Mattison Homard

“Mattie Homard’s ability to inspire, connect, and uplift those around her has created a ripple effect of positive change that extends far beyond Virginia Tech,” said one of her nominators.

In her sorority, Gamma Phi Beta, she has served as Administrative Vice President and New Member Educator. She is also on the executive board of the Order of Omega honors society.

Her nominators described her as organized, driven, passionate, and kind.

Through her role as vice president, she expertly facilitated the inner workings of an organization of over 220 people. As New Member Educator, Mattie bridged the gap between incoming and active members with grace and poise.

Mattie is passionate about the fight against cancer. She serves as a director and the corporate sponsorship leader for Relay for Life, a fundraising initiative of the American Cancer Society.

Each year, Relay for Life brings thousands of attendees to the Drillfield to celebrate survivors, remember lives lost, and join in the fight against cancer. It requires an entire year of planning, careful budgeting, personnel management, and community engagement.

Under Mattie’s leadership, Virginia Tech’s Relay for Life was among the leading fundraising events in the country.

“Survivors, caregivers, and all other attendees come away from Relay with a sense of independence and pride,” said a nominator. “Cultivating such an atmosphere must be handled with extreme care. Mattie's attention to detail is part of the reason that the Blacksburg community will return to Relay for Life years after she has graduated. She has not only built an event, but a Virginia Tech tradition.”

Mattie is a dedicated member of the National Campus and Youth Engagement Team, where she provides strategic direction for over 230 American Cancer Society collegiate campus movements nationwide.

Mattie’s nominators shared that her commitment to cancer research “has directly contributed to raising an impressive $181,000 last year alone, and an extraordinary total of over $775,000 throughout her college career.”

She has also taken her advocacy to Capitol Hill to advocate for increased cancer research funding.

In recognition of her hard work, she was honored at the national Relay for Life conference. This year, she is serving as the Recognition Strategy Chair for the American Cancer Society.

“Her selfless advocacy, strategic vision, and unwavering drive for change have not only raised awareness but have inspired countless others to contribute to a future where cancer patients and their families have better outcomes,” a nominator said.

Mattie is a senior majoring in cognitive and behavioral neuroscience and minoring in psychology in the College of Science, and minoring in adaptive brain and behavior in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences. She works part-time as a Life Skills Trainer at the Neuro Restorative assisted living center.

“To me,” Mattie said, “Ut Prosim (That I May Serve) is being humbly dedicated towards serving a community or a person to make impacts in our world, for the benefit of others.”

“By bridging the gap between local and national efforts,” said a nominator, “she impacts a diverse range of communities, motivating others to embrace the spirit of service and citizenship that Virginia Tech stands for.”

For her wholehearted approach to serving the Blacksburg community and beyond, Student Affairs is proud to present the Aspire! Award for Embrace UT PROSIM as a Way of Life to Mattison Homard.