Marty Irvine ‘97, M.S. ‘00 and Anna Wegman Irvine ‘97, M.S. ‘00

Marty Irvine and Anna Wegman Irvine are double Hokies who graduated from the Kevin T. Crofton Department of Aerospace and Ocean Engineering (AOE) in 1997 before pursuing their master’s degrees. However, for Marty, the best thing he ever got from Virginia Tech is Anna. They met in a boundary layer class taught by Joseph Schetz, the Fred D. Durham Professor Emeritus in aerospace and ocean engineering and their license plate once read "AOELUV". The Irvines’ story is a testament to the enduring bonds and lifelong impact of the Hokie community.

Reflecting on their journey, the couple recalls the small, tight-knit community of students and the profound influence of faculty members like Schetz from the aerospace and ocean engineering department. For Marty, hands-on opportunities and mentorship from faculty were pivotal in shaping his career focus. As successful career civil servants — Anna at NASA and Marty as a civilian with the U.S. Navy — they are committed to giving back to the institution that played a crucial role in their lives. Most recently, they’re doing so by participating in the Moraco Fellowship Challenge.

Marty first heard about the Moraco Fellowship Challenge during an AOE Advisory Board meeting. With the $50,000 assistance from fellow alumnus Tony Moraco and his wife, Marty likened the fellowship challenge to matching gifts and challenge funds on Giving Day. In lowering the threshold to give, the Moracos have removed a barrier that maximizes how far donations like the Irvines’ can stretch.

"Recognizing all the ways we've been able to leverage our degrees, it was important to give back to the university that enabled our success,” said Anna. “The aerospace and ocean engineering department is a critical pipeline for the future generation to support our nation’s defense and space sciences–our particular disciplines.”

The Irvines believe in recruiting top faculty who can contribute to defense research and mentor students, ensuring that AOE remains a critical pipeline for future generations entering the field. This fellowship will make an impact in a meaningful way while providing a more dedicated and enduring gift–the Irvines’ generosity will be available immediately specifically for faculty pursuing research in national security and space within AOE.

While not everyone can contribute large sums of money, these Hokies understand that a philanthropic mindset isn’t about the dollar amount. 

"Giving in some small way is better than nothing,” Marty said. “Giving Day is a great way to participate. Small gifts can still make a big impact on departments. It's more important than ever — focus your gift on the areas that are important to you. It's the ultimate way to live Ut Prosim (That I May Serve)."