To the Virginia Tech Class of 2019.

You know those moments in life where you really feel like you’re making an impact on people? A moment when things that you do – and some of them might be totally normal, day-to-day things for you – gets some kind of recognition? Well, one of those definitely happened to me today.

Late last night, I got an inbox message from a Hokie friend of mine that works at VT. Justin M. showed me that the President of the university, Dr. Tim Sands, had written a letter to the incoming class of freshman: the class of 2019.

A letter from me to each member of the Class of #VT19: http://t.co/an3ghCR0RL

— Timothy D Sands (@VTSandsman) July 15, 2015

He told me that I had gotten a “shoutout” in his letter…and I was kind of confused. Why would Dr. Sands give me a shout out?

Here’s an excerpt from it – but click here for the whole letter. And, really, please do click there.

I have only met Dr. Sands a handful of times, but one of the greatest memories of my Virginia Tech experience as a student was working toward hiring Dr. Sands as our 16th president, as a member of the Presidential Search Committee. As a candidate, he immediately struck me as a very bright, experienced, and most importantly CREATIVE potential president. We had so many great candidates, yet I was very happy and confident when he earned the post.

With Dr. Sands and Mr. Richard Bass, Virginia Tech Admissions tour bus driver and Hokie extraordinare, this past spring on campus.

We’ve interacted just a few times since then, and I’m constantly impressed with his presence and engagement – especially with students on campus. I can’t count on any number of digits between Charlotte and I how many times I have seen him around campus, on the Drillfield, and just out there meeting students, getting to know them, calling them by their name…

That kind of engagement in a university president really goes a long way; especially with his or her students. So, even if just from that perspective, I’m so grateful he’s our university president. And now, one of the greatest memories I have as a Virginia Tech alum is being mentioned in his letter that will undoubtedly be read by many, many students, their parents, their families, alum, etc.

Point blank, Dr. Sands was one of the new people I got to meet through the search process. As was his wife, Dr. Laura Sands, and the rest of his family. And the fact that my goal made an impression on him, enough of an impression to share it with the entire university, really meant a lot to me.

Oh, and if you’re a current Tech student, I’d like to add one additional thing: try to think of a way that you can leave a positive, lasting legacy on the university while your’e there, too. I can guarantee that it will help you feel connected and a part of the university for years to come – even after you’ve physically left the community. Oh, and also, check out this HESONWHEELS post with advice for incoming students, like my new Hokie Aubrey P. did.

Dr. Sands just passed his first year in office, I believe, on June 1st. I can’t wait to see how he continues to help develop, influence, and push forward our great university. Thanks for the shout out Dr. Sands – and thank you for your great service to our university.