More Thoughts On The Tragedy at Virginia Tech

As Sean so eloquently wrote last night, those of us who are affiliated in someway with Virginia Tech are reeling right now. Words can not describe the pain and anguish I feel for those on campus who have survived this ordeal or for those whose lives were ended in a senseless act of extreme violence.

I spent three years at Virginia Tech in graduate school and I consider them to be 3 of the most enjoyable years of my life. Even in the proceeding 4 years when I was a student at the “other” University I spent a great deal of time in Blacksburg hanging out with my friends. In fact many, many of those happy moments were spent on the 7th floor of West Ambler Johnston.

I have had the honor of being affiliated with three wonderful universities in my lifetime and each of my experiences are special to me, and Virginia Tech is no different. My memories of my time there are vivid and enriching. It is where I feel I truly began to understand the profession I have chosen to pursue as a career. It was also a quiet, serene place that I love dearly. Football aside a crisp fall weekend on the Drill Field is about as perfect as perfect can get.

As we learn more and more about this senseless act of violence and the person who perpetrated this, my thoughts turn to the Virginia Tech of the future. Virginia Tech & Blacksburg are safe places, I still believe this despite what happened yesterday. I also know that Tech and the surrounding community will get through this and become stronger because of it. If I have learned anything since I left in 2001, the alumni are spread, far and wide and have the fervor and love for Tech that rivals all others. As I write students, and alumni are banding together to provide support for the grieving Tech community.

For those interested in donating to the university I direct you to this site for the Hokie Spirit Memorial Fund

For those of you interested in seeing the stirring memorial service held this afternoon on campus I direct you to HokieSports.com

God bless Virginia Tech, the students and the families of those who perished.