The Janie Hoge Memorial Scholarship Fund
I had no idea that I would have to live off campus in order for me to attend school there, that I would have to walk to class every day and walk back for lunch, then back for my afternoon classes. My parents drove off and I wondered what I had gotten myself into. But Mrs. Hoge was a motherly type. She made sure I was comfortable. They tried to make my life as homey as possible.
~ Irving Peddrew, first Black student to enroll at Virginia Tech
Janie Hoge
From 1953 to 1959, Janie Hoge and her husband William, housed eight Black Virginia Tech students in their home at 306 Clay Street. At this time, segregation prevented the students from participating in any non-academic amenities, including living or eating on campus.
Every day, Janie prepared three meals, cleaned their bedrooms, washed and ironed their clothing, and provide them with a safe, caring and supportive home. Partially due to her efforts and their own fortitude, these students would achieve success.
Mrs. Hoge passed away in June 1960, a year after finishing this great sacrificial and honorable mission to ensure these students had a 'home away from home' while attending Virginia Tech.
The Scholarship Fund
Honor Mrs. Hoge’s legacy by giving to the Janie Hoge Memorial Scholarship. Our goal is to raise $100,000. This endowment will support students in perpetuity.
Because of the significance of 1953 (the first year Janie Hoge housed Irving Peddrew, the first Black student), we are encouraging gifts in the amount of $1,953.00 ($162.50 a month) or $19,530.
All gift amounts, however, are welcome.
Janie Hoge
Memorial Scholarship Fund
GOAL: $100,000
Irving Peddrew
1st Black Enrollee
1953 - 1956
Hampton, VA
Received an honorary degree from Virginia Tech and a number of other honors, including the naming of a residence hall in his honor.
Lindsay Cherry
1954 - 1957
Norfolk, VA
Joined the U.S. Army and later retired after a successful career with the U.S. Postal Service. Cherry is the author of several books, including one on his experiences as one of the first Black students at Virginia Tech and the legacy of Janie Hoge.
Floyd Wilson
1954 - 1957
Norfolk, VA
Joined the U.S. Air Force.
Matthew Winston
1954 - 1959
Norfolk, VA
Had a distinguished career as a researcher for NASA, serving over 35 years. Winston and his son, Matthew Winston ('90), contributed significantly to the establishment of the Black Cultural Center here at Virginia Tech.
Charlie Yates
1st Black Graduate
1954 - 1959
Norfolk, VA
Earned a master's degree from Caltech and a Ph.D. from Johns Hopkins. He helped launch the engineering program at Hampton University. Yates served on the Board of Visitors and taught in Virginia Tech's mechanical aerospace engineering departments. A residence hall is named in his honor.
Essex Finney
1956 - 1959
Richmond, VA
Went on to earn a master's degree from Penn State and a Ph.D. from Michigan State. A member of the National Academy of Engineering, Finney had a distinguish career as a research scientist and administrator with the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Robert Wells
1959 - 1965
Norfolk, VA
A member of the Class of 1963 and graduate of1965 with a degree from the college ofengineering. He was a member of the Corps of Cadets.
James Whitehurst
1959 - 1963
Portsmouth, VA
Went on to serve as the first African American to serve on Virginia Tech's Board of Visitors in 1970, earned a lawdegree from University of Virginia, and served as a fighterpilot in the Vietnam War.