Robert and Kara Julius
Flash back ten years to 2007. Robert and Kara Julius were about to graduate from Virginia Tech, Robert with a degree in Business Management, and Kara with a degree is Music. Both were involved and engaged in the university community and held leadership roles in their Greek organizations. Kara had been an orientation leader and still speaks fondly of the new students and colleagues she met and how much fun she had that summer. Bob worked in Recreational Sports. He also volunteered with the Pamplin College of Business academic advising department for summer orientation, where he had the opportunity to talk with incoming freshmen and their parents about the great things that happen when you embrace the Virginia Tech experience. Both enjoyed helping new students become acquainted with Virginia Tech.
Ten years and three children later, Bob and Kara are still involved and engaged in their alma mater, and in the spirit of Ut Prosim, they are helping to shape the experiences of current students. They attend Hokie events near their home in Pittsburgh, interacting with prospective students and their parents, welcoming new families into the Hokie nation. They also created the Julius Family Keystone Experience Excellence Fund, to support the important work the Student Affairs does to connect students with the Aspirations for Student Learning. They established this endowed fund in recognition of the impact their Virginia Tech education has had on their lives, and to provide opportunities for future students to grow and thrive.
Ut Prosim – That I May Serve – is a lesson Bob and Kara learned at Virginia Tech and they have carried it with them and let it guide their actions. They encourage others to do the same. Bob and Kara said, “Embrace Ut Prosim — make it the fabric of your life. We both have found that serving others is incredibly rewarding. No matter what your role, in organizations or in your personal life, there are countless ways to serve those around you in a meaningful and impactful way. Doing so courageously often leads to opportunities you could not have imagined. Find your skills and passion and serve others with those skills. Do what you can, when you can.”
Ut Prosim has even made it into Bob and Kara’s approach to parenting. They are justifiably proud of their family and said, “We are raising children who love Jesus and others. Teaching our children scripture and reinforcing those lessons with the core values of Virginia Tech -- Brotherhood, Honor, Leadership, Sacrifice, Service, Loyalty, Duty, and Ut Prosim -- and seeing their growth around these basic tenants has been, and continues to be, an incredibly rewarding experience.”
Bob, Kara – we are incredibly honored to have you as partners in shaping students’ Virginia Tech experience. For your dedication to our university motto and your support of the Aspirations for Student Learning, I am pleased to present you with the Alumni Aspire! Award for Ut Prosim.
