New River Robotics Helps Kids Think Like Scientists and Engineers

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The Virginia + DC FIRST Lego League (FLL) Regional Qualifier was held at the Blacksburg Middle School by New River Robotics on Saturday, November 10, 2018. FIRST stands for “For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology.” FIRST was founded in 1989 to inspire young people’s interest and participation in science and technology.

Twenty-four teams competed in the local tournament for various awards and a chance to compete at the state championship. New River Robotics is the only organization west of Richmond that offers the entire K-12 spectrum of FIRST Robotics competitions.

The latest FLL tournament was the 5th one hosted in Virginia’s New River Valley. The first competition started off with 12 teams from all over the state (including 6 from Southwest Virginia). The latest one hosted 24 teams and all of them were from Southwest Virginia.

“We believe the New River Valley is unique in that we have the volunteers, the supportive community, and the infrastructure — schools, hotels, restaurants — to support a total of 5 event opportunities annually,” said Henry Bass, founder/president of Automation Creations, Inc. and vice-president/secretary of New River Robotics.

Teams of up to ten children, with at least two adult coaches, participated in the “Into Orbit” challenge by programming an autonomous robot to score points on a themed playing field and developing solutions to problems they have identified while guided by the FIRST Core Values.

Over 70 volunteers from Virginia Tech and local businesses and the FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC) Tuxedo Pandas helped the New River Robotics Association with this qualifier.

Blacksburg Mayor Leslie Hager-Smith and TORC Robotics Gwen Sheldon welcomed the teams and spectators. Montgomery County School Board members Gunin Kiran and Mark Cherbaka attended to witness the local enthusiasm for STEM programming.

For more information, or to volunteer at the next event, email nrrobotics@gmail.com.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

virginia tech engineering

Virginia Tech College of Engineering Moves Up to #13 in U.S.

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BLACKSBURG, VA – The Virginia Tech College of Engineering rose one spot in the U.S. News & World Report Best College Rankings. The college is now number 13 among all national engineering programs.

virginia tech engineering

The college still holds the number 9 spot among public universities.

“We continue to be sought after by the best and brightest future engineers, seeing a 20 percent increase in applications this year,” said Julia M. Ross, the Paul and Dorothea Torgersen Dean of Engineering. “The college is poised to fulfill our land-grant mission and responsibility to fuel the pipeline of a globally astute, diverse workforce and academic leaders. It all starts with shaping young minds.”

Virginia Tech continues to be a huge asset in the NRV, helping to produce a steady pipeline of talent for our area.

The U.S. News & World Report rankings are based on peer assessment, retention rates, faculty resources, student selectivity, financial resources, graduation rates, and alumni giving.

For more information about the ranking, visit the Virginia Tech News post.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

volvo manufacturing day

WDBJ: Volvo Invites Pulaski County Students to Experience the Future of Manufacturing

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FROM WDBJ – Middle school students from Pulaski County got a closer look at the manufacturing industry.

Volvo opened its doors to them for National Manufacturing Day. Students got to see firsthand what careers in the industry look like. They also had some fun building mini Volvo trucks.

The company says they want to show students that they can be successful right in their hometown.

“We manufacturers spend a lot of time trying to convince suppliers, employees from around the world to come here to the New River Valley because its super cool, but we don’t tell our own kids. So I think this is a good time to do so,” plant manager, Franky Marchand, said.

Watch video coverage from WDBJ.

Virginia Tech Football Entrance

Virginia Tech Ranked the #1 Most Electric Entrance in College Football

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VIRGINIA’S NEW RIVER VALLEY – Locals know how rowdy Lane Stadium gets, but the news has gotten out. The Virginia Tech Hokies stadium entrance to Metallica’s Enter Sandman was ranked the #1 Most Electric Entrance in College Football by Fanbuzz.

The entire stadium, from the band, to the student section, to people who are probably too old to do it, jump in unison to as the song builds to its climax. The Hokies’ football team walks from their locker room to the stadium, files into the narrow tunnel, and bursts onto the Lane Stadium field. It’s electric, it’s crazy, and it’s our favorite entrance in all of college football.

Other universities mentioned include Miami, South Carolina, and Clemson, but Virginia Tech took home the number one spot.

To see the full ranking, visit Fanbuzz.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

RU Planetarium

Seeing Stars at the RU Planetarium

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In 1970, a unique 24-foot diameter planetarium dome found it’s home in the New River Valley. Planetaria exist all over the world, but not many are like the one inside The Center for the Sciences at Radford University.

The perfectly smooth semi-circular dome was constructed by Harold Lester and Ken Hall using a handmade 90 degree trowel. They added a thick layer of hard plaster to suspended wire mesh frame, which eliminated the presence of any seams in the special dome.

Most planetarium ceilings are created with prefabricated panels, which have seams, and often allow light to “leak through” and create a minor distraction.

The only break in the seamless dome at RU is the a small cap covering a sprinkler for required fire extinguisher system that was later installed. Now the planetarium staff often use it to help visitors locate things in the sky.

The planetarium underwent an update and reopened in 2016 with 55 theater-style seats, a new projection system, and Dolby surround sound.

For many years, the RU Planetarium has served as a great asset for science education in Virginia’s New River Valley. Frequent visitors include school groups, Scouts, community groups, and more. It makes education fun and entertaining for any audience.

The Planetarium also participates in Science Days, which will relaunch in 2019 after the renovations of Reed and Curie Halls are complete. Science Days are day-long field trips that also feature activities with the Physics, Geology, Chemistry, Biology, and Forensics Departments.

If you missed the latest show at the RU Planetarium, “Seeing! A Photon’s Journey Across Space, Time, and Mind,” this week, watch out for Upcoming Shows in the future.

For more information visit the RU Planetarium Website.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

Virginia Tech Ranked the #15 Best College Tailgate

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BLACKSBURG, VA – Virginia Tech was named the #15 Best College Tailgate in the U.S. by INSIDER with the help of Scott Backstrom, founder of Tailgate Master.

“The Hokies know how to give a Virginia Tech game day experience. Arrive early and check out the Hokie Walk and the Hokie Village for music and more!”

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Virginia’s New River Valley: Virginia’s New River Valley is an eclectic mix of interconnected small towns that each offer their own unique vibe and appeal. The region provides an abundance of cultural and social offerings due to the presence of three world-class universities, while retaining the charm and benefits of small town living. The NRV is home to a diverse and innovative business community with companies that range from high-tech startups to foreign-based corporations to specialty agribusiness. These organizations benefit from the collaborative spirit of our region and a loyal, highly-skilled, and educated workforce. The scenic beauty of the region also fosters a deep connection to nature, which is deepened by access to outdoor recreation and the preservation of our natural environment. It’s clear why Virginia’s New River Valley is “A Natural Fit.”

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment, and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

NRV Top Posts of 2018

RU Highlander Ranked #1 Mascot by USA Today

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RADFORD, VA – USA Today named the Radford University Highlander mascot the no. 1 mascot. Out of the 68 teams in the NCAA Tournament, the Highlanders came out on top.

“AMAZING” said the article author Charles Curtis. “Between the beard, the costume, the muscles, the headband and all the ‘THERE CAN BE ONLY ONE!!!’ jokes, this deserves the No. 1 spot.”

Radford University is a huge asset to our communities. It doesn’t hurt that Highlander sports teams keep winning. Radford Men’s Soccer clinched the 2016 Big South Tournament Championship. Golf, Cross Country, Tennis, and more are consistent winners, and Men’s Baseball is unstoppable. Learn more at www.radford.edu.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: For those searching for an inspiring place to live and do business, Virginia’s New River Valley provides both an eclectic small town atmosphere and an innovative, collaborative business community with a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. Offering the best of all worlds – magnificent mountains, cutting-edge research, arts, entertainment, and education – it’s A NATURAL FIT.

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

Virginia Tech versus North Carolina basketball, ACC sports, Cassell Coliseum

Virginia Tech and Radford University Men’s Basketball Make it to the NCAA Tournament

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NEW RIVER VALLEY, VA – The men’s basketball teams in the NRV are headed to the NCAA Tournament.

nrv teams ncaa tournament

The Virginia Tech Hokies (no. 8 seed in the East Region) received an at-large bid and will face Alabama (no. 9 seed) this Thursday, March 15.

After winning the Big South Championship last week, the Radford Highlanders will be play in the “First Four games today. They’re opponents are LIU-Brooklyn and the winner will be the no. 16 seed against no. 1 seed Villanova on Thursday.

Read more from Mark Berman at The Roanoke Times.

UPDATE (March 16)

The Radford University Highlanders beat LIU-Brooklyn to make it to the first round. Radford was then defeated by Villanova. Virginia Tech also lost by 3 points to Alabama in the first round.

While the Hokies and the Highlanders didn’t make it past Round 1 this year, there was a lot of love for these NRV teams. Radford alumnus and ESPN commentator Marty Smith showed his support, even letting Reggie Miller know he’d help him get to town for a game.

RU Coach Mike Jones was glad Virginia’s New River Valley had the opportunity to be seen:

The NRV is such a special place. Not just because of our universities, but because of the people who attend them and populate the rest of the region. Whether you’re an alumnus, a long-time resident, or a new professional, it doesn’t take long to see Virginia’s New River Valley is A Natural Fit.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: For those searching for an inspiring place to live and do business, Virginia’s New River Valley provides both an eclectic small town atmosphere and an innovative, collaborative business community with a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. Offering the best of all worlds – magnificent mountains, cutting-edge research, arts, entertainment, and education – it’s A NATURAL FIT.

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

VT College of Engineering #9 Among Public Institutions

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BLACKSBURG, VA — Virginia Tech’s College of Engineering ranks 9th among public institutions, according U.S. News & World Report’s 2018 Best College Rankings.

The college of engineering is also 14th among all national universities. Read more about programs offered and engineering news at https://eng.vt.edu/

Overall, Virginia Tech is ranked the 25th best public university and 69th for all national universities.

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Virginia’s New River Valley: For those searching for an inspiring place to live and do business, Virginia’s New River Valley provides both an eclectic small town atmosphere and an innovative, collaborative business community with a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. Offering the best of both worlds – magnificent mountains, cutting-edge research, arts, entertainment, and education – it’s A NATURAL FIT.

Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.

Virginia Tech Students Ranked #19 Happiest

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Blacksburg, VA – In a recently conducted survey by The Princeton Review, Virginia Tech students ranked the #19 happiest students on college campuses in the U.S. The study covered almost 400 colleges and universities and was based on real student input on their college experience.

The Princeton Review asks students questions about:

  • Academics & administration
  • Life at their college
  • Fellow students; and
  • Themselves

    • To see the complete Top 20 visit The Princeton Review or Town & Country.

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    Virginia’s New River Valley: For those searching for an inspiring place to live and do business, Virginia’s New River Valley provides both an eclectic small town atmosphere and an innovative, collaborative business community with a loyal, highly skilled, and educated workforce. Offering the best of both worlds – magnificent mountains, cutting-edge research, arts, entertainment, and education – it’s A NATURAL FIT.

    Onward NRV: Onward NRV is a public/private, regional economic development organization whose mission is to attract and retain world class jobs, investment and talent in Virginia’s New River Valley. It’s also a movement where leaders from business, government, and higher education work together to promote the economic vitality of the region.