BLACKSBURG, Va., June 18 -- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University issued the following news release:

Alexander O. Aning, associate professor of materials science and engineering in the College of Engineering at Virginia Tech, has been conferred the title of associate professor emeritus by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.

The emeritus title may be conferred on retired faculty members who are specially recommended to the board by Virginia Tech President Tim Sands in recognition of exemplary service to the university. Nominated individuals who are approved by the board receive a copy of the resolution and a certificate of appreciation.

A member of the Virginia Tech community for more than 33 years, Aning played a pivotal r...