Honoring the Legacy of Virginia Tech’s First Black Student
Irving Linwood Peddrew III made history in 1953 when he became the first Black student admitted to Virginia Tech. His courage and determination marked a new chapter for the university and opened the door for generations of Black students to follow.
Peddrew, who passed away in 2024, carried a quiet strength that continues to inspire the Virginia Tech community. His decision to enroll at a time when segregation and racial discrimination were common in the South changed the course of the school’s history. Today, Virginia Tech’s Black alumni community honors his legacy through academic excellence, service, and unity.
The Birth of the Virginia Tech Black Alumni Society
In 2021, nearly seven decades after Peddrew first set foot on campus, the Virginia Tech Black Alumni Society (VTBAS) was officially formed. The organization was built after years of planning by alumni and faculty who shared a vision to connect and uplift the Black Hokie community.
Elections were held during the 2021 virtual Black Alumni Summit, and a dedicated group of leaders was chosen to shape the Society’s foundation. Over the next two years, these officers developed by-laws, operating procedures, and strategic goals designed to sustain the organization’s mission for future generations.
In 2023, VTBAS became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, officially recognized as an independent body dedicated to advancing the Black Virginia Tech experience.
A Mission Rooted in Community and Empowerment
The Virginia Tech Black Alumni Society works to strengthen the bond among Black alumni, students, and the broader university community. Its mission centers on creating spaces for mentorship, networking, and cultural celebration while promoting professional and personal growth.
“All Black alumni are automatic members,” the organization proudly notes. Membership is open, inclusive, and free—reflecting the spirit of unity that Peddrew once dreamed of for Black students at Virginia Tech. Members come from diverse fields and regions but share a common goal: to support one another and future generations.
Building a Stronger Future for Black Alumni and Students
VTBAS has outlined several strategic goals to continue Peddrew’s legacy. These include organizing professional and social events, celebrating Black alumni achievements, and building long-lasting relationships between current students and graduates.
The Society also collaborates with Virginia Tech to attract and support new Black students. Beyond campus engagement, VTBAS encourages alumni to give back—both financially and intellectually—to strengthen the school’s future.
Through fundraisers and donations, the organization operates independently without university funding. Its commitment to growth and sustainability is a reflection of Peddrew’s lasting influence on resilience and progress.
Milestones and Impact Across Generations
The Virginia Tech Black Alumni Society has made remarkable strides since its founding. Its website and monthly newsletter reach over 3,000 alumni, while its social media presence connects with more than 5,000 people each month.
In 2023, the group hosted the largest Black Alumni Reunion in Virginia Tech’s history—a celebration of unity, culture, and progress. They also commissioned a new campus marker honoring 70 years of Black history at the university, paying tribute to Peddrew’s groundbreaking courage.
Every achievement, from mentorship programs to large-scale events, ties back to the moment Irving Linwood Peddrew III walked onto campus. His decision in 1953 continues to inspire a legacy of empowerment that now stretches across generations.
