Stunning No. 1
On Sept. 10, the Virginia Tech men’s soccer team used a goal from James Shupp in the second overtime to knock off the No. 1-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels 1-0 at Thompson Field. The win was Tech’s first over a No. 1 team since beating then-No. 1 Duke in 2004.
The Student-Athlete Experience
“Even though I’m only a freshman at Virginia Tech, it has already been an excellent experience. Just being a student at Tech is a great opportunity, but having the chance to play with the soccer team at the same time is a dream come true.”
Hunter Byrnes | Freshman, Men’s Soccer
“Virginia Tech holds a high standard for its student-athletes, and I am humbled to follow in the footsteps of the many hardworking athletes who have come from this school. I am truly thankful for the opportunity to represent the Hokie Nation.”
Katie Cramp | Senior, Women’s Soccer
The Donor File
Hokie Club Level: Golden Hokie
Currently Resides: Richmond, Va.
What year did you graduate: 1997
Family: Victor (husband), Mason (14-month old son)
Q: A Hokie is …
A: Good question! A Hokie is anyone that supports and loves Virginia Tech. I do not think you need to have a degree from Virginia Tech to be a Hokie.
Q: The Hokie Nation is real because …
A: If you’ve ever been to a football game, you know it’s real. I still get the chills every time I hear ‘Enter Sandman.’ The Hokie Nation is passionate and it’s very real.
Q: How did you get involved with the Hokie Club?
A: I was the president of the VT Alumni Chapter in New York City and Los Angeles. I moved back home to Richmond in 2008 and became a Hokie Club Representative in Richmond because I wanted to continue to serve the school. I love raising money for our athletics.
Q: What caused you to become a fan of Virginia Tech?
A: My father and football. I lost my father at age 13 and Tech football was one thing we always watched together. I will forever think of my dad when I think of Hokie football!
Q: Describe your perfect day at Virginia Tech.
A: A home football game, of course. We drive down in the morning, stop into the bookstore to load up on more Hokie gear (you can never have too much), set up the tailgate and cheer on the Hokies!
Q: Do you have any tailgating traditions? If so, tell us your best.
A: Deviled eggs and Sierra Nevada Pale Ale.
Q: What motivates you to give back to help Virginia Tech athletics?
A: I got so much out of my college experience, and this motivates me to give back to Tech athletics. I hope one day my son will have that same experience.
Q: How are you involved with the local Richmond Hokie Club?
A: I am a Hokie Representative and currently the co-chairperson for the annual basketball tip-off event.
Q: I’m a Hokie Club member because …
A: I love the athletics program and want to make it even stronger. I am proud to represent such a stellar organization.
Q: My favorite Virginia Tech sports are …
A: Football.
Q: My all-time favorite Virginia Tech football player is …
A: I have to go with Tyrod.
Athletic Scholarships: How they work and why they're important
You hear the comment all the time, “that athlete is on a full scholarship” or “I hope we have enough scholarships available to offer a full ride to that recruit.” But really, what does that mean? What exactly are scholarships, how do they work, and why are they so important for Virginia Tech athletics?
What is a scholarship and how does it work?
A scholarship is actually a donation to a larger endowment, and in the case of Virginia Tech athletics, the endowment is called the VTAF Endowment. The corpus, or the actual monetary value of the Athletic Endowment, is invested and the interest earned each year goes to pay a portion of the scholarship bill. Each donation to the VTAF Endowment is earmarked so that individuals who make the donation can specify their preferences toward the awarding of their scholarship, based on the amount of money they have donated, and their scholarship is awarded each year.
How much is required to create a scholarship?
The minimum amount allowed by the university to create a scholarship is $50,000. There is no maximum limit on a scholarship; however, additional funds can be added to the scholarship moving forward at any time. In addition to this minimum level, we have what’s called a Position Scholarship, which can be created with a gift of $150,000.
How much guidance does a donor have when creating a scholarship?
If someone wants to create a scholarship, a fund agreement is created and the person is allowed to name the scholarship. They are also given the opportunity to provide preferences toward the criteria for awarding the scholarship. Scholarships are awarded in April for the next academic year, and this process will continue in perpetuity.
Does Virginia Tech athletics earn enough interest to fully pay the scholarship bill each year?
Surprising to many people, the answer to this question is no. In fact, Virginia Tech, like most athletics departments in the United States, does not generate enough interest from the corpus of the VTAF Endowment to fully pay the scholarship bill. Each year, the percentage of interest generated from each donor’s investment, usually around 5%, is applied toward the scholarship bill, whereas the amount donated is actually never spent. Currently, the Athletic Endowment Fund stands at $35.3 million, so roughly 17.5% or 1.7 million, has been applied toward the scholarship bill for 2011-12, which totaled $10.3 million.
So, where does the rest of the money come from to pay the annual scholarship bill?
As we have said many times, the Annual Fund and each member’s annual donation to the Hokie Club really is very important to Virginia Tech athletics. Each year, roughly 10,000 members make annual donations to the Hokie Club, and in return, they receive benefits such as the opportunity to purchase or renew season tickets for football and basketball, opportunities to purchase parking for the football season, and other benefits. However, what should not be lost is that the money being donated is being used to pay the remainder of the scholarship bill for our approximately 500 student-athletes.
How does the future look?
The cost of tuition has steadily risen over the past few years. Luckily, we have great support from our Hokie Club members, and we have been able to combine the amount of money generated from scholarships with money from our Annual Fund to pay the scholarship bill. However, as scholarship bills continue to rise, we need to increase our support. If you are interested in learning more about how scholarships work or would like to talk with someone about creating a scholarship for intercollegiate athletics, please call the Hokie Club Office (540-231-6618). If you want to help, but creating a scholarship is not in the cards right now, please continue to support the Annual Fund by making your yearly Hokie Club donation. And, if you want to do more for the Annual Fund, consider upgrading your membership.
Scholarship Minimums:
• Minimum $50,000 pledge to create an Athletic Scholarship
• Minimum $150,000 pledge to create an Athletic Position Scholarship
• 5-year pledge available
