Neelie Harris

Neelie Harris said, “Self-understanding and integrity means having grace for yourself. It is the understanding and recognition within myself to know that I am still learning and growing. True integrity means having the discernment to know when something is bettering you or hurting you. I strive to choose what is right for my path while remaining my most authentic self.”

Neelie’s self-understanding and integrity extend to everyone around her. Her pursuit of understanding is intertwined with her compassionate instinct for connection. She seeks to understand other people, their stories, their experiences, and how she can support them.

Neelie said, “Whether that is waiting in line, traveling to a new continent, or just asking someone how they are doing on the Drillfield, someone on the other side of the interaction carries a whole life full of stories, waiting to be shared.”

Her values of family, friendship, honesty, hard work and loyalty guide her through her life, while rooting her in the importance of her relationships.

She said that her time at Virginia Tech has shown her “how valuable and important it is to serve others and how much it develops our own character when we put others before self.”

Neelie is a student fellow in the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs, where her exceptional kindness and leadership have made a lasting impacting on the Student Affairs community.

Her nominator said, “Neelie is always quick to lend a hand, check in with coworkers, and offer encouragement. She doesn’t just show up to work, she shows up for the people around her.”

In times of stress or pressure, Neelie leads with integrity and purpose. As co-chair for the Student Affairs Student Employee Recognition Committee, Neelie went out of her way to ensure that an end-of-year appreciation event was carefully tailored for student employees, despite a short planning timeline.

Her nominator noted, “Neelie stepped up because she felt it was important to carry through on the promises the committee made to their peers. She took no shortcuts in the process of creating this event, and the result was an afternoon thoughtfully and intentionally curated for student staff to feel appreciated.”

On the Student Life Council, Neelie’s compassion and care have set the tone for meaningful discussions, and when leadership is needed, Neelie has guided and structured the team. Even when something is out of her comfort zone, Neelie puts her fears aside and steps up to serve others.

Neelie is a senior majoring in public relations in the College of Liberal Arts and minoring in professional sales in Pamplin College of Business. After graduation, she plans to work as a communications associate for a defense contractor in Arlington, VA. Her long-term goals include continuing to grow and live by her values, and serving those around her by strengthening relationships and deeper conversations.

For her thoughtful, intentional, and proactive approach to building relationships in the workplace and in her student community, Student Affairs is proud to present the Aspire! Award for PURSUE SELF-UNDERSTANDING AND INTEGRITY to Neelie Harris.