Adyan Atiq

Growing up in Bangladesh, Adyan Atiq had an Ut Prosim mindset. He simply didn’t know to call it such—or that the phrase would soon draw him to a university more than 8,000 miles away.

Adyan just kept showing up for his community. He spent his free time in high school facilitating a tutoring program at an underprivileged local school and volunteering with an organization to help children on the outskirts of his hometown gain access to safe drinking water.

When it came time for college, he only applied to one. “The motto played a big role in luring me to Virginia Tech,” he wrote. Adyan knew he would feel at home in a university with Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) as its guiding principle.

Although Adyan is remote because of the pandemic, the distance isn’t stopping him from showing up for his new community—even if that means hopping on a Zoom call at 4 a.m. to participate in programs such as Lead for Good.

“As a first-year VTBound international student, Adyan has demonstrated the ability and passion to apply his knowledge and leadership capacity to serve Virginia Tech and its communities,” his nominator wrote. “He has taken action on service opportunities he learned about during his first semester.”

Adyan is a student leader with the Center for the Enhancement of Engineering Diversity (CEED), is involved with Step Up through VT Engage, and is interested in serving the student body. And he already has an Ut Prosim plan for after graduation.

Adyan wrote, “Regardless of my professional standing, I wish to uphold the core values that are instilled in us in the Hokie Nation. I see Ut Prosim as a way of life, a guide for navigating our decisions not just at Virginia Tech, but beyond.”

Adyan – I am pleased to present you with the Aspire! Award for EMBRACING UT PROSIM AS A WAY OF LIFE.