Tomas Williamson

“Tomas Williamson is one of those rare old souls in a young body,” said his nominator.

“Whether in photography, documentary, writing, or reading, Tomas has a mature understanding of how people work, and one of his great talents is a precise ability to capture human experiences and human emotions through a camera.”

Tomas has worked with Virginia Tech faculty to produce documentary films, and has even shot and produced his own films. This skillset has been honed in recent years with his incredible appetite for learning and trying out new things without a safety net.

"Tomas knows who he is and is comfortable in his own skin,” said his nominator. He knows his limitations and his strengths, and he is always negotiating those boundaries to improve himself.

“Tomas has a light spirit, a terrific sense of humor, and a willingness to put himself in new situations. His confidence has helped him get into new arenas – literally. Tomas started out taking photos of his friends on campus and parlayed his skill with a camera to taking photos for Virginia Tech athletics at football and soccer games.”

Tomas has made the most of that opportunity and is now the Chief Student Photographer with Virginia Tech Athletics, organizing the planning and execution of photography at many sporting events on campus.

“What I see in Tomas is a progression that comes from knowing yourself,” said his nominator. “To start out as the photographer, working hard between his strengths and limitations to improve, and eventually moving to the manager who mentors other students to produce high quality work documenting our student-athletes, pushing their own limits on the field or court.”

Tomas tells the powerful stories of who we are through his work with a camera and through his writing. A senior majoring in multimedia-journalism, Tomas is also a leader with the award-winning SPAP Sketch Comedy group, organizing and planning comedy shows for audiences on campus and online.

“Tomas is one of those students who does not need to be front and center, because he knows how he works best," said his nominator. “His confidence and dedication behind the scenes build the experience for everyone else.”

Tomas said journaling supports his self-awareness, letting him organize thoughts, work through problems, and check in with his well-being.

Tomas said, “Through all things I do, I have found a deep passion for storytelling. Being able to put pieces of media together into a cohesive product that people can derive meaning from speaks to what I want to do most in my career.

“When I approach any project or situation, I view everything through a lens of understanding and connection,” said Tomas. “These values allow me to build bridges with people who I don’t know and deepen relationships I already have.”

It is a great honor to present the Aspire! Award for Pursue SELF-UNDERSTANDING AND INTEGRITY to Tomas Williamson.