Virginia Tech welcomes new Hokies to orientation

Daniel Garbus, an incoming Virginia Tech from Aldie, Va., leads his orientation group's cheer outside Dietrick Hall. Daniel Lin | The Roanoke Times

Thousands of incoming Virginia Tech freshmen have spent the past few days in orientation, learning what it means to be a Hokie and gearing up for the new school year.

For students such as  18-year-old Josh Hartless of Lexington, it’s a lifelong dream come true.

“Ever since I was 4 years old, I have been a [Tech] football fanatic,” Hartless said. “I’m about to begin my tenure as an equipment manager for the football team.”
But before Hartless takes on his equipment duties, he has to go through orientation just like everyone else.

“Freshman orientation was amazing,” Hartless said. “Even though I had been on the campus many times before, it was something that I had never experienced.”

Hartless, who will study human nutrition, foods and exercise, said he enjoyed meeting some of the classmates that he’ll be going to school with for the next four years.

“I really enjoyed learning more about the campus and its rich history and dedication to its motto ‘Ut Prosim,’ that I may serve,” Hartless said.

According to Amy Widner, Tech’s public relations coordinator for undergraduate admissions, there are currently 5,483 freshmen enrolled at the university. Of that group, 55 percent are male, and 45 percent are female, Widner added.

Last year, according to Tech’s  online factbook, Tech had 5,221 freshmen enrolled.
The 2011-12 school year endured renovations of dormitories that were built prior to 1983. Those renovations created a housing problem for 500 returning Tech students. Those students were asked to find off-campus housing for the year.

Fortunately for the Class of 2016, freshmen are guaranteed housing on campus.
According to university spokesman Mark Owczarski, all major projects on campus will be completed by the upcoming school year, which starts Aug. 27.

The East Ambler Johnston dormitory is scheduled to be completed next month, Owczarski added.

Owczarski said there will not be any other dormitories under renovation in the fall.
But many freshmen aren’t thinking about logistics, they’re just ready to embrace everything maroon-and-orange — including Tech’s nationally recognized dining services.

As students return to campus, they will be greeted by Tech’s newest food service facility — Turner Place — which will include chain restaurants such as Jamba Juice and Qdoba and nonfranchised venues.

But for Hartless, his mind is on another place on campus — Lane Stadium.

“I cannot wait to feel the electricity in Lane Stadium on the sidelines and to have the opportunity to help my favorite team succeed with whatever service that I may be able to offer,” he said.

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