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Leslie Geraldine Sherman

Leslie Geraldine Sherman
Leslie Geraldine Sherman

Leslie Geraldine Sherman, a junior in the Virginia Tech Honors Program majoring in history and international relations, was an inspiration, a young woman who could literally “do it all” and excel.

For Leslie, her hometown of Springfield, Va., was a base from which to explore the world. She loved photography, visiting historical sites and museums—particularly those relating to early American history—reading, running, and traveling throughout the United States (Seattle was a favorite location) and around the world. She had made two trips to Argentina and one to Ecuador that she paid for herself with money she had earned and saved. Within the past year, she made trips with her mother to Jamaica and to London. Her next area of study was to be Russia; she planned to learn the language and culture. She was scheduled to spend the first summer semester in a six-week program in Moscow, Russia, with a side trip to St. Petersburg.

In addition to her superior academic achievements, Leslie felt a driving need to help those who were less fortunate, often volunteering her personal time and giving of herself. Since childhood, she gave half what she had to others who had none. She was a student volunteer at a retirement home, a Special Olympics coach at West Potomac High School, a tutor, cherished daughter, devoted older sister, beloved granddaughter, admired cousin, loyal friend, and trusted master of her dog, Winnie.

Last fall, Leslie ran the Marine Corps Marathon in four hours and two minutes. She was looking forward to running future marathons—possibly the upcoming New York City Marathon. She worked about 20 hours per week as a student supervisor in the West End Market, a dining hall on the Virginia Tech campus.

Leslie wanted to continue serving those less fortunate by joining the Peace Corps upon graduation. She then hoped to pursue a career with the U.S. Department of State.

She had immeasurable integrity, courage, and strength and was a gift to all who knew her.

Hometown:
Springfield, Virginia

Junior,
Honors Program, History
Student since Fall 2005

Posthumous degree(s):
Bachelor of Arts,
History
Bachelor of Arts,
International Studies
Bachelor of Arts,
French

Leslie Geraldine Sherman stone at April 16 Memorial

Leslie Geraldine Sherman stone at April 16 Memorial