Summer Supplement: Cranwell Connect May 29, 2025
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Dear students (and recent alumni),
Yes, the academic year is technically over, but we know a few of you may still be in and around Blacksburg. There are many upcoming summer programs around town and several great FREE opportunities to connect and learn.
For example: one of the highlights of the summer in Blacksburg is the Summer Arts Festival, which includes opportunities to engage in making art and music in community with others. Questions about the program? Reach out to Professor Ariana Wyatt of the School of Performing Arts.
Free Friday Night Outdoor Concerts: May-July
Blacksburg Community Band will perform (weather permitting) for FREE on Henderson Lawn, 6:00 – 7:30 pm. This kicks off the summer series of free concerts as part of the 2025 Summer Arts Festival brought to you by the School of Performing Arts, Virginia Tech, and the Town of Blacksburg. Find out more: https://sopa.vt.edu/events/performances/2025/05/sopa-safbcb2025.html
Free Movie Friday – June 6
A secret alien mind control plot and a team of unlikely heroes? Catch this kid-friendly movie playing at 10:00 a.m. at the Lyric Theatre in downtown Blacksburg!
Blacksburg Public Library Summer Reading Programs
The Summer Reading Program is not just for kids. You will find adult reading groups and the Adult Summer Challenge on the theme of Color our World for anyone 18+.
Read and log your progress using the Beanstack Tracker to enter the raffle for prizes by completing your challenge by July 31: https://mfrl.beanstack.org/
Got some early readers in your home? There are summer reading programs for kids ages 0-10 and for teens, and a fabulous free book program for parents of children ages 0-5.
There is always something happening at the local library, whether you are in Blacksburg, Christiansburg, or elsewhere: https://www.mfrl.org/
Warmly,
Cranwell International Center
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Cranwell Connections
Summer Solstice Fest: June 21
This weekend in Blacksburg on Saturday, June 21, 11:00 am – 11:00 pm Downtown Blacksburg hosts the Summer Solstice Fest. The organizers are also looking for a few more volunteers for the Summer Solstice Fest, which is a great way to participate behind the scenes or on the greeting line and meet new people. The shifts are 2 hours and signup is offered online: https://www.eventeny.com/events/volunteer/application/?id=10570
The annual Downtown Sundown 5k race takes place along the roads downtown at 8:00 PM. Fast runners will finish before the actual sunset as we reach the longest days of 2025.
Free Friday Night Outdoor Concerts: May-July
Weather-permitting, the summer series of free concerts continues as part of the 2025 Summer Arts Festival brought to you by the School of Performing Arts, Virginia Tech, and the Town of Blacksburg. Find out more: https://sopa.vt.edu/events/performances/2025/05/sopa-safbcb2025.html
Summer Hike with Cranwell: Cascades, July 3
It’s the best swimming hole within 45 minutes of Blacksburg and the water stays cold even during the hottest months of the year. Sign up for a spot in the van for a hike on Thursday, July 3.
We leave 8:30 AM in the morning and are back by 3:00 PM. Seats limited, so please check your calendar before you sign up. Got your own wheels? Let us know on the form if you’d like to join, but plan to drive separately.
Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.
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We’re Hiring!
You may have seen recent social media posts—yes, we’re hiring! Cranwell International Center has multiple positions open and advertised on the Handshake platform for student workers for the coming academic year. Passionate about supporting the holistic well-being and success of international students and raising intercultural awareness across campus? Please review our opportunities and, if interested, apply through the Handshake platform: https://vt.joinhandshake.com/emp/employers/516364
Several have an application deadline of tomorrow, July 2! For questions about these opportunities, please refer to the specific job postings and contact information on Handshake.
Coffee with Cranwell July 18 & August 15
Still on campus this summer and looking to connect with fellow international students? Have a question that isn’t quite right for an immigration advising appointment? Want some coffee and snacks? Come cool off at Coffee with Cranwell: an immigration lounge partnered with Hokie Wellness and the Graduate School, where international students can ask questions, socialize and hang out!
When: Friday, July 18. 3-5pm & Friday, August 15. 3-5pm
Where: Community Lounge, Room 1025, Harper Hall
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Summer in Blacksburg - Campus & Community Partners
Friday, Fourth of July – Independence Day Events
This Friday marks a federal holiday commemorating the declaration of independence of 1776. Virginia Tech including the Cranwell International Center will be closed along with many businesses. You can find events happening in celebration of U.S. Independence Day across the U.S. In Blacksburg:
Looking Ahead
The Downtown Blacksburg, School of Performing Arts, and many campus and community partners are involved in the Summer Arts Festival. When so many partners work together, you can be sure there’s a wide range of exciting events to be found through several different channels and listings online. For example, Wednesdays from 7:00-9:00 PM check out the Market Square Jams on the corner of Draper Road and Roanoke Street to hear local music—July 2 the New River Fireflies are performing followed by Ashlee Watkins and Andrew Small on July 9. Classical more your taste? Music of Mozart will be performed at a free concert at 185 Kent St. in Creativity & Innovation LLC on July 10 at 7:00 PM. We recommend marking the following pages for your reference if you’re looking for other events in the area: |
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Coffee with Cranwell: An Immigration Lounge
Want to meet other international students over coffee and refreshments? On campus this summer and have a question that isn’t quite right for an immigration appointment? Coffee with Cranwell is a great opportunity to build community and chat with International Student Advisors.
When: TOMORROW Friday, July 18. 3-5pm & Friday, August 15. 3-5pm |
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Where: Community Lounge, Room 1025, Harper Hall
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P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship Fund
The Philanthropic Educational Organization or P.E.O. is an international women’s group founded over a century ago to advance women through scholarships and educational support. PEO manages an International Peace Scholarship Fund (IPS) to provide scholarships for women from other countries for graduate study in the U.S. or Canada. Curious? The next cycle for applications opens September 15 through December 15, read more about eligibility criteria and the application process (external site). |
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Summer in Blacksburg - Campus & Community Partners
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The Downtown Blacksburg, School of Performing Arts, and many campus and community partners are involved in the Summer Arts Festival. When so many partners work together, you can be sure there’s a wide range of exciting events to be found through several different channels and listings online. We recommend marking the following pages for your reference if you’re looking for other events in the area: |