The Hokie Way - Virginia Tech Hokies Collective

The Hokie Way, a non-profit Virginia Tech-focused collective, will raise funds to support charitable organizations in the state by engaging Virginia Tech athletes, according to a press release. The Hokie Way announced on Nov. 4, 2022, that it received federal 501(c)(3) status for charitable giving. The Hokie Way is focused on cause marketing "with the help of aligned collectives focused on NIL opportunities," suggesting collaborating with other collectives that support the Hokies. The Hokie Way has a nine-member Board of Directors. Jim Petrine is the president, James Pearman is the treasurer and Jim Cowan is the secretary. Other board of directors members include Justin Robinson, Nick Rush, Bridget Ryan Berman, Tyrod Taylor, Jalia Tolbert and Kelly Woolwine. Taylor is a former Hokies quarterback, Robinson is a former guard for the school’s men’s basketball team and Tolbert is a former volleyball player. “The Hokie Nation turns out strong to show its support. When we have a hurricane on a Thursday night [football game], we still show up,” Petrine said in the release. “Our fans are fantastic in that way and support us greatly. We are the school with the lunch pail, which symbolizes how everyone gets involved. That’s the right way to do NIL, and that’s The Hokie Way.”