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2024 Student Send-Offs

a family smiling posing outdoors at a picnic table
  • Date: Sunday, June 23
  • Time: 12:30-3:30 p.m.
  • Location: Oaksmith Residence - Annapolis, Maryland (location will be shared in registration confirmation)
  • Details: Students, families, and alumni are all invited to attend this free event! A barbecue potluck will be served. The host will provide barbecue, buns, and drinks and asks that guests bring a dish to share if they are able. There will also be raffles and swag — you do not want to miss out!
  • RSVP: Register here by Thursday, June 20.
  • Contact: Becky Oaksmith
  • Chapter Information: Follow along on the Annapolis Hokies Facebook page!
  • Date: Saturday, June 15
  • Time: 10:30 a.m.-noon.
  • Location: Manana, 111 Sandra Muraida Way, Suite 101, Austin, TX 78703
  • Details: Come for a casual meet-and-greet in downtown Austin. Incoming students, friends, family, and alumni are all invited to attend!   
  • RSVP: Register here by Tuesday, June 11.
  • Contact: Dustin Dorph
  • Chapter Information: Follow along on the Austin Hokies Facebook page!
  • Date: Sunday, June 23
  • Time: 6:30-8 p.m.
  • Location: Opie's Soft Serve & Snowballs, 1603 Edmondson Ave. #100, Catonsville, MD 21228
  • Details: Join fellow Hokies and enjoy some ice cream as we send off our new Hokies to Blacksburg! We’ll meet at an old fashioned ice cream stand, Opie’s Soft Serve & Snowball in Catonsville, Maryland. New students, families, and alumni are welcome! You may even win some Hokie Swag!
  • RSVP: Register here by Wednesday, June 19.
  • Contact: Gary Schropp
  • Chapter Information: Follow along on the Baltimore Hokies Facebook page!
  • Date: Thursday, July 18
  • Time: 6-8 p.m.
  • Location: Paradiso - 4401 McCarthy St., North Charleston, SC 29405
  • Details: Join the Charleston Hokies for their annual Student Send-Off at Paradiso! It will be an unforgettable evening celebrating Charleston's newest Hokies. This event is free to attend with appetizers, desserts, and soft drinks provided. There will also be Virginia Tech swag for all! Incoming students, families, friends, and alumni are all invited. Not a swimmer? Not to worry! There will be pool-side activities such as corn hole as well. We look forward to seeing you at Paradiso!
  • Cost to Attend:  Current and incoming Virginia Tech students and their families are free.  Alumni and other guests 10+ are $15 per person.  Kids under 10 are free. 
  • Payment:  Venmo @tprip |  PayPal @CharlestonHokies  |  Cash in-person at event
  • RSVP: Register here by Thursday, July 11.
  • Contact: Caroline Hirsch
  • Chapter Information: Follow along on the Charleston Hokies Facebook page!
  • Date: Sunday, June 9
  • Time: 1-4 p.m.
  • Location: Waveland Park, 3650 N. Recreation Drive, Chicago, IL 60614
  • Details: This is a free event and we encourage families and friends of the incoming student to attend! Snacks and swag will be provided. Check back for more details!
  • RSVP: Register here by Thursday, June 6.
  • Contact: Anna Duggins
  • Chapter Information: Follow along on the Chicago Hokies Facebook page!
  • Date: Sunday, June 23
  • Time:  3-6 p.m.
  • Location: Quarry Bluff Shelter at Lake Isabella, 10174 Loveland-Madeira Road, Loveland, OH 45140
  • Details: Join fellow Hokies, current students, future students, family, and friends as we celebrate the summer and send off the newest batch of Hokies to Blacksburg! This event is free to attend. Chapter officers will prepare smoked pork and will provide buns, BBQ sauce, bottled water, and paper products. Please bring your own additional beverages, as well as a small dish to share. If you prefer to bring your own meal, that is OK too! 
  • Parking: Entrance to the park is free. Let the gate staff know that you are attending the Virginia Tech event! 
  • RSVP:  Register here by Thursday, June 20.
  • Contact: Erica Boyd
  • Chapter Information: Follow along on the Cincinnati Hokies Facebook page!
  • Date: Saturday, June 22
  • Time: 1-3 p.m.
  • Location: Steel Hands Brewing, 2350 Foreman St., Cayce, SC 29033
  • Details: Join us as we celebrate and send off the newest batch of Hokies to Blacksburg! The event is free to attend and families are invited to be a part of this special occasion!
  • RSVP: Register here by Friday, June 21.
  • Contact: Dan Moore
  • Chapter Information: Follow along on the Columbia Hokies Facebook page!
  • Date: Saturday, June 22
  • Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
  • Location: Chicken N' Pickle - Grapevine Location, 4600 Merlot Ave., Grapevine, TX 76051
  • Details: Join the DFW Hokies to celebrate and send off the class of 2028! This event is free to all that attend and lunch will be provided.  Incoming Virginia Tech students, their families, and Virginia Tech alumni are all invited. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet other DFW students heading off to Blacksburg in the fall, and a great way for Virginia Tech parents to connect as well. We hope to see you there!
  • RSVP: Register here by Monday, June 17.
  • Contact: Michele Wentz
  • Chapter Information: Follow along on the DFW Hokies Facebook page!
  • Date: Saturday, June 22
  • Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
  • Location: Fort Ward Park, 4301 W. Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA 22304
  • Details:  Join us at the D.C. Metro Area Send-Off Picnic!  Free for admitted students and kids 10 and under, everyone else is $10 with $5 being a gift on event to D.C. Alumni Chapter Scholarship. We will be providing food and drinks and asking everyone to bring a store-bought snack, side item, or dessert to share if able. This event will give you an opportunity to meet students heading to Virginia Tech this fall and recognize D.C. area students that were awarded scholarships. Fort Ward Park is located off of 395 and the large pavilion is located at the back of the park. A one-way street runs throughout the park, with parking spots along the drive. There are two bathrooms at the park, both a fiveminute walk from the pavilion.
  • Contact: Tricia Realbuto
  • RSVP: Register here by Friday, June 14.
  • Chapter Information:  Follow along on the D.C. Metro Area Chapter Facebook page!
  • Date: Sunday, August 11
  • Time: 3 p.m.
  • Location: Given after registered
  • Details: Join the Denver Hokies as we celebrate and send off the newest batch of Hokies to Blacksburg in our summer BBQ/pool party! Our event is free to attend and we encourage families to join us as well. Please register all that plan to attend. The chapter will provide the main course for lunch and ask that guests bring a dish to share. We hope to see you there!
  • RSVP: Register here by Thursday, August 8.
  • Contact: Mark Hojegian
  • Chapter Information: Follow along on the Denver Hokies Facebook page!
  • Date: Sunday, June 2
  • Time: 4-6 p.m.
  • Location: Northern Fauquier Community Park, 4155 Monroe Parkway, Marshall, VA 20115
  • Details: Our event is free to attend. New and current Virginia Tech students, alumni, families, and friends are invited! We will have picnic food, snacks, giveaways, a silent auction, corn hole, and more!
  • RSVP: Register here by Monday, May 27.
  • Contact: Deborah Foulk Libby
  • Chapter Information: Follow along on the Fauquier Hokies Facebook and Instagram pages!
  • Date: Sunday June 23
  • Time: 1-4 p.m.
  • Location: Glasgow Park, 2275 Pulaski Highway, Newark, DE 19702 
  • Details: Lunch will be provided to include burgers and hot dogs, rolls, chips, water, and soft drinks. Please bring a dessert, salad, or other item to share if you're able. The event is free to attend for new and current Virginia Tech Students and 2024 Graduates. The cost for non-students 11 and older is $9. Payment for non-students, friends, and family can be made at the event (cash, check and Venmo will be accepted)
  • RSVP: Register here by Tuesday, June 18.
  • Contact: Howard Sholl
  • Chapter Information: Follow along on the First State Hokies Facebook page!
  • Date: Sunday, June 2
  • Time:  2-6 p.m.
  • Location: Knights of Pythias Lodge No. 22, 330 Wallace Lane, Fredericksburg, VA 22408
  • Details: Join fellow Hokies to welcome the Class of 2028 at our annual Student Send-Off picnic! Connect with new students, new student families, and fellow Fredericksburg Hokies, as we enjoy the start of summer! A cookout will be provided, along with Virginia Tech swag and a raffle in support of the Fredericksburg Alumni Chapter Scholarship.
  • RSVP: Register here by Friday, May 31.
  • Contact: Addison Pock
  • Chapter Information: Follow along on the Fredericksburg Hokies Facebook and Instagram pages!  
  • Date: Sunday, July 28
  • Time: 5-8 p.m.
  • Location: Golden Leaf Commons, 1300 Greensville County Circle, Suite B, Emporia, VA 23847
  • Details:  Join us to celebrate our 2024 Moses Clements Virginia Tech Scholarship Winners at the Greensville/Southampton Hokie Club and Alumni Chapter Annual Chapter Dinner! The event will feature all-star guest speakers Mike Burnop and Evan Hughes, a raffle and silent auction, and lots of swag! The event begins at 5 p.m. with a social hour, followed by a special steak dinner at 6 p.m.
  • Price: 
    • Incoming and current Virginia Tech students are invited to attend for $25 per person. 
    • 2024-2025 Moses Clements Scholarship recipients are invited to attend, along with one adult chaperone, at no cost for either party. 
    • All other guests are invited to attend for $40 per person.  
    • Please note: All guests 18-and-under can opt for a hamburger option for $15 per person.   
  • RSVP: Please RSVP to Mike Roach at mike.roach@perdue.com by Sunday, July 21. Include each name in your party and if you are accompanying a Virginia Tech student, as well as any mobility or dietary restrictions.
  • Payment: Please remit prompt payment for your party to the following:
    Greensville/Southampton Hokie Club and Alumni Chapter
    c/o Mike Roach
    614 East Lane Drive, Emporia, VA 23847
  • Contact: Contact Barry Grizzard at bgrizzard@davenportenergy.com with any questions.
  • Chapter Information: Follow along on the Greensville/Southampton Facebook page!
  • Date: Saturday, June 8
  • Time:  11 a.m.-1 p.m.
  • Location: Founders Park at Campbell Station, 405 N. Campbell Station Road, Farragut, TN 37934
  • Details: Join the Knoxville Alumni Chapter at the Burnside Pavilion at Founders Park. Light refreshments will be provided. We encourage families and friends to attend with their student. It is a good opportunity to meet some fellow Hokies! This event is free to attend.
  • RSVP: Register here by Monday, June 3.
  • Contact: Fred Gibson
  • Chapter Information: Follow along on the Knoxville Hokies Facebook page!
  • Date: Sunday, July 14 (Rescheduled from June 30!)
  • Time: 4-7 p.m.
  • Location: Foxridge Park, 525 Catoctin Circle SW, Leesburg, VA 20175
  • Details: Join fellow Hokies to welcome the Class of 2028 at our annual Student Send-Off cookout event! Hamburgers, hotdogs, and drinks will be provided. Families can also bring a dish to share if they are able. This event is free to attend. New and current students, their families, and alumni are encouraged to attend! There will be games to play and Virginia Tech swag to take home!
  • RSVP:  Please contact Lynnette Mergler to RSVP to this event.
  • Contact: Lynnette Mergler
  • Chapter Information: Follow along on the Loudoun County Hokies Facebook page!
  • Date: Thursday, June 20
  • Time:  5:30-8 p.m.
  • Location: Triad Park, Shelter #4, 9652 W. Market St., Kernersville, NC 27284
  • Details: This event will be a time for us to celebrate and recognize our 2024 scholarship recipient along with an opportunity to connect with current and newly enrolled students before they head off to Blacksburg! Dinner will be catered by Little Richard's BBQ. This event is free for Virginia Tech students (incoming first-year and currently enrolled) and children under eight. The guest price (over eight and non-students) is $25.   
  • RSVP: Register here by Monday, June 17. 
  • Contact: For questions or to pay for your guest, please contact Sam Ashby. The N.C. Triad Chapter accepts Zelle (jgoff717@triad.rr.com) or cash/check at the event.
  • Chapter Information: Follow along on the N.C. Triad Hokies Facebook and Meetup pages!
  • Date: Sunday, July 21
  • Time: 1-3 p.m.
  • Location: Private home, Nashville, TN (location will be shared in registration confirmation)
  • Details: Join us for an afternoon to celebrate new students going to Virginia Tech from the Middle Tennessee area. The event will be hosted at the home of a local Nashville Hokie alum with food and drinks provided. Bring your family and come meet other students going to Virginia Tech and local alumni! 



  • RSVP: Please here by Saturday, July 13.
  • Contact: Please contact Jill Heyman to confirm your registration and to receive the host address.
  • Chapter Information: Follow along on the Nashville Hokies Facebook page!
  • Date: Sunday, June 2
  • Time: 2–4 p.m.
  • Location: Sugarloaf Shelter D at Lewis Morris Park, 270 Mendham Road, Morris Township, NJ 07960  (Please note:  this is a change from the previous location, Loantaka Brook Reservation)
  • Details: Join us for the New Jersey Hokies Student Send-Off picnic. It is a great way for our rising first-year students to meet other New Jersey students heading to Blacksburg this fall, and a great way to connect with other families.  Guests are encouraged to either pack a picnic lunch or place an order with the New Jersey Chapter for Jersey Mike's (instructions are provided in the registration link below).
  • RSVP: Register here by Tuesday, May 28.
  • Cost to Attend:  There is a $5 per person fee to attend or $20 per person inclusive of lunch from Jersey Mike's.  Once you register, make your food selection hereThen, pay for you and your guests via Venmo:  @kevin-finn-29   
  • Contact:  Shreya Malhotra
  • Date: Sunday, July 28
  • Time: 4:30-7:30 p.m.
  • Location: Huntington Beach State Park, 21601 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92646
  • Details: The Orange County alumni will gather at Huntington Beach State Park for a summer beach party student send-off for incoming first-year students to start their college life at Virginia Tech!  Incoming students and their families and all OC alumni are welcome. This event is free to attend. Alumni are asked to bring a dinner dish to share and personal choice of beverage (no alcohol please). Bottled water and all picnic supplies will be provided. Students will also receive special Virginia Tech swag.
  • RSVP: Register here by Wednesday, July 24.
  • Contact: Steve Blazier
  • Chapter Information: Follow along on the OC Hokies Facebook page for event updates and to get to know the chapter!
  • Date: Saturday, June 22
  • Time: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Location:  Southside Park, Shelter #2, 417 Baldwin Road, Greenville, SC 29607
  • Details: Join fellow Hokies to welcome the Class of 2028 at our annual Student Send-Off picnic! BBQ and drinks will be provided and is free to incoming and current students and their families. The charge is $10 per guest for chapter members and alumni, payments to be made to the Palmetto Alumni Chapter through the following options: @HokieDream on Venmo, @VTAApalmetto on PayPal, or mail a check to the VTAA Palmetto Chapter to 9 Brunson St., Greenville, SC 29607.
  • RSVP: Register here by Monday, June 17.
  • Contact: Amber Stroupe
  • Chapter Information: Follow along on the Palmetto Hokies Facebook page!

 

  • Date: Saturday, June 29
  • Time: 1-4 p.m.
  • Location: War Memorial Stadium, 1889 W. Pembroke Ave., Hampton, VA 23661
  • Details: Snacks and beverages will be provided. We will have information to share with both students and parents, free Virginia Tech swag, and we will be hosting a raffle for a prized Virginia Tech item. This event is free for all that can attend.
  • RSVP: Register here by Tuesday, June 25.
  • Contact: Louise Schaeffler
  • Chapter Information: Follow along on the Peninsula Hokies Facebook page!
  • Date: Sunday, June 30
  • Time: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
  • Location: Kohler Park, 1013 Horsham Road, Ambler, PA 19002
  • Details:  We will have food and refreshments. $15 for adults, $7.50 for children, $5 for incoming first-year students.
  • RSVP: Register here by Wednesday, June 26.
  • Contact: Greg Zesinger
  • Chapter Information: Follow along on the Philadelphia Hokies Facebook page!
  • Date: Saturday, June 15
  • Time: 4-6 p.m.
  • Location: Flagstaff Hill at Schenely Park
  • Details: Meet up with fellow Pittsburgh Hokies, new students, and their families at Schenely Park. Snacks and drinks will be provided and there is no cost to attend. Let's send the new Hokie class off in style! 
  • RSVP: Register here by Tuesday, June 11.
  • Contact: Hannah Samlall
  • Chapter Information: Follow along on the Pittsburgh Hokies Facebook page!
  • Date: Saturday, May 18
  • Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
  • Location: Robious Landing Park, Shelter #1, 3800 James River Road, Midlothian, VA 23113
  • Details: Current students and fellow Richmond Hokies are all invited! Young alumni and Richmond Hokie parents will be in attendance to answer all your questions about student life (and parent life!) at Virginia Tech. The event is free to attend and we encourage families to attend! Lunch and Virginia Tech swag will be provided! Don't forget your maroon and orange!
  • RSVP: Register here by Wednesday, May 15.
  • Contact: Steve Smith
  • Chapter Information: Follow along on the Richmond Hokies Facebook page!
  • Date:  Sunday, July 14
  • Time: 4-6 p.m.
  • Location: Picnic Pavilion at Explore Park, 3900 Rutrough Road, Roanoke, VA 24014. The Picnic Pavilion is located adjacent to the Lot B parking area to the left of Twin Creeks Brew Pub and has easy access to the Foresters Trail entrance, the children's nature playground, and the Explore Park Visitor Center. 
  • Details: Join the Roanoke Hokies for their annual Student Send-Off picnic! This event is free for all incoming Virginia Tech students and $10 per person for all other participants — family, friends, and Virginia Tech alumni. A catered BBQ picnic and beverages will be provided. We look forward to meeting the future Virginia Tech class of 2028! 
  • RSVP: Register here by Monday, July 8.
  • Contact: Amanda Hurst
  • Chapter Information: Follow along on the Roanoke Hokies Facebook page!
  • Date: Saturday, June 8
  • Time: 1-5 p.m.
  • Location: Pittsfield Township Pavilion, 1083 Airport Drive #1043, Ann Arbor, MI 48108
  • Details: Join the Southeastern Michigan Hokies as we celebrate and send off the newest batch of Hokies to Blacksburg! This event is free to attend and we encourage families to join in the fun! Guests are requested to bring a dish to pass. The chapter will provide water and soda. Don't forget your Hokie colors!
  • RSVP: Register here by Wednesday, May 29.
  • Contact: Shankar Narayanan
  • Chapter Information: Follow along on the Southeastern Michigan Hokies Facebook page!
  • Date: Thursday, Aug. 1
  • Time:  5-8 p.m.
  • Location: New Hope Baptist Church, 255 Union Mill Road, La Crosse, VA 23950
  • Details: Join fellow Hokies to welcome the Class of 2028 at our annual Student Send-Off event! New students, current students, families, and alumni are all invited. Refreshments and Virginia Tech swag will be provided.
  • RSVP: Register here by Saturday, July 27.
  • Contact: Frank Turner
  • Chapter Information: Southside Alumni Chapter
  • Date: Saturday, Aug. 17    
  • Time:  4-7 p.m.
  • Location:  Campbell Residence, 446 White Oak Landing Lane, King William, VA 23086
  • Details: Join us on the beautiful Mattaponi River for our Annual Crab Feast and Student Send-Off event! Kick back and enjoy a leisurely boat ride and friendly corn hole competition. See friends and wish our newest Hokies the best as they prepare for a great year in Blacksburg! There will be steamed crabs, burgers, hot dogs, side dishes, dessert, and beverages for all! There will also be a 50/50 raffle to benefit the Tideneck Chapter Scholarship Fund.
    Pricing: Registration is free for Virginia Tech students and kids 12 and under. The price for all other guests is $55 and includes all food and beverages. 
  • RSVP: The deadline to register is Monday, Aug. 5. Please RSVP by email to Ronnie Gill, or by phone at 804-445-3447. 
  • Payment: Please remit prompt payment by check to VTAA Tideneck Chapter, with the following mailing address: P.O. Box 373, Tappahannock, Virginia 22560.
  • Contact: Ronnie Gill by email or phone at 804-445-3447.
  • Chapter Information: Follow along on our Facebook event page
  • Date: Sunday, June 23
  • Time: 4-7 p.m.
  • Location: Shorebreak Pizza & Taphouse, 2941 Shore Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
  • Details: Join fellow Hokies to welcome the Class of 2028 at our annual Student Send-Off event! Incoming and current students, families, and alumni are all invited. Pizza, beverages, and Virginia Tech swag will be provided and there is no cost to attend! Check the Tidewater Hokies Facebook page for additional details!
  • RSVP: Register here by Sunday, June 16.
  • Contact: Robyn Walters
  • Chapter Information: Follow along on the Follow along on the Tidewater Hokies Facebook page!
  • Date: Sunday, June 9
  • Time:  5:45 p.m.
  • Location: Tri-City Chili Peppers, 901 Meridian Ave., Colonial Heights, VA 23834
  • Details: Join fellow Tri-City Hokies for an evening of fun as we welcome the Class of 2028 at Virginia Tech Night with the Tri-City Chili Peppers! We will meet at the Coca-Cola Patio where the Tri-City Hokies have reserved seating.  
  • RSVP: Register here by Wednesday, June 5.   
  • Tickets to the Game: Purchase your ticket(s) to the game here. Tickets include general admission seating and dinner at the Coca-Cola Patio. Additional details regarding food are provided in the ticket link above.
  • Contact: Julie Smart Koob
  • Chapter Information: Follow along on the Tri-Cities Hokies Facebook page!
  • Date: Sunday, June 23
  • Time: 5-7 p.m.
  • Location: North Cary Park Picnic Shelter, 1100 Norwell Blvd., Cary, NC 27513
  • Details: Join the Triangle Hokies as we celebrate and send off the newest batch of Hokies to Blacksburg! The event is free to attend and will include a sandwich buffet, complete with sides, drinks, and dessert. Vegetarian and gluten-free options will also be provided. Families, current students, and alumni are encouraged to attend.
  • RSVP: Register here by Tuesday, June 18.
  • Contact: Betsy Harris
  • Chapter Information: Follow along on the Triangle Hokies Facebook page!
  • Date: Wednesday, May 15
  • Time:  5:30-7:30 p.m.
  • Location: Center Street Grill, 5101 Center St., Williamsburg, VA 23188
  • Details: Join fellow Hokies to welcome the Virginia Tech Class 2028! Light refreshments will be provided and we encourage family and friends of the student to attend! It is a great opportunity to meet fellow local classmates (and parents!) entering Virginia Tech in the fall. We will have Virginia Tech swag and a Virginia Tech item to raffle off! 
  • RSVP: Register here by noon on Tuesday, May 14.
  • Contact: Hugh Newton
  • Chapter Information: Follow along on the Williamsburg Hokies Facebook page!