Good morning, Blacksburg.

On March 26th, local residents, fire departments, and businesses raised $6013.03 in a tshirt fundraiser by Logo Hub to support the children of local firefighter Jeremy Compton (who lost his battle with cancer).

Logo Hub owner Merissa Sachs said the donations reflect strong community support and will help his family move forward.

The Blacksburg Kids Consignment Sale will be held Saturday, March 29 from 9am - 1:30pm at the Blacksburg Community Center, offering seasonal kids clothing, shoes, toys, books, and baby gear with select items half-price from 12:30pm - 1:30pm.

Consignors can still sign up to retain 80% of their proceeds and enjoy a pre-sale before the event opens to the public.

Geobiologist Shuhai Xiao has been named a University Distinguished Professor by Virginia Tech's Board of Visitors for his work studying life on Earth from 500 million to 600 million years ago—an award given for solving puzzles like the missing sea sponges, a slushy Earth after the ice age, and a 1.5 billion year extension to the record of life. His research uses field work, chemical tests, and special images to learn how early life changed the Earth.

Virginia Tech’s Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology will partner with Amazon and the Torpedo Factory Art Center to hold monthly hands-on workshops that merge art, technology, and innovation at HQ2 and later at the art center.

The upcoming session—focusing on the science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics in hip-hop culture—will be led by associate professor Craig Arthur.

Katrina Powell, a Virginia Tech professor, was honored as an Alumni Distinguished Professor by the Board of Visitors for her work on social justice and displacement over the past 20 years.

She leads programs that help students learn about forced moves and fair treatment and founded a center to study these issues.

Virginia Tech uses a shared governance system that lets faculty, staff, students and administrators share views on decisions affecting the university+ Amber Hagan, who joined the Staff Senate over a year ago, now works on a task force reviewing staff pay to help improve working conditions.

Virginia Tech’s Board of Visitors approved the design for a new business building in the Global Business and Analytics Complex in Blacksburg.

The 92,000-square-foot building will break ground this fall and is expected to open for classes by the start of fall 2027.

On Tuesday, the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors canceled the Student Life Village project that would have housed over 5,000 students and will renovate Slusher Hall instead—local leaders warn that this change may worsen the strained housing market.

Mayor Leslie Hager-Smith said growing university enrollment could further tighten available housing options.

Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Radford Highlanders

1 p.m. — English Field at Atlantic Union Bank Park — VIP tickets available — Witness the spirited matchup between these local college teams in a lively baseball atmosphere.

Spring Candle Making Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Beliveau Farm Winery — Ticket required — Craft two personalized soy candles while enjoying wine and treats in a spring-inspired setting.

Virginia Tech vs. Troy Baseball Match

3:30 a.m. — English Field at Atlantic Union Bank Park — Tickets available — Watch the Virginia Tech Hokies face off against the Troy Trojans in an exciting baseball matchup.

Florida State Seminoles at Virginia Tech Hokies Baseball

1-5 p.m. — English Field at Atlantic Union Bank Park — Tickets required — Come watch the Hokies face off against the Seminoles in an exciting afternoon of college baseball.

The Grass Is Dead: Bluegrass Tribute

8 PM – 12 AM — The Milk Parlor — $ — Experience America's original bluegrass tribute to the music of the Grateful Dead and beyond!

Bonsai Painting Night at Beliveau Farm Winery

6-8 p.m. — Beliveau Farm Winery — Ticket sales end March 21st, 2025 — Unleash your creativity while sipping wine and painting your own bonsai masterpiece.