2024 Alumni Reunion
march 22 - 24, 2024 | blacksburg, va
The 2024 Virginia Tech Alumni Reunion, celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Virginia Tech Industrial Design (VTID), is an event hosted by IDAB and VTID. It aims to bring together VTID alumni from all graduating classes to commemorate their achievements, foster connections, and provide opportunities for networking and reconnection.
Weekend Schedule
The reunion schedule is full of opportunities to reminisce, make great connections, and discover what's been going on in Blacksburg.
Friday, March 22
10:00 AM
Pre-Event Portfolio Review (Voluntary)
virginia tech, cowgill hall | room 300
Lend your professional expertise by offering constructive feedback to current students through portfolio reviews, a completely optional activity. This is completely voluntary, but sign up is required to be a reviewer.
11:30 AM
Alumni Check In
virginia tech, burchard hall | kiva
Start off the reunion by checking-in in your (probably) favorite place -- Burchard. Come in and reminisce by the Kiva before we kick things off!
12:00 PM
Welcome & State of the Program
virginia tech, cowgill hall | room 300
You will be welcomed by IDAB with some opening remarks before being handed off to Program Chair Martha Sullivan, who will share what's been going on at VT and within VTID over the last several years.
1:00 PM
Student Work Showcase
virginia tech, creativity and innovation district (cid)| lobby
Immerse yourself in the creativity and talent of current VTID students as they showcase their recent projects in a casual lobby exhibition. Work will be shown by 2nd, 3rd, and 4th year (thesis) students.
3:15 PM
Panel Sessions
virginia tech, hancock hall | auditorium
There will be two panel sessions for our alumni and students. The Faculty Research panel will showcase the research of 4 VTID professors and spotlight the innovative work happening within VTID. Alumni Journeys panel brings together alumni who have pursued a diverse range of professions within the design field.
6:00 PM
Alumni x Faculty Dinner
eastern divide brewing | 3175 commerce street, blacksburg
Reconnect and network with alumni, as well as current and former faculty in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Feel free to bring your spouse along to join in the fun!
Saturday, March 23
9:00 AM
Milestone Alumni Breakfast with Dean Liu
virginia tech, holtzman alumni center
A special, intimate breakfast event where Milestone Alumni (Who are Milestone Alumni?) and their spouses have the exclusive opportunity to meet Dean Lu Liu, celebrate their milestone anniversaries, and receive a special gift.
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Blacksburg Your Way
blacksburg, va
Explore Blacksburg on your terms, whether you're browsing the Farmers Market, enjoying your fav coffee shop, embarking on outdoor adventures, visiting the Moss Center for the Arts, relaxing at local breweries, or pursuing your own nostalgic activities.
5:00 PM
VTID Community Social
virginia tech, holtzman alumni center | lawn
Come together with fellow alumni, current students, and faculty members to enjoy some live music, food trucks, and more! It's a great opportunity to network and reconnect with the VTID community. Spouses are encouraged to come and join in the festivities too!
Sunday, March 24
Time to head home, or stick around. You do you.
Accommodations
Enjoy exclusive room blocks with special pricing for the VTID Alumni Weekend. Take advantage of the special rate of $159/night from Thursday, March 21 - Sunday, March 24. Reserve your room by February 20th to guarantee pricing and availability.
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Please remember to double-check the dates and codes when booking through the provided hotel block links. By default, the links do not select the eligible dates. If you have any issues booking online, we recommend you call the hotel to book using the Group Name.
Hotel Locations
Parking and Transportation
Parking On-Campus
For those who will have a vehicle and want to drive to campus for reunion events, check out the VT Visitor Parking webpage prior to your visit to avoid any unexpected surprises. Visitor parking policies have changed over the last several years.
Parking Policy
Monday - Friday, 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM: Parking permit or payment is required.
Notable Parking Lot Closures
Due to various construction projects, all Prices Fork, Perry Street, and Derring parking lots are closed. The closest available parking to Cowgill Hall and Burchard Hall is the Perry Street Parking Garage. Due to the lack of available parking, the garage fills up quickly. Additionally, because of the neighboring construction, paths from the garage to campus are not direct.
Shuttle Services
Complimentary shuttle services will be provided between the Hyatt Place and Residence Inn hotels and various event venues including Cowgill Hall / Burchard Hall, the Creativity and Innovation District, the Holtzman Alumni Center, and Eastern Divide Brewing.
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Please note that you do not have to be a hotel guest to use our shuttle services, but pick up / drop off will be at the Hyatt Place and Residence Inn hotels only.
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The following time ranges indicate departure windows.
Friday Services
To Campus for Reunion Programming | 9:30 am - 11:50 am
Hyatt Place / Residence Inn → Campus (Burchard Hall via Old Turner St)
About every 10 minutes
To Student Showcase | 1:00 pm - 1:20 pm
Burchard Hall via Old Turner St → CID building
About every 10 minutes
To Panel Sessions | 2:30 pm - 2:50 pm
CID building → Hancock Hall via Old Turner St
About every 10 minutes
To Hotels After Reunion Programming | 5:00 pm - 5:15 pm
Burchard Hall via Old Turner St → Hyatt Place / Residence Inn
About every 15 minutes
To Alumni x Faculty Reception | 5:45 pm - 6:15 pm
Hyatt Place / Residence Inn → Eastern Divide Brewery
About every 15 minutes
To Hotels After Alumni x Faculty Reception | 7:30pm - 8:30 pm
Eastern Divide Brewery → Hyatt Place / Residence Inn
About every 15 minutes
Saturday Services
To Milestone Breakfast | 8:45 am - 9:15 am
Hyatt Place / Residence Inn → Holtzman Alumni Center
About every 15 minutes
To Hotels After Milestone Breakfast | 10:30 am - 11:00 am
Holtzman Alumni Center → Hyatt Place / Residence Inn
About every 15 minutes
To VTID Community Social | 4:45 pm - 5:15pm
Hyatt Place / Residence Inn → Holtzman Alumni Center
About every 15 minutes
To Hotels After VTID Community Social | 7:45 pm - 8:15 pm
Holtzman Alumni Center → Hyatt Place / Residence Inn
About every 15 minutes
FAQs
What is the significance of the 25 Years of Virginia Tech Industrial Design?
In 2024, we're celebrating a major milestone – 25 years since the Virginia Tech Industrial Design program welcomed its first students. This anniversary is an opportunity to appreciate the program's history, your role in it, and the exciting path forward for VTID. We invite you to join us in commemorating this special occasion by registering for the upcoming reunion!
Who's invited to the 2024 VTID Alumni Reunion?
Alumni (from all graduation years) and VTID Faculty/Staff (current and former) are invited to participate in all reunion activities. Current VTID students will have selective participation in certain activities.
Can I bring my spouse to the reunion?
Absolutely! Alumni are welcomed and encouraged to bring their spouses to all social activities throughout the reunion weekend. It's an opportunity to share the experience with loved ones and create lasting memories together. Make sure to include your spouse when you register for the reunion.
What is the registration fee for the reunion?
It’s really important to us to provide the reunion at a registration fee that is accessible to all alumni. There are two ticket types for alumni attendees: the Standard Ticket ($30), which covers half of your reunion expenses; and the Full Support Ticket ($60), which covers your full reunion expenses. Both tickets provide equal access to all reunion activities. For all ticket types, 25% of fees goes to support the VTID program. At registration checkout, we invite you to make a voluntary financial contribution to the program, which will directly support the VTID Annual Fund and student awards. Learn more about supporting VTID at ​​https://www.vtidab.org/support.
Who are Milestone Alumni?
Our 2024 reunion introduces a new tradition: celebrating Milestone Alumni. We're recognizing individuals celebrating their 10th or greater graduation anniversary. Milestone Alumni will enjoy exclusive perks like the "Breakfast with the Dean" and a special gift.
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The 2024 Reunion Milestone Alumni include graduates in the classes of 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, and 1998.
I didn't initially register for the portfolio review, but would like to participate as a reviewer now. Is it possible to join in?
No problem! Just email IDAB at vt.idab@gmail.com and we'll make sure you're on the list.
How can I connect with fellow alumni before the reunion?
You can join our #alumni-reunion channel in the VTID Alumni Slack, specifically designated for the reunion. Whether you want to coordinate travel plans, find carpool buddies, or organize activities (like hiking), this is the place to connect with your fellow alumni! (FYI, if you haven't created an account on the VTID Alumni Slack yet, you'll have to join the Alumni Slack first).
Who should I contact if I require special accommodations?
If you require any special accommodations or have specific accessibility needs to ensure your full participation and enjoyment of the event, please contact the Chair of the ID Program, Martha Sullivan.
Who should I contact regarding reunion questions or concerns?
For any event-related questions, please contact the IDAB at vt.idab@gmail.com.