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Schedule

The VIP Summit will be held in Blacksburg on Thursday, June 4.

Summit volunteers are also invited to attend Alumni Weekend for free. If you would like to bring additional guests, please add them when completing your summit registration. 

9 a.m.-noon Summit Registration Open (Hitt Hall, lobby/foyer outside Perry Place)

9:30-10:30 a.m. Networking Kickoff: Coffee and Conversations (Hitt Hall, Perry Place)

  • This will an informal opportunity to socialize with other university volunteers, explore some of the eateries in one of the our newest buildings, and even pose for a new head shot.

10:45-11:45 a.m. Cultivating Community: Student Affairs at Virginia Tech  (Hitt Hall, conference room 338)

  • Hear from Frances Keene, vice president for Student Affairs, on how Virginia Tech fosters belonging and connection across campus. Learn about key initiatives supporting student success, well-being, and engagement.

11:45 a.m. to noon Travel from Hitt Hall to Data and Decision Sciences Building

  • Hitt Hall and the Data and Decision Sciences Building are conveniently located within walking distance of one another, making it easy to move between sessions on foot. For added convenience, golf cart shuttles will also be available for those who prefer not to walk or would like assistance getting between locations.

Noon-1:15 p.m. Lunch - AI at Virginia Tech: Insights from University Leaders (Data and Decision Sciences Building Lobby)

  • Moderated by Rich Smalling ’86, this session features Virginia Tech leaders Amy Sebring, executive vice president and chief operating officer, and Dan Sui, senior vice president and chief research and innovation officer, sharing insights on the university’s approach to artificial intelligence. Explore key initiatives, emerging opportunities, and how AI is shaping research, teaching, and operations across campus.

1:15-1:30 p.m. Transition to Breakouts

1:30-2:15 p.m. The Future of Virginia Tech: An Inside Look at the University’s Strategic Planning Process (Data and Decision Sciences Building)

  • Join Menah Pratt, vice President for Strategic Affairs, for an inside look at Virginia Tech’s strategic planning process. This session will highlight the university’s vision, priorities, and key initiatives shaping its future.      

2:15-2:30 p.m. Transition and Refreshment Break

2:30-3:15 p.m. Coaching Today’s Student-Athlete: Perspectives from Virginia Tech Coaches (Data and Decision Sciences Building, Rooms 150 and 155)

  • Hear directly from Virginia Tech coaches as they share insights on coaching, counseling, and mentoring today’s student-athletes. This session will explore the evolving needs of college athletes and the ways coaches support their development on and off the field.

3:15-3:30 p.m. Transition to Closing Session

3:30-4 p.m. Closing Plenary: Celebrating Impact and Looking Ahead (Data and Decision Sciences Building Lobby)

  • Join us for a closing plenary that reflects on the collective impact of the day, celebrates the contributions of our volunteers, and looks ahead to the opportunities before us.

4-5:30 p.m. Cocktail and Networking Reception (Data and Decision Sciences Building Lobby and Outside Patio)

  • Unwind and continue conversations from the day while you build new relationships with fellow volunteers and university leaders.