BLACKSBURG, Va. – For one Virginia family, Virginia Tech’s graduation is a family affair. Both a mother and son are graduating from Virginia Tech together.
Kirstin and Erik Platt are walking across the stage Thursday to receive their master’s degrees. Kirstin is receiving her degree in natural resources, and Erik is receiving a degree in forestry. He graduated in December, but will finally have the chance to participate in graduation.
“It’s really special. Virginia Tech is home,” said Erik.
Both Kirstin and Erik attended the university as undergraduates.
“I met my husband there, and so my kids were all raised as Hokies. So, it’s home,” said Kirstin.
Kirstin graduated back in 1991. She always knew she wanted to go to grad school, but wanted to wait for her children to be a little older.
“Who would have thought that when I graduated so long ago that I’d come back, and I’d be walking across the stage with one of my children,” said Kirstin.
Kirstin said her mom is coming to town for the graduation to see him and her grandson walk across the stage.
“My mom and I graduated undergrad 30 years apart but tomorrow we get to walk across the stage together. So, that’s pretty special,” said Erik.
Both Erik and Kirstin hope their master’s degrees will help them with their careers. Erik currently works at the Forest Service in Roanoke. Kirstin works at a water utility company.
Meanwhile, despite the pro-Palestinian protests Virginia Tech is prepared for its graduation. University spokesperson Mark Owczarski said that any time large groups of people are on campus, safety is always a top concern. Law enforcement will be present. There’s a clear bag policy too.
“We want to provide them with a celebration and the event and the focus on them for this amazing important moment in their life, and so in all that we do in all in how we prepare we’re going to prepare for the sake of our guests and our graduates,” said Owczarski.
Owczarski said about the protestors graduating this week:
“I’m here to talk about graduation, and yes if they’re graduating from Virginia Tech, they will participate in commencement,” said Owczarski.
10 News also asked what the university board of visitor’s meeting was about, and Owczarski said he didn’t have an agenda.
There are also other graduations taking place this week.
Liberty University’s three-day graduation ceremonies kick off Thursday. U.S. Senator Tim Scott will speak Friday. Virginia Western Community College’s ceremony is tomorrow at the Berglund Center at 6:30 pm.
Meanwhile, Erik and Kirstin are excited to walk across the stage at Virginia Tech.
Erik has this message for his mom:
“Congratulations. I’m very proud of you,” said Erik.