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Community & Support

Helping others, while pursuing a dream

Chanz Hopkins says that much of his life is an open book, from his struggles to find his way to his passion for a life in the New River Valley working in fish conservation. He’s also open about the help that he received from other students in the College of Natural Resources and Environment, and why he then tried to give others the same chances to learn and contribute.

That’s what our students do. They’re a tight-knit community. They talk and they share, and they push each other to excel.

Looking for community? Check out a CNRE event.

At events in our college, everyone is welcome: students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of CNRE. Watch for announcements, emails, and flyers about what’s happening throughout the year so you can come out and get to know people. Here are a few CNRE traditions that you don’t want to miss.


Three students playing cornhole

Welcome Back Bash

September 8, 2022 from 5 - 7 p.m.
Hahn Horticultural Garden

Join CNRE students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends as we welcome everyone back to campus for the school year. Come enjoy the band, free food, prizes, lawn games, and more!


Two rows of engraved plates on wooden plaques laid out side-by-side on a table.

CNRE Awards and Scholarships and Celebration

April 13, 2023 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
The Inn at Virginia Tech

This event is CNRE's night to shine and recognize the achievements of students, faculty, staff, and alumni, as well as the contributions of donors over the past year. Attendance by special invitation only.


Three students with shovels dump dirt into a freshly dug hole for a young tree supported by wooden stakes.

CNRE Graduation Celebration

April 20, 2023 from 5 - 7 p.m.
Cheatham Hall Lawn

All graduating undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and staff, and alumni are invited to the Graduation Celebration for food, music, and prizes!The event is free but registration is required.


Two graduates celebrate commencement.

CNRE Commencement

May 11, 2023 from 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Lane Stadium

The ceremony is held in addition to the university commencement and honors undergraduate and graduate students (and their families!) who are receiving degrees from the College of Natural Resources and Environment.The event is free but registration is required.


Want to give back to CNRE? Be an ambassador!

Do you love the College of Natural Resources and Environment? Want to tell other students what it’s like to learn and be part of the CNRE family? Then consider becoming a CNRE ambassador.

You’ll be involved with recruiting prospective students, represent the college at university events such as Admissions open house programs, act as a host at alumni events, and help teach first-year experience labs.

For more information, contact John Gray Williams at jghokie@vt.edu.

Connect with Virginia Tech support services

Did you know that Virginia Tech was recognized as one of the best loved colleges by The Princeton Review in 2022? We’re also ranked the No. 9 best public school for career placement.

You'll always be a part of CNRE

James Freeman speaking to CNRE graduating seniors

When you graduate, your involvement with the college doesn’t have to end! You’ll be able to take all the friendships and connections that you’ve built with you — connections that can be extremely valuable once you’ve started your career. We also hope you’ll stay involved and look for ways to give back to the college as you continue down your life’s path.