Good morning, Blacksburg.

A Virginia Tech student died after a crash near campus on April 24th—details remain unclear.

Professor Paul M. Herr was named professor emeritus by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors for more than 16 years of teaching, research, and student support—he led the marketing department from 2013 to 2019 and helped develop courses for undergraduate and graduate students.

Sharon Peart joined the Equine Medical Center in 2004 after moving from the United Kingdom and now works closely with the EMC director to support horse care and student clinical rotations.

She uses her skills in writing, photography, and outreach to promote equine health and community programs—she ends her day feeding her horses and her rescue dog Flint.

Sally Steppling was named Pamplin College of Business Outstanding Master's Student on March 27.

She earned the award for her capstone project building an interactive dashboard and became the first in her family to attend Virginia Tech—marking five years of hard work.

Students in the English to Engineering (E2E) program are testing Viton O rings in aircraft engines to see if sustainable aviation fuel behaves like Jet A fuel.

Their ongoing tests with HEFA-SPK will help determine if current engines can safely use the new fuel.

Sarah Preston, a Virginia Tech alum and dedicated mentor, gives back by speaking at alumni panels and volunteering with DECA – she says small acts of kindness have opened doors for her just as the community once welcomed her.

The Sustainable Impact Academy—bringing together 15 faculty and staff from the College of Natural Resources and Environment, Pamplin College of Business and Green Engineering—lets students work in cross-disciplinary teams to solve campus sustainability challenges.

The teams assess water and energy efficiencies in both older and newer buildings and develop green proposals to lower resource use.

Students in the Master of Natural Resources program studied abroad in Aotearoa New Zealand and learned how Māori traditions help lead sustainable practices—experiencing everything from glaciers to hydro stations that show ways to care for nature.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin led a groundbreaking at Christiansburg’s Cambria station where officials said Amtrak service will resume within two years & renovations are part of a $264.5 million project to boost rail travel in the New River Valley.

Local and state leaders attended the event as they marked a key step in reviving passenger rail service in the region.

Paint Nite: Perfect Spring Lookout

6-8 p.m. — Rising Silo Brewery — $45 per person, supplies included — Unleash your creativity in a fun painting party hosted by The Heartworks Co.