Good morning, Blacksburg.

Montgomery County’s newest park, Teel Park in Riner, is nearing completion.

It will offer a new outdoor space for recreation and community gatherings — a fresh option for local residents.

Richard Shryock has been appointed as the Robert and Beatrice Mahan Professor in French at Virginia Tech.

He has expanded language programs and led study abroad trips since 1987—boosting the university's reputation in French studies.

Virginia Tech’s Computer Science department will graduate its first Ph.D. student in quantum computing this May when Akshay Bansal defends his study on May 27—he received the 2025 Best Ph.D.

Research Award and will join a startup in Bengaluru to work on new quantum technology.

University Libraries at Virginia Tech served over 8,000 grilled cheese sandwiches during Cheesy Nights to help Hokies power through finals—setting a new record in Spring 2025.

The event continues a long tradition of volunteer support that helps boost student morale.

Professor Mike Aust retired from Virginia Tech in December 2024 and was granted emeritus status after 35 years teaching forestry—he mentored thousands of students while researching best management practices to improve water quality and forest productivity and now plans to spend more time outdoors with his wife.

Family, friends, and faculty gathered in Cassell Coliseum (1,950 graduate students participated) today for the Spring graduate commencement as both master’s and Ph.D. graduates (including interdisciplinary programs) celebrated their achievements and prepared for new challenges.

Virginia Tech researchers led by Associate Professor Sanket Deshmukh used explainable AI and supercomputing to design a new metal alloy with superior strength, funded by the National Science Foundation.

The study—recently published in Nature’s npj Computational Materials—shows that this data-driven design can speed up the discovery of advanced materials for uses like knee replacements and aircraft parts.

The Department of Computer Science honored distinguished alumni at its spring banquet held May 6 by inducting new members into its Computer Science Academy—awardees including George Luc and Hussein Suleman—while also recognizing Alex Endert with the Distinguished Early Career Alumni Award and honoring faculty, staff and students for outstanding work. The event celebrated graduates who show service and technological excellence through their career achievements.

Virginia Tech students placed third at the National Security Agency Cyber Exercise in April at Linthicim Heights, Maryland; their 19 student team finished first in the final Combat Cyber Exercise + outperformed teams from the U.S. Air Force Academy and U.S. Military Academy.

This year, the New River Conservancy celebrates its 50th anniversary with events scheduled in three states and a 50 Mile New River Expedition Challenge for paddlers.

The organization, which has long worked to protect the river, will reveal additional details in the coming weeks—readers are encouraged to stay tuned for updates.

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.

Summer Flora Candle Making Workshop

6-8 p.m. — Beliveau Farm Winery — $41 plus fees — Craft two custom candles with summer floral scents while enjoying a relaxing winery atmosphere.