Virginia Tech welcomes engagement scholars from around the world
The HokieBird posed for selfies, the Highty-Tighties filled The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center with the Hokie Spirit, and conversations about how universities and communities work together echoed across downtown Roanoke as nearly 700 engagement scholars gathered for an unforgettable week of learning and celebration.
From workshops and roundtables to music and dancing at the Taubman Museum of Art, Virginia Tech’s turn as host of the Engagement Scholarship Consortium International Conference was as spirited as it was inspiring. Attendees heard from keynote speakers Davarian Baldwin, founder of the Smart Cities Research Lab at Trinity College, and Mary Maker, co-founder of Elimisha Kakuma, whose messages challenged participants to reimagine the possibilities of engagement.
Susan E. Short, senior associate vice president for outreach and international affairs, received the President’s Award for Distinguished ESC Service, recognizing her longtime leadership and commitment to the consortium, including her service as vice president.
Outreach and International Affairs was well represented throughout the week. Along with many OIA staff who helped organize the event, faculty and staff members including Julie Walters Steele, Diane Deffenbaugh, Scott Weimer, Scott Tate, Makenzie Mann, and Susan Johnstad presented on topics ranging from honoring descendants of enslaved communities and fostering authentic collaborations to advancing student engagement and strengthening place-based partnerships. Their sessions, along with more than 50 others led by Virginia Tech, showcased the many ways Hokies are living out the university’s land-grant mission across Virginia and around the world.
“The teamwork and hospitality on display this week were remarkable,” Short said. “This conference was a wonderful opportunity to showcase not only Virginia Tech’s commitment to community engagement, but also the energy and collaboration that make this work meaningful. It was exciting to see our teams shine on a national stage.”
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Photos by Virginia Tech.