I take my friends and family here, our plates are always clean by the end of it. Even though Blacksburg is over 200 miles from an ocean, The Boardwalk will make you feel just like you’re at the beach. Morgan Brown, lifestyles contributor Blacksburg might be a college town, but Avellino’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria deserves a spot on the honor roll. Located right outside of downtown in the First & MainShoppingCenter,thisItalianrestaurant is a go-to destination for a big plate of pasta. They have an extensive menu, from classic dishes like lasagna and gnocchi to seafood,
chicken or if you’re feeling fancy, steak. Home away from Italy, this cozy restaurant serves its customers bold and satisfying flavors. In addition to its exceptional menu, they also provide weekly specials and the most amazing desserts. My perfect dinner at Avellinos includes calamari for the appetizer, chicken francese for the main and to top it off, a homemade cannoli smothered in chocolate chips. Whether looking for a date night spot or a nice getaway from campus with friends, Avellinos offers a welcoming place to enjoy a taste of Italian cuisine. Cat Pizzarello, managing editor Consider this a love letter to my favorite restaurant. As a sushi fanatic, coming to Virginia Tech sounded like a nightmare. There was no way I was going to find good sushi in the middle-of-nowhere Blacksburg. That was until I walked into Green’s one day with a friend, and my life changed forever. Now my favorites at Green’s are a constant craving that I just can’t seem to shake. From carefully crafted sushi rolls to Lebanese specialties, there is something for everyone. Just when you thought it couldn’t get better, Green’s is stupidly affordable and aligns with dietary restrictions of all kinds. If you’re this far into the semester and you haven’t dined there yet, what are you doing? Annie O’Connell, lifestyles assistant editor Stepping into Blacksburg’s one and only, El Rodeo, was nothing short of life-changing. From the lively, exciting atmosphere to the never-ending chips and piping hot food, El Rodeo on North Main Street, of course, ranks at the top of my list. Don’t just take my word for it; with over 900 votes from Virginia Tech students and Blacksburg locals, El Rodeo won the title of Best Mexican Fare in March of 2026. Whether students are visiting with parents for a game day or you are simply looking for the comfort of a delicious meal, El Rodeo won’t disappoint. From my first meal in my junior year of high school during my visit to Virginia Tech, to two weeks ago when I indulged in baskets of chips and queso, El Rodeo is by far my favorite place to be in Blacksburg.
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OPINIONS COLLEGIATETIMES.COM
THE CURRENT SOCIAL LANDSCAPE THROUGH CLASSIC LITERATURE Jack Duenas-Bonham | Opinions Contributor
Today’s social environment is reflected back in time through classic literature. The youth of America has shattered into a million fragmented pieces that all fall under an exclusionary umbrella called the micro status quo, referring to social inner workings that govern our personal day-to-day interactions. The current social landscape is filled with highly rigid subcultures such as cottage core, gorp core, clean girl aesthetic, etc. Each of these has its own set of traditions, from the uniform to the choice of water bottle, with each decision placing you in either the in-group or out-group, unleashing a tribalism that sharply contrasts with the perception of a hyper-modern world. The blame for this can be attributed to many factors, but the effect is apparent in one place: the kids. Sylvia Plath’s “The Bell Jar” and J.D. Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye” provides insights into an unrecognizable world — 1950s America — with repeating and poignant themes that will help us contextualize the modern social landscape. The youth of today regularly go out to run errands using self-checkout, wear their headphones while out and tend not to engage in any low-stakes public interaction. Furthermore, the transition to remote work has eliminated an entire space that fosters social interaction and productive cohesiveness. This has enabled a wave of self-isolation in the workplace. People are left with one foot in the door, not having to buy into anything larger than themselves. While the current social landscape appears to be an unprecedented wasteland of isolation and humanistic desolation, earlier literature can provide historical context and perspective on the current micro status quo. The isolation felt today is not totally unprecedented; the protagonists of the novels “The Bell Jar” and “Catcher in the Rye” capture that experience of living on the outskirts of society and the subsequent descent into madness due to circumstantial isolation. They carefully craft an imperfect protagonist
to replicate the cracks in society that everybody feels. The feelings of fear and inadequacy that can cause self-isolation rampaged throughout society and were spotlighted with the publication of both these novels. Plath’s semi-autobiographical novel, “The Bell Jar,” illustrates the oppressive environment that led to isolation in the 1950s. Plath pens a protagonist, Esther, whose mental health deteriorates and culminates in a suicide attempt. The literature of the time, mid-century American tragedies, embraced a style that drapes a protagonist in a coat that mirrors everyday society. Protagonists like Sylvia Plath’s Esther Greenwood and J.D. Salinger’s Holden Caulfield serves as microcosms of a world that crumbles America’s youth. Holden Caulfield longs to quell the social isolation that is forced upon him because of his apparent quirks, which are transmuted onto the page in an onslaught of cynical prose that resonated with the youth at the time. Salinger uses New York as the novel’s backdrop to emphasize the seemingly inclusive, free environment he lives in. Salinger uses Holden to starkly contrast the piano player he encounters, Ernie, whom he distinctly dislikes on the basis that Ernie is confident in his talent. He suggests that Ernie’s charisma and talent are social currency Holden lacks and cannot use to overcome his feelings of inadequacy. Holden greatly underestimates what he means to everyone around him by hiding from his parents, pretending to be of age to buy liquor and paying for the services of a prostitute; he creates another persona that is obviously unsustainable, as it is revealed that he is recounting the story from a sanitorium. Holden suffocates his true persona to fit the gritty image of a rich New York drifter, and alienates those who know that he is truly just a scared kid. With no one that he feels comfortable talking to about his loneliness, he descends into madness, leaving the younger reader
sympathetic to his plight. The older reader is often critical of Caulfield’s cynical approach to those who are more socially accepted. He characterizes these people as “phonies”; this further signifies his isolation and disdain for those who have accumulated this social currency that gives them confidence and a joy for life that Holden lacks. Many women relate to Esther Greenwood as her reluctance to get out of bed every morning inevitably leads to her subsequent descent into despair, marred by feelings of inadequacy and the fear of social repercussions for the way she feels. The rigid structures in place for women of the time do not align with Greenwood’s values. She is afraid of the social repercussions for her dissent and the same subversiveness that fueled the fear that got the Rosenbergs electrocuted, as reminded to us in the opening lines of the novel. America in the 1950s was a decade of fear where differences in lifestyle and affiliations led many people to believe those who strayed from the welltrodden path would subvert the status quo and blow up our social and political infrastructure. Greenwood finds herself in the midst of this general call for conformity; she dares to question her place in America, and for her efforts to make sense of the world, all alone, she is punished with psychiatric treatment. Currently, more people than ever are receiving treatment, though not quite as severe as the electroconvulsive therapy described in “The Bell Jar,” for conditions like anxiety and depression when perhaps what they need is an environment that allows behavioral and social dissent without the implication of subversion and its subsequent backlash. The lessons these protagonists have to teach us aren’t limited to time or place. The curious young men and women of 2026 are punished for exploring society beyond the relative safety of the established status quo. While today’s youth seemingly have more freedom than ever
to craft their identity, the social repercussions of choosing wrong inflict lasting damage. The micro status quo in relation to the intersocial network of adolescents is heavily exclusionary and tends to isolate people who do not conform to the different subgroups of culture. In a world so connected, isolation and exclusion are championed, and those who attempt to question the micro status quo are pushed to the side, ostracized, and left scared to advocate for themselves, depressed by their own silence. The silence is suffocating as the youth of America have very few people to turn to when their mental health takes a turn for the worse. Therapy and treatment can not fully replace social acceptance and human relationships. It feels like a J.D. Salinger or Sylvia Plath novel where isolation precludes young men and women from “sucking the marrow out of life.”
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October 6, 2026 PAGE 7
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I AM JANE DOE: WHY STUDENT JOURNALISM MATTERS Cat Pizzarello | Managing Editor
Jane Doe and her story from Cornell University highlights the importance of student journalism and humanity. After two years of silence, a Jane Doe formerly of Cornell University stepped forward to tell her story in a brave step toward justice. The alleged gang rape and drugging of a former Cornell student by seven members of the Chi Phi fraternity has taken over social media and headlines, leaving the public in disbelief over the reopened case. After the incident in October 2024, the original sexual assault case was reopened on Sept. 28, for further investigation. From photographs from a Snapchat group chat to headshots of the seven men involved, the entire case has been on public display as opinions begin to form about the validity of every detail. Four of the seven men were reprimanded, two expelled and two suspended. The other three received no discipline, one graduating before the case concluded and two found not guilty of sexual misconduct. The last three mentioned were assigned to
write reflective essays instead. This is where the uproar on social media began — how could the only punishment for rape be an essay? Johnathan Newell advertised “free pussy” to a group chat of 50 other men, six taking the bait. How did those other 50 men remain silent? Jane Doe did not remain silent. Neither did the university’s student-run newspaper, The Cornell Daily Sun. In an editorial titled “Cornell Won’t, We Will,” the article called out the seven names of the rapists. Sophia Dasser, the paper’s editor-in-chief, led the editorials, publishing alongside senior editor Cereese Qusba. This is how the story broke — a brave Jane Doe and a team of young journalists bringing justice to a university’s silence after tragedy. One article has touched millions of lives, spreading the horrific story as survivors share their own stories and a new movement develops: “I am Jane Doe.”
There have been times in my college career when I have wondered if I have what it takes to be a journalist, if what I am doing truly matters at the end of the day. The Cornell Daily Sun reminded me why I want this, why I work for it and why journalism matters. I am the voice for the voiceless. The Cornell Daily Sun’s article is the perfect example of checking the power of institutions. I started my career in journalism because I recognized the strength in storytelling. This story is a testament to the importance of journalism, but also to truly listening — listening to those around you, understanding their stories and helping them retell them. As a student journalist, I have so much respect and admiration for the team at The Cornell Daily Sun for bringing this story to light. It needed to be seen and heard. As a woman, though, my heart goes out to Jane Doe. Your story matters, and you give me the strength to tell my own stories, to
remember that my voice matters as a journalist, but more importantly, as a woman. In the last week, while there has been endless online support for the young woman, there have been countless others trying to expose Jane Doe for “ruining” the lives of these seven men. Every woman knows a Jane Doe in their life. Maybe they even are a Jane Doe themselves. The “I am Jane Doe” movement is fighting to protect the current Jane Doe’s identity as the case unfolds, as those online post in solidarity. As horrific as this story is, there is something incredible about seeing people everywhere band together online to share their stories and protect this young woman. The value of storytelling has really shown itself to me in the past week and has reminded me why I chose the profession I did. I am Jane Doe.
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MEN’S SOCCER STUMBLES AT HOME VS. NO. 3 SMU Hayden Wagner | Sports Staff Writer Virginia Tech couldn’t keep a top team in the country away on the pitch.
No. 3 SMU men’s soccer swiftly handled the Hokies 3-0 at Thompson Field on Sunday evening, snapping Virginia Tech’s three-game winning streak and staying undefeated. The Mustangs struck early with an impressive yet controversial goal from sophomore midfielder Landon Hickam in the sixth minute. The play was quickly put under review by the officiating crew, checking if Hickam was offside. After minutes of deliberation, the goal stood. SMU led 1-0. That was only the beginning of the Hokies’ frustration. Fifteen minutes later, SMU scored again on a cross from junior defender Ryan Clanton-Pimentel to senior forward Milton Lopez, who made a sliding chip shot over the head of Hokies goalkeeper Diego Dauzier to extend the lead to 2-0.
After a key tipped save from Dauzier late in the first half, Tech swiftly marched downfield and found one more opportunity before halftime. With seconds left on the clock, senior midfielder Yanis Belatrache launched the ball from 30 yards out to senior captain Noe Uwimana, who seemed to connect with a header at the last moment. Thompson Field erupted after the play, but the fans’ excitement and celebration quickly turned to frustration. After video review, the referee ruled the goal went in after the clock hit zero, leaving the score at 2-0 going into halftime. After an aggravating conclusion to the first half, the Hokies turned up the intensity in the second. Tech produced five unanswered shots on goal and three corner kicks. Junior midfielder Alex Perez, last week’s ACC Player of the Week, drove several of those chances.
“I knew I wasn’t playing to my ability in the first half, so I kind of just boosted up my energy and my confidence as well,” Perez said. “And we all just said, ‘you know what, let’s give it our all.’ I mean, with 2-0 down, we can bring it up. I don’t think I changed anything, just my intensity.” Despite constant pressure from the Hokies, they were unsuccessful in converting opportunities. With eight minutes left in the match, SMU capitalized on a penalty kick from junior forward Stephan Soghomonian after a foul by Hokies defender Tito Peralta within the penalty box. The Mustangs’ lead increased to 3-0. With a tough result against the thirdranked team in the country, Virginia Tech looks to bounce back in a rivalry game against Virginia on the road Friday. Uwimana believes the Hokies will bounce
back. “One thing about this team is that we always have a good reaction whenever things don’t go our way; we don’t just sit and sulk,” Uwimana said. “I think we’ll be up for the UVA matchup for sure.” Perez’s sentiment was similar, believing the SMU loss will serve as motivation for the Hokies against the rival Cavaliers. “The loss obviously boosts your energy up,” he said. “We want to bounce back, and I feel like we realize that if we don’t start with the energy, especially against UVA, where it’s our rival, things can go bad. So if we just take what we learned from today about the loss and bring it into the next game, I think it’ll be a very good match for us.”
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HOKIES’ FIRST LOSS COMES ON MISSED LAST-SECOND FIELD GOAL Alex Winn | Sports Editor
The Hokies suffered their first loss of the season on a controversial missed final kick. The Hokies lost 35-33 to Pitt at Lane Stadium Friday after John Love missed a game-deciding 36-yard field goal, causing the Hokies to fall to 4-1. Entering Friday, the Hokies’ senior kicker had been 42-for-44 on kicks of less than 40 yards. Love initially thought the kick went in, throwing his hands up to imitate the gesture for a made field goal, only to be heartbroken to see the refs signaling “no good.” “From my angle I couldn’t tell you one way or another,” Virginia Tech head coach James Franklin said of the kick. “End of the day they said it didn’t go through, so everything else doesn’t really matter a whole lot.” The Hokies (1-1 ACC) had two stretches of quick scoring: 14 points in the first five minutes and nine points in less than a minute in the fourth quarter. However, the period between those scoring bursts was more impactful, with Tech being outscored 35-10 in that stretch. The Panthers (5-0, 2-0 ACC) spent most of the second half without starting quarterback Mason Heintschel, who left after the fourth play of the third quarter with a knee injury, later revealed to be a torn ACL. Before his injury, Heintschel was 10-for-18 with 113 yards and a passing touchdown. After Heintschel left the game, the Pitt offense had its best quarter yardage-wise. A touchdown that gave the Panthers a 28-24 lead early in the third quarter was the lone score in the quarter for either side. Backup quarterback Holden Geriner finished the game 8-for-12 with 78 yards and a passing touchdown. The Panthers’ strong third quarter doubled as the Hokies’ worst, gaining just 28 yards, turning the ball over twice and failing to score; it was the only quarter they failed to do so. The Hokies’ first turnover of the third quarter nearly resulted in points, but the Panthers failed to pick up a first down on fourth-and-1 in Tech territory. The fourth quarter began with Pitt taking advantage of the Hokies’ second turnover, which came late in the third. Jeffery Overton Jr.’s fumble led to a
Panthers touchdown, giving them 21 unanswered points since the end of the first half. They led 35-24 early in the fourth quarter. Tech had to respond, and though it was unconventional, they did. The Panthers ran the ball on a second-and-10 from their own 3-yard line, but Hokies’ linebacker Noah Chambers saw it coming from a mile away. He went untouched into the backfield and brought Pitt running back Damon Ferguson Jr. down in the end zone for a safety, making it a nine-point game. The Hokies then found the big play they hadn’t had since the first half, a 62-yard return on the free kick by Overton to give his team prime field position. Two plays later, Grunkemeyer floated a ball to receiver Davion Brown that led the freshman into the end zone. Suddenly, the Hokies were only down 35-33 with just over 10 minutes left in the game. After neither side could move the ball COLLEGIATE TIMES / KYLEIGH WATTS for the first half of the fourth quarter, Virginia Tech Hokies football players celebrate a touchdown in Lane Stadium on Oct. 2, Tech received the ball in what was ulti- 2026, in Blacksburg, Va. mately the final possession of the game. The Hokies slowly but surely moved the ball, and after 15 plays and 62 yards, they rumbling into the end zone to cut the yards and three touchdowns, but on the got the ball exactly where they wanted: deficit to 14-7. other hand, he had three turnovers, also The second quarter was a back- a career-high. short field goal range for Love. They even made sure to get it to the side of the field and-forth affair: the Hokies put up The Hokies were also sorely hindered three points, the Panthers scored a by flags, being penalized eight times for that Love prefers. “He typically likes right-middle,” touchdown, answered by Tech’s own 82 yards. score, putting its lead at 24-14 with 3:18 Franklin said. “Too many penalties, specifically at Everything was set up for Love — his left in the half. Then Grunkemeyer threw critical moments in the game where we preferred hashmark, he was inside 40 his first interception of the season. Pitt let them off the hook,” Franklin said. yards and had a chance to etch himself scored two plays later to trail by three Tech outgained the Panthers 499-tointo Hokies lore. Instead, his missed kick going into the half. 295, but the offense struggled on the Grunkemeyer’s interception was the ground, only running for 65 yards on 32 will forever have a question tied to it: Did first of Tech’s four turnovers. The Penn attempts. he make it? State transfer had his first taste of failure Yet, Ayden Greene wasn’t interested in The Hokies have a chance to rebound in maroon and orange on Friday, turning on the road against Cal Saturday, Oct. 10, that controversy and focused on the rest the ball over three times. The Panthers at 3:30 p.m. ET on the ACC Network. of the game leading to the moment. “We should have never been in that scored 14 points off turnovers. “Can’t turn the ball over four times,” situation,” Greene said. “This shouldn’t Franklin said. “That’s really the issue in have come down to that. There’s a lot of the game. I think we moved the ball on areas that if we would’ve done better in, them as well as probably anybody has up we would’ve never been in that situation. to this point, but you can’t turn the ball But hard to swallow.” over four times.” Pitt’s offense finally found its footing Grunkemeyer had an extreme game; after Tech’s fast start in the first quarter, @COLLEGIATETIMES on one extreme, he had a career-high 434 with running back Ja’Kyrian Turner