SPIA Student Society
The SPIA Student Society was formed in October 2020 by several students enrolled in UAP 1004: Introduction to Careers in Urban Affairs and Planning. The idea came from Professor Ralph Hall and Chris LaPlante, who had envisioned the potential for an organization like this and had been trying to get something off the ground for a few years. Several students took charge and went through the formal process to get the organization approved.
The main goals of the society are to foster a sense of community among SPIA students, as well as to provide networking and career opportunities. We hope that the society serves as a place where SPIA students can come together to serve the community and make the school their own. Currently, there is no clear way for students to voice their concerns and opinions; the society gives them a place to be heard by SPIA and Virginia Tech faculty and administrators.
We are currently building the framework of the society, strengthening bonds between students, and trying to grow membership. In the future, we hope to hold networking events as well as hosting our own career fair – one that is specifically catered to our students.
All SPIA students are welcome! We want this society to be one that fosters discussion and hears the voices and ideas of all.
Officers:
President - Lauren Phan
Lauren Phan is a senior at Virginia Tech studying Environmental Policy and Planning with a minor in Landscape Architecture. Her primary interests are sustainability, urban design, and planning. She hopes for new and current members to experience the professional opportunities, connections with SPIA faculty/staff, and friends that the society has provided for her.
Vice President- Lydia Utton
Lydia Utton is a senior at Virginia Tech studying Smart and Sustainable Cities with a minor in Geographic Information Systems. She is passionate about land use planning, ending food insecurity, and sustainable infrastructure. She hopes that her final year will help provide a welcoming and involved community for both new and returning students.
Treasurer- Samantha Dunn
Samantha Dunn is a senior at Virginia Tech studying Smart and Sustainable Cities and is in the Accelerated Master’s Program for Urban and Regional Planning. She is passionate about tackling urban challenges using analytical processes, while prioritizing environmental, social, and economic factors. She aims to economically strengthen the student society, fostering a supportive professional and academic community for past, present, and future students.
Secretary- Chloe Huang
Chloe Huang is a senior at Virginia Tech studying Smart and Sustainable Cities with a minor in Landscape Architecture. As she grew up in Hawaii, she took interest in sustainable environmental design. She is especially enthusiastic about discovering connections between people, community, and place. She is excited to help shape SPIA’s peer network and create opportunities that encourage community building.
Historian- Ali Penczak
Ali Penczak is a junior at Virginia Tech studying Smart and Sustainable Cities with a minor in Landscape Architecture. Her interests lie in urban design, transportation, and sustainable infrastructure. She looks forward to expanding the society and creating a supportive and safe community for all SPIA students to feel a part of.