19th annual NCR alumni-sponsored job fair breaks new records; adds scholarships for graduate students enrolled in National Capital Region

For the first time in its 19-year history of sponsoring the National Capital Region Job Fair, the National Capital Region (NCR) Chapter of the Virginia Tech Alumni Association will use some of the money raised through this event to award scholarships to graduate students enrolled in the National Capital Region. As in the past, scholarships will continue to be awarded to NCR-area high school seniors who have been accepted at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg.

"This year's job fair set a number of records," said Marvin Boyd, NCR alumni chapter president and chair of the job fair for the past nine years. "We had 2,200 registered applicants, more than 80 participating employers, and grossed more than $50,000.  I think we can say beyond a doubt that it was a tremendous success. "

Held at the Northern Virginia Center in Falls Church, the annual job fair is free to prospective job applicants; funds are raised by charging employers a fee to participate.  Employers at this year's job fair represented a wide range of companies and organizations,  including government agencies and contractors, technology, security,  public utilities, financial services, landscaping services, education, and retail.

"Today's event saw a very diverse mix of job seekers, which I believe is a sign of the times," Boyd said. "I am proud that our NCR chapter can serve the community in this way at a time when so many people are looking for employment. The job fair is just one of a number of things that NCR alumni do to try to live up to Virginia Tech's motto "Ut Prosim, that I may serve."

Boyd praised the staff at the Northern Virginia Center who support this event in many different ways. "Their help and cooperation is imperative to our success," he said.

Posted March 11, 2010