From March 22nd to 24th, Virginia Tech Industrial Design (VTID) hosted their 2024 Alumni Reunion. The reunion was organized in part by the Industrial Design Alumni Board (IDAB), a volunteer group of alumni of the program who donate their time to fostering the ID alumni community. Alumni traveled from 18 states to celebrate 25 years of the Industrial Design program at Virginia Tech. The weekend began Friday Morning with a portfolio review in which students had the opportunity to have alumni look over their work with them. They received insightful feedback on how to present their work and important interview tips on how to secure a job.

Students had the opportunity to have their portfolios reviewed by alumni.
Students had the opportunity to have their portfolios reviewed by alumni.

After lunch and check in, Program Chair of Industrial Design, Martha Sullivan, gave a State of the Program presentation. Alumni then walked to the Creativity and Innovation District (CID) for a Student Showcase. Projects from second-, third-, and fourth-year studios were displayed in the lobby of the CID for alumni to see what students have been working on. Students got feedback on projects ranging from furniture and consumer electronics to utensils and apps.

Alumni checked in and caught up with each other in Burchard.
Alumni checked in and caught up with each other in Burchard.
Alumni had the chance to see what second-, third-, and fourth-year students have been working on.
Alumni had the chance to see what second-, third-, and fourth-year students have been working on.

Following the student showcase, VTID hosted two panels in Hancock Auditorium. The first panel showcased the groundbreaking research of our faculty with Brook Kennedy, Dr. Yoon Jung Choi, Dr. Isabel Prochner, and Jonas Hauptman. The second panel illuminated the diverse paths and incredible impact of VTID alumni with Craighton Berman (Designer, Entrepreneur), Christine Manfredo (UX Director, Design Educator), Joseph Powers (Project Manager), Raquel Rabago (Industrial Designer), and Jonathon Mills (Product Design Department Chair).

We heard from five VTID alumni on the "Alumni Journeys" panel.
We heard from five VTID alumni on the "Alumni Journeys" panel.

To wrap up a busy day, our alumni and faculty gathered at Eastern Divide Brewing Company for a night of reminiscing, laughter, and good brews. Dean of the College of Architecture, Arts, and Design, Lu Liu, and Director of the School of Design, Matt Powers, expressed their gratitude for the work of VTID graduates.

Alumni and Faculty Dinner at Eastern Divide Brewery
Alumni and Faculty Dinner at Eastern Divide Brewery

On Saturday morning, 29 graduates from 2014 and earlier were invited to a special Milestone Alumni Breakfast with Dean Liu. In addition to celebrating the alumni, the Dean shared thoughts on VTID’s 25th Anniversary. The Milestone Alumni were gifted a commemorative mug made by Martha Sullivan.

Milestone alumni gathered for breakfast with Dean Lu Liu
Milestone alumni gathered for breakfast with Dean Lu Liu

After a day of independent exploration of Blacksburg, the entire VTID family gathered at Holtzman Alumni Center for an evening of food, games, and fun. IDSA hosted their 50/50 Auction of student work, with items including everything from ceramics and posters to t-shirts and pies. Food trucks from Cabo Fish Taco and Smooshed Ice Cream Sandwiches food trucks fueled our students, alumni, and faculty. 

class of 2020
Class of 2020 gathers at the VTID Community Social.
Students, faculty, and alumni enjoyed dinner from food trucks.
Students, faculty, and alumni enjoyed dinner from food trucks.
IDSA hosted at 50/50 auction.
IDSA hosted at 50/50 auction.

Thank you to everyone who traveled from near and far and thank you to the members of IDAB for organizing! We loved sharing such a special weekend in Blacksburg with the VTID community! We look forward to the next reunion in 2028!

Thank you to IDAB for organizing a successful weekend!
Thank you to IDAB for organizing a successful weekend!