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"*": "{{Infobox weapon\n| name = \"Skipper\"\n| image = Skipper firing.jpg\n| caption = \"Skipper\" is fired at every home football game, during pre-game ceremonies (photo) and after every score.\n| type = Virginia Tech game cannon\n<!-- Type selection -->| service = Skipper:1963-1982; Skipper II:1984-present\n| wars = autumn weekends\n| designer = [[Homer Hickam]]\n| number = 2\n| spec_label = \n| length = Skipper II: 70 in.\n| width = n/a\n| height = n/a\n| diameter = 6\" (Skipper II: 3\")\n| action = single charge\n| image_size = 250\n| origin = United States\n| is_ranged = \n| is_artillery = \n| used_by = [[Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets]]\n| design_date = 1963 (c1860 Civil War replica)\n| manufacturer = Virginia Foundry Co.; [[Lorton Reformatory]]\n| unit_cost = \n| production_date = Skipper:1963; Skipper II:1984\n| variants = marking: 'VTCC 1964 - 65 - 66 - 67'\n| weight = 1000 lbs (Skipper II: 800 lbs)\n| part_length = \n| crew = \"Skipper Crew\" - (10 cadet team)\n| cartridge = varies\n| caliber = \n| barrels = 1\n| rate = \n| velocity = n/a\n| range = n/a\n| max_range = \n| feed = \n| sights = \n| breech = \n| recoil = \n| carriage = custom\n| elevation = \n| traverse = \n}}\n'''\"Skipper\"''' is the name of the [[Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets]]' cannon that is sounded at home football games and other events.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vtcc.vt.edu|title=Official website: Virginia Tech - Corps of Cadets}}</ref> The game cannon was created by a group of cadets in 1963 for [[Virginia Tech Hokies football|Virginia Tech football games]] and special events .<ref name=\":0\">{{Cite web|url=http://www.vtmag.vt.edu/winter14/corps.html|title=Celebrating Skipper|last=Cox|first=Maj. Carrie|date=2013|website=www.vtmag.vt.edu|access-date=January 29, 2018}}</ref><ref name=\":6\">{{Cite web|url=http://www.unirel.vt.edu/history/students_alumni/traditions.html|title=Traditions - Skipper|date=2018|website=www.unirel.vt.edu|access-date=January 29, 2018}}</ref>\n\n== Background ==\n===Corps of Cadets===\n{{main|Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets}}\n[[Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State Univ|Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University (Virginia Tech)]] was founded in 1872 as a military school, originally named, ''Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College'' (VAMC).<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://vt.edu/about/traditions.html|title=Virginia Tech - History and Traditions|work=www.vt.edu|access-date=2018-02-07|language=en}}</ref> Since the end of World War II, Virginia Tech's students have been primarily civilians, although the [[Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets]] has maintained a strong presence on campus, carrying on the rich military traditions of the school. Virginia Tech is one of six universities, outside of the four service academies with an active cadet corps on campus, and is designated as a [[senior military college]].<ref name=\":1\">{{Cite news|url=https://www.si.com/college-football/2014/09/02/team-traditions-virginia-tech-cannon|title=Team traditions: Virginia Tech's cannon deeply rooted in history|work=SI.com|access-date=2018-01-30|language=en}}</ref>\n[[File:Skipper 1963 VMI game.jpg|thumb|260px|Skipper in its inaugural [[1963 VPI Gobblers football team|1963]] game—a 35–20 win over VMI.]]\n\n=== Thanksgiving Day rivalry game ===\n{{main|VMI\u2013VPI football rivalry}}[[VMI\u2013Virginia Tech football rivalry|Virginia Tech (VPI) and Virginia Military Institute (VMI)]] first played each other in 1894, and annually from 1913-1971, on Thanksgiving Day at [[Victory Stadium]] in [[Roanoke, Virginia]]. The official name of Virginia Tech until 1969 was \"''Virginia Polytechnic Institute\"'', commonly referred to as \"VPI\". The football game, known as the \u201c''Military Classic of the South''\u201d was part of a full day of festivities, including a [[parade]] from downtown Roanoke to [[Victory Stadium]] for the game. The cadets from VPI and [[VMI Keydets|VMI]] both marched in the parade. After the teams completed formation in the stadium, [[VMI Keydets|VMI]] fired its game cannon, named \"''Little John''\" and chanted, \"''Where's your cannon!?!''\" directed at the VPI side of the stadium. VPI had no response.<ref name=\":2\">{{Cite web|url=https://spec.lib.vt.edu/archives/125th/cadets/cannon.htm|title=History of \"Skipper\" Ceremonial Cannon of the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets|website=spec.lib.vt.edu|access-date=2018-01-30}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://vtspecialcollections.wordpress.com/2013/11/27/thanksgiving-traditions-at-virginia-tech/|title=Thanksgiving traditions at Virginia Tech|date=2013-11-27|work=Special Collections at Virginia Tech|access-date=2018-01-30|language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=\":3\">{{Cite web|url=https://mse.vt.edu/content/dam/mse_vt_edu/skipper/SkipperBulletinWEB.pdf|title=SKIPPER - A Virginia Tech Tradition Since 1963|last=Ellis|first=L.A.|date=2004|website=www.vt.edu|access-date=January 29, 2018}}</ref><ref name=\":7\">{{Cite web|url=http://www.vtmag.vt.edu/sum00/feature1.html|title=The Birth of Skipper- October Sky author tells the story of his role in the creation of Tech's cannon|last=Hickam|first=Homer \"Sonny\"|date=2000|website=www.vtmag.vt.edu|access-date=2018-01-30}}</ref>\n\nIn 1962, two juniors in the ''Alpha Company'' of the [[Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets]], [[Thunder Over Louisville|Alton \"Butch\" Harper]] and [[Homer Hickam|Homer \"Sonny\" Hickam]], made a solemn pact to have a reply for [[VMI Keydets|VMI]] in 1963 and build the '''largest game cannon in the world''.' <ref name=\":2\" /><ref name=\":7\" />\n\n==History==\n===Planning and funding===\nThe cadets formulated a strategic plan for making the cannon in time for the big game. The biggest task was fundraising since the school administration declined to be directly involved. The 1700 cadets would somehow have to come up with the money themselves. To make things slightly easier, Harper was named to the Regimental Staff, allowing him direct access to alumni to ask for donations. Meanwhile, Hickam became an officer in ''A Squadron.'' Also, George Fox, another friend from ''A Squadron'' volunteered to help.<ref name=\":2\" /><ref name=\":7\" />\n\nHickam resourcefully procured authentic blueprints for a Civil War style cannon barrel. The cadets planned to make a wooden mock-up of a mold for the barrel with assistance from the college of mechanical engineering. The industrial engineering department took the mock-up on as a class project. The full-scale mold became an essential marketing tool for earning the support of the cadets.<ref name=\":2\" /><ref name=\":7\" />\n\nHickam, Harper, and Fox held sixteen 'show & tell' type meetings where the mold was exhibited and explained to every cadet in every company and squadron on campus. At the end of the meetings, every cadet was ask to donate one dollar or whatever he could give. Enthusiasm and support within the Corps grew with each meeting. The success of the mission would depend upon the cadets' passion as much as their pennies. In recognition, the face of the barrel is marked ''\"VTCC 1964-65-66-67\"'' to honor of all of the class years at the time.<ref name=\":3\" /><ref name=\":2\" /><ref name=\":7\" />\n\nThrough their passion, planning, perseverance and tireless effort, three cadets with a dream, managed to earn the support of the entire Corps of Cadets, its alumni, and faculty.<ref name=\":2\" /><ref name=\":0\" /><ref name=\":7\" />\n\n=== Making the cannon ===\n[[File:Workhouse1.jpg|thumb|262x262px|The [[Lorton Reformatory]] workshops, where \"Skipper's\" carriage was fabricated in 1963]]\n\n==== The Barrel ====\n\nDue to its superior characteristics, brass was chosen for the barrel. The cadets were requested to donate whatever brass they could scavenge including: brass breastplates, belt buckles, and hat grommets. Large brass gears were obtained from a coal mine in [[Coalwood, West Virginia]] where Hickam's father was the superintendent. The cadets also retrieved spent brass bullet shell casings from the school's firing range.<ref name=\":1\" /><ref name=\":3\" /><ref name=\":7\" />\n\nArrangements were made to have the barrel made at the ''Virginia Foundry Company'' in [[Roanoke, Virginia]]. The foundry's president, Paul Huffman was sworn to secrecy and when the cadets asked about the forging price, he replied ''\"You don't have enough, but I'm a member of the Corps Class of '37 and VPI has needed a cannon for a long time. We'll be making that barrel for you for nothing. Just blow the heck out of them for us, will ya!?\"'' <ref name=\":7\" />\n\nThe cadets brought the brass and wooden mold to the foundry for Huffman to cast the barrel. Huffman called a few days later to report a minor setback. It appeared that not all of the shell casings from the firing range were empty. When the brass was poured into the vat for melting, a series of small explosions erupted, sending everyone ducking for cover from the sound of gunfire. Thankfully, the only \"casualties\" were the walls of the foundry. As a precaution, Huffman replaced the remaining casings with navy gun metal brass from the foundry's stock, which was stronger and safer than the brass the cadets had collected.<ref name=\":2\" /><ref name=\":3\" /><ref name=\":7\" />\n\n==== The Carriage ====\nOnce everything was sent to the foundry for the barrel, the cadets focused on finding a means for transporting the new artillery. They located a woodworking shop that specialized in era-appropriate, Civil War gun carriages at [[Lorton Reformatory]], near Washington D.C. The shop had created authentic wooden artillery carriages for local [[National Battlefield Park]]s, such as [[Gettysburg Battlefield]]. All of the money saved from the donated barrel went to pay for Skipper's carriage and the difference was paid by the State of Virginia.<ref name=\":3\" />\n\nOn Nov. 22, 1963, less than a week before the VMI game, the cadets rented a truck to pick up the cannon. Upon arriving in Roanoke, all of the foundry company workers were on hand to proudly present the brass barrel to the cadets, shaking their hands and cheering them off to pick up the carriage in Lorton. After a long ride across the state, they found the reformatory to be a lot less inviting, but the carriage was ready nonetheless. It took the entire group to load the carriage into the truck and they started the trek home, excited to show the Corps of Cadets its new cannon. Shortly after leaving Lorton, the group learned over the radio that [[President Kennedy]] had been shot. They continued home with dampened spirits, only to learn he had died before they returned to Blacksburg, pre-empting any type of celebratory reception awaiting them on campus.<ref name=\":2\" /><ref name=\":4\">{{Cite news|url=https://vtnews.vt.edu/articles/2013/10/101713-corps-skipper.html|title=Virginia Tech to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Skipper, the Corps of Cadets cannon|access-date=2018-01-30|language=en}}</ref><ref name=\":1\" />\n\n=== Naming the cannon ===\n[[File:JFK being awarded the Navy Marine Corps Medal.jpg|alt=Lt. John F. Kennedy, USNR, is awarded the Navy and Marine Corps medal for \"...extremely heroic conduct as Commanding Officer of Motor Torpedo Boat 109...\". The Medal was presented to John F. Kennedy by Captain Frederick L. Conklin, Commandant of the Chelsea Naval Hospital, at the hospital in Massachusetts for Kennedy's heroics in the rescue of the crew of PT 109 during WWII on August 2, 1943 when the motor torpedo boat was struck by a Japanese destroyer.|thumb|Skipper's namesake, PT boat captain, \"Skipper\" John F. Kennedy |175x175px]][[File:Early VPI cadet.jpg|thumb|228x228px|A VPI cadet (c1950s)]]The cadets had been brainstorming for a name for the cannon. The majority of names being suggested were in honor of former Corps of Cadet war heroes such as: \"''The [[Major Lloyd W. Williams|Major Williams]] Memorial Cannon''\", but nothing truly uniquely compelling. It started to become clear that the cannon would in some way need to be named to honor [[John F. Kennedy]]. JFK's legacy and naval background became the inspiration for the naming of the cannon. In his career with [[United States Navy|the Navy]], Kennedy was the captain, or \"Skipper\", of a [[Patrol torpedo boat PT-109|PT boat]] during World War II. Additionally, the name, \"Skipper\" had a meaning within the Corps itself. It was the traditional title for a ''senior private'', a senior without any stripes. Harper and Hickam decided that the cannon would be named ''Skipper'', to honor both JFK and the Corps of Cadets.<ref name=\":2\" /><ref name=\":7\" />\n\n=== Testing and Salute to JFK ===\nThe Virginia Tech campus golf course was chosen as the first test site for Skipper. Although Hickam had extensive experience with rockets, none of the cadets knew how to fire a cannon. To make matters more challenging, a fuse hole had not been drilled in the barrel at the foundry. The cadets filled scavenged plastic ketchup and mustard squeeze bottles with black gunpowder for the charges, topped with an ordinary cherry bomb for the fuse.<ref name=\":2\" />\n\nThe first public firing of Skipper was on the lawn of Brodie and Rasche Halls. The formal exhibition was held to both test the barrel's strength and to salute the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets. Coincidentally, all military installations traditionally give a 50 gun salute to a fallen U.S. President. So, the first true firing of Skipper was a fifty-round salute to President Kennedy. The cadets' tireless efforts were rewarded as they witnessed Skipper's first performance in front of the entire Corps of Cadets with an emotional fifty-round salute to JFK.<ref name=\":2\" /><ref name=\":0\" /><ref name=\":7\" />\n\n=== The 1963 Thanksgiving Day game ===\n{{main|VMI\u2013VPI football rivalry}}Skipper made its game day debut on Thanksgiving Day, November 28, 1963, when VMI and VPI met for the annual rivalry football game, also known as the \u201c''Military Classic of the South''\u201d. There had been some speculation that the game might be cancelled due to Kennedy's assassination, but it proceeded as scheduled. Before the game, the announcer asked for a minute of silence for President Kennedy.<ref name=\":3\" /><ref name=\":7\" />\n\nPrior to the game, the cadets hid the cannon in the stadium. After the VMI cadets chanted, \"''Where's your Cannon?!?\"'' fifty Virginia Tech cadets emerged from under the bleachers, pulling the 1,000 pound cannon with two heavy ropes. As Skipper entered the stadium, the [[Highty-Tighties]] played, \"''The Parade of the Charioteers''\", a grand song from the movie, [[Ben-Hur (1959 film)|Ben Hur]]. They strategically positioned Skipper on the field and shot it directly at the opposing sidelines. Cadets hats were blown off and football players nearby were almost knocked over. The VMI corps became silent and never chanted again.<ref name=\":2\" /><ref name=\":7\" />\n\nSkipper was fired after every Virginia Tech score; a tradition that remains today. After one touchdown, late in the game, the cadets gave Skipper a triple-charge, which sent a shock wave across the field and through the stands, cracking the plate glass windows in the press box. The [[public address announcer]] and a nearby policeman immediately directed the cadets to aim Skipper away from the press box. The Hokies won the game 35-20.<ref name=\":2\" /><ref name=\":7\" />\n\n=== 1982 blowout and retirement ===\nAfter Skipper suffered a catastrophic blowout after Military Ball in February 1982 (the traditional Skipper change of command within F-Troop, which at the time was responsible for the cannon and had been for years), its campaign was ended and its barrel was retired.<ref name=\":1\" /> Skipper had dutifully served Virginia Tech for 19 years. Skipper's original brass barrel has been preserved and was placed on permanent display in the lobby of ''The New Cadet Dorm'' in September, 2017. The barrel had previously been exhibited at the Holtzman Alumni Center Museum on [[Virginia Tech campus|Virginia Tech's campus]] since 2005.<ref name=\":3\" />\n\n== Skipper II ==\nIn 1984, Paul Huffman Jr., a 1978 graduate from the Virginia Tech materials engineering department, and son of Skipper's original maker, Paul Huffman Sr., eagerly volunteered to design and make a replacement cannon at no charge. Skipper's original carriage was serviceable, so focusing on the barrel design, Huffman traveled to [[Gettysburg Battlefield]] for research and selected a [[Confederate States Army|Confederate]] ''iron rifle'' to replicate. Its design compares to a [[3-inch ordnance rifle]], which is 70 inches long and weighs about 800 pounds.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Skipper |url=https://vtx.vt.edu/content/vtx_vt_edu/en/articles/2021/11/whats-in-it0.html |access-date=2022-10-12 |website=vtx.vt.edu |language=en}}</ref> Huffman solicited nearby [[New River Valley]] tradesmen for help and they were more than willing to assist. The companies donated materials and helped to make the new cannon, which became known as, ''\"Skipper II\"''.<ref name=\":0\" /><ref name=\":3\" />\n\n''Skipper II'' debuted at the homecoming game at Lane Stadium in October, 1984, nearly 21 years after the original Skipper first sounded. ''Skipper II'' was designed and constructed to be much more durable than Skipper and has been in operation since the mid 1980s. Other than regular maintenance, ''Skipper II'' has persevered, receiving just a few minor repairs in 2010.<ref>{{Cite news |last=editor |first=Liana Bayne, associate news |title=Skipper Crew confident cannon will be repaired |language=en |work=Collegiate Times |url=http://www.collegiatetimes.com/news/virginia_tech/skipper-crew-confident-cannon-will-be-repaired/article_7c7dca04-0822-5161-ab55-d06a1bef875e.html |access-date=2018-01-30}}</ref> Although the official title of the cannon is \"Skipper II\", it is commonly referred to simply as \"Skipper\".\n\nIn 2015, Skipper was issued its very own quarters in the newly constructed cadet dorm, now called Pearson Hall East. Skipper's home is often referred to as the \u201cCave.\u201d <ref>{{Cite web |title=Skipper |url=https://vtx.vt.edu/content/vtx_vt_edu/en/articles/2021/11/whats-in-it0.html |access-date=2022-10-12 |website=vtx.vt.edu |language=en}}</ref> The glass enclosure is situated in a highly visible location in the Upper Quad, adjacent to Pearson Hall East's main lobby and easily accessible for all students, alumni, and visitors to admire Skipper between home games and during the off-season.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Pearson Hall |language=en |url=https://vt.edu/about/buildings/pearson-hall.html |access-date=2018-01-30}}</ref>\n\n== Legacy ==\nSince 1963, Skipper has been fired after every Virginia Tech score at every home football game. Home games were played on the Virginia Tech campus at [[Miles Stadium]] until 1965, when the team's current home field, [[Lane Stadium]] opened. Beginning in 2014, Skipper has been on hand to sound the start of festivities at the \"Hokie Village\", a family oriented tailgate located near the stadium at all home games.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.hokiesports.com/football/recaps/20140820aaa.html|title=Virginia Tech set to debut Hokie Village fan festival|website=hokiesports.com|language=en|access-date=2018-02-18}}</ref>[[File:Virginia Tech skipper crew.jpg|thumb|223x223px|''Skipper Crew'' with Skipper at [[Lane Stadium]] on game day.(c.2010)]][[File:Skipper's quarters - Pearson Hall.jpg|thumb|223x223px|Skipper's quarters (\"The Cave\") in Pearson Hall East (2015)]]\n\n=== Skipper Crew ===\nThe '<nowiki/>''Skipper Crew'<nowiki/>'' is the name given to the unit responsible for the care-taking, maintenance, and operations of Skipper. The team consists of seventeen sophomore and junior cadets, which in-turn selects their underclassmen successors in a designated ceremony. '<nowiki/>''Skipper Crew''' is led by the ''gun captain,'' and has become one of the most recognizable symbols of both the Corps of Cadets and Virginia Tech.<ref name=\":0\" /><ref name=\":6\" /><ref name=\":1\" /><ref name=\":5\">{{Cite news|url=https://vtnews.vt.edu/articles/2017/11/corps-skipper.html|title=Skipper Crew cadets put in hard work to maintain Virginia Tech's football tradition|access-date=2018-01-30|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://vtnews.vt.edu/articles/2017/11/corps-skipper.html|title=Skipper Crew cadets put in hard work to maintain Virginia Tech's football tradition|access-date=2018-09-08|language=en}}</ref>\n\nAfter a corps-wide reorganization in the 1970s, and through the 1990s, the Skipper Crew was dominated by members of ''Company F.'' Two out of every three new freshmen in \"F-Troop\" were tapped for the crew. In the 1990s, cadets not originally from C''ompany F'' were frequently rotated into the Skipper Crew after sophomore year.<ref>App, Eric D. (\"B93\"), who was a Skipper Crew member of Bravo Company, Class of 1993, and who rotated into Foxtrot Company as a junior cadet along with other members of the Skipper Crew of that era.</ref>\n\n=== Caldwell March ===\n[[File:\"Skipper\".jpg|alt=Skipper at the Battle of Bristol (2016)|thumb|Skipper at the Battle of Bristol (2016)]]\nSkipper is sounded at the conclusion of the ''Caldwell March'', a traditional hike by freshman cadets every fall and spring semester. Each leg is 13 miles commemorating the journey made by [[Addison Caldwell]], Virginia Tech's first student from his farm in [[Craig County, Virginia|Craig County]]. Former cadet and skipper's builder, [[Homer Hickam]] has joined the March on some occasions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://gobblerconnect.vt.edu/event/1894577|title=Corps of Cadets Spring Caldwell March|website=gobblerconnect.vt.edu|language=en|access-date=2018-03-24}}</ref>\n\n=== Milestones ===\nOn Oct. 31, 2014, the Corps of Cadets held a 50-year anniversary celebration for Skipper in Burruss Hall auditorium. Hickam, Harper, and Fox were present for the celebration, which was followed by a 21-gun salute by Skipper II on the Drillfield at the center of campus.<ref name=\":4\" /><ref name=\":0\" />\n\nOn September 10, 2016, for the first time in its history, Skipper traveled outside the [[Virginia|Commonwealth of Virginia]] for the [[2016 Pilot Flying J Battle at Bristol|Battle at Bristol]], the kickoff game against the [[University of Tennessee Volunteers]]. It was played on the infield at [[Bristol Motor Speedway]] in [[Bristol, Tennessee]] in front of 156,990 people, the largest audience to ever watch a [[college football]] game.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2016/09/10/battle-at-bristol-draws-ncaa-record-crowd-of-156-990/90215608/|title='Battle at Bristol' draws NCAA-record crowd of 156,990|work=USA TODAY|access-date=2018-02-04|language=en}}</ref>\n\n== References ==<!--- See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Footnotes on how to create references using<ref></ref> tags, these references will then appear here automatically -->\n{{Reflist}}\n\n== External links ==\n{{commonscat}}\n*[http://www.vt.edu Virginia Tech website]\n*[http://www.vmi.edu/ Virginia Military Institute website]\n*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ma4SK-RiBP0 Raycom Sports Video: \"Skipper Virginia Tech\" (2007)]\n\n<!--- Categories --->"
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"*": "{{infobox building\n|name=Lane Stadium\n|namesake =\n|status = Active\n|address = \n|location_city = [[Blacksburg]]\n|logo =\n|logo_size = 300px\n|image = \n|image_size=300px\n|owner=[[Virginia Tech]]\n|completion_date={{Start date and age|1965}}\n|renovation_date={{Start date and age|2006}},\n|cost=\n|material = Hokie Stone and Concrete\n|former_name = \n|floor_count = \n|architecture_firm = Carneal and Johnston Smithey and Boynton\n|building_type = Football Stadium\n|architectural_style = [[w:Modern|Modern]]\n}}\n\nLane Stadium seats 65,632. Lane Stadium/Worsham Field has gone through numerous changes, renovations, and additions. But through it all, it has always been regarded as one of the finest places to watch \u2013 and toughest places for opponents to play \u2013 a college football game. Lane Stadium memorializes Edward Hudson Lane Sr., a student here in the early 1900s and later a member of the board of visitors. He co-founded the Lane Company, the world's largest producer of cedar chests; served on four major corporation boards; and sat on the national Business Council. The playing area was named Worsham Field in 1991 in honor of longtime Hokie supporter Wes Worsham, who pledged $1 million to the university's Second Century Campaign.\n\nConstruction on a stadium to seat 35,000 started in 1964 and by 1969 most major construction had been completed. The work cost $2,113,047. It was first used on Sept. 24, 1965, for a freshman football game between Virginia Tech and the University of Maryland, which ended in 8-8 tie. The first varsity game was Virginia Tech vs. the College of William and Mary on Oct. 2, 1965, with Tech winning 9-7.\n\nIn 1971 an area underneath the cantilevered press box was glassed into seat members of the Golden Hokie Club. An additional 26,768-square-foot bathroom area and concourse on the east side were completed in 1977. An additional 12,500 seats (new tier on one side) were installed in 1981 at a cost of $3.17 million.\n\nA modern lighting system was added in 1982 and then replaced in 2005. The first night game was played on Nov. 25, 1982. A new scoreboard was installed in 1991 and then replaced with a Jumbotron in 2005. The auxiliary scoreboard on the north end was added in 1994.\n\nPermanent bleachers were added in 1999. The expansion of the south end zone, adding 11,120 seats and enclosing the south end zone, came in 2002 and cost $37 million. The old press box was removed in 2004.\n\nThe west end stands addition was completed in 2006. It brought another 11,000 seats -- including 1,160 bleacher seats with backs, 1,200 club seats, and 15 luxury suites -- plus an improved visitors\u2019 locker room, a high-tech media center, and a new press area added for $52.5 million.\n\n==Traditions==\n=== Corps of Cadets ===\n* Virginia Tech's [[Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets|Corps of Cadets]] march into Lane Stadium and stand in formation on the field during the [[National anthem of the United States of America|National Anthem]] and Rendering of Colors.\n* The [[Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets|Corps of Cadets]] sit together in the lower level of the South end zone stands during every home game.\n* Freshman [[Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets|cadets]] do push-ups on the shoulders of their classmates equal to the point total after each score. \n* '''[[Skipper (cannon)|Skipper]]:''' The world's largest game cannon, \"''Skipper''\" is present at every home game.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ma4SK-RiBP0 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/Ma4SK-RiBP0 |archive-date=2021-12-13 |url-status=live|title=Skipper: Virginia Tech (2007)|last=RaycomSportsVideo|date=2 September 2011|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}</ref> It was built in 1963 by a group of cadets, led by [[Homer Hickam]], author of the book, ''[[Rocket Boys]].'' \"''Skipper''\" was created in an effort to silence the chant of: \"''Where's your cannon?''\" by the students of then arch-rival, [[VMI Keydets football|VMI]] during the annual [[VMI-Virginia Tech football rivalry|Thanksgiving Day game]]. The cannon was named \"''Skipper\"'' to honor John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated at the same time the cannon was built. As the captain of a PT boat in WWII, JFK was commonly known as \"''Skipper''\".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.collegiatetimes.com/stories/2540|title=Skipper Cannon Named for Kennedy, Cadets|last=Hoffman|first=Tiffany|date=November 21, 2003|newspaper=[[Collegiate Times]]|location=Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University|access-date=September 20, 2009}}</ref> In 2015, a custom display space in the new cadet dormitory, Pearson Hall, became the permanent home for ''Skipper,'' presenting the cannon in a highly visible location for students, alumni, and visitors to admire when not in use.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.collegiatetimes.com/news/virginia_tech/rasche-hall-to-be-replaced-by-pearson-hall/article_f789dd42-ee07-11e4-b905-a7b8e4ac04b0.html|title=Rasche Hall to be replaced by Pearson Hall|last=Lewis Millholland|first=and Zach Hoopes|date=April 28, 2015|website=collegiatetimes.com|access-date=October 18, 2016}}</ref> \n* '''The Highty-Tighties''': Virginia Tech's regimental band, the [[Highty-Tighties]] was founded in 1892 and is the oldest collegiate band in the [[Commonwealth of Virginia]]. It is composed completely of members of the [[Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.band.vtcc.vt.edu/history.php|title=The History of the Virginia Tech Regimental Band|year=2016|website=band.vtcc.vt.edu|publisher=Virginia Tech|access-date=October 19, 2016}}</ref>\n* '''Growley II'<nowiki/>'': '''''The [[Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets|Corps of Cadets]] welcomed a new canine ambassador among its ranks in the fall of 2016, a yellow [[Labrador Retriever]], named \"''Growley II\"'' (call sign ''\u201cTank\u201d''). According to folklore, the name, \"Growley\" originated in the 1930s with the name of the commandant's dog. Cadets would regularly feed \"''Growley\"'' with portions of their breakfast since food was scarce. Cadets then began referring to breakfast as \"''Growley\",'' and the morning formation was typically announced as \u201c''minutes to Growley''\u201d. Today, \"''Growley II\"'' resides at Pearson Hall with his two cadet handlers and accompanies the [[Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets|Corps of Cadets]] to home football games.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://vtnews.vt.edu/articles/2016/08/corps-growley.html|title=Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets releases official photo of its new ambassador|last=Barnhart|first=Shay|date=August 26, 2016|website=vtnews.vt.edu|publisher=Virginia Tech|access-date=October 24, 2016}}</ref>\n* '''Homecoming Game Traditions:'''<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.blacksburglodging.com/virginia-tech-homecoming-traditions/|title=Virginia Tech Homecoming Traditions|year=2016|website=blacksburglodging.com|access-date=January 21, 2017}}</ref>\n** '''Game Ball Run''': Started in 1977, the VT Corps of Cadets' Ranger Company run the game ball for {{convert|100|mi}} around campus, ending at the Homecoming Game Spirit Rally on Friday evening.\n**'''Flaming VT''': Originating the mid 1960s, During the Homecoming Game Spirit Rally, the Corps of Cadets' Hotel Company lights a flaming VT with a torch. When it first began, cadets would thread rolls of toilet paper soaked in kerosene onto a metal VT shaped frame and run the flaming VT through campus, urging students to join the crowd.\n\n=== Pre-game ===\n* '''\"Hokie Walk\":''' A tradition where the team arrives in buses and walks to the locker room among the fans, and led by the [[Highty-Tighties]] and the [[Hokie Bird]]. \n* '''Hokie Village:''' A game-day celebration near Lane Stadium that started in 2014. It's a family oriented, carnival atmosphere, featuring games, music, and appearances by cheerleaders, the [[Hokie Bird]], and \"''Skipper''\". \n* '''Pre-Game Field Show:''' At every home game, the [[Highty-Tighties]] perform the pre-game field show. At least once a year, the [[Marching Virginians]] perform their pre-game show, which begins with the band forming the shape of the [[Virginia|Commonwealth of Virginia]] and features the MV's forming several recognizable shapes such as spelling out \"VT,\" \"HOKIES,\" and \"TECH.\"\n* Virginia Tech's [[Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets|Corps of Cadets]] march into Lane Stadium and stand in formation on the field during the [[National anthem of the United States of America|National Anthem]] and Rendering of Colors.\"''Skipper''\" is fired inside Lane Stadium in the south end zone at the completion of the anthem.\n* '''Fireworks:''' Fireworks are set-off during and after the singing of the [[National anthem of the United States of America|National anthem]] at night games.\n\n=== Team entrance ===\n* Prior to the team entrance, the cheerleaders start an alternating chant of \"''Let's Go''\" and \"''Hokies''\" with the east and west stands before the game.\n* '''Enter Sandman:''' Beginning in 2000, [[Metallica]]'s \"[[Enter Sandman]]\" is played as the [https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2015/9/7/9274009/virginia-tech-entrance-enter-sandman-metallica-tradition football team enters the field] through the tunnel behind the North end zone. As the music begins, [[The Marching Virginians]] lead the stadium in jumping in place, which has become known as the \"''Blacksburg Bounce''\". \n* '''Hokie Stone''': As the team runs out of the tunnel during ''Sandman'', each player reaches up and touches a slab of [[Hokie Stone]], then runs between two phalanxes, consisting of the [[Highty-Tighties]], [[The Marching Virginians|Marching Virginians]], and freshman [[Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets|cadets]]. On the last home game of the season, senior cadets take the place of freshmen during the entrance as part of the corps of cadet's \"Senior Day\".\n\n=== In-game ===\n* '''Orange Effect:''' Since 2002, the students have designated one game where all fans are asked to wear orange. The ''Orange Effect'' game is always played against a team that does not use orange as a team color (e.g., [[Syracuse Orange football|Syracuse]], [[Miami Hurricanes football|Miami]], [[Virginia Cavaliers football|UVA]], or [[Clemson Tigers football|Clemson]]).\n* '''Maroon Effect:''' Added in 2005, The ''Maroon Effect'' game is always played against a team that does not use [[Maroon (color)|maroon]]/[[crimson]] as a team color (includes regular opponents such as: [[Boston College Eagles football|Boston College]] or [[Florida State Seminoles football|Florida State]]). The very first (unofficial) ''Maroon Effect'' game was in 2002 against the [[Virginia Cavaliers football|University of Virginia]].\n* '''White Out:''' Added in 2008. The ''White Out'' game is typically done for an early season game, usually against an [[Football Championship Subdivision|FCS]] opponent, where all fans wear white. \n* '''Marching Virginians:''' The [[Marching Virginians]] occupy the field level bleachers, in front of the student section behind the North end zone during the game, and play songs throughout.\n* '''Turkey Gobble:''' A turkey gobble sound is periodically played over the PA system to rile up the crowd during lulls, most commonly on opponent's third down plays. The turkey gobble is in memory of Floyd H. \"Hard Times\" Meade, a local boy who was adopted by the corps and became the school's first \"mascot\" in the late 19th century. Floyd later brought live trained turkeys to games to walk the sidelines during games and gobble on command.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://vtspecialcollections.wordpress.com/2016/02/25/the-man-the-myth-the-mascot-floyd-h-meade-virginia-techs-first-mascot-performer/|title=The Man, the Myth, the Mascot: Floyd H. Meade, Virginia Tech's First Mascot Performer|year=2016|website=vtspecialcollections.wordpress.com|access-date=October 19, 2016}}</ref>\n* '''Key Play:''' A tradition started in the late 1980s: Virginia Tech fans shake their keys as a distraction during opponent's third down plays, signifying a \"''key play''\".\n* '''Growley II:''' Since the beginning of the 2016 season, the [[Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets|Corps of Cadets]]' canine ambassador, ''Growley II ('Tank')'', can be seen along the sidelines, in front of the cadet seating section, often chewing on a doll of the opposing team's mascot.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://vtnews.vt.edu/articles/2016/09/corps-growleyupdate.html|title=Corps of Cadets ambassador eating up campus life|last=Barnhart|first=Shay|date=September 29, 2016|website=vtcc.vt.edu/about/growley.html|publisher=Virginia Tech|access-date=October 24, 2016}}</ref>\n* '''Halftime Field Show:''' [[The Marching Virginians]] perform the half-time field show at every game. At every field show, the band usually performs up to three songs followed by \"[[Tech Triumph]]\" as they march off the field. The [[Highty-Tighties]] perform the halftime show at least once a year.\n* '''Hokie Pokie''': The tuba section of [[The Marching Virginians]] lines up on the goal line of the north end zone to play and dance the [[Hokey Pokey|Hokie Pokie (\"Hokey Pokey\")]]. This is performed during halftime at select games during the season. Prior to 2017, the \"Hokie Pokie\" was performed between the 3rd and 4th quarters of every home game.\n\n==== Scoring plays ====\n*'''Student Toss:''' Groups of students, most of whom are seated in the student section in the north end zone, lift up a student (usually female) to toss in the air for every point scored.\n* '''Bench Press:''' The school mascot, the [[Hokie Bird]] does one bench press for every point the Hokies score on a weight bench in the end zone.\n* '''Push-Ups:''' Freshman cadets complete push-ups on the shoulders of their cadets seated in front of them, completing one push-up for every point scored by the Hokies.\n* '''Flags:''' Following every touchdown, members of the cheer squad run onto the field carrying six large flags, each with a single letter, spelling: \"H-O-K-I-E-S\"\n*'''Tech Triumph:''' After a scoring play, the [[The Marching Virginians|Marching Virginians]] will play the fight song, [[Tech Triumph]]. During a touchdown, the band will reduce their sound while the team attempts the extra point, returning to normal following the kick. \n*'''Skipper:''' During the game, ''Skipper'', the cannon is fired behind the north end zone stands of Lane Stadium after every score by Virginia Tech.\n* '''Fireworks:''' Fireworks are set-off on scoring plays at night games.\n\n{{#display_map:37.21997,-80.41873|zoom=18|height=200|service=openlayers}}\n\n==External Links==\n* [https://www.vt.edu/about/locations/buildings/lane-stadium-worsham-field.html General information about Lane Staduim] \n\n==References==\n<references />\n\n[[Category:Buildings]]"
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"*": "{{infobox building\n|name=Lane Stadium\n|namesake =\n|status = Active\n|address = \n|location_city = [[Blacksburg]]\n|logo =\n|logo_size = 300px\n|image = \n|image_size=300px\n|owner=[[Virginia Tech]]\n|completion_date={{Start date and age|1965}}\n|renovation_date={{Start date and age|2006}},\n|cost=\n|material = Red Brick\n|former_name = \n|floor_count = \n|architecture_firm =\n|building_type = Football Stadium\n|architectural_style = [[w:Modern|Modern]]\n}}\n\n\n\n{{#display_map:37.21997,-80.41873|zoom=18|height=200|service=openlayers}}\n\n==External Links==\n* [http://facilities.vt.edu/energy-utilities/central-steam-plant.html General information about the Central Steam Plant] \n\n==References==\n<references />\n\n[[Category:Buildings]]"
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"*": "{{Infobox University President\n| name =Timothy D. Sands\n| image =\n| caption =\n| order =\n| university =President of [[Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University]]\n| term_start =2014\n| term_end =Current\n| birth_date ={{Birth date and age|1958|3|26}}\n| birth_place =[[San Francisco, California]]\n| death_date =\n| death_place =\n| predecessor =\n| successor =\n| alumna =\n| residence =\n| profession =\n| religion =\n| spouse =Laura Prouty Sands\n| children =\n| website =\n| footnotes =\n|}}\n\nTimothy D. Sands is the 16th president of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and a professor in the College of Engineering. Since joining Virginia Tech in 2014, he has worked collaboratively with the provost and university leadership to set the university on track to become a leading modern, global, land-grant institution. Virginia Tech\u2019s strategic plan and vision, The Virginia Tech Difference: Advancing Beyond Boundaries, aligns the university with the emerging needs and opportunities of a rapidly changing world in the context of the evolving higher education landscape. \n\nUnder President Sands\u2019 leadership, undergraduate enrollment has been increased by 5,000 to achieve the benefits of scale while preserving the strong sense of community rooted in our motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve). Student interest in Virginia Tech has grown continuously, as reflected in a doubling of applications from first-time prospective students. Student success has been a priority, with four-year graduation rates increasing from 61 to 70 percent. \n\nPresident Sands initiated InclusiveVT in 2015, leading an effort that has increased the enrollment of underrepresented minority (URM) students by 88 percent while closing the 4-year graduation rate gap from 10 percentage points to 1 percentage point. URM and underserved students (Pell-eligible, first-generation, and veterans) now make up nearly 40 percent of the entering class, including transfers.\n\nVirginia Tech remains a leader in research and innovation with over $500M in annual expenditures, but with a renewed focus on moving into the upper tier of land-grant research universities in terms of impact and extramural research expenditures. Expansion of the health sciences in the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at the Virginia Tech Carilion Health Sciences and Technology campus in Roanoke, the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, and a partnership with Children\u2019s National Hospital\u2019s Research and Innovation Campus in Washington D.C. are central to enhancing Virginia Tech\u2019s research and innovation profile and its impact on the communities we serve.\n\nThe university\u2019s residential campus in Blacksburg is being transformed with an emphasis on living-learning experiences, transdisciplinary collaboration, and sustainability. Recent developments include a Creativity and Innovation District, the launch of a Global Business and Analytics Complex, and expanded facilities for the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets. A new Multi-modal Transit Facility and upgraded environmental infrastructure are part of the university\u2019s Climate Action Commitment to reduce transportation greenhouse gasses by 40 percent and achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.\n\nVirginia Tech\u2019s 3.5-acre Innovation Campus in the greater Washington D.C. area is the centerpiece of a technology education strategy that helped bring Amazon\u2019s east coast headquarters to Arlington, VA. The campus is part of a bold new vision for graduate education in computer science and computer engineering, preparing leaders and pursuing research to take on big problems amid a digital revolution that is changing the way we live, work, and think. A partnership with Northrop Grumman will establish a new Center of Quantum Architecture and Software Development, and the university recently announced a partnership with Boeing and the Commonwealth to create the Boeing Center for Veteran Transition and Military Families. Virginia Tech is also leading the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative to establish a \u201cglobal center of excellence at the intersection of security, autonomous systems, and data.\u201d\n\nPresident Sands\u2019 vision is supported by a global community of alumni, friends, and partners. Virginia Tech\u2019s Advancement division continues to see record-breaking generosity and engagement, allowing the university to increase its fundraising goal from $1.5 billion to $1.872 billion and engage 100,000 Hokies as part of Boundless Impact: The Campaign for Virginia Tech. \n\nPresident Sands\u2019 recent awards and honors include The Edward Bouchet Legacy Award, the National GEM Consortium\u2019s Academic Leadership Award, the Virginia Latino Higher Education Network\u2019s Leadership Impact Award, and the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council\u2019s Regional Leadership Award.\n\nHe has published more than 250 refereed papers and conference proceedings and has been granted 21 patents in electronic and optoelectronic materials and devices. His recent research efforts have focused on the design and development of novel nanocomposite materials for environmentally friendly and cost-effective solid-state lighting, direct conversion of heat to electrical power, and thermoelectric refrigeration. He holds faculty appointments in the Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Department of Materials Science and Engineering in the College of Engineering, with research interests in microelectronics, optoelectronics, and nanotechnology. He is a fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the Materials Research Society, and the National Academy of Inventors. \n\nAs part of his civic engagement and community leadership, President Sands chairs the Virginia Council of Presidents and the Virginia Space Grant Consortium. He serves on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of the Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC) and is a member of the Boards of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), the Business-Higher Education Forum (BHEF), the University Research Alliance (URA), and is an ex-officio member of the Board of the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce. He is also a member of the Board of Visitors of the National Intelligence University. \n\nBefore coming to Virginia Tech, President Sands was executive vice president for academic affairs and provost of Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, serving as acting president in 2012. Throughout his career, he has participated in and led research teams and academic programs that have been characterized by open collaboration across a wide array of disciplines. Before becoming provost, President Sands served as the Mary Jo and Robert L. Kirk Director of the Birck Nanotechnology Center in Purdue's Discovery Park. He was a professor of materials science and engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, and also directed research groups at Bell Communications Research (Bellcore) in Red Bank, New Jersey.\n\nPresident Sands earned a bachelor's degree with highest honors in engineering physics and a master's degree and a doctorate in materials science from the University of California, Berkeley. He joined the Purdue faculty in 2002 as the Basil S. Turner Professor of Engineering in the schools of Materials Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering.\n\nPresident Sands is joined at Virginia Tech by his wife, Dr. Laura Sands, a professor of gerontology in the Department of Human Development at Virginia Tech. All four of their children are proud members of the Virginia Tech community. Follow President Sands on Twitter and Instagram at @VTSandsman.\n\n[https://www.president.vt.edu/content/dam/president_vt_edu/about-the-office/SandsCV-abridged-Jan20%20(002).pdf President Sands' Curriculum Vitae]\n\n[[Category:Presidents of Virginia Tech]]"
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"*": "[[Category:People]]\n\nTimothy D. Sands is the 16th president of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and a professor in the College of Engineering. Since joining Virginia Tech in 2014, he has worked collaboratively with the provost and university leadership to set the university on track to become a leading modern, global, land-grant institution. Virginia Tech\u2019s strategic plan and vision, The Virginia Tech Difference: Advancing Beyond Boundaries, aligns the university with the emerging needs and opportunities of a rapidly changing world in the context of the evolving higher education landscape. \n\nUnder President Sands\u2019 leadership, undergraduate enrollment has been increased by 5,000 to achieve the benefits of scale while preserving the strong sense of community rooted in our motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve). Student interest in Virginia Tech has grown continuously, as reflected in a doubling of applications from first-time prospective students. Student success has been a priority, with four-year graduation rates increasing from 61 to 70 percent. \n\nPresident Sands initiated InclusiveVT in 2015, leading an effort that has increased the enrollment of underrepresented minority (URM) students by 88 percent while closing the 4-year graduation rate gap from 10 percentage points to 1 percentage point. URM and underserved students (Pell-eligible, first-generation, and veterans) now make up nearly 40 percent of the entering class, including transfers.\n\nVirginia Tech remains a leader in research and innovation with over $500M in annual expenditures, but with a renewed focus on moving into the upper tier of land-grant research universities in terms of impact and extramural research expenditures. Expansion of the health sciences in the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at the Virginia Tech Carilion Health Sciences and Technology campus in Roanoke, the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, and a partnership with Children\u2019s National Hospital\u2019s Research and Innovation Campus in Washington D.C. are central to enhancing Virginia Tech\u2019s research and innovation profile and its impact on the communities we serve.\n\nThe university\u2019s residential campus in Blacksburg is being transformed with an emphasis on living-learning experiences, transdisciplinary collaboration, and sustainability. Recent developments include a Creativity and Innovation District, the launch of a Global Business and Analytics Complex, and expanded facilities for the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets. A new Multi-modal Transit Facility and upgraded environmental infrastructure are part of the university\u2019s Climate Action Commitment to reduce transportation greenhouse gasses by 40 percent and achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.\n\nVirginia Tech\u2019s 3.5-acre Innovation Campus in the greater Washington D.C. area is the centerpiece of a technology education strategy that helped bring Amazon\u2019s east coast headquarters to Arlington, VA. The campus is part of a bold new vision for graduate education in computer science and computer engineering, preparing leaders and pursuing research to take on big problems amid a digital revolution that is changing the way we live, work, and think. A partnership with Northrop Grumman will establish a new Center of Quantum Architecture and Software Development, and the university recently announced a partnership with Boeing and the Commonwealth to create the Boeing Center for Veteran Transition and Military Families. Virginia Tech is also leading the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative to establish a \u201cglobal center of excellence at the intersection of security, autonomous systems, and data.\u201d\n\nPresident Sands\u2019 vision is supported by a global community of alumni, friends, and partners. Virginia Tech\u2019s Advancement division continues to see record-breaking generosity and engagement, allowing the university to increase its fundraising goal from $1.5 billion to $1.872 billion and engage 100,000 Hokies as part of Boundless Impact: The Campaign for Virginia Tech. \n\nPresident Sands\u2019 recent awards and honors include The Edward Bouchet Legacy Award, the National GEM Consortium\u2019s Academic Leadership Award, the Virginia Latino Higher Education Network\u2019s Leadership Impact Award, and the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council\u2019s Regional Leadership Award.\n\nHe has published more than 250 refereed papers and conference proceedings and has been granted 21 patents in electronic and optoelectronic materials and devices. His recent research efforts have focused on the design and development of novel nanocomposite materials for environmentally friendly and cost-effective solid-state lighting, direct conversion of heat to electrical power, and thermoelectric refrigeration. He holds faculty appointments in the Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Department of Materials Science and Engineering in the College of Engineering, with research interests in microelectronics, optoelectronics, and nanotechnology. He is a fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the Materials Research Society, and the National Academy of Inventors. \n\nAs part of his civic engagement and community leadership, President Sands chairs the Virginia Council of Presidents and the Virginia Space Grant Consortium. He serves on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of the Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC) and is a member of the Boards of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), the Business-Higher Education Forum (BHEF), the University Research Alliance (URA), and is an ex-officio member of the Board of the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce. He is also a member of the Board of Visitors of the National Intelligence University. \n\nBefore coming to Virginia Tech, President Sands was executive vice president for academic affairs and provost of Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, serving as acting president in 2012. Throughout his career, he has participated in and led research teams and academic programs that have been characterized by open collaboration across a wide array of disciplines. Before becoming provost, President Sands served as the Mary Jo and Robert L. Kirk Director of the Birck Nanotechnology Center in Purdue's Discovery Park. He was a professor of materials science and engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, and also directed research groups at Bell Communications Research (Bellcore) in Red Bank, New Jersey.\n\nPresident Sands earned a bachelor's degree with highest honors in engineering physics and a master's degree and a doctorate in materials science from the University of California, Berkeley. He joined the Purdue faculty in 2002 as the Basil S. Turner Professor of Engineering in the schools of Materials Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering.\n\nPresident Sands is joined at Virginia Tech by his wife, Dr. Laura Sands, a professor of gerontology in the Department of Human Development at Virginia Tech. All four of their children are proud members of the Virginia Tech community. Follow President Sands on Twitter and Instagram at @VTSandsman.\n\n[https://www.president.vt.edu/content/dam/president_vt_edu/about-the-office/SandsCV-abridged-Jan20%20(002).pdf Presidnet Sands' Curriculum Vitae]"
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"*": "Timothy D. Sands is the 16th president of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and a professor in the College of Engineering. Since joining Virginia Tech in 2014, he has worked collaboratively with the provost and university leadership to set the university on track to become a leading modern, global, land-grant institution. Virginia Tech\u2019s strategic plan and vision, The Virginia Tech Difference: Advancing Beyond Boundaries, aligns the university with the emerging needs and opportunities of a rapidly changing world in the context of the evolving higher education landscape. \n\nUnder President Sands\u2019 leadership, undergraduate enrollment has been increased by 5,000 to achieve the benefits of scale while preserving the strong sense of community rooted in our motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve). Student interest in Virginia Tech has grown continuously, as reflected in a doubling of applications from first-time prospective students. Student success has been a priority, with four-year graduation rates increasing from 61 to 70 percent. \n\nPresident Sands initiated InclusiveVT in 2015, leading an effort that has increased the enrollment of underrepresented minority (URM) students by 88 percent while closing the 4-year graduation rate gap from 10 percentage points to 1 percentage point. URM and underserved students (Pell-eligible, first-generation, and veterans) now make up nearly 40 percent of the entering class, including transfers.\n\nVirginia Tech remains a leader in research and innovation with over $500M in annual expenditures, but with a renewed focus on moving into the upper tier of land-grant research universities in terms of impact and extramural research expenditures. Expansion of the health sciences in the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at the Virginia Tech Carilion Health Sciences and Technology campus in Roanoke, the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, and a partnership with Children\u2019s National Hospital\u2019s Research and Innovation Campus in Washington D.C. are central to enhancing Virginia Tech\u2019s research and innovation profile and its impact on the communities we serve.\n\nThe university\u2019s residential campus in Blacksburg is being transformed with an emphasis on living-learning experiences, transdisciplinary collaboration, and sustainability. Recent developments include a Creativity and Innovation District, the launch of a Global Business and Analytics Complex, and expanded facilities for the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets. A new Multi-modal Transit Facility and upgraded environmental infrastructure are part of the university\u2019s Climate Action Commitment to reduce transportation greenhouse gasses by 40 percent and achieve carbon neutrality by 2030.\n\nVirginia Tech\u2019s 3.5-acre Innovation Campus in the greater Washington D.C. area is the centerpiece of a technology education strategy that helped bring Amazon\u2019s east coast headquarters to Arlington, VA. The campus is part of a bold new vision for graduate education in computer science and computer engineering, preparing leaders and pursuing research to take on big problems amid a digital revolution that is changing the way we live, work, and think. A partnership with Northrop Grumman will establish a new Center of Quantum Architecture and Software Development, and the university recently announced a partnership with Boeing and the Commonwealth to create the Boeing Center for Veteran Transition and Military Families. Virginia Tech is also leading the Commonwealth Cyber Initiative to establish a \u201cglobal center of excellence at the intersection of security, autonomous systems, and data.\u201d\n\nPresident Sands\u2019 vision is supported by a global community of alumni, friends, and partners. Virginia Tech\u2019s Advancement division continues to see record-breaking generosity and engagement, allowing the university to increase its fundraising goal from $1.5 billion to $1.872 billion and engage 100,000 Hokies as part of Boundless Impact: The Campaign for Virginia Tech. \n\nPresident Sands\u2019 recent awards and honors include The Edward Bouchet Legacy Award, the National GEM Consortium\u2019s Academic Leadership Award, the Virginia Latino Higher Education Network\u2019s Leadership Impact Award, and the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council\u2019s Regional Leadership Award.\n\nHe has published more than 250 refereed papers and conference proceedings and has been granted 21 patents in electronic and optoelectronic materials and devices. His recent research efforts have focused on the design and development of novel nanocomposite materials for environmentally friendly and cost-effective solid-state lighting, direct conversion of heat to electrical power, and thermoelectric refrigeration. He holds faculty appointments in the Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Department of Materials Science and Engineering in the College of Engineering, with research interests in microelectronics, optoelectronics, and nanotechnology. He is a fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the Materials Research Society, and the National Academy of Inventors. \n\nAs part of his civic engagement and community leadership, President Sands chairs the Virginia Council of Presidents and the Virginia Space Grant Consortium. He serves on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of the Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC) and is a member of the Boards of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), the Business-Higher Education Forum (BHEF), the University Research Alliance (URA), and is an ex-officio member of the Board of the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce. He is also a member of the Board of Visitors of the National Intelligence University. \n\nBefore coming to Virginia Tech, President Sands was executive vice president for academic affairs and provost of Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, serving as acting president in 2012. Throughout his career, he has participated in and led research teams and academic programs that have been characterized by open collaboration across a wide array of disciplines. Before becoming provost, President Sands served as the Mary Jo and Robert L. Kirk Director of the Birck Nanotechnology Center in Purdue's Discovery Park. He was a professor of materials science and engineering at the University of California, Berkeley, and also directed research groups at Bell Communications Research (Bellcore) in Red Bank, New Jersey.\n\nPresident Sands earned a bachelor's degree with highest honors in engineering physics and a master's degree and a doctorate in materials science from the University of California, Berkeley. He joined the Purdue faculty in 2002 as the Basil S. Turner Professor of Engineering in the schools of Materials Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering.\n\nPresident Sands is joined at Virginia Tech by his wife, Dr. Laura Sands, a professor of gerontology in the Department of Human Development at Virginia Tech. All four of their children are proud members of the Virginia Tech community. Follow President Sands on Twitter and Instagram at @VTSandsman.\n\n[https://www.president.vt.edu/content/dam/president_vt_edu/about-the-office/SandsCV-abridged-Jan20%20(002).pdf Presidnet Sands' Curriculum Vitae]"
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"*": "[[Blacksburg]] is a relatively small place located away from major urban centers. Travelling to Blacksburg can be a real issue especially if you are starting from the other side of the Atlantic or the Pacific Ocean.\n\n==Location==\nBlacksburg is located in [[Southwest Virginia]]. 5 kilometers from Blacksburg is [[Christiansburg]] where Interstate 81 meets US 460. The nearest big city is [[Roanoke]] and the nearest metropolitan area is [[Charlotte, North Carolina]].\n\n==Car==\n[[w:Interstate 81|Interstate 81]] one of the busiest highways on the East Coast. It is two lanes in each direction, with designated truck climbing lanes along steep inclines. Traffic varies depending on time of day, but tends to be very heavy on game days. In many cases though a private vehicle is the only way you can reach the town.\n\nAlternate routes from Roanoke to Blacksburg that can by pass some traffic backups (excluding game days) include 460 and Blacksburg road.\n\n==Bus==\n'''Blacksburg Transit (BT)''' primarily serves the town of Blacksburg, with partial service connecting select destinations in [[Christiansburg]]. The Two Town Trolley route will get you to the Christiansburg [[Walmart]] and from there, you can catch the Shopper Express to other destinations in Christiansburg. Another popular destination, the Christiansburg Park & Ride, can be reached by taking ''The Explorer'' bus from Walmart. Blacksburg Transit has the advantage of being free for VT affiliates (i.e. covered in student fees), and is typically $0.50 per trip leg for everyone else, except on football days.\n\n[[Radford Transit]]'s 40 bus line connects Radford and Christiansburg/Blacksburg. Tickets cost $1.\n\nThe Smart Way bus connects Blacksburg With Roanoke. It serves in Blacksburg Alumni Mall and the Post office, in Christiansburg Kmart Shopping Center and I-81 Park and Ride, the [[Roanoke Park and Ride]], [[Roanoke Regional Airport]], [[Hotel Roanoke]] and Campbell Court in Downtown Roanoke. The last bus is around 9 so those coming from across the Atlantic to Roanoke airport often have to find different transportation to Blacksburg. It costs $4 each way. \n\nAs of July 19 2011 the Smart Way Connector bus connects Blacksburg and Roanoke to the Lynchburg AMTRAK station, with a stop at Bedford. During the week there is a bus from Hotel Roanoke that starts at 5.45 AM, Friday Saturday and Sunday morning it starts at Blacksburg at [[Squires]]. There is return bus in the evening that on Friday, Saturday and Sunday arrives at Blacksburg. The ticket costs $4\n\n[[Megabus]] begun offering in November 2010 service from Christiansburg to [[w:Washington, DC|Washington, DC]] and [[w:Knoxville, Tennesse|Knoxville, Tennessee]]. It stops at [[Christiansburg Park and Ride]]. Prices vary depending on when you book. Many students find that Megabus's discount fares come at the price of cramped seating.\n\nThe nearest Greyhound bus terminal is Campbell Court in Roanoke. Unlike Megabus, Greyhound typically offers nicer features such as larger leather seats.\n\n[[Home Ride]] offers buses on Fridays connecting Blacksburg with Vienna (the terminus of the Washington DC metro Orange Line) and Richmond, with return trips on Sundays. This service is only offered in the Fall and Spring semesters.\n\nFrom time to time, especially around Spring and Fall breaks and graduation/orientation, parents and students have been known to pool resources to charter buses to various destinations such as Philadelphia.\n\n==Rail==\nThe nearest Amtrak train stations are in Roanoke, Lynchburg and Charlottesville. From there, you can take the Northeast corridor through Washington, D.C. all the way to Boston. Currently, the [[Smart Way Bus]] routes go to Roanoke and Lynchburg, and the city of Roanoke is rumored to eventually offer Smart Way bus service to Charlottesville. Unlike Blacksburg Transit, the Smart Way bus is ''not'' free Virginia Tech affiliates. Eventually, Amtrak hopes to extend train service to Bristol and Blacksburg.\n\n==Airports==\nMontgomery Executive Airport only serves general aviation. The nearest airport with scheduled passenger flights is Roanoke Regional Airport, which is connected to Blacksburg with the Smart Way Bus. Alternatively you can take a taxi for about $50-$60. It is a 45 minute trip by car/cab and about 70 minutes by Smart Way bus.\n\n[[Roanoke Regional Airport]] (ROA) has direct flights to Washington-Dulles, Charlotte-Douglas, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson, Philadelphia International Airport, Chicago O'Hare, New York LaGuardia and Orlando-Sanford.\n\nThe nearest international airport is Charlotte-Douglas (CLT). It is a little over 3 hours from Blacksburg depending on traffic. Charlotte receives transatlantic and transpacific flights\n\nOther nearby airports with regular flights are Lynchburg, VA (LYH) about 75-90 minutes away, Lewisburg, West Virginia (LWV) about 2 hours, Charlottesville, VA (CHO) about 2 hours away, Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport in Weyers Cave, VA (SHD) 2 hours 15 minutes, Piedmont Triad International airport in Greensboro, NC (PTI) 2 hours 45 minutes and the Washington, DC airports which are approximately four and a half hours away.\n\n[[Category:Transportation]]"
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"*": "[[Blacksburg]] is a relatively small place located away from major urban centers. Travelling to Blacksburg can be a real issue especially if you are starting from the other side of the Atlantic or the Pacific Ocean.\n\n==Location==\nBlacksburg is located in [[Southwest Virginia]]. 5 kilometers from Blacksburg is [[Christiansburg]] where Interstate 81 meets US 460. The nearest big city is [[Roanoke]] and the nearest metropolitan area is [[Charlotte, North Carolina]].\n\n==Car==\n[[w:Interstate 81|Interstate 81]] one of the busiest highways on the East Coast. It is two lanes in each direction, with designated truck climbing lanes along steep inclines. Traffic varies depending on time of day, but tends to be very heavy on game days. In many cases though a private vehicle is the only way you can reach the town.\n\nAlternate routes from Roanoke to Blacksburg that can by pass some traffic backups (excluding game days) include 460 and Blacksburg road.\n\n==Bus==\n'''Blacksburg Transit (BT)''' primarily serves the town of Blacksburg, with partial service connecting select destinations in [[Christiansburg]]. The Two Town Trolley route will get you to the Christiansburg [[Walmart]] and from there, you can catch the Shopper Express to other destinations in Christiansburg. Another popular destination, the Christiansburg Park & Ride, can be reached by taking ''The Explorer'' bus from Walmart. Blacksburg Transit has the advantage of being free for VT affiliates (i.e. covered in student fees), and is typically $0.50 per trip leg for everyone else, except on football days.\n\n[[Radford Transit]]'s 40 bus line connects Radford and Christiansburg/Blacksburg. Tickets cost $1.\n\nThe Smart Way bus connects Blacksburg With Roanoke. It serves in Blacksburg Alumni Mall and the Post office, in Christiansburg Kmart Shopping Center and I-81 Park and Ride, the [[Roanoke Park and Ride]], [[Roanoke Regional Airport]], [[Hotel Roanoke]] and Campbell Court in Downtown Roanoke. The last bus is around 9 so those coming from across the Atlantic to Roanoke airport often have to find different transportation to Blacksburg. It costs $4 each way. \n\nAs of July 19 2011 the Smart Way Connector bus connects Blacksburg and Roanoke to the Lynchburg AMTRAK station, with a stop at Bedford. During the week there is a bus from Hotel Roanoke that starts at 5.45 AM, Friday Saturday and Sunday morning it starts at Blacksburg at [[Squires]]. There is return bus in the evening that on Friday, Saturday and Sunday arrives at Blacksburg. The ticket costs $4\n\n[[Megabus]] begun offering in November 2010 service from Christiansburg to [[w:Washington, DC|Washington, DC]] and [[w:Knoxville, Tennesse|Knoxville, Tennessee]]. It stops at [[Christiansburg Park and Ride]]. Prices vary depending on when you book. Many students find that Megabus's discount fares come at the price of cramped seating.\n\nThe nearest Greyhound bus terminal is Campbell Court in Roanoke. Unlike Megabus, Greyhound typically offers nicer features such as larger leather seats.\n\n[[Home Ride]] offers buses on Fridays connecting Blacksburg with Vienna (the terminus of the Washington DC metro Orange Line) and Richmond, with return trips on Sundays. This service is only offered in the Fall and Spring semesters.\n\nFrom time to time, especially around Spring and Fall breaks and graduation/orientation, parents and students have been known to pool resources to charter buses to various destinations such as Philadelphia.\n\n==Rail==\nThe nearest Amtrak train stations are in Lynchburg and Charlottesville. From there, you can take the Northeast corridor through Washington, D.C. all the way to Boston. Currently, the [[Smart Way Bus]] routes go to Roanoke and Lynchburg, and the city of Roanoke is rumored to eventually offer Smart Way bus service to Charlottesville. Unlike Blacksburg Transit, the Smart Way bus is ''not'' free Virginia Tech affiliates. Eventually, Amtrak hopes to extend train service to Roanoke and eventually Bristol; current planning is for Roanoke train service to be offered in 2015.\n\n==Airports==\nMontgomery Executive Airport only serves general aviation. The nearest airport with scheduled passenger flights is Roanoke Regional Airport, which is connected to Blacksburg with the Smart Way Bus. Alternatively you can take a taxi for about $50-$60. It is a 45 minute trip by car/cab and about 70 minutes by Smart Way bus.\n\n[[Roanoke Regional Airport]] (ROA) has direct flights to Washington-Dulles, Charlotte-Douglas, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson, Philadelphia International Airport, Chicago O'Hare, New York LaGuardia and Orlando-Sanford.\n\nThe nearest international airport is Charlotte-Douglas (CLT). It is a little over 3 hours from Blacksburg depending on traffic. Charlotte receives transatlantic and transpacific flights\n\nOther nearby airports with regular flights are Lynchburg, VA (LYH) about 75-90 minutes away, Lewisburg, West Virginia (LWV) about 2 hours, Charlottesville, VA (CHO) about 2 hours away, Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport in Weyers Cave, VA (SHD) 2 hours 15 minutes, Piedmont Triad International airport in Greensboro, NC (PTI) 2 hours 45 minutes and the Washington, DC airports which are approximately four and a half hours away.\n\n[[Category:Transportation]]"
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"title": "Transportation to Blacksburg"
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