Emily Tirrell

To Emily Tirrell, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) means using one's skills, knowledge, and experiences to make a meaningful impact on others. She said, “Service isn’t just about big gestures; it’s about recognizing needs in my community and taking action, whether that’s through advocacy, mentorship, or creating a more inclusive environment.”

Emily is the graduate residential fellow in the Honors Residential Commons. In her role, she is a mentor, advocate, and community builder for students. She is also responsible for hosting events and engagement opportunities. Her nominator said that Emily goes above and beyond to ensure that her programs promote connection, personal development, and academic success.

At Emily’s weekly Graduate Residential Fellow study halls, the nominator said, “She provides snacks, music, and a willingness to help in any way she can. I have seen Emily help students with everything from biology and organic chemistry to navigating the hardships of moving away from home for the first time.”

The nominator noted that Emily's compassionate and approachable nature has made her a trusted mentor and advocate for students, enriching their academic and social experiences.

Students have credited Emily’s study halls with everything from helping them pass their first semester at college to helping them get into their dream graduate school.

Emily also hosts an event series called “Adulting with Graduate Residential Fellow Emily,” in which she helps students learn “adult” skills, such as doing taxes and making eggs benedict.

Emily’s nominator said, “Creating these spaces to learn new ideas outside of the classroom stands as a foundation for the development of students and the communities in which they reside.” Her nominator noted that Emily has served over 300 honors students in East Ambler Johnston.

Emily has also served with distinction as the graduate student representative on the Board of Visitors. “In this capacity, she has been a voice for graduate students, effectively communicating their perspectives, concerns, and aspirations to the university's highest governing body,” said her nominator. “Emily’s insight, diplomacy, and strategic thinking have contributed significantly to the board's discussions and decisions, ensuring that the graduate student perspective is always considered.”

One of Emily’s proudest accomplishments is working with the Board of Visitors on a project to improve campus safety by installing a crosswalk near the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine.

She worked with the campus planning, infrastructure, and facilities team to address the problem. She described the experience as rewarding, and said it reinforced her passion for advocacy and problem-solving.

Emily said, “Advocating for that project showed me the power of student voices in making tangible changes on campus. It wasn’t just about a crosswalk, it was about improving safety, accessibility, and the overall student experience. Knowing that I played a role in making a lasting impact on campus is something I will always carry with me.”

Emily is a PhD candidate in the Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health program in the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics. She plans to graduate in Spring 2025.

She said, “My experiences at Virginia Tech have inspired me to pursue a career that intertwines both service and science as I move forward in my career outside of the education space.”

For her selflessly giving back to her community to help others thrive, Student Affairs is proud to present the Aspire! Award for Embrace UT PROSIM as a Way of Life to Emily Tirrell.