Sesquicentennial Events

Four women surround a yellow lab, who is sitting on the floor. — Virginia Tech therapy dog Josie and her handler Dr. Rami Steinruck visits with Shelly Jobst, director of Continuing and Professional Education; Nancy Gruber, director of finance and administration for engagement; and Kim Rhodes, executive assistant to the vice president of Outreach and International Affairs.

Roanoke Center

The Roanoke Center hosted community partners and Virginia Tech representatives for lunch at the Hotel Roanoke to talk about ways the university and the Roanoke region can build a stronger community together. After lunch, a panel discussion in the Roanoke Center focused on the communities mental health including the counselor education program and a visit from Derek and Josie, the Virginia Tech therapy dogs.

Scott Weimer, executive director of Roanoke Regional Initiatives

A woman speaks into a microphone while another listens — Panelists Rami Steinruck of Cook Counseling Center and Bethany Lackey of the Roanoke Refugee Partnership

A yellow lab wearing an orange bandanna — Derek, one of the Virginia Tech therapy dogs

Guru Ghosh, vice president of Outreach and International Affairs

Gerard Lawson, professor in the Counselor Education program at the Roanoke Center.

Reynolds Homestead

The historic property celebrated its 50+ anniversary with a series of weekend events. The Bushels & Barrels Local Food, Wine, and Beer Festival celebrated all things local and featured live music, breweries, wineries, and local food. On Sunday, a free celebration marked the Reynolds Homestead's anniversary.

A woman pours a sample of wine for two female customers

A man with a guitar sings at a microphone

A singer and her band perform under purple and pink lights

Susan Short and Major Reynolds — Susan E. Short, associate vice president of engagement, and Richard S. "Major" Reynolds

Two men sitting at a table — Kevin and Kenneth Reynolds are descendants of the enslaved community at Reynolds Homestead.

A man and woman talk to a woman about wine as the bottle sits between them. — Will Sparrow, left, is a descendant of the Reynolds family.

A family sits at a picnic table near a food truck with a old brick house in the background.

A tour group looks at portraits on a fireplace mantle of an old home.

People talk and sit in chairs under a string of white lights

"Major" Reynolds and his wife, Pam Reynolds. — Richard S. "Major" Reynolds and his wife, Pam Reynolds

A man and woman stand together — Kimble Reynolds and Amira Ross are descendants of the plantation's enslaved community

Three men standing talking in a shaded wooded area — Don Hempson, associate vice president for international affairs; Kimble Reynolds, a descendant of the enslaved community at Reynolds Homestead; and Guru Ghosh, vice president for Outreach and International Affairs; tour the enslaved cemetery