Hokie ClubWith graduation under a month away, the Lombardi Student-Athlete Development Office hosted Beyond VT on Monday, April 11 for 2022 graduates as a way for them to celebrate, reflect and network with former student-athletes and professionals as they begin to prepare for life after Virginia Tech and after athletics.
Understanding that Hokie student-athletes have multiple options to choose from after graduation, the event allowed student-athletes to select one of three paths: employment, grad school or going pro. Within each 'path,' student-athletes were able to not only hear from former student-athletes but gained knowledge on the financial aspect of each.
The following Hokie alumni served as panelists during the event:
Employment
Marissa Davey (Lacrosse)
Anne Silverstein (Women's Soccer)
Damian Hamlin (Wrestling)
Grad School
Megan Schumeyer (Softball)
Ian Ho (Men's Swim and Dive)
Ester Talamazzi (Volleyball)
Going Pro
George George, III (Football)
MC Byrne (Lacrosse)
Pierson Prioleau (Football)
Jake Patten (Football)
For almost 30 student-athletes in attendance, Beyond VT allowed them to complete the Career Game Plan, which is a total of four key plays (events) focused on an element within the career development process. Carlton Dixon, Owner/CEO of Reveal Suits out of Grand Prairie, Texas came in for the evening to get the measurements of the student-athletes and allow them to choose the customizations for their suits.
Prior to Beyond VT, a select group of student-athletes had the opportunity to participate in an exclusive etiquette dinner sponsored by E&J Gallo. The dinner was held in the private dining room located in the University Club of Virginia Tech.
"Beyond VT is a special opportunity for our graduating student-athletes. Bringing back our former Hokies and having them share how they transitioned to life after athletics and Virginia Tech, I feel puts our upcoming graduates a bit at ease. The connections that they were able to make during the event will be impactful far beyond graduation," stated Sarah Lage, Senior Director for Student-Athlete Career Development.
University commencement for undergraduates is scheduled for Friday, May 13 at 8:30 a.m. in Lane Stadium.
Gallery: (4-21-2022) Student-Athlete Development's Beyond VT Program