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 - Ali Penczak
Ali Penczak is a senior at Virginia Tech studying Smart and Sustainable Cities with a minor in Landscape Architecture. Her primary interests are urban design, sustainable infrastructure, and placemaking. She is excited to help new and current members to experience the opportunities, professional connections, and friends that the society has provided for her.
Vice President- Zane Rudd
Zane Rudd is a sophomore at Virginia Tech studying Smart and Sustainable Cities with a minor in Geographic Information Systems. His interests include land-use zoning, public transit systems, and transit-oriented developments. He has lived in Northern Virginia and Iowa, giving him a look at two drastically different urban envirnonments. He aims to help the society grow as he encorages more SPIA students and faculty to participate.
Treasurer- Andrew Von Elm
Andrew Von Elm is a sophomore studying Smart and Sustainable Cities at Virginia Tech. His primary interests include sustainable Cities at Virginia Tech. His primary interests include sustainability, transportation, and urban design.
Secretary- Ryan Long
Ryan Long is a junior at Virginia Tech double majoring in Environmental Policy and Planning and Smart and Sustainable Cities. Some of her interests are sustainable zoning practices and community mobilization. She is currently a research assistant for the Public Interest Technology Lab at Virginia Tech. She wants SPIASS to be a community within reach for all students, alum, and instructors under SPIA!
Historian- Kieran Cooper
Kieran Cooper is a sophomore at Virginia Tech dual majoring in Smart and Sustainable Cities and Commercial Real Estate. His primary interests are focusing on creating walkable and livable developments. He is excited to join the team at SPIASS this year and bring the community to more people.