Since around 2010, the geotechnical engineering program at Virginia Tech has built a tradition of sending all graduate students to the annual GeoCongress conference, which is a hallmark experience for emerging geotechnical engineers. This long-running commitment has been made possible thanks to the Duncan Travel Endowment Fund, which ensures that every student has the opportunity to engage with the profession on a national stage. 

Over the years, Virginia Tech has become known for having the strongest student presence at GeoCongress. Faculty often hear the same question from colleagues asking how Virginia Tech gets so many students to the event. 

This year, the 2025 GeoCongress brought students to Lexington, Kentucky. Beyond the technical sessions, Hokies gathered for another tradition of gathering Virginia Tech alumni at the event. It is organized by the Geotechnical Student Organization (GSO). In Kentucky, more than 80 alumni and current students packed a local bar, reconnecting over shared memories and future ambitions.

What began as a way to broaden student horizons has grown into a powerful network-building tradition. It is one that strengthens the Hokie community, year after year.