In recognition of these and other services, Virginia received the University of Illinois Alumni Association's Distinguished Service award in 1990. This honor is bestowed on individuals who have served the University, its students, and its alumni in a special way. She has also been awarded the Mothers Association's Medallion of Honor and has been named a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Club for her years of community service.
Her association with the University of Illinois began many years earlier when she studied child development, receiving Bachelor's and Master's Degrees. In her career, she has worked as a nursery school director, high school teacher, building designer, grocery store proprietor, and professional photographer. Throughout all these years full of varied types of work, Virginia always found time to provide caring support for the students, far from home, who came to her, their "grandma" (as she refers to herself).
Her understanding of the problems and concerns of international students was heightened by her own love of other cultures. Despite her busy life, she always found time for travel, for exploring new countries and cultures. She has visited more than 70 countries in her travels, often staying in the homes of friends in those countries.
Currently, Virginia is interested in archaeology and has spent some time in digs in Greece and Italy. With all this wealth of experience and service, she brings to the Cosmopolitan Club a wide international viewpoint and a dedication to the needs of students trying hard to succeed in a foreign land.