Editor's note: The following is an open letter to Virginia Tech employees from Kevin L. Foust, chief of police and director of security. Foust is the honorary chair of the 2016 Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign.

Today, we have 344,013 additional reasons to smile; 344,013 additional reasons to be proud to be Hokies; and 344,013 additional reasons why Virginia Tech is a great place to work. Because together we raised $344,013 for our community and those in need.

The spirit of Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) is truly alive and well here at Virginia Tech. When you were called to step up to the plate to help your friends, neighbors, and folks all across Virginia, you knocked it out of the park.

Thanks to the generosity of more than 1,400 of our employees, we not only met our $325,000 goal, we surpassed it, and in record-breaking fashion no less. This year’s total is $24,349 more than we raised last year and the most we have ever raised for the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign.

Not only did employees make individual gifts, but departments and offices across the university hosted a variety of events to raise funds for the campaign as well. Photo galleries of some of these events can be viewed online.

Of the $344,013 raised, employees donated to more than 300 organizations. The three organizations that received the highest number of designated donations are:

  • $17,844 to the United Way of Montgomery, Radford, and Floyd
  • $17,543 to the Free Clinic of the New River Valley (Community Health Center of the New River Valley)
  • $16,712 to the Women's Resource Center of the New River Valley

I was honored to serve as the honorary chair for this year’s Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign, and I am grateful to have witnessed first-hand the dedication of the steering team who organized the campaign, as well as the compassion of our employees who donated.

Just because the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign has come to a close and the holiday season is behind us, it doesn’t mean we should stop giving back. As we embark on a new year, let’s strive to live out our motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), each and every day.

Thank you again for your generosity and unwavering commitment to serving others. Every donation to the Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign will make a difference.

Kevin L. Foust
Honorary Chair, 2016 Commonwealth of Virginia Campaign
Chief of Police and Director of Security

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