Why Liberal Arts?
“Having to lay out your arguments in a logical, flowing manner that was easy to read and walk people through has been a huge, unintended benefit in my entire career. I’m very lucky to have that as part of my background.”
Andy Weedon, Communication ’88
Andy Weedon (’88) graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in communication. After graduating, he joined the Navy and later earned a master’s degree in national security studies and strategic planning.
Today, Weedon works in the Pentagon as the Senior Policy Analyst for the Secretary of the Navy. He said his liberal arts education taught him to think critically and communicate in ways that both inform and inspire. While he never expected it to lead to a career writing military strategy, he said his communication skills have proved to be a major asset.
“Having to lay out your arguments in a logical, flowing manner that was easy to read and walk people through has been a huge, unintended benefit in my entire career. I’m very lucky to have that as part of my background.”
"The School of Communication just has dynamite professors that invest in you. They know what you like, they know what you want to do, and they want to help and invest in you."
Evan Hughes, Multimedia Journalism '21
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Article ItemCalling the shots: A Hokie broadcaster's slam dunk journey , article
Virginia Tech women's basketball tipped off this week and so did Evan Hughes ’21, who is assistant director of broadcast services and the voice of the university’s women’s basketball team.
Onyinye Mbanefo, a student in Virginia Tech’s M.S. to Ph.D. in the Adult Development and Aging program, advocates for dignity in aging.
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Article ItemGraduate student advocates for dignity in aging , article
Inspired by her grandparents and shaped by years of caregiving in Nigeria, Onyinye Mbanefo is pursuing a Ph.D. in adult development and aging while leading a foundation that advocates for improved elder care and protection in her home country.
"Thanks to my VT professors and coursework, I am consistently prepared and empowered!"
Rosemary Zlokas Rapolla, History '15
Rosemary Zlokas Rapolla (’15) graduated from Virginia Tech with an M.A. in history. Today, she serves as Registrar and Manager of Collection Access at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, where she manages everything from artifact photoshoots and packing collections to fielding donations and organizing exhibitions.
Rosemary credits her liberal arts education for preparing her with the critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed to succeed in her fast-paced role. “Thanks to my VT professors and coursework, I am consistently prepared and empowered!”
"The Liberal Arts are critical as a foundational piece in our education."
Joel Peters, Professor and Director of the School of Public and International Affairs
Katie finds meaning in working closely with the Parkinson’s community: “Whether running marathons, climbing mountains, or pushing their bodies to the limit, they do so in honor of their own journey or someone they love.”
She credits her liberal arts education for shaping her worldview and commitment to service and social responsibility.
"My international studies degree taught me how to think critically, write persuasively, and understand global systems and cultures — skills I use every day..."
Téa Ivanovic, International Studies '14
Téa Ivanovic (’14) graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in international studies.
Ivanovic, from Belgium, is co-founder of Immigrant Food in Washington, D.C., where she uses food to shift how people think about immigration.
“As an immigrant myself, I wanted to build a space that not only celebrated immigrant heritage through delicious, vibrant cuisine, but also gave people tangible ways to engage with immigration causes.”
She said a liberal arts degree prepared her well for her role leading a mission-driven business. “My international studies degree taught me how to think critically, write persuasively, and understand global systems and cultures — skills I use every day in running a socially conscious food business.”
Her advice for students? “Hustle with heart…And don’t be afraid to make a little noise for the causes you care about. Passion is contagious — use it.”
"My classes prepared me for every role I’ve had."
Erin Fryer, Public Relations '11
Meet Erin Fryer (’11), a Virginia Tech graduate with a degree in public relations.
Since joining William & Mary in 2012, Fryer has led campus communications with a focus on strategy, web, and social media. Now director of communications and organizational change, she helps the campus adapt to major tech transitions. Her Virginia Tech experience, she said, gave her a strong foundation: “The field has changed, but my classes prepared me for every role I’ve had.”
Her advice to her college self? “Enjoy and cherish this time more! My time in Blacksburg was just a blip in the timeline of my life. I made lifelong memories and friends, but I would have loved to have gotten more involved in organizations on campus and taken advantage of the beauty that is the New River Valley.”
Lauren Marshall ('12) serves the community as director of marketing and communications for Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity.
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Article ItemAlumna thrives on helping others find homes , article
Lauren Marshall '12 is director of communications and marketing for Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity.
"My education provided me with countless frameworks and concepts to holistically understand the world around me. It taught me not what to think, but how to think."
Calvin Tran, Political Science '19
Calvin Tran (’19) graduated with a degree in political science with minors in peace studies and violence prevention, and public and urban affairs.
Now a senior environmental markets manager at the American Forest Foundation, Tran utilizes carbon market financing to connect family forest owners with the resources and expertise they need to manage their forests and combat climate change.
Tran, who concentrated in legal studies, said courses like environmental law helped him understand today’s policy landscape and develop critical thinking skills.
“Political science is one of the hottest topics globally today," he said. "My education provided me with countless frameworks and concepts to holistically understand the world around me. It taught me not what to think, but how to think.”
"A liberal arts education helps you think critically across disciplines."
Ken Nicely, Doctor of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies '12
A guest lecture kick-started Phillip Forgo-Hess's ('10) career trajectory into advertising. He is now a creative and design consultant at Powers Creativity, a New York firm.
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Article ItemA guest lecture and a rom-com kick-started this alumnus’ advertising career , article
Phillip-Forgo Hess '10 details his journey into the world of advertising as part of an occasional series, Why Liberal Arts, that explores how a liberal arts education helps people grow as thinkers and leaders and opens doors to meaningful careers.
Paula Yost ('02) credits her English degree with giving her an edge in her legal career.
Paula Yost (’02) is a Virginia Tech graduate with degrees in English and microbiology.
Yost received her Juris Doctor from Widener University School of Law in 2005, and is the owner and managing attorney of Country Law Shack in her hometown of Mount Pleasant, N.C. A member of the North Carolina Pro Bono Honor Society, she is passionate about helping others.
Yost credits her English degree with giving her an edge in her legal career. “Eighty percent of being a lawyer is writing and responding to emails. I write all day, every day.”
Her advice to students? “Focus on what you are good at. Get a degree in what you love. Focus on what you enjoy.”
"I was able to build a truly unique and enriching undergraduate experience that helped me succeed in my profession."
Andrés Morana, International Studies '16
Andrés Morana (16’) graduated summa cum laude in International Studies with minors in Leadership, Arabic, and 21st Century Studies.
As an Army veteran, he now serves as a Policy Desk Officer at the U.S. Department of State, managing U.S. foreign policy and bilateral relations for Mauritania and Nigeria in the Office of West African Affairs.
Morana, an Honors College graduate, credits his success to his tailored academic experience. “I was able to build a truly unique and enriching undergraduate experience that helped me succeed in my profession on active duty, in the private sector, and now as a federal civilian employee.”
"I began blossoming into my own person when at Virginia Tech, and am still grateful to be a member of this caring community of servers. Truly, ‘this is (a) home’ for me, and I want this to be such for others."
Megan Murray, International Studies and French '13
Megan Murray (13’) graduated with degrees in international studies and French. Now serving as Assistant Director of Foreign Student and Scholar Advisor at Carnegie Mellon University as well as serving on the VT Student Young Alumni Board, Murray says that her degrees earned at Virginia Tech have given her a strong foundation in understanding factors that influence geopolitical events.
“I began blossoming into my own person when at Virginia Tech, and am still grateful to be a member of this caring community of servers. Truly, ‘this is (a) home’ for me, and I want this to be such for others.”
