one of my friends at UVA has a facebook icon that reads: we're all hokies today and then in the corner 'even at UVA' it was sweet but it also made me smile.

you know, i really wish some people would consider better word-choice and sensitivity over catchy headlines. no breakup or girl caused this, the only thing that is certain is this was a profoundly disturbed individual. her poor family, having to hear about things like that about their daughter. :mad:

I doubt anyone who doesn't already know will read this, but all KDPhi sisters at VTech are thankfully accounted for as well.

It looks like someone just passed out during the convocation. I don't think I'd be able to keep myself up. This is way too sad.

Ole Miss to sponsor an observance
 

I just got an email about this:

The leadership of the Associated Student Body and the Office of the Dean of Students will sponsor an observance for Virginia Tech at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 18th, in Paris-Yates Chapel. All students, faculty, staff, and members of the public are invited to attend.

We would especially like to invite students from the state of Virginia to participate in a candle lighting ceremony. If you are from Virginia, or have a connection with Virginia Tech, and wish to participate in tomorrow’s ceremony, please contact the Office of the Dean of Students.

I don't think this has been said yet, but Chi Omega headquarters just released a statement that all sisters are accounted for and safe.

That headline IS disrespectful and unneedlessly sullies the reputation of that poor girl. I am appalled.

I don't think the killer was crazy. That gives him an "out". I think he was methodical, cold-blooded, and amoral.

Couple of points:

Fairfax County (Northern VA) Public Schools have very large high schools. Many of the FCPS high schools send a tremendous number of students to Tech. My D's class alone sent 52 from the class of '06. I imagine that Westfields HS (the killer's alma mater) would send a similar number.

My D lost at least one former schoolmate yesterday. Her sorority chapter sister who graduated from Westfields lost 2 high school classmates.

---
The DC area kids who are currently Hokies have had several bad situations befalling them in their adolescent and teen years.

In 2001, the Pentagon was attacked. Many kids were in a state of uncertainty while waiting for word from parent(s).

2002, the DC area was under seige for 3 weeks by a pair of snipers who struck at seemingly random locations. All outdoor activities were cancelled. Athletic competitions were held on military bases or at stadiums 3 hours away. Elementary kids couldn't go out for recess. Adults were afraid to pump their own gas.

2006, The first day of class at VA Tech was cancelled because there was a shooter on campus. Luckily this man was caught before something horrific occurred.

2007, Yesterday

____
I think we need to remember Erin, Rheema, Leslie and all the victims as individuals. They were all on the threshold of adulthood and their lives were brutally snuffed out prematurely.

My school sent this out yesterday.. Tonight, all 120 Resident Advisors have been called to an emergency meeting with the VP of Student Affairs. As an RA and a Greek member, this is a very tragic event and my heart truly goes out to VT. Tech school reunite! <3

TO: RIT Community
FROM: Albert J. Simone, President
SUBJECT: Virginia Tech Tragedy

April 17, 2007

On behalf of Rochester Institute of Technology, I offer our deepest condolences and sympathies to the Virginia Tech community, and especially to the family and friends of the victims. This is a national tragedy of unimaginable proportions. I am in shock and deeply saddened by yesterday’s horrific events. It is difficult to make sense of such a senseless act. We grieve for the victims’ families and friends.

Today, the RIT flag is lowered to half staff in memory of the Virginia Tech victims. At 12:10 p.m., RIT's Center for Religious Life will hold a special service in the Allen Chapel of the Interfaith Center. This will be a time for the RIT community to pray, reflect and support the Virginia Tech community. The 30-minute service will conclude with the bells tolling for each victim.
Counseling services are available for students, faculty and staff at our Counseling Center. Appointments can be made by calling 475-2261.

The tragedy at Virginia Tech can happen anywhere at anytime. At RIT, we will continue to work hard to ensure a safe and secure environment for our students, faculty and staff. We must remain vigilant. We must never forget the events of April 16, 2007 in Blacksburg, Virginia.

this is so good...perhaps the entire country should finally decide to do such things....thought civil defense would come back to our states after September 11 in order to be there to alert and communicate...but we all seem to have forgotten the need for such plans.

WHAT????!!!!??? :eek:

ox News is a bunch of stupid idiots :mad:

According to Fox News (dumb asses), the shooter is from Centreville, Virginia, in Fairfax County. In a fit of irresponsibility, Fox has posted the shooter's parents' home address. he lived not too far from where I worked in Northern Virginia! What the hell were they thinking? :mad:

It has been removed now but I am sure some folks picked up on it

Dude, it is bad enough that they are losing a son. Do they want everyone and their grandmamas harassing and threatening his parents? That is dead wrong!

(sorry for the double response..it didnt go the right way...)

First, the University of Maryland is having a memorial service tonight, tuesday, April 17th go to their website for details. Also the Maryland President wrote a very tender letter to those grieving.

Meanwhile, a lady on another website has written a poem for those at Virginia Tech...and I wanted it to be spread across all the colleges we all represent thru our Greek affiliations:


"My heart breaks when kids fall

To rampage in our schools,

Need to come together and stand tall,

Bless Virginia Tech as they mourn.

My heart aches for all who lost,

a son, daughter, brother, sister,

32 lost at such a tragic cost.

We the world grieve with you today.
We as the world need to stand together and pray."

by Cynde (cynderella) April 16, 2007

Here is what my school did.


To: Campus Community
Date: April 17, 2007
Re: Moment of Silence for Virginia Tech


In remembrance of the victims from the Virginia Tech tragedy and in
concert with the convocation being held there this afternoon, NMSU
campuses across the state will observe a moment of silence at noon
today, April 17. All individuals who wish to participate in this moment
of reflection are encouraged to do so.

Could you kindly explain your other post???


Ok they are saying this kid had a history of mental illness, and that things he used to write in his creative writing class were disturbing and gruesome. I know this sounds bad, but was Emily his girlfriend? Or was he just psychotic over her? Because she is pretty, and doesn't look like the type of girl who would be with someone dark and gruesome. (this is going solely based on looks)

My school has yet to make a statement about this. It's kind of disheartening, considering that our president used to work for VT and many Virginia students attend my school. The only thing that I've heard about is the campus Catholic church is having a quick prayer service at 7 tonight. In fact, it seems that most people on my campus are more worried about partying as this week is widely known as the biggest party time for my school.

Dear Members of the BCM Family:

The flags at Baylor College of Medicine have been lowered to half-staff as a sign of respect for the faculty and students killed at Virginia Tech on Monday. We join academic institutions and individuals around the world in extending our deepest sympathy to the students, faculty and staff of Virginia Tech.

Peter G. Traber, M.D.