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 - Jonah Collins
Jonah Collins is a senior at Virginia Tech majoring in Smart and Sustainable Cities and minoring in Professional and Technical Writing. His primary interests are sustainable and equitable city planning, as well as active and public transportation projects. His main goal for the SPIA Student Society is to build a community that sets up students for success academically, professionally, and socially.
Vice President - Lydia Utton
Lydia Utton is a second year majoring in Smart and Sustainable Cities and minoring in GIS (Georgraphic Information Systems). She is interested in public policy and the governmental side of urban planning. Lydia is looking forward to building up the SPIA Student Society into becoming a long-term organization at Virginia Tech and creating life-long connections.
Treasurer – Chloe Huang
Chloe Huang is a third year majoring in Smart and Sustainable Cities and minoring in Landscape Architecture. She is especially interested in sustainable environmental design. She is excited to work alongside her peers, creating opportunities that encourage community building as well as professional development.
Secretary – Lauren Phan
Lauren Phan is currently in her second year at Virginia Tech and plans to graduate in 2025. She is majoring in Environmental Policy and Planning and minoring in Landscape Architecture. Her main interests are urban planning/design and sustainable development. Her goal for the SPIA Student Society is to encourage students to connect with each other and develop professional skills.
Harrison Cymbler - Social Media Chair
Harrison Cymbler is a second year student at Virginia Tech majoring in Smart and Sustainable Cities and minoring in Visual Arts. He is interested in development in urban areas and how as a society we can make cities better for the environment. His main goal for the SPIA Student Society is to help grow and branch out the community in order to make more friendly and professional relationships.
Social Media Chair - Samantha Dunn
Samantha Dunn is majoring in Smart and Sustainable Cities and minoring in Environmental Policy and Planning, Residential Environments and Consumer Studies. She plans to graduate in 2025. Her main concentration is analyzing data and applying the findings to the real world to create a positive impact. Her goal for the SPIA Student Society is to build a community with like minded students with hopes that it will benefit everyone in the long-term.
Jameson Paul - First Year Chair
Jameson Paul is a second year student at Virginia Tech majoring in Smart and Sustainable Cities and minoring in GIS. He is interested in sustainable development, particularly in areas most affected by sea-level rise. He is excited to help the SPIA Student Society grow with more participation and events to come in the future.