The stories

Hokie traditions

Where the things every Hokie knows came from, and a few things most Hokies don't. Every story lists its sources at the bottom.

Since 1896The $5 Yell That Named a NationIn 1896 a cadet won $5 for a cheer built on a word he made up. That word is "Hokie," and this site is named for his first line.
Since 2000Enter Sandman and the Lane Stadium JumpHow a Metallica song picked for a new videoboard in 2000 became the jump that shows up on a seismograph, and why Metallica finally played it at Lane.
Since 1962Who’s Inside the HokieBirdThe HokieBird started as a $200 suit nobody wanted to wear. Meet the students inside it, the rules they keep, and the reveal at graduation.
Since 1899The Campus Is an Argument Carried Out in RockBrick, then limestone, then a fling with concrete, then a 2010 rule. How Hokie Stone became the campus, and where it still comes from.
Since 1963Skipper, the Cannon Built to Answer VMIIn 1963 three cadets built a cannon to answer VMI’s taunt, picked it up the day JFK was shot and named it for him. This is Skipper’s story.
Since 1872Add Caldwell Walks to BlacksburgIn 1872 a 16-year-old walked from Craig County to enroll first at a brand-new college. Here is how Tech began, and who Add Caldwell really was.
Since 1872The Corps That Wouldn’t QuitEvery student was a cadet in 1872. The Corps survived a faculty fistfight, two world wars and going voluntary, and it is still here.
1960 to todayEight Pylons, Eight NamesThe Pylons carry the names of every Hokie who died defending the country. Below them sits a chapel, and above it, eight Medal of Honor recipients.
1953 to todayAdmitted, Not WelcomedIn 1953 Irving Peddrew III became Tech’s first Black student, but he could not live on campus. Meet him, the Hoges and the trailblazers who followed.
Since 1909From Gobblers to HokiesTech’s teams were the Gobblers for most of a century, with a real turkey on the sidelines. Here is how the bird stayed and the name changed.
Since 1911Rings, Ribbons and MoonlightMost schools sell one ring forever. At Tech every class designs its own, old gold gets melted into new rings, and Ring Dance has run since 1934.
Since 1892The Highty-Tighties and Tech TriumphThe regimental band that grew from a six-piece drum corps in 1892, won 129 of 130 competitive parades, and the 1919 fight song both Tech bands still play.
Since 1896Ut Prosim: That I May ServeUt Prosim means "That I May Serve." Here is how an 1896 motto turned into The Big Event and a student-run rescue squad that still answers the calls.
Since 1928Left Open ForeverHow a creek valley became the Drillfield, why the Duck Pond started as a 1913 student thesis, and the 1872 farmhouse that is still the oldest thing on campus.
Since 1996Why Tech Eats So WellFrom the 1996 flex plan to West End’s London broil, D2, Owens and Turner Place: how Virginia Tech dining landed near the top of the rankings.