Good morning, Blacksburg.

Virginia Tech Police Officer John Tarter volunteers as a core organizer at the Montgomery County Christmas Store, which offers free shopping for low-income households during the holiday season.

Tributes pour in for Nikki Giovanni, renowned poet and professor, celebrating her legacy of courage, creativity, and advocacy, ahead of her public viewing on Dec.

14.

Griffin Armstrong, a Virginia Tech student and football long snapper, transferred from Louisiana Tech to pursue a major in Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, and aims to become a professional strength coach.

Nicole Paz-Jimenez, a first-generation Latina engineering graduate from Virginia Tech, embarks on a career at Gordon engineering firm, leaving a legacy of advocacy for diversity in STEM.

Jana Lee, a Virginia Tech junior, won the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation's 17th Annual Collegiate Young Farmers Discussion Meet, focusing on key agricultural issues and the engagement of youth in agriculture.

Hailey Richards, an English and political science major at Virginia Tech, joins a research team exploring patient perspectives on receiving blood from COVID-19 vaccinated donors.

Hokies utilized study spaces and participated in activities on a cold Reading Day to prepare for final exams.

Cadet Bray Sehnert, combining his education in philosophy and political science with leadership roles at Virginia Tech, will commission as an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps on December 20.

U.S. Sen. Mark Warner and Director of National Intelligence Avril Haines visited Virginia Tech's National Security Institute, highlighting the university's contributions to national security through advanced research and talent development.

Whitney Jackim, a fashion merchandising and design major at Virginia Tech, is inspired by her grandmother's teachings in sewing, engages in research on naturally colored cottons, and contributes to the university’s historic textile collection.