I have been around Virginia Tech my whole life. My wife and I are both proud graduates with a profound love for the university. All three of our sons are now also Hokies (a graduate, an upcoming Senior and a freshman). Yesterday, we moved our youngest into New Cadet Hall in preparation for New Cadet Week. The VTCC is experiencing a resurgence and will be the largest Corps since 1963. Like most VT students and alumni, I have always had great respect and admiration for the Corps of Cadets. I enjoyed seeing the sharp dressed Cadets as I walked across the Drillfield. I love when the entire Corps marches down Beamer Way into Lane Stadium. From afar, I have enjoyed watching some of the pageantry of the VTCC at special events. However, after yesterday, I now have a new found, deeper, appreciation of the Corps. From the Commandant and his leadership team, to the upper-class Cadets (Cadre), down to the first day Cadets and their families, I could not have been more impressed. In fact, I would say that yesterday I felt more pride in Virginia Tech than any other day of my life (and for me that's a very bold statement). The move in was efficient and extremely organized. The presentations for parents were informative, inspirational, awe-inspiring, buy yet also completely factual. They did not mince words on the challenges that lie ahead for our New Cadets. The history, traditions, and successes of recent Corps graduates were highlighted. The tenants inscribed on the Pylons are also etched in their daily lives and training. What a contrast to the general orientation session that I attended a couple of weeks ago, where the emphasis was on pronoun usage, inclusivity, and "can't we all just get along". Many sessions were not even informative, instead they were filled with feel-good topics and political correctness. The history and traditions, the academic successes, and the words on the Pylons were not even discussed. After returning home from orientation, I was distressed about the direction the university was heading (I still am!). However, after experiencing New Cadet move in day, I am encouraged that the Virginia Tech that I know and love still exists. The VTCC truly embodies what makes Virginia Tech such a special and unique place. This is not a knock on the general student population. In fact, I hear from many current students that, despite the Administration's PC agenda, the true campus culture among students is holding strong. I now realize more than ever that the foundation of our beloved university is the Corps of Cadets, and as long as this organization stays strong, so will Virginia Tech!
[Post edited by vt88hokie at 08/12/2018 11:07AM]