BLACKSBURG — Virginia Tech's Pamplin College of Businessand the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences will jointly host a fireside chat and book signing with NBC anchor Hoda Kotb on Friday, Jan. 15, at the Capital One building in McLean, Virginia.

Kotb, a 1986 Virginia Tech graduate, is a television news anchor and best known as the co-host of the fourth hour of “The Today Show” with Kathie Lee Gifford. Kotb is also a Dateline NBC correspondent and host of her own SiriusXM radio show.

At the fireside chat led by Christina Daves, who graduated from Virginia Tech with degrees in political science and German and who subsequently founded PR for Anyone, Kotb will discuss her journey from Virginia Tech to NBC and business lessons learned along the way. Registerto attend the event or to watch live-stream coverage.

She also will appear at a book signing, sponsored by Merrifield Garden Center, for “Where We Belong: Journeys That Show Us The Way,” which was released Monday, Jan. 5. The new book is the third of a series of inspirational stories Kotb has authored. Her first two books both were New York Times best sellers.

“This event is allowing Hoda to connect with alumni both live and throughout the world via a live stream, giving them access to her to learn about her journey and career since leaving Virginia Tech and becoming a top anchor at NBC,” Daves said.

According to “The Today Show” description of the book, “‘Where We Belong’ will be a selection of various stories of inspiring people who ‘found themselves’ in completely unexpected moments or unforeseen circumstances. From heartwarming stories to tales of heartbreak, all of the characters Hoda meets eventually work their way to something greater than they'd initially believed possible.”

A graduate of Virginia Tech's communications department, Kotb was an active member around campus and in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences. As a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority and WUVT, Virginia Tech’s student run radio station, Kotb pursued her passion quickly in college and translated her work to a successful broadcasting career.

Kotb was invited to be the keynote speaker role for the spring 2008 University Commencement ceremony because of her passion and leadership. Kotb was elected to a three-year term for the Virginia Tech Alumni Association board of directors in 2010.

“Hoda Kotb is a great role model for Virginia Tech students and alumni,” Daves said. “To see what she has accomplished in her career since leaving Virginia Tech is an inspiration.”

The fireside chat will take place at 9:30 a.m. Jan. 15, at the Capital One building in McLean, Virginia. Get up-to-date information about the event through Pamplin social media channels (including Facebook and Twitter), which are managed by PRISM (Pamplin Re-Inventing Social Media), a student-run organization within the college.

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