To my fellow classmates at UVa-Wise,

Welcome back to all of the returners, and welcome home to the freshman. I hope everyone had a nice and relaxing summer, especially after our crazy winter. I want to challenge you all to something. I want to encourage you all to do something you have never done before. I know that is broad, but I’m serious.

Last year, student apathy was pretty high and we lacked school spirit. But why? I want to encourage everyone to take a stroll down memory lane, to the time when you applied here. I know some people say they only came here because it’s cheap. Other’s came to UVa-Wise because it’s far from home. Regardless of why you applied here or why you ended up coming here… you are here. I’ve said this before but this is our home. You might say home is Roanoke, Fairfax, or Virginia is your home, but you are only “home” for about 3 months a year for 4 years. Or maybe even 5 or 6.

Wise is home. If we all took the pride we have for our area code like “703” or “757” and applied that to “276” we can have a lively home that people are excited to “represent”. You don’t have to be a D1 school to have massive school spirit. Go talk to some of our alumni, especially the class of 2007. They have great stories and memories, and they are proud to be an alum of UVa-Wise. What makes them different than us? Their school spirit!!! Let this be the year that we return back to a time where there is bursting school pride, and everyone is proudly wearing Red and Gray.

Wear your Red and Gray to the Volleyball games, and the football games. Play intramural sports even if you are not athletically inclined. Go white water rafting even if you are afraid of water. Be proud of the accomplishments our College is championing every day.

Remember how fun the Glow Rage paint party was? Go to events like that so we can keep having them. Take pride in something on campus and do it!!

I love UVa-Wise and I take pride in being a part of this community. I would not trade the experiences I have as a student here for anything. I have the best support network on campus, and even off. I have good relationships with alumni who would be willing to help me in any way possible. What connects us is the bursting pride we have for our College. Imagine how much better our experiences here at UVa-Wise will be, if everyone takes pride in our College.

Let this be the year, the UVa-Wise students bring back the school spirit, and really make CAVSNATION come to life.