Saad Khan

Saad Khan’s nominators wrote, “We have the privilege of knowing a multitude of ways Saad has served our community -- and yet, we still know that the examples we provide are just a small glimpse of his many achievements.

“Saad is the student you meet that has you asking colleagues who this individual is and why you didn’t meet him sooner. He is the one who introduces himself to every human in the room and demonstrates genuine care and interest in each person’s story; he is intentional about making each person he interacts with feel like they matter. He is the one who repeatedly steps up to help even when it means navigating unchartered waters. Saad is the one who sits in a meeting and absorbs the conversation only interjecting to lift up another’s voice, pose a thoughtful question with a deep desire to learn, or to offer support. Finally, Saad is someone who invests in self-care and boundaries, so that he may continue to serve others in sustainable and effective ways.

“For Saad, Ut Prosim is a way of being, not just a way of doing.”

• Saad has served as an engaged member and leader in Active Minds
• He serves on the Mental Health Coalition
• He was a member of the university's Mental Health Taskforce Advisory Group
• He was the Master of Ceremonies for the annual Hokie Hiccups Event

• He was a leader in the development and implementation of a Mental Health Syllabus Statement that has received official support from Student Affairs Leadership and the Provost
• He serves on the Masculinity Support Working Group with the Dean of Students
• He became certified in Mental Health First Aid
• And he is currently in training to become a FEELS Peer Support Circle Facilitator.

In each of these roles, Saad fully dedicates himself to everything he does. He is constantly taking notes, making connections, and listening to understand how he can step in to make a difference.

Saad said, “Greatness is something to be shared, not hoarded. People are to be cherished, not used. I learned that the fear of reaching out will prevent you from the big break that you may get in whatever field you’re interested in. Reaching out will lead to people looking out for you. No one can do this alone, and you are not alone.”

Saad is a member of the Honors College and a Presidential Global Scholar. He was an undergraduate teaching assistant for Principles of Biology. He wrote a student perspective column about mental health that was published in VT Student News and the Hokie Family eNews.

Saad will be graduating this month with a degree in Clinical Neuroscience, with the goal of being a psychiatrist and a thought leader in the mental health field. 

Saad, this award is a small token of appreciation for the numerous and invaluable ways you have selflessly contributed to Virginia Tech. I am honored to present to you the Aspire! Award for EMBRACING UT PROSIM AS A WAY OF LIFE.