Ex Lapide Society of Virginia Tech

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Ex Lapide Society of Virginia Tech

Ex Lapide (Latin for “Out of Stone”) is the Virginia Tech Society for LGBTQIA+ alum and allies

04/08/2026

The Ex Lapide Society of Virginia Tech mourns the passing of Dr. Luther Kennedy Brice Jr., a founding presence in our community and a life that shaped far more than can be measured.

On October 28, 2012, when a small group gathered and chose to begin what would become the Ex Lapide Society of Virginia Tech, Luther was there. That moment, captured in the photo we share today, marks not just the start of an organization, but the continuation of a legacy he had already been building for decades: one rooted in connection, belonging, and courage.

Luther welcomed everyone. He made space where there was none. Through his generosity, humor, and quiet but steady leadership, he helped foster an LGBTQ+ community in the New River Valley and at Virginia Tech at a time when that kind of progress felt far from certain. Because of him, many found not just community, but home.

To generations of students, he was an unforgettable educator, reaching more than 23,000 Hokies during his time at Virginia Tech. To others, he was “Merlin the Magician,” bringing chemistry to life with wonder and joy. And to so many in our community, he was something even more lasting: a mentor, a host, a listener, and a friend.

Luther believed deeply in people; in their potential, their stories, and their right to belong exactly as they are. His life was a testament to the power of showing up, opening doors, and bringing others in.

🎧 We encourage those who wish to learn more about Luther’s journey and impact to listen to his story through the Virginia Tech History Department’s Pride Stories Project: digitalsc.lib.vt.edu/exhibits/show/vtlgbtq-history/lgbtq-oral-histories

His legacy lives on in the Ex Lapide Society, in the countless lives he touched, and in every space where people gather because someone, like Luther, made it possible.

We honor him. We thank him. And we will carry his spirit forward.

➡️ Read Dr. Luther Brice’s obituary: floydmortuary.com/obituaries/luther-brice

02/09/2026

Virginia 👀

Trans Rally of Love 🏳️‍⚧️

More states to follow...

You know the drill: can’t make it? Check out stream links and more details on our website 💻

09/29/2025

“Never forget where you have come from. You are your ancestors' wildest dreams. Stand strong and be true to yourself.” ✨

Meet Dyanis Conrad (she/her), a College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences Hokie and an Assistant Professor of Equity and Diversity in Education at Randolph-Macon College. Dyanis is a teacher educator, working to shape equity and justice-minded teachers who can embrace and celebrate diversity in inclusive classrooms. Through her teaching and research, her work centers the perspectives and experiences of historically marginalized and underrepresented communities and promotes educational policies and practices geared toward improving equity and inclusion for all students.

🎓 B.A. International Studies ‘00; M.A.Ed. Second Language Education ‘10; Ph.D.; Curriculum & Instruction - ESL & Multicultural Education and Graduate Certificate in Race and Social Policy ‘16

🫂 Dyanis can’t be there in person, but she’s excited to connect virtually with anyone interested (DM us for her info!). And you’ll still want to join us for Past, Present, Pride on October 2, 4 - 6 PM in Squires Room 305 (formerly Brush Mountain A), for a chance to meet other alumni mentors and build your network.

09/25/2025

“Embrace every part of who you are. Your identity isn’t a barrier to success, it’s the lens that will help you lead with empathy, communicate with impact, and open doors for others, too.” ✨

Meet Danny Robertson (he/they), a double Hokie from the School of Communication and communications professional using storytelling to drive equity, empathy, and impact.

🎓 B.A. in Public Relations ’23 | M.A. in Reputation Management ’25

Danny’s work centers on uplifting diverse voices, building inclusive campaigns, and helping brands connect meaningfully with their audiences, all grounded in their lived experience and commitment to community.

🫂 Want to connect with mentors like Danny? Join us for Past, Present, Pride on October 2, 4–6 PM in Squires Room 305 (formerly Brush Mountain A), an intergenerational event designed to connect students with alumni who’ve been where you are and are here to help you grow.

09/22/2025

“Be Brave. You are enough, and you have all you need to have an amazing life.” ✨

Meet Nancy Kelly (she/her), a College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences Hokie who has spent her entire life producing events and creating community. Nancy did this in her personal life and was lucky enough to find and create a career that allowed her to use her skill set and be her authentic self at work. Recently retired, Nancy was the Director of Events and Community Engagement for the Nicholas School of the Environment at Duke University.

🎓 B.A. in Communication ‘81

🫂 Nancy can’t be there in person, but she’s excited to connect virtually with anyone interested (DM us for her info!). And you’ll still want to join us for Past, Present, Pride on October 2, 4 - 6 PM, for a chance to meet other alumni mentors and build your network.

09/16/2025

“Take the risk, do the work, and seek positive impact.” ✨

Meet Mark Weber (he/him), a Pamplin College of Business Hokie who previously served as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). As a capstone to Mark’s 32-year career, he formulated and led the first phase of the U.S. Government’s COVID-19 Public Education Media Campaign. As a result of the Campaign, almost 56 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine were administered, and for every $1 invested in the Campaign and corresponding vaccination costs, almost $90 in health care expenditures were avoided. In addition, Mark led communication work on the humanitarian response to the dramatic increase in unaccompanied children referred to HHS care by immigration officials.

🎓 B.S. in Marketing Management ‘87

🫂 Want to connect with mentors like Mark? Join us for Past, Present, Pride on October 2, 4–6 PM, an intergenerational event designed to connect students with alumni who’ve been where you are and are here to help you grow.

09/09/2025

“Embrace your uniqueness and know that you’re exactly where you need to be. Everything will work out perfectly!” ✨

Meet Bryan Price (he/him), a College of Science Hokie who is a health and wellness professional with a strong background in public health, community engagement, and DEI initiatives. His career spans various roles, from program management and consultancy to leadership positions in organizations focused on improving community well-being. Currently, Bryan is a Program Manager for the Virginia Rural Health Association.

🎓 B.S. in Statistics ‘88

🫂 Bryan can’t be there in person, but he’s excited to connect virtually with anyone interested (DM us for his info!). And you’ll still want to join us for Past, Present, Pride on October 2, 4 - 6 PM, for a chance to meet other alumni mentors and build your network.

09/03/2025

“You are strong enough to endure. You are worthy enough for good things. You are smart and capable enough to achieve greatness. You are enough.” ✨

Meet Jason Neiswinter (he/him), a College of Science Hokie who has lived many professional lives, and is currently a Marketing Specialist. Prior to his current position, Jason worked in HR and Management Consulting and is a 2x AmeriCorps alum.

🎓 B.S. in Psychology ‘21

🫂 Want to connect with mentors like Jason? Join us for Past, Present, Pride on October 2, 4–6 PM, an intergenerational event designed to connect students with alumni who’ve been where you are and are here to help you grow.

08/26/2025

We have always been here and will continue to shape Virginia Tech. ⭐️

Join us for Past, Present, Pride, a conversation across generations and lived experiences. Together, we’ll reflect on life on campus, discuss professional journeys, make connections, and explore how resilience can shape careers and futures. This event is hosted by the Pride Center, Ex Lapide Society, and Virginia Tech Career and Professional Development.

By sharing your experiences and listening to others, you’ll help build a more inclusive, supportive, and connected Hokie community. 🧡🌈

📅 October 2, 2025 | 4 – 6 PM | Squires Room 305 (formerly Brush Mountain A)
🔗 Alumni — want to be featured? Share your info so we can highlight your story on social media and connect you with students: https://forms.gle/6qaiht5YVakVGHAQ9

06/28/2025

Happy Pride Month from the Ex Lapide Society of Virginia Tech!🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Remember: You are loved, valued & never alone. 💜

Drop your favorite memory in the comments! 🌈

06/11/2025

Pride Month is here — let’s celebrate! 🏳️‍🌈 Hokie and Proud Everywhere is back, and you can still snag your swag. This year’s celebration comes with brand-new, limited-edition items to help you represent this summer. ⤵️
alumni.vt.edu/events/2025/04/hokieandproudeverywhere

Use when you share your photos, too!

Address

901 Prices Fork Road
Blacksburg, VA
24061

Telephone

+15402316285

Website

https://www.alumni.vt.edu/groups/inclusive-alumni/alumni-societies/ex-lapide.html

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