Since 2019, the Werth Testing Center has increased academic access at Virginia Tech, thanks to a generous alumnus donation. That generosity has expanded access yet again
Robbie Werth ’74, MBA ’81 first donated to Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) in 2018, increasing dedicated accessible testing capacity from 27 seats to 43. Today, the Werth Testing Center has 142 seats.
“This center is one of the clearest expressions of our belief that students deserve an environment where they can demonstrate their knowledge based on what they have learned, without barriers that have nothing to do with their knowledge, preparation, or potential,” said Frances Keene, vice president for Student Affairs
The fall 2025 semester saw record highs for the Werth Testing Center. More than 7,000 exam slots were reserved, and over 2,000 final exams were administered.
“Each one of those represented a moment when a student was able to walk into an exam with more confidence because this re with Disabilities
As this need continued to grow, Werth and his family felt motivated to give more. Their most recent donation added more accessible seating, specifically height adjustable desks, ergonomic chairs, and privacy shields, to the center.
“Details matter. Comfort matters. Focus matters,” Werth said. “This isn’t just about volume — it’s about quality. A supportive environment, dedicated staff, and committed proctors. I’m proud this center continues to evolve — expanding space, integrating new tools, and improving service.”
SSD and Student Affairs Advancement honored the Werth family’s continued support at the end of spring semester. Family and friends, university staff, student proctors, and benefitting students gathered to celebrate the continued ability for everyone to thrive at Virginia Tech.
During the celebration, Keene recognized how the Werth Testing Center’s mission is made possible by the group of dedicated staff and proctors and began with Werth’s vision.
Robbie Werth and his family received thank you gifts from the Services for Students with Disabilities team. Photo by Brian Muncy for Virginia Tech
“Robbie’s impact has always been rooted in access and independence,” Keene said. “He has long championed the belief that ensuring fair opportunities requires practical environments where people with disabilities are welcomed, accommodated, and empowered and a community that understands how to interact respectfully, listen to needs, and create conditions where people can thrive.”
Students benefit from a distraction-free learning environment in the Werth Testing Center and by encouraging proctors like Yassin Abdelkader, a junior studying corporate financial management
“The center serves as a strong support system, helping to remove barriers that might otherwise prevent students from fully engaging in their education,” Abdelkader said. “We work hard to create a welcoming and respectful environment where all students feel comfortable talking about their needs. Many students have shared that these reand confidence at Virginia Tech.”
Attendees toured the center’s testing spaces and asked questions about center operations
“When I read that there was a ‘celebration for furniture,’ I was really curious,” said Ashley Shew, professor in the Department of Science, Technology, and Society. “What I saw was worth celebrating. I really appreciated the things the speakers had to say about access and dignity. The program, setup, and celebration centered disabled experiences and what we need, rather than paint disability as a burden.”
The center helps create a campus community where students are welcome, whatever their needs may be. Whether a student needs extra time or larger print and accessible technologies, they have space to show what they know in a way that works best for them.
Director of Services for Students with Disabilities Ashley Bray walks Professor Ashley Shew through the newest space in the Werth Testing Center. Photo by Brian Muncy for Virginia Tech
“When I first became involved with Services for Students with Disabilities, I learned something that stuck with me,” Werth said. “There are thousands of students here — bright, capable, hardworking students — who simply need the right environment to demonstrate what they know. Not special treatment. Not an advantage. Just a fair shot.”
Apart from his philanthropy to the testing center, Werth has dedicated his professional life to creating accessible transportation for people with disabilities in the Washington D.C. area.
“It has been deep, fulfilling work, built on the same values I learned here: service, commitment, and the belief that everyone deserves opportunity and dignity,” Werth said. “When we invest in accessibility, we invest in potential. When we remove barriers, we unlock talent.”
On the same day, Werth received the Alumni Aspire! Award for Embrace Ut Prosim as a Way of Life, becoming the 11th alumnus to ever receive this award. In presenting the award, Bray said, Werth holds a “spirit of service that makes improvements possible and reflects Virginia Tech’s highest purpose.”
Contact:
Marianne Sheets
540-231-9398
