"The Spirit of Tech" Hokie Bird to be Dedicated, Showing of Hokie Nation to Follow
BLACKSBURG, Va., September 20, 2007 – “The Spirit of Tech” Hokie Bird will be dedicated Thursday, September 27 at 7 p.m. in the Haymarket Theatre in Squires Student Center on the Virginia Tech campus. The dedication precedes a showing of Hokie Nation, a documentary film about a team, a town, and the best darn fans in college football. The public is invited to attend the dedication and the movie as part of the 2007 homecoming festivities. For a complete list of Homecoming activities go to www.vthomecoming.org
A tribute to past and present Hokie cheerleaders and mascots, “The Spirit of Tech” Hokie Bird was designed by artist Ken Stockton under the guidance and inspiration of owner Sherwood Quillen. Sherwood (Sherry) Payne Quillen, class of ‘71, was a Hokie cheerleader from 1969-1971. Her son, Matthew Trant Quillen, class of 2005, was the Hokie Bird from 2003-2006.
Originally displayed in front of McComas Hall during the 2006 football season, “The Spirit of Tech” Hokie Bird was moved to its present position in Squires Student Center during the spring of 2007. With Squires serving as a host site for freshman orientation, various college commencement ceremonies, and as an “everyday living room” of the university, it is the owner’s hope that the spirit of tech is felt in the hearts of those who pass by.
“We are delighted that “The Spirit of Tech” Hokie Bird will have its home in Squires, because this truly is the center of the Hokie community,” said Julie Walters-Steele, Director of University Unions.
“This is the best thing that has happened to Squires,” says Amy Venturino, Information Services Manager at Squires’ information desk. “Kids, students, guests – you wouldn’t believe how many people have their picture taken with ‘The Spirit of Tech’ Hokie Bird.”
Photos of past cheerleaders and mascots dress “The Spirit of Tech.” Featured on the front of the Hokie Bird’s sweater is Tech’s first co-ed cheerleader, Anna Peterson, from Blacksburg, Virginia. The tail feathers are inscribed with the well known “Ole Hokie” cheer. Old and new insignias and motifs are also displayed on the bird. Both Matt and Sherry, through the eyes of “The Spirit of Tech,” will continue to watch for signs of tech spirit as students, visitors, and alumni pass by.
“The Spirit of Tech” was one of approximately 75 Hokie Birds commission by Gobble de Art for sponsorship or ownership. Gobble de Art is a project of the Blacksburg Partnership, a non-profit, independent economic development organization made up of town, business, and university communities for the purpose of bolstering the vitality of Blacksburg through projects that attract visitors and retail prospects.
Artist Kenneth A. Stockton lives in Salem, Virginia. He was seven when he first started winning awards for his art. From that moment, he dedicated his life to art. Throughout his career he has worked in drafting, graphic arts, and illustrations. All have greatly influenced his paintings. Ken graduated from the San Francisco Art Institute. He is known for his large paintings and murals. His art can be seen in all parts of the world, but his love of the Blue Ridge Mountains remains one of his favorite subjects to capture. Ken was the artist for another Hokie Bird called “Everything Is Coming Up Roses.”
Sherwood “Sherry” Quillen is a 1971 graduate of Tech, and resides in Blacksburg, VA. She has three children, Chris (’98), Hunter (‘98 from UT is employed by Tech as director of special events) and Matt (’05). Sherry serves on the Board of Directors for Tech's Monogram Club and on Virginia Tech's School of Education Advisory Committee. She is also a member of the WLP (Women in Leadership and Philanthropy) at Virginia Tech. She and her family continue to support Virginia Tech’s athletic, scholarship, and service programs.
“The Spirit of Tech” Hokie Bird dedication is sponsored by University Unions & Student Activities (UUSA). UUSA, a unit within the Division of Student Affairs at Virginia Tech, complements the academic program by providing a variety of activities, educational opportunities, programs, facilities, and services that enhance student development and enrich the quality of campus life at Virginia Tech. For more information on UUSA activities, visit www.UUSA.vt.edu or email Sandy Broughton at Siemens@vt.edu.
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