“Leadership means achieving an overall goal while supporting others and helping them be as successful as possible. ”

Marie Piechnik, majoring in Animal and Poultry Sciences, has certainly found ways to support others and help them be as successful as possible, especially through her leadership in Gamma Phi Beta. She served as their financial vice president where she worked to develop 5 new scholarships to support members who demonstrated the chapter’s values and financial need. She has also served with the Big Event, Relay for Life, and was able to help rehabilitate a horse during her time at Virginia Tech.

Active in several clubs, Marie made the most of her time while here. The Pre-Vet Club, APSC ambassadors, Equestrian Club, Bonding with Animals through Recreation on Campus (BARC) club, the Bugle, and Bagel club are just a few. Gamma Phi Beta also gave her the opportunity to volunteer with Girls on the Run, an effort that encourages local youth in the field of running and health.

Her academic and study habits have always been impressive, though Marie recalls a class where her study methods weren’t working for her anymore. She says, “I had to re-learn the way I learned, but I’m glad I did. I was set in my habits but had to adjust to a new style of teaching to understand the new concepts. I’ve grown to enjoy learning so much that I’m considering making it my career and becoming a researcher/professor.” Marie holds an impressive 3.9 GPA, achieving the Beyond Boundaries Scholarship from 2018-2022 and various other scholarships. She has also had several experiential learning opportunities through an Independent Study of Modifying Equitation, serving as an undergraduate TA in three different courses, and embarking on a study abroad to Germany.

Marie’s nominator says this: “Her scholastic and service accomplishments on multiple levels are clear indicators of her commitment to excellence, hard work, enthusiasm for learning, and her high level of maturity…She possesses a great combination of innate academic ability, a ‘think outside the box’ mentality, and a passion for hands-on work that is perfect for her plans for the future."