Last night, the Charles E. Via, Jr. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering celebrated the extraordinary accomplishments of Via scholars at the annual Via banquet, a highlight of the year for the department. These scholars, supported by the prestigious Via Fellowships, are conducting groundbreaking research that addresses critical challenges in engineering and society.

The evening closed with inspiring remarks from Peter Vikesland, who said, “This is the extended Virginia Tech CEE family. Together we will rise to challenges.” His words encapsulate the spirit of collaboration and innovation that defines the Via scholars community.

These scholarships are made possible through the generosity of the late Mrs. Marion Bradley Via of Roanoke, Virginia, and her family. In 1987, Mrs. Via contributed $5 million to both the Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) and CEE Departments at Virginia Tech. In honor of her late husband, Charles E. Via, Jr., and her father, Harry Lynde Bradley, these contributions have provided a lasting legacy of support for generations of engineering students.

Since its inception, the Via endowment has provided over $20 million in funding, making these scholarships some of the most competitive in the nation. They empower students to excel in their academic and research pursuits, ensuring they are equipped to lead and innovate in the field of engineering.

You can learn more about the endowment and each of these scholars here. 

M.S. students
The master's Via scholars at the reception on December 6, 2024.
undergraduate scholars
The undergraduate Via scholars at the reception on December 6, 2024.