A Crowning Moment

Thousands of Hokies recently celebrated the kickoff of Virginia Tech’s Sesquicentennial during Homecoming Week. 

Kylene Barker McNeill, Miss America 1979, and Camille Schrier, Miss America 2020, served as grand marshals of the Homecoming parade to commemorate the 100th anniversary of women students at the university.

McNeill earned her degree in clothing and textiles in 1978; Schrier graduated in 2018 with a double major in systems biology and biochemistry.

During the Homecoming celebration, McNeill, a former member of the Virginia Tech Alumni Association Board, donated her Miss America crown for display at the Holtzman Alumni Center museum.

While the activities during the week of October 11 to 16 focused on students, the weekend offered a chance for Hokies to return to their alma mater. Homecoming also honored two alumni groups: Cornerstone Alumni, who graduated 50 or more years ago, and Highty-Tighty alumni, who marched in the Homecoming Parade and performing a pre-game show with current Highty-Tighties.

This year’s annual tradition was a once-in-a-lifetime celebration marking 150 years of the university. Through December 2022, Virginia Tech will observe its Sesquicentennial with ongoing celebrations honoring the past and celebrating the present.

Homecoming Photo Gallery